Terminal Parking means the former Short Stay
Heathrow now uses Terminal Parking for its official former Short Stay product. The current walk-to-terminal choices are at T2, T3 and T5. T4 is an important exception because its multi-storey closed on 23 June 2026.
| Terminal | Current main reference | Postcode | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| T2 | Terminal Parking, Car Park 2 | TW6 1EW | Covered route; directions page describes around five minutes |
| T3 | Terminal Parking, Car Park 3 | TW6 1QG | Covered route; allow around five minutes |
| T5 | Terminal Parking, Car Park 5 | TW6 2GA | Short covered route; official pages describe two to five minutes |
| T4 | Former multi-storey closed | Do not use an old Short Stay arrival plan | Check Zone A and current pick-up arrangements |
An advertised walk starts from a typical parking connection, not from the motorway or every individual space. Include parking, unloading, lifts and the route to your airline area.
Terminal 2: Car Park 2
Use TW6 1EW and the current directions for the booked or intended parking facility. Follow T2 signs through the final approach rather than choosing the first central-terminal car park you see.
This option suits a parked collection or travellers wanting to walk instead of use a shuttle. Check the height limit and any overheight arrangements before arriving with a tall vehicle.
The established Heathrow Terminal 2 guide gives a fuller T2 comparison. Check current official tariffs as well; an older price table is not a future booking quote.
Terminal 3: main Car Park 3
The main T3 Terminal Parking postcode is TW6 1QG. Heathrow also lists a separate Car Park 1A facility, which has a different location and route.
Use the car park specified for the selected product. Do not assume all facilities mentioning T3 have the same entrance, walking time or handover reception.
If collecting someone, allow for their movement through arrivals. A flight’s landing time is not a reliable time to start a short paid waiting period.
Terminal 5: Car Park 5
T5 Terminal Parking uses TW6 2GA. The building is connected to the terminal, but the exact level, lift and walking route depend on the destination inside.
Official Meet & Greet uses a designated parking reception, while Valet has different forecourt arrangements. A vehicle-handover reservation is not the same as ordinary self-parking.
Compare the total price and process for your stay rather than treating proximity as the only decision factor.
Terminal 4: do not use an old Short Stay guide
The former T4 multi-storey is closed. Heathrow’s redevelopment information describes Zone A of T4 Park & Ride and a separate Priority Pick-Up arrangement.
Zone A has its own short-visit conditions and shuttle arrangements. The Priority Pick-Up area is chargeable and does not allow vehicles to be left unattended.
This exception matters if you previously used the airport regularly: familiar directions can now lead you towards an unavailable facility.
Prices: distinguish drive-up and pre-booked parking
Terminal Parking can be used for short visits and can also appear in pre-booked stay comparisons. A drive-up time-band tariff is not equivalent to a multi-day quote.
At the November 2026 review, Heathrow’s current T3/T5 pages listed £8.50 for the first 0–29 minutes. Recheck the current terminal tariff before entering; do not generalise one terminal’s dated table to every product.
| Your purpose | Compare |
|---|---|
| Meet someone inside arrivals | Expected drive-up duration and uncertainty |
| Weekend trip | Pre-booked total against other suitable products |
| Longer holiday | Terminal-near convenience versus shuttle-based total |
| Vehicle handover | Specific Meet & Greet or Valet quote and reception |
Do not multiply a short-visit band to estimate a weekly cost. Compare the actual entry and exit times and read refund or amendment terms.
Pick-up versus drop-off
Terminal Parking is a sensible starting point when you need to leave the vehicle and meet someone inside. Ordinary passenger collection is not permitted on the terminal forecourts.
Terminal drop-off has separate access and payment rules. Paying for a parked stay does not automatically cover an additional forecourt visit.
If the wait is uncertain, compare the current Park & Ride short-visit arrangement, including the passenger’s shuttle. T4 has different arrangements that must be checked separately.
Accessibility and vehicle restrictions
Check the particular facility’s accessible bays, lifts, route and height limit. The shortest advertised walk may still include a lift, a longer route from a particular bay or a busy crossing.
Arrange any airline assistance separately. A Blue Badge does not automatically create a free Terminal Parking entitlement. If the badge travels with the passenger, ask how the parking entitlement should be verified.
Directions and practical checks
Save the chosen car park name and number, not just the terminal postcode. Use the current map and follow any booking-specific instructions at the approach.
For self-parking, record your level, row and bay. For handover, keep the reception and collection contact details. Allow time for luggage, terminal access and a possible flight delay on return.
Which Heathrow product should you compare?
| Priority | Start with | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Walk to T2/T3/T5 | Correct-terminal Terminal Parking | Product-specific handover |
| Lower total with time for a bus | Park & Ride | Suitable independent parking |
| T5 without a conventional bus | Compare Pod Parking | Terminal Parking |
| T4 visit | Current redevelopment information | Do not use the old multi-storey |
Terminal Parking FAQs
Is Short Stay a different product?
It is the former name for Heathrow’s official Terminal Parking. Check the terminal and current directions.
Is Terminal Parking available at T4?
The former T4 multi-storey closed on 23 June 2026. Use the current replacement arrangements.
Can I use one postcode for every terminal?
No. T2, T3 and T5 have different main parking addresses.
Is Valet the same as Terminal Parking?
No. Valet is a handover service with its own arrival instructions.
Is it always cheaper to choose Park & Ride?
Compare your dates and terms. No universal cheapest-product claim is made here.
Can I collect a passenger from departures instead?
Ordinary forecourt pick-up is not permitted. Follow the airport’s current collection arrangements.
Compare parking for this journey
Compare Heathrow airport parking for your own dates, terminal and return time. Check the final total, cancellation terms and transfer arrangements before booking.
Sources and information checks
Prices, opening arrangements and operational notices can change. Check these official sources and your booking instructions before travelling. No price or availability is guaranteed by this guide.