The Fastest Way to Reach Heathrow Terminal 4 Short Stay Car Park: A Complete Traveller’s Guide

blog image John Doe | 12/08/2025

The Fastest Way to Reach Heathrow Terminal 4 Short Stay Car Park: A Complete Traveller’s Guide

Heathrow Terminal 4 is one of the busiest passenger hubs in the UK, and the short stay car park is designed for travellers who value convenience, speed, and easy access to check-in. Whether you are dropping off, picking up, or parking for a short trip, the most important question is clear: How do I get to Heathrow Terminal 4 short stay car park quickly and without stress?

This guide provides a simple, step-by-step route, parking tips, and insider advice so your journey is smooth from the moment you leave home.

Why Choose Terminal 4 Short Stay Parking

The Terminal 4 short stay car park is positioned just a few steps away from departures. It is built for travellers who need safe, secure, and time-efficient parking for:

  • Same-day flights

  • Weekend trips

  • Passenger pick-ups and drop-offs

  • Business travel

  • Quick transfers

Parking here removes the need for shuttle buses and long walking distances. You park your car, walk to the terminal entrance, and check-in.

The Easiest Route to Terminal 4 Short Stay Car Park

Your route depends on where you’re coming from, but Terminal 4 is extremely well connected by the motorway network and Heathrow’s internal airport roads.

Driving from Central London

  1. Join the M4 motorway heading west.

  2. Exit at Junction 4b and join the M25 southbound.

  3. Exit at Junction 14, following signs to Heathrow Terminal 4.

  4. Follow the Terminal 4 Short Stay Car Park signs as you approach the airport.

Estimated travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Driving from the M25

If you’re already on the M25, you’re minutes away from Terminal 4.

  1. Exit at Junction 14.

  2. Follow the A3113 towards the airport.

  3. Select the slip-road signed Terminal 4.

  4. The short stay car park is signposted from the airport approach.

Estimated travel time: 10 to 15 minutes from the M25.

From Local Heathrow Roads

If you are near Heathrow or arriving from other terminals:

  • Follow airport internal signage for Terminal 4.

  • Terminal 4 has a separate approach road, clearly marked in yellow.

  • As you approach the terminal building, look for Short Stay Parking (T4) signs.

Arriving at the Short Stay Car Park

Once you reach Terminal 4, the short stay car park is visible on the left side of the terminal approach. There is no complex roundabout or multiple lanes to navigate.

  1. Drive up to the car park barrier.

  2. Take a ticket or use a pre-booked QR/barcode.

  3. Enter and choose an available space.

  4. Walk directly to the terminal entrance in minutes.

The car park offers clear lane markings, wide bays, and lift access for travellers with luggage.

Helpful Parking Tips to Save Time

To make your experience faster and cheaper, follow the advice below:

Pre-book your parking

Prices at Heathrow fluctuate daily. Booking through a comparison platform gives a better rate and avoids last-minute costs.

Choose the correct lane

The car park includes spaces for:

  • Short stay

  • Blue Badge

  • Priority drop-off

  • EV charging

Choose the correct lane at entry to avoid circling.

Use meet and greet if you want zero walking

If time matters, the Meet & Greet service lets you drop your car right at Terminal 4. A driver handles the parking while you are already inside the terminal.

Public Transport to Terminal 4 Short Stay

If you plan to arrive by train or bus and meet someone in the car park, Terminal 4 is serviced by:

  • Heathrow Express (T4 connection)

  • London Underground Piccadilly Line

  • Local bus routes

  • National Express coaches

Once you exit the terminal, the short stay car park entrance is a 2-minute walk.

Safety and Security

The Terminal 4 short stay car park is fully operated by Heathrow Airport:

  • CCTV coverage across all floors

  • Patrol teams

  • High-level lighting

  • Number plate recognition

  • Barrier-controlled entry and exit

Your car stays in a professional airport-managed facility.

How CompareTheAirportParking.com Helps You Save

At CompareTheAirportParking.com, we optimise the full parking experience. Our platform compares:

  • On-airport short stay parking

  • Official Meet & Greet

  • Independent Park & Ride

  • Premium concierge parking

Instead of spending time searching multiple websites, you see verified options in one place. The benefit is not only price transparency but also better availability in peak travel periods.

Final Takeaway

The quickest way to reach the Heathrow Terminal 4 short stay car park is via the M25 (J14) or M4 (J4b), followed by Heathrow’s approach road with clear airport signage. The car park is directly next to the departures building, offering the most convenient option for short visits or fast travel.

Whether you’re heading on a business trip, picking up family, or starting a holiday, Terminal 4 short stay gives you the fastest access to the terminal.

To find the best price for short stay, meet and greet, or park and ride options, use CompareTheAirportParking.com and secure your booking in advance.