Terminal 4 is physically separate from Terminals 2, 3 and 5, sitting on the south side of the airport with its own approach road. That changes a few things about collections.
A different approach entirely
Terminal 4 is not reached via the Central Terminal Area. It has its own road access from the southern side, which adds distance and time compared with the other terminals. Satnav routing to a generic Heathrow postcode can send you to the wrong side of the airport, so navigate to Terminal 4 specifically.
The forecourt rule is the same
As everywhere at Heathrow, the Terminal 4 forecourt is for dropping off only, with a ten-minute limit and a charge per entry. You cannot wait there for an arriving passenger.
Where to collect
Terminal 4 has its own car parks — a short stay option close to arrivals charged by duration, and a longer stay option further out. Follow signs from the Terminal 4 approach rather than assuming the Central Terminal Area car parks serve it, because they do not.
Worth confirming the terminal
Terminal 4 tends to be quieter than the larger terminals, but airline assignments shift. Check the boarding pass before setting off, because ending up at the wrong side of Heathrow is a much longer correction here than between Terminals 2 and 3.
See our Terminal 4 transfers page, or our Terminal 4 drop-off guide.