London Airport Drop-off Charges Guide for 2024

Airport drop-off information

Are you aware that drop-off charges at London airports contribute significantly to parking charge notices (PCNs)? In the past six months alone, over 20% of our tickets were issued at Heathrow and Gatwick.

To help drivers save their hard-earned money, we've compiled a comprehensive list of London airports that impose drop-off fees and provided guidance on how to pay these charges to avoid receiving a parking ticket.

Heathrow Airport Drop-off Charge:

What is the Heathrow drop-off charge? At Heathrow Airport, there's a £5.00 fee for dropping off passengers at the terminal forecourts.

How does the Heathrow drop-off charge work? Enforced 24/7 via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), the charge applies upon entry to the drop-off zone.

How to pay the Heathrow drop-off charge? Payment options include online, automated telephone service, or autopay. Register your vehicle with Heathrow Airport to set up autopay.

Free alternatives? Long Stay terminal car parks offer free drop-offs with complimentary transfers to terminals.

Gatwick Airport Drop-off Charge:

What is the Gatwick drop-off charge? There's a £6.00 fee for dropping off passengers at Gatwick terminals.

How does the Gatwick drop-off charge work? Similar to Heathrow, it's enforced 24/7 through ANPR.

How to pay the Gatwick drop-off charge? Payment must be made online or via autopay by the following midnight.

Free alternatives? Long Stay terminal car parks offer two hours of free parking with shuttle services to terminals.

Luton Airport Drop-off Charge:

Update: Drop-offs now occur at the Mid Stay Car Park, free for 30 minutes, with shuttle services available.

Stansted Airport Drop-off Charge:

What is the Stansted drop-off charge? Charges vary based on duration: £7.00 for up to 15 minutes, £25 for over 15 minutes, and £20 for re-entering within 30 minutes.

How does the Stansted drop-off charge work? CCTV cameras prevent unauthorized access.

How to pay the Stansted drop-off charge? Transitioning to a cashless system, payments are made electronically.

Free alternatives? Mid Stay car park offers 60 minutes of free parking.

London City Airport Drop-off:

No drop-off fee; however, waiting is prohibited, with ANPR cameras enforcing regulations.

At CabTime, we're committed to providing valuable information to make your airport journeys smoother and more cost-effective.