London Airport Terminal Drop-Off Charge

Drivers Entering the Zones Must Now Pay


London airports are using number plate recognition to enforce the charge. Each vehicle has been charged between £5.00 to £7.00 for a drop-off within the designated terminal zones. The charge will apply to all terminal forecourts – the drop-off areas located in front of the terminal buildings.

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

From 1 November 2021, drivers entering the passenger drop-off areas at Heathrow will be required to pay £5, even if they only briefly enter the designated areas. Heathrow is the last major airport in the UK to introduce such a charge, which the airport says is part of a long-term sustainability strategy.


Find out about dropping off passengers at Heathrow …

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Drop-off charge: A minimum £5 charge now applies to the use of the designated drop off zone in both North and South Terminals.

The drop off zones are located directly outside the airport terminals and are the most convenient place for dropping off passengers quickly and easily.

Stansted Airport (STN)

Dropping someone off – London Stansted Stansted Airport (STN)
Tariffs (effective from 2 November 2020)
• Up to 15 mins: £7.00
• Over 15 mins – £25.00
• Vehicles must not be left unattended. Unattended vehicles may be towed and will incur a towing fee.
• There will be a £20 charge for re-entering within 30 minutes of first entering.

Luton Airport (LTN)

Luton Airport (LTN) Drop Off Zone is the closest to Departures, and it’s good value if Drop Off is going to be super quick.
Drop Off closest to the terminal building
Charges £5.00 for 10 minutes; 1 per minute thereafter