Drivers Entering the Zones Must Now Pay
Gatwick Airport has announced a further rise in its terminal drop-off charges, with the minimum fee set to increase by £3, taking the cost to £10. The revised pricing will come into effect on 6 January 2026 and applies to vehicles stopping for up to 10 minutes outside the terminal buildings.
Airport management stated that the decision was taken reluctantly, citing significant operational cost pressures. These include a sharp rise in overheads, most notably a more than doubling of business rates, which Gatwick says has materially impacted its cost base.
Motoring organisations have criticised the scale of the increase. The RAC described the change as one of the steepest drop-off price rises seen at any UK airport, noting that the fee has more than doubled since it was first introduced in 2021. At that time, the charge stood at £5, rising to £6 in 2024 and then £7 earlier this year.
Comparatively, other UK airports continue to adjust their own pricing models. Southend Airport, for example, charges £7 for up to five minutes, increasing to £15 for stays between five and 30 minutes. Heathrow Airport has also confirmed an increase from £6 to £7 starting 1 January 2026. London City Airport, previously the only major UK airport without a drop-off fee, is preparing to introduce a charge later this month.
Gatwick Airport has reiterated that the revised fee structure is intended not only to address rising costs but also to support broader transport and sustainability objectives. According to the airport, higher drop-off charges are designed to encourage passengers to use public transport, reduce traffic congestion around terminal entrances, and help fund environmentally focused transport initiatives.
Passengers looking to avoid the charge can still be dropped off free of charge at Gatwick’s long-stay car parks, from where complimentary shuttle buses operate to both terminals. Blue Badge holders will continue to be exempt from the drop-off fee.
From a regulatory perspective, the government has confirmed that airports are permitted to set their own parking and drop-off charges, provided they comply with consumer protection laws and can justify pricing decisions. A government spokesperson also highlighted a £4.3 billion national support package aimed at limiting business rate increases for large properties, including airports, which would otherwise face substantially higher rises.
According to research by the RAC, drop-off fees remain relatively uncommon across mainland Europe. Among the ten largest European airports, only Amsterdam Schiphol currently charges vehicles for terminal drop-off.
For passengers travelling to or from Gatwick, particularly families and groups with luggage, these ongoing fee increases underline the value of pre-booked private transfers, which offer fixed pricing, door-to-door convenience, and no unexpected airport access charges.
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London airports are using number plate recognition to enforce the charge. Each vehicle has been charged between £6.00 to £10.00 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.
From 1 November 2021, drivers entering the passenger drop-off areas at Heathrow will be required to pay £6, 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. Terminal Drop Off-Charge Find out about dropping off passengers at Heathrow …If you are paying after using a drop-off zone, payment must be made by midnight on the next day.
Please note, there is no option to pay at an airport ticket machine or in the terminal drop-off zones. Vehicles must not be left unattended in the terminal drop-off areas. Vehicles left unattended will be removed by the police.
*If you enter a drop-off area a second time, you will need to pay the charge again and every time after that.
- Pay for your drop-offPay for a single drop-off or pre-pay for multiple drop-offs. Pay your charge online
- Personal account: Add a vehicle, pay for a single drop-off, pre-pay for multiple drop-offs, set up autopay and review trip history. Sign in / Register now
- Business account: Add multiple vehicles, set up autopay, manage vehicles and review trip history. Sign in / Register now
- Blue Badge discountApply for a Blue Badge discount. More details can be found in the Additional Information section below. Apply for a Blue Badge discount
- Pay by telephone: Pay by automated telephone service. Tel: 0330 008 5600Call to pay now
- Pay a PCNNon-payment will result in an £80 Parking Charge Notice (PCN), reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days. Pay now
Terminal 2 drop-off area location
The drop-off area for Heathrow Terminal 2 is located off Constellation Way, where following the up ramp will bring you to the Terminal 2 drop-off area. Each visit to this area costs £6, and all payments need to be made online or by phone.
Terminal 3 drop-off area location
To reach the Terminal 3 drop-off zone, follow Cosmopolitan Way on to Camborne Road, where you can join one of the four drop-off lanes. Single visits to the area cost £6, with payments to be made via phone or our website.
Terminal 4 drop-off area location
Terminal 4’s drop-off area can be reached by following Stratford Road, where at the top of the ramp, there are three lanes to use. The £6 fee cannot be paid at the zone and must be paid online or by phone.
Terminal 5 drop-off area location
The Terminal 5 drop-off zone is accessible by following Wayfarer Road, which at the top of the ramp splits into two drop-off lanes. Payment of the £6 for a single visit, can only be made on via phone or on our website.
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Drop-off charge: A minimum £7.00 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)Express Set Down
Drop off only
This option is most suitable for a quick drop off for loved ones or friends. It is the most convenient option for passengers, with check-in just minutes away.
| Up to 15 mins | £7.00 |
| Over 15 mins | £25.00 |
Maximum stay is 30 minutes. Payment must be made online*. Vehicles must not be left unattended. Unattended vehicles may be towed, and a towing fee will be incurred.
There will be a £20 charge for re-entering within 30 minutes of first entering the car park.
