London Airport Drop-Off Charges 2026: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and City
Dropping someone at the terminal used to be free. Today every major London airport charges for it, the zones are watched by cameras, and a missed payment turns into a parking charge of up to £100. Here is what each airport charges in 2026, how to pay, and how to avoid the charge altogether.
Prices checked on the airports’ own websites on 14 October 2026. Airports change their tariffs from time to time, so check before you travel.
Drop-off charges at a glance
| Airport | Charge | Time allowed | Unpaid charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | £7 per entry | Terminal drop-off zones | £80 (£40 if paid within 14 days) |
| Gatwick | £10 | 10 minutes, then £1 a minute; 30 minutes maximum | £100 (£60 within 14 days) |
| Stansted | £10 | Up to 15 minutes; £28 for longer | £100 (£60 within 14 days) |
| Luton | £9 | 12 minutes, then £1 a minute; 30 minutes maximum | £95 (£55 within 14 days) |
| London City | £8 at launch (January 2026) | Up to 5 minutes, then £1 a minute | Check the airport’s website |
Heathrow
A £7 charge applies every time a vehicle enters a terminal drop-off area, at all terminals. There are no barriers or ticket machines: you pay online, by phone or through autopay, and payment is due by midnight on the day after your visit. If it is not paid, Heathrow issues an £80 parking charge, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
Gatwick
The North and South Terminal forecourts charge £10 for the first 10 minutes and £1 for each extra minute, with a maximum stay of 30 minutes. Pay by midnight the following day. The free alternative is the Long Stay car park, where you can drop off for free and take the free shuttle to the terminal.
Stansted
The Express Set Down area in front of the terminal costs £10 for up to 15 minutes. Since March 2026, stays over 15 minutes cost £28. Pay online or by phone by midnight the next day. For a free drop-off, use the Mid Stay car park and the free shuttle bus.
Luton
Luton’s Drop Off Zone, a short walk from the terminal, costs £9 for 12 minutes and £1 a minute after that, up to 30 minutes. Payment is online only, by midnight the following day. Blue Badge holders and passengers with booked assistance get 30 minutes free in Terminal Car Park 1.
London City
London City introduced its first drop-off charge in January 2026: £8 for up to five minutes at launch, then £1 a minute up to ten minutes. Because the airport is small, the drop-off is quick, but the clock starts as soon as you enter.
Three ways to avoid the charge
- Use the free car park drop-off at Gatwick (Long Stay) or Stansted (Mid Stay) and take the shuttle bus. Allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes.
- Take the train if you are travelling light: the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express to Heathrow, Gatwick Express or Thameslink to Gatwick, Stansted Express to Stansted.
- Book a fixed-price transfer. The driver drops you at the door, and the price you see when you book is the price you pay – there is nothing extra to pay at the airport.
Is a pre-booked transfer cheaper than a lift?
A lift is not free once you count the drop-off charge, the fuel and the return drive for the person taking you – often two hours of their day for Gatwick or Stansted. A fixed-price transfer from central London starts from about £46 to Heathrow in an Economy Sedan for up to four people, and a Standard Van for six starts from about £79. For a family, it is often the simplest option.
Get your fixed price – enter your pickup, destination, date and time and every vehicle is priced in seconds. The price you see is the price you pay.
Airport guides: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Heathrow drop-off charge in 2026?
£7 each time a vehicle enters a terminal drop-off area. Pay online, by phone or with autopay by midnight the next day.
How much does it cost to drop off at Gatwick?
£10 for the first 10 minutes and £1 for each extra minute, up to a 30-minute maximum.
What happens if I forget to pay the drop-off charge?
The airport issues a parking charge: £80 at Heathrow, £100 at Gatwick and Stansted and £95 at Luton, reduced if paid within 14 days.
Do I pay the drop-off charge with a pre-booked transfer?
No. With our transfers the price you see when you book is the price you pay; there is nothing extra to pay at the airport.
