UK Airport Drop-Off Charges 2026: What You Pay
Airport drop-off fees rose at most UK airports in 2026. See current charges for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City, and how to avoid them.
Most major UK airports now charge a fee for a car to stop at the terminal and let someone out. As of October 2026, the fee is £7 per visit at Heathrow , £10 for 10 minutes at Gatwick and £10 for 15 minutes at Stansted. The exact amount depends on which airport you use, and the charges have risen at most of the busiest ones over the past year.
What is a drop-off charge?
A drop-off charge is a fee for using the kerbside or forecourt area at the terminal to set down or collect a passenger. It applies to private cars and to taxis and minicabs. The airports say the fees help manage congestion, traffic and pollution, and that they support the wider airport business. Critics, including the British Transport Association, say the fees are more of a cash grab than a necessity, as reported when Gatwick’s rise took effect .
Heathrow charges each time a vehicle enters a drop-off zone, so each visit is a separate charge.
Current charges at the main London airports
| Airport | Charge | Time allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | £7 per visit | Not stated | Applies 24 hours a day. Card payment only |
| Gatwick | £10 | 10 minutes | Up from £7 on 6 January 2026 |
| Stansted | £10 | 15 minutes | Figure as reported in July 2026 |
| London City | £8 | 5 minutes | Figure as reported in July 2026 |
| Luton | £7 | Not confirmed | Figure as reported in July 2026 |
The Heathrow figure comes from the airport’s own drop-off page. The Gatwick rise is reported by Sussex Express , which names the date. The Stansted, London City and Luton figures come from a July 2026 round-up by ITV News , which used roadside assistance data from the RAC. I could not load the official drop-off pages for those three airports, so check them before you travel.
What changed in 2026
The biggest single change was at Gatwick. From 6 January 2026, its drop-off charge outside the terminal rose from £7 to £10. Gatwick said the rise reflected rising costs, including business rates, which it said had more than doubled.
The July 2026 round-up found that 16 of the 20 busiest UK airports had raised their fees over the previous year, according to ITV News . The remaining four did not rise. Among the regional airports that did not change were Liverpool John Lennon, East Midlands, Belfast City and Southampton, according to the same survey data.
How to pay
Payment rules differ by airport, but the Heathrow system shows what to expect:
- You can pay online, by automated phone line or through an autopay account. Payment for a visit can be made up to midnight the day after.
- Cash and cheques are not accepted, and you cannot pay at the machines in the drop-off zone.
- Prepaid visits last 12 months, which can suit regular travellers.
- Heathrow’s Park & Ride car parks include a free drop-off and a free bus to the terminal.
How to avoid or reduce the cost
- Check the airport’s website the week you travel. Fees and rules change, and the figures above may be out of date by the time you read this.
- Use a Park & Ride or a car park if your airport has one and the walk or bus suits you.
- Keep to the time limit. Gatwick allows 10 minutes and Stansted allows 15. Staying longer can mean paying more or breaking the airport’s rules.
- Consider a pre-booked transfer. You agree the price in advance, so you do not have to work out a drop-off fee at the kerb.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay a drop-off charge if I am picking someone up? The rules for pick-ups vary by airport, and I could not confirm them for every airport in this article. Check the airport’s pick-up guidance before you go, or ask your driver how they handle it.
Is the drop-off charge the same for taxis and minicabs? Charges are generally set for all vehicles that use the drop-off zone, so a taxi or minicab can face the same fee. Ask your booking firm whether the fare includes it.
Can I avoid the charge by parking nearby? Often, yes. Short-stay and long-stay car parks, Park & Ride services and nearby car parks can all keep you out of the drop-off zone. Check walking and bus times first, especially with luggage or young children.
Are there exemptions for Blue Badge holders? Some airports offer exemptions. London City’s guidance mentions Blue Badge exemptions, but I could not confirm the terms. Check the airport’s rules before you travel.
Who sets the charge? Each airport sets its own charge, so there is no single national rate.
Key points
- Most major UK airports now charge for drop-offs, and the amounts change from year to year.
- As of October 2026, Heathrow charges £7 per visit and Gatwick charges £10 for 10 minutes.
- Gatwick’s increase to £10 took effect on 6 January 2026.
- Check the airport’s own site before you travel, and pay within the rules it sets.
- A pre-booked transfer gives you an agreed price and removes the need to work out the fee at the kerb.
Next step
If you are flying into or out of London, plan the drop-off or pick-up before the day. Victoria Taxis offers pre-booked airport transfers to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend from Victoria, with fares quoted in advance and flight tracking for pick-ups. You can call 020 7946 0663 or book through the website.
Charges as of October 2026. Check the airport’s official site before you travel, because fees can change.
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