Not being aware of London’s airport drop-off charges can cost you some serious bucks. If you are visiting the airport just to drop off passengers, do not pay the drop-off charges a parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £80, which is reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
According to Otto, every year, thousands of travelers face fines after neglecting to pay these fines at London’s airports. In 2024 alone, over 9000 drivers received penalty notices related to unpaid drop-off charges across London’s six major airports, with fines typically ranging from £80 to £160, depending on the airport and how quickly the fine is settled.
How do London’s Six Airports Enforce PCN?
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras that monitor vehicles entering and exiting drop-off zones capture your registration at the time to calculate the fine. If payment isn’t made within 24-48 hours, the system automatically flags your vehicle. The registered vehicle owner will then receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) by mail, typically within 14 days of the violation. Let’s examine the drop-off charge systems at all six of London’s major airports.
London Heathrow (LHR) Drop-Off Charges
What is Heathrow Airport’s drop-off charge?
At Heathrow Airport, there is no direct fee for a drop‐off if you use the designated short-stay drop-off zones within the allowed free period (typically around 10 minutes). At Heathrow Airport, all vehicles entering terminal drop-off areas are charged a £5 fee if you are visiting.
However, if your vehicle remains in the drop-off area longer than permitted, you may receive PCN.
How do I pay the Heathrow Airport drop-off charge?
You can pay at heathrow airport parking simply by
- Online Payment Portal
- On-Site Payment Kiosks
Always check the most up-to-date instructions from Heathrow Airport, as procedures may be updated periodically.
How does Heathrow Airport’s drop-off charge work?
- Vehicles in the drop-off zone have a short free period (around 10 minutes) to drop off passengers.
- The area is monitored by ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras.
- If your vehicle remains beyond the free period, the system calculates a penalty fee based on the additional time spent in the zone.
- The penalty is issued automatically, and you must pay it via the provided payment methods to avoid further administrative action.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
What is Gatwick Airport’s Drop-Off Charge?
Gatwick Airport charges £6 for the first 10 minutes when dropping off passengers at North or South Terminal zones. Stay longer and you’ll pay £1 per additional minute, up to a maximum of £25 for 30 minutes. To avoid these fees, use the Long Stay Car Park instead, which offers 2 hours free parking plus a free shuttle bus to the terminals. Blue Badge holders can apply for an exemption from all drop-off charges. Payments can be made online, by phone, or through a pre-registered account.
How Do I Pay the Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charge?
If you exceed the allowed drop-off time, Gatwick uses an automated system (using cameras and license plate recognition) to register the overstay. You will receive a penalty notice with instructions on how to pay. Payment methods typically include:
- Setting up an AutoPay account with your vehicle details is the simplest method to handle Gatwick drop-off charges.
- Pay your fee via the official Gatwick Airport website.
- Utilize On-Site Kiosks
You can also set up gatwick airport drop-off account from official gatwick website. Always follow the instructions on the penalty notice, as procedures are subject to updates.
What happens if you accidentally drive through Gatwick drop off zone?
Even if you drive through the drop-off zone without stopping, you must still pay the £5 charge. Pay online at Gatwick’s payment portal by entering your vehicle registration number.
What Are the Drop-Off Areas at Gatwick Airport?
Both Gatwick’s North and South Terminals have clearly marked drop-off zones. These designated areas are well-signposted, designed for quick passenger drop-offs, and help maintain smooth traffic flow throughout the airport.
Stansted Airport
What is the drop-off charge at Stansted Airport?
London Stansted Airport charges £7 for up to 15 minutes in the Express Set Down Zone. Stays longer than 15 minutes cost £25. Stansted Airport offers a free 60-minute period for pick-ups and drop-offs. After this initial hour, you’ll be charged £5 for the second hour. If you stay longer than two hours, you’ll be charged the standard day rate as listed on the “Turn Up & Park” page.
How does Stansted Airport’s drop-off charge work?
The Express Set Down area, located directly outside the terminal, is designated for quick drop-offs. For longer stays or to accompany passengers into the terminal, the Short Stay car parks are available, charging £10 for up to 30 minutes.
What are the drop-off areas at Stansted Airport?
Stansted Airport has just one terminal building with a single-level design, making it easy for passengers to navigate. For pick-ups and drop-offs, you can use the Orange, Green, and Blue Short Stay car parks. These options are convenient if you need to accompany travelers into the terminal or meet arriving passengers inside.
Luton Airport (LTN)
What is the drop-off charge at Luton Airport?
At London Luton Airport’s express drop-off zone, you’ll pay a flat rate of £5.00 for the first 5 minutes. Beyond that, each additional minute costs £1.00, continuing until you reach the maximum stay limit of 20 minutes. The pricing structure is designed to encourage quick drop-offs and pick-ups while ensuring those who need more time pay proportionally more.
What are the drop-off areas at Luton Airport?
At London Luton Airport, passengers can now use the convenient terminal-front drop-off and pick-up area. This modern facility operates without barriers or cash payments, using automatic number plate recognition instead. The system charges £5.00 for the first 5 minutes, then £1.00 for each additional minute, with a maximum stay of 20 minutes. This premium location offers the shortest possible walking distance to the terminal entrance a significant advantage for travelers with luggage, those with mobility needs, or anyone in a hurry. The cashless payment system works by recording your vehicle’s entry and exit times electronically, eliminating the need to stop at payment machines and creating smoother traffic flow through this high-demand area.
Southend Airport
What is the drop-off charge at Southend Airport & What are the drop-off areas at Southend Airport?
Short Stay car park costs £6 for the first 10 minutes, with rates increasing to £8.50 (10-30 minutes), £12 (30-45 minutes), and £15 (45-60 minutes). This option provides good terminal access but at premium prices. Long Stay 3 allows free 15-minute drop-offs/pick-ups within any 8-hour period, offering significant savings for budget-conscious travelers, though with a longer walk to the terminal. The “Drop & Go” area, located directly outside the terminal, charges just £1 for up to 10 minutes, making it both convenient and more affordable than the Short Stay option. Each choice balances proximity to the terminal with cost considerations, letting passengers select what best fits their specific needs.
What is the drop-off charge at London City Airport?
London City Airport provides free drop-off directly at the terminal entrance, but with a strict no-waiting policy. Drivers must drop passengers off and immediately move on to maintain traffic flow. This represents a significant cost advantage compared to other London airports that charge for terminal-front access. For travelers needing additional assistance, Blue Badge holders receive a special accommodation of 30 minutes free parking, giving them the necessary time to help passengers into the terminal. This passenger-friendly policy eliminates one of the common hidden costs of air travel, making the departure experience both more economical and straightforward for travelers using London City Airport.
What are the drop-off areas at London City Airport?
There is only one terminal at London City airport so travelling through the airport can often be quicker than at other London airports. Check in opens 2 hours before your flight. Please do not arrive earlier than 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.
Which londons Airport drop-off Charge is free?
London city Airport is free of cost, YES you heard it right.