With UK travellers facing rising airport drop-off fees in 2025, the cost of a quick curb-side goodbye is higher than ever. Over half of the surveyed UK airports have increased their drop-off charges since last year, with many now charging up to £7 for just a few minutes’ stop. These fees add to the hidden costs of the so-called “kiss and fly” practice, when a friend or family member drives you to the terminal and later picks you up, which effectively doubles the number of car journeys (to the airport and back twice) and doubles the vehicle emissions produced. Beyond the hit to your wallet, this habit contributes to congestion and pollution around airports. In fact, studies have found that reducing “kiss and fly” trips would significantly cut airports’ carbon emissions, since drop-off journeys are one of the most inefficient forms of access, accounting for up to 70% of the CO2 from airport ground transport in some cases.
A covered forecourt drop-off area at Gatwick’s South and North Terminal. In 2025, Gatwick increased its minimum drop-off fee from £6 to £7 for 10 minutes.
Rising Drop-Off Charges Across UK Airports
Airport forecourt fees have surged in 2025, and free drop-off options are becoming rare. This year saw Cardiff Airport introduce a drop-off fee for the first time (now £3 for 10 minutes), leaving London City Airport as the only major UK airport with free terminal drop-off. Every other big UK airport now charges drivers to pull up at the terminal, typically with only a few minutes allowed before extra charges kick in. For example, Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Liverpool all raised their drop-off fees from £5 to £6 in 2025, while Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, and Southampton now top the table at £7 for a brief stop. Even regional airports like Belfast City and Newcastle hiked rates (from £3 to £4, and £4 to £5 respectively) over the past year. By contrast, many European airports still impose no such charges; eight of the ten busiest EU airports offer free drop-off areas, making the UK’s growing fees feel “depressing” to drivers and consumer groups.
Most and Least Expensive Drop-Offs in 2025
Among the 22 UK airports APH surveyed, the highest drop-off fees are now £7 for a 5-15 minute stay (at airports like Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, and Southampton). Close behind, major hubs including Heathrow, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Liverpool charge £6 for their standard drop-off period. At the cheaper end, Cardiff and Belfast International are now the lowest-priced drop-off airports, each charging £3 for 10 minutes, though in Cardiff’s case, this is a new fee where there was none before. Meanwhile, London City Airport continues to buck the trend with no fee at all for dropping off directly at its terminal (time-limited to 10 minutes).
It’s worth noting that many airports offer alternative drop-off areas or parking options that can save money. For instance, London City, Cardiff, Birmingham, and Humberside airports allow drivers to drop off passengers free of charge in designated areas, but often these are slightly further from the terminal or have short time limits. Most other airports provide free drop-off or pick-up zones in long-stay or mid-stay car parks away from the terminal, with shuttle buses or a short walk required. (For example, Luton Airport passengers can be dropped off for free in the Long Stay car park for up to 2 hours, with a shuttle to the terminal, and Southampton Airport offers 30 minutes free in its long-stay car park with a 5-minute shuttle ride.) By using these areas, drivers can avoid the premium forecourt charges, as long as they don’t mind a bit of a walk or shuttle transfer. On the other hand, a few airports still do not provide any free on-site drop-off facility at all (notably Bournemouth and Bristol), meaning all drivers will incur a fee to drop passengers at those airports.
Picking Up Passengers, Short Stay Car Parks
For collecting arriving passengers, rules vary by airport. Some airports allow pick-ups at the same forecourt drop-off zones (subject to the same fees and time limits), whereas others ban pick-ups at the terminal curb and direct drivers to use short-term car parks. In our survey, about two-thirds of airports permit quick pick-ups at the terminal drop-off area (just loading the passenger and departing), while the rest require you to park in a short-stay car park for meeting arrivals. These short-stay car parks can be costly, in some cases £15-£20 for around an hour, but often they offer a short period (5-15 minutes) free of charge to allow quick pick-ups. For example, Newcastle Airport provides 15 minutes free parking in Short Stay 2 for pick-ups, and East Midlands and Norwich also advertise short free periods for pick-ups. Always check the airport’s signage: exceeding the free period, even by a minute, can result in a hefty parking charge. Where forecourt pick-ups are allowed, do not leave your vehicle or wait too long; unattended cars will be moved on, and lingering too long could incur fines or additional fees.
The Hidden Costs of ‘Kiss and Fly’
Aside from the obvious fees and tickets, “kiss and fly” drop-offs carry hidden costs in fuel, time, and stress for your driver. Consider an example: a driver making two round-trips from the city centre to the airport (one to drop you off and another to pick you up) might spend nearly two hours on the road and burn through about £10 in fuel, especially in traffic. At an airport like Birmingham, that driver would also pay around £19 in parking fees if they park in the short-stay car park for an hour during both the drop-off and pick-up (currently £9.50 for 1 hour each time), bringing the total out-of-pocket cost of your lift to almost £30 in fuel and fees. By comparison, pre-booking a single trip of off-airport parking or arranging an airport transfer might cost around the same or even less, saving your friend or family member the extra journey and time. It’s easy to overlook these indirect costs of a “free” ride to the airport, but they add up quickly.
Environmental Impact: Why Fewer Drop-Off Trips Matter
Many travellers are becoming more eco-conscious, and it’s important to recognise the environmental impact of doubling your airport journeys. Each separate car trip to an airport contributes to local traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions. A “kiss and fly” round-trip generates twice the emissions of a single journey where the driver parks and catches their flight or uses public transport. According to Heathrow Airport’s own data, passenger drop-off trips (including private cars and taxis) can account for as much as 70% of the CO₂ emissions from all ground transport to the airport. In response, airports and local authorities are keen to curb unnecessary drop-off runs. Airports UK, the trade body for British airports, defends the rise of drop-off charges by arguing that they help manage congestion, reduce noise, and cut carbon emissions around airports. The idea is that higher fees will discourage multiple car trips and encourage travellers to consider greener alternatives.
We are indeed seeing some airports reinvest in sustainable transport initiatives. For example, when Luton Airport rebuilt its drop-off zone in 2025 (increasing the charge from £5 to £7), it also launched a new Public Transport Investment Fund in partnership with local transport operators. This fund aims to improve bus, coach, and rail connections to the airport, making it easier for travellers to leave their cars at home. Luton also now gives a break to greener vehicles; electric cars pay just £1 for drop-off (10 minutes) at the terminal, compared to £7 for other vehicles. Small incentives like this, along with the expansion of airport express bus services and rail links, are part of a broader push to reduce the number of individual car drop-off trips.
Of course, not every situation allows for using public transport or asking your driver to park and wait. But if you’re concerned about the environment (or just the hassle and cost for your driver), it’s worth looking at alternatives to the traditional drop-and-go. Car-sharing, taxis (with costs split among travellers), airport shuttles, or even staying overnight near the airport can sometimes be more efficient and eco-friendly once you factor in all the fees and fuel of multiple drop-off trips.
2025 Airport Drop-Off Charges, by UK Airport
Below we’ve updated the drop-off and pick-up fees for major UK airports in 2025. For each airport, we list the terminal drop-off charge (with time allowed), any relevant short-stay parking fees for pick-ups, free drop-off options, payment methods, Blue Badge (disabled) concessions, and fines to beware of. Always double-check the signs and official airport website before you travel; policies can change, and misusing drop-off zones (or forgetting to pay an online fee) can result in hefty penalties.
ABERDEEN (ABZ)
Drop-Off: £5.50 for up to 15 minutes (Express drop-off zone); £10.00 for up to 30 minutes; £30.00 for up to 1 hour (higher rates discourage long waits).
Short Stay Parking: £5.00 for 20 minutes; £12.00 for 1 hour (Short or Long Stay).
Free Drop-Off: 30 minutes free in the Long Stay car park (follow signs, then either walk or take the courtesy shuttle).
Payment: Card only (contactless at exit barriers).
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders receive an extra 30 minutes free in the drop-off zone beyond the standard time.
Fines: £100 Parking Charge Notice (PCN) for unsafe stopping or misuse of red-routed airport roads may apply (however, payment is taken at barriers, so improper stop fines are rare in the designated areas).
BELFAST INT’L (BFS)
Drop-Off: £3.00 for 10 minutes; £5.00 for 10-20 minutes; £10.00 for 20-60 minutes. (Over 1 hour, heavy charges up to £50 for 1-4 hours to deter long stays.)
Short Stay Parking: £3.00 for 10 minutes; £4.00 for 10-20 minutes; £5.00 for 20-30 minutes; £7.00 for 30-60 minutes; £11.00 for 1-2 hours.
Free Drop-Off: 15 minutes free in the Long Stay car park (ideal for pick-ups, it’s a short ride from the terminal).
Payment: Card or cash at machines, or online payment.
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders can use the Short Stay car park free for 30 minutes (use dedicated bays).
Fines: No specific drop-off fines noted (no-stopping zones are clearly marked, avoid pulling over on approach roads).
BELFAST CITY (BHD)
Drop-Off: £4.00 for up to 10 minutes (in front of terminal); £6.00 for 10-20 minutes; £18.00 for 20-45 minutes; £24.00 for 45-60 minutes.
Short Stay Parking: £3.00 for up to 10 minutes (first 10 mins were £3, now likely £4); £5.00 for up to 30 minutes; £13.00 for 1 hour; £15.00 for 2-3 hours. (The first 10 minutes in Short Stay were free in the past for drop-off, but as of 2025, the free period was removed, now £5 for 0-30 mins for pick-ups.)
Free Drop-Off: 10 minutes free in the Long Stay car park (located about a 5-10 minute walk from the terminal), beyond 10 minutes it’s £4 for up to 1 hour.
Payment: Card (contactless) or cash. A convenient mobile payment option is also available (8% surcharge).
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders can use the Short Stay car park free for 10 minutes when dropping off or picking up.
Fines: N/A, no specific forecourt fines reported, just normal enforcement for illegal parking.
BIRMINGHAM (BHX)
Drop-Off: Free Drop-Off car park for up to 10 minutes (located 400m from the terminal, with a free shuttle bus), ideal for quick goodbyes. For direct terminal drop-off, use the “Premium Set Down” area: £6.00 for up to 15 minutes (previously £5); £11.00 for 15-20 mins; £16.00 for 20-25 mins; £21.00 for 25-30 mins; £26.00 for 30-35 mins; £50.00 for up to 60 mins (thereafter £5 per additional hour). Charges ramp up steeply to discourage long waits; use Short Stay for any longer stops.
Short Stay Parking: £9.50 for 1 hour (if you need to go in to meet someone).
Free Drop-Off: The dedicated Drop-Off car park (clearly signed) is free for 10 minutes. Use this instead of the premium area if you don’t need to accompany the passenger inside.
Payment: Card only at Premium area exit (contactless).
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders may use the Premium Set Down free for up to 30 minutes (show badge or register vehicle as required by the airport).
Fines: £100 fine for stopping on airport red routes (e.g. roadsides where no stopping is allowed); 28 days to pay.
BRISTOL (BRS)
Drop-Off: £7.00 for up to 10 minutes (was £6); £9.00 for 10-20 mins; £13.00 for 20-40 mins; £25.00 for 40-60 mins (and £25 per hour thereafter).
Short Stay Parking: £7.00 for up to 30 minutes; £9.00 for 30-45 mins; £13.00 for 45-60 mins; £17.00 for 1-2 hours (approximate recent rates, increased in 2025).
Free Drop-Off: No free drop-off at the terminal or car parks. However, Bristol has a Waiting Zone (ideal for pick-ups) located away from the terminal, where up to 1 hour is free. Drivers picking up can wait in this free zone and then head to Short Stay when their passenger is ready (after 1 hour, a steep £25 fee applies, so don’t linger too long!).
Payment: Card or cash at machines (drop-off exit is barriered; take a ticket on entry).
Blue Badge: No free allowance at the forecourt. Blue Badge holders using the Drop & Go car park (closest to the terminal) are charged a flat £6 for up to 40 minutes, which is a concession rate (standard 40 minutes in Drop & Go costs £12).
Fines: £100 for stopping in prohibited zones (red routes), reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
CARDIFF (CWL)
Drop-Off: £3.00 for up to 10 minutes (new charge introduced in 2024); £3.00 for each additional 10 minutes thereafter (so £6 for 10-20 mins, etc.).
Short Stay Parking: £4.00 for up to 20 minutes; £6.00 for 20-40 minutes; £8.00 for 40-60 minutes; £10.00 for 1-2 hours. (Short Stay is directly opposite the terminal and is the designated pick-up zone; first 20 mins cost £4).
Free Drop-Off: No more free drop-off at the terminal. Instead, drivers can use Car Park 2 (the previous long-stay), which offers 20 minutes free for drop-off or pick-up. It’s a short walk from the terminal entrance.
Payment: Contactless card payment at the exit barrier (no cash).
Blue Badge: Cardiff provides designated disabled bays in the drop-off zone and car parks, but no fee exemption is advertised; standard charges apply (Blue Badge holders needing extra time should use the Short Stay or Long Stay, where usual parking rates apply).
Fines: £50 penalty for failing to pay/exit properly (e.g. lost ticket) may be enforced, with a 28-day payment window. Red-route fines on approach roads can also apply if you stop in unauthorised areas.
EAST MIDLANDS (EMA)
Drop-Off: £5.00 for up to 15 minutes; after 15 minutes, £1.00 per minute overstay charge. (This can add up quickly; 20 minutes would cost £10, etc.)
Short Stay Parking: £6.00 for up to 30 minutes; £8.00 for up to 1 hour; £12.00 for up to 2 hours.
Free Drop-Off: 1 hour free in the Long Stay car park, with a shuttle bus to terminals. Note: The free hour is strictly monitored; stay over 60 minutes and you’ll be charged £1 per minute beyond that, so keep it under an hour to remain free.
Payment: Card only (the express drop-off zone is cashless).
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders can use the Short Stay car park free for up to 30 minutes, which is closer to the terminal, a better option for assisted drop-offs.
Fines: £100 PCN for stopping in “no stopping” zones (e.g. along airport approach roads); 28 days to pay.
EDINBURGH (EDI)
Drop-Off: £6.00 for up to 10 minutes (recently increased from £5); after 10 minutes, a £1 per minute overstay charge applies. Example: 15 minutes costs £11, 20 minutes £16, etc., up to a maximum of £27 for 30 minutes. (There is a 30-minute maximum stay in the drop-off zone.)
Short Stay Parking: If you prefer to park and meet someone inside, Short Stay rates are roughly £7.00 for 15 minutes, £10.00 for 30 minutes, £12.00 for 1 hour (they may have risen slightly, e.g. £15 for an hour in 2025).
Free Drop-Off: Edinburgh offers a Free Drop-Off/Pick-Up zone in the Long Stay car park, 30 minutes free, then £10 for 30-60 mins, £18 for 1-3 hours (shuttle bus provided to terminal). Many drivers use this for picking up arrivals to avoid the forecourt fee.
Payment: Card/contactless or cash at machines. Note: From July 2025, Edinburgh went fully cashless for all car parks, so have a bank card handy. Drop-off uses ANPR cameras; you must pay online or at a machine by midnight that day or incur a fine.
Blue Badge: 1 hour free for Blue Badge holders in any of the airport car parks, including the drop-off zone. Show your badge/ID at the Customer Service office or press the intercom on exit to have the charge waived.
Fines: £100 PCN for stopping in unauthorised areas (e.g. along the airport access road or at the nearby Moxy Hotel to avoid fees). A reduced £60 fine is offered if paid within 14 days.
EXETER (EXT)
Drop-Off: £5.00 for up to 30 minutes; £7.50 for 30-60 minutes; £10.00 for 1-2 hours. (Drop-off/pick-up area is in Car Park 1 directly outside the terminal, essentially short-term parking.)
Short Stay Parking: Same as above, Car Park 1 serves both purposes, so £5 covers up to 30 minutes, whether dropping off or picking up.
Free Drop-Off: The Long Stay car park offers free parking for up to 30 minutes for drop-offs/pick-ups. If you just need a quick drop-off and don’t want to pay, follow the signs to Long Stay and use the free half hour.
Payment: Card and cash accepted at pay machines.
Blue Badge: Designated disabled bays are available. Blue Badge holders can park in Car Parks 1 or 2 for a flat £5.00 for up to 4 hours (purchase a ticket from the machine).
Fines: £30 penalty for misuse or overstay (enforced via ANPR if you leave without paying).
GEORGE BEST BELFAST CITY (BHD)
Drop-Off: £3.00 for 10 minutes; £6.00 for 10-20 mins; £18.00 for 20-45 mins; £24.00 for 45-60 mins. (This is the Premium Set-Down zone right outside departures.)
Short Stay Parking: £3.00 for up to 1 hour (yes, a bargain £3 for 60 minutes in Short Stay); then £13.00 for 1-2h, £15.00 for 2-3h, etc. The first hour in Short Stay is relatively cheap here, so it’s a good option for picking up.
Free Drop-Off: Long Stay car park allows 10 minutes free for drop-off/pick-up. (After 10 mins, Long Stay costs £4 for up to 1 hour.) The Long Stay free period is useful if you want to avoid any charge; it’s a short walk from the terminal.
Payment: Card or cash at exit. You can also use a mobile phone parking payment (with an 8p fee) if you prefer.
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders may use the Short Stay car park free for up to 10 minutes (show badge/press help button), ideal for quick drop-offs close to the terminal.
Fines: None specified (no red-route roads at this small airport).
GLASGOW (GLA)
Drop-Off: £6.00 for up to 15 minutes (increased from £5); £10.00 for up to 20 minutes; £15.00 for up to 30 minutes; £45.00 for up to 60 mins. (The 60-minute rate jumps high to deter any long waiting at the forecourt.)
Short Stay Parking: £6.00 for 20 minutes; £12.00 for 1 hour; £24.00 for 2 hours.
Free Drop-Off: 30 minutes free in the Long Stay car park (with a shuttle bus to the terminal). The Long Stay is a few minutes away, but it is the go-to for a free pick-up; you can wait there and ask your arriving passenger to call once ready.
Payment: Card only (Glasgow’s drop-off is cashless at the barrier).
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders can use the Short Stay car park free for up to 30 minutes, which effectively provides a free drop-off/pick-up option right at the terminal for those with mobility challenges. Use the help intercom on exit to validate the free period.
Fines: N/A for drop-off (no special drop-off fines reported). As always, don’t stop on double red lines or non-designated areas, or a parking charge notice could be issued.
LEEDS BRADFORD (LBA)
Drop-Off: £7.00 for up to 10 minutes (was £6); £8.00 for up to 20 minutes; £11.00 for up to 30 minutes; £14.00 for up to 60 minutes; £14.00 each additional hour thereafter.
Short Stay Parking: £14.00 for 1 hour; £17.00 for 2 hours; £20.00 for 3 hours. (Leeds Bradford’s Short Stay is on-site and also used for pick-ups; note the first hour is pricey.)
Free Drop-Off: There is a one-hour free Parking zone located a short distance from the terminal (follow signs for “Free One Hour Parking”). This car park allows 1 hour free and is ideal for dropping off or waiting for arrivals without paying. It is about a 3-5 minute walk (or quick shuttle) to the terminal.
Payment: Card or cash at machines for drop-off/short stay.
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders are not exempt from charges at the forecourt, but they do get a special rate in the drop-off car park, £6 for up to 60 minutes (ask staff or use intercom to validate). This gives disabled passengers extra time to unload comfortably.
Fines: £100 fine for stopping in prohibited zones (red routes) around the airport roads; 28 days to pay (reduced if paid in 14 days).
LIVERPOOL (LPL)
Drop-Off (Express drop-off opposite terminal): £6.00 for up to 10 minutes (recently up from £5); £10.00 for up to 20 minutes; £25.00 for up to 60 minutes; £50.00 for over 60 mins.
Short Stay Parking: £6.00 for up to 30 minutes; £10.00 for 1 hour; £15.00 for 2 hours; £25.00 for 4 hours.
Free Drop-Off: Drop-Off 2 (a secondary car park about a 7-10 minute walk from the terminal) offers 20 minutes free parking. This used to be 40 minutes free, but has now been reduced to 20 minutes free as of 2025. It’s great for pick-ups: you can park free, walk to meet your passenger, and be back out in under 20 minutes. Note that re-entering the free Drop-Off 2 within 2 hours of exiting will incur an £8 charge (to prevent people from abusing the free period repeatedly).
Payment: Card only at the Express drop-off exit (no cash, and no ticket, ANPR cameras will bill you on exit or require online payment).
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders can claim up to 40 minutes free parking in the Express drop-off zone, coordinate with staff or press the assistance button at the exit barrier, showing your badge. This generous allowance helps drivers assist passengers with reduced mobility to/from the terminal.
Fines: £100 PCN for stopping on the red-route access roads or not paying the ANPR fee in time (typically reduced to £60 if paid promptly). Always pay the drop-off fee by the end of the day; if you forget, you’ll receive a nasty surprise in the post.
LONDON CITY (LCY)
Drop-Off: Free for up to 10 minutes right outside the terminal. London City is the only major UK airport that does not charge for drop-off (as of 2025). Drivers can pull up to Departures, unload bags and passengers, and depart, all without paying a penny, as long as it’s within the 10-minute limit. After 10 minutes, standard parking rates apply (and enforcement is strict).
Short Stay Parking: £6.90 for 20 minutes; about £10 for 40 minutes; £15 for 1 hour (approximately, City’s short stay isn’t cheap). Note there is no pick-up at the forecourt, arriving passengers must be met in the car park, where normal parking fees apply from time zero.
Free Drop-Off: Yes, the 10-minute free terminal drop-off is the free option. No other free lot is provided, but 10 minutes is usually sufficient at this small airport.
Payment: If you do exceed the free time, you’ll pay at the car park exit (card/cash).
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders can drop off for free as above. If longer assistance time is needed, City Airport staff are very accommodating, there are designated bays, and you can usually get some leeway by informing a marshal (no formal exemption fees required, given drop-off is already free).
Fines: No drop-off fee means no drop-off fines, but do not stop on the approach roads (you will be moved on and could face a penalty from Newham Council for obstructive parking).
LONDON GATWICK (LGW)
Drop-Off: £7.00 for up to 10 minutes (increased from £6 in May 2025); then £1.00 per additional minute up to 20 minutes; maximum £27 per day and maximum 30-minute stay. The drop-off zones are right outside the North and South Terminal entrances. Important: Gatwick has no pay-on-exit booths, cameras record your license plate, and you must pay the fee online (or via phone) by midnight of the day after your drop-off. Failing to pay will result in a mailed PCN fine.
Short Stay Parking: £7.00 for up to 30 minutes; £10.00 for up to 1 hour; £15.50 for up to 2 hours; £19.50 for up to 3 hours (for those picking up or staying longer).
Free Drop-Off: 2 hours free in the Long Stay car parks of both terminals. You can drop off passengers here, and they can take the free shuttle bus (5-10 minutes) to the terminal. This is a good option for avoiding the fee, especially if you need a bit more time.
Payment: Online (Gatwick’s website or automated phone line). You can also set up autopay accounts. No cash accepted on site.
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders can drop off free of charge at Gatwick, but you must pre-register your vehicle in advance of your trip. Once registered, the camera system will recognise your plate and waive the fee for up to 30 minutes of drop-off. (Blue Badge holders also get up to 3 hours free in the short-stay car park when pre-booked, if needed.)
Fines: £100 PCN (reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days) for failure to pay the drop-off charge or stopping in unauthorised areas. There is strictly no waiting in drop-off zones; keep the engine running and stay with your vehicle, or you may be penalised.
LONDON HEATHROW (LHR)
Drop-Off: £6.00 for a single drop-off up to 10 minutes (flat fee). Heathrow’s terminal forecourts are camera-monitored with ANPR, and every vehicle entering is automatically charged the £6 fee, no matter how short the stop. (There is technically no “grace period”; even a 1-minute stop incurs £6.) Payment must be made online or by phone by midnight the day after your drop-off, or a fine will be issued. There is no option to pay at the airport.
Short Stay Parking: £7.50 for 30 minutes; £11.00 for up to 44 minutes; £13.50 for up to 59 minutes; £16.00 for 1-2 hours, etc. (Heathrow requires using Short Stay car parks for pick-ups; no picking up at the forecourt.)
Free Drop-Off: Heathrow does not offer any free drop-off at terminals, but you can drop off or pick up for free at the Long Stay car parks, up to 30 minutes. The Long Stay lots are a bus ride from terminals, but the shuttle is free and runs every 10 minutes or so, a viable free alternative.
Payment: Online (Heathrow drop-off) or via automated telephone payment. You can also set up an automated payment account for frequent use. No cash or on-site payment available.
Blue Badge: Disabled passengers are exempt from the drop-off fee. To arrange this, you must apply online on Heathrow’s website for a drop-off charge exemption at least 2 days before your journey. Approved Blue Badge vehicles can then drop off free at the forecourt. Additionally, Blue Badge holders get 2 hours free in Long Stay car parks if they choose to use those for pick-up/drop-off.
Fines: £80 PCN (reduced to £40 if paid in 14 days) for non-payment of the drop-off fee. Also, a £40-£80 fine can apply if you stop on red lines or pick up at the forecourt (Heathrow does not allow pick-ups at departures, use Short Stay to meet arriving passengers).
LONDON LUTON (LTN)
Drop-Off: £7.00 for up to 10 minutes (recently increased from £5); £1.00 per minute for each minute after 10, up to a maximum of 20 additional minutes; 30 minutes maximum stay. (So a full 30 minutes would cost £7 + £20 = £27.) Luton’s drop-off zone (“Express Drop Off”) is right in the new Terminal Car Park 2, ground level, very close to the terminal.
Short Stay Parking: £12.00 for 30 minutes (approx., Luton’s short-term rates fluctuated after the rebuild); £17.00 for 1 hour. Picking up passengers is officially directed to the multi-storey car park (Terminal Car Park 1) adjacent to the terminal, which is about £11 for up to 30 minutes.
Free Drop-Off: The Long Stay car park offers 2 hours free for drop-off or pick-up (doubled from 1 hour). A free shuttle runs from Long Stay to the terminal every 10-15 minutes. Note: Luton no longer offers the free mid-stay drop-off option; the temporary free 15-minute mid-stay drop-off used during 2023 has been withdrawn now that the main drop-off reopened.
Payment: Cashless and barrierless. Luton uses ANPR cameras; you must pay the drop-off fee online (or via Luton’s payment portal/app) by midnight on the day of your visit. No kiosks are available at the exit.
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders get 30 minutes free in Terminal Car Park 1 (short-term car park) for drop-off or pick-up. Simply take a ticket and present your Blue Badge at the customer service desk for validation so you won’t be charged for the first 30 minutes. (This effectively replaces the forecourt fee exemption since Blue Badge drivers can use the short-term car park at no cost for drop-offs.)
Fines: £95 PCN (reduced to £55 if paid within 14 days) for non-payment of the drop-off fee. The drop-off zone is under CCTV, do not stop outside the designated areas (e.g. along airport approach roads) or a separate £100 fine may apply for causing an obstruction.
LONDON STANSTED (STN)
Drop-Off: £7.00 for up to 15 minutes; £25.00 for over 15 minutes (this steep £25 kicks in once you hit 16 minutes, acting as a penalty fare). Max stay 30 minutes. Stansted Express Set Down is right in front of the terminal.
Short Stay Parking: £10.00 for up to 30 minutes; £18.00 for up to 1 hour; £22.00 for up to 2 hours; £35.00 for up to 3 hours. (For pick-ups, you must go into the Orange Zone of the Short Stay car park; forecourt pick-up is not allowed.)
Free Drop-Off: 60 minutes free in the Mid Stay car park, which has a shuttle bus to the terminal (5 minutes). Many locals use Mid Stay or the Free Set Down area to avoid the fee; it’s clearly signposted as the free option.
Payment: Card only at the barriers (contactless) OR via Stansted’s online system. In 2023, Stansted removed the exit barriers for drop-off; it’s now ANPR-based like Gatwick/Heathrow. So if no barrier stops you, don’t forget to pay online by midnight, or the system will issue a fine.
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders can drop off for free, but not at the forecourt; instead, use the Yellow Zone of the Short Stay car park (up to 30 minutes free for disabled drivers). Alternatively, Blue Badge vehicles can go to Mid Stay and take the shuttle.
Fines: £100 for stopping on red routes or unauthorised areas (common on the main approach road); 28-day payment. If you overstay 15 minutes in the drop-off and don’t pay the £25, expect a fine by post as well.
MANCHESTER (MAN)
Drop-Off: £5.00 for up to 5 minutes; £6.00 for up to 10 minutes; £25.00 for over 10 minutes. (Max stay 10 minutes in drop-off zones; if you go over, the hefty £25 charge applies automatically.) Each terminal at Manchester has its own drop-off bay. Note that pick-ups are not allowed at the drop-off curb; Manchester actively patrols to prevent drivers from using the drop-off area for collecting arriving passengers.
Short Stay Parking: £6.00 for 30 minutes; £12.00 for 60 minutes; £20.00 for 2 hours. (Terminal 1 has a slightly more generous 30-minute rate for pick-ups at around £6.40, reflecting a promotion, but generally £6 for 30 minutes across terminals.)
Free Drop-Off: Manchester provides a free drop-off option at JetParks 1 (an off-site lot), where you can park for 30 minutes at no charge. A free shuttle bus will then take passengers to the terminals (5-10 minute ride). Follow signs for Free Drop Off. This is commonly used for both drop-offs and pick-ups by those avoiding fees; just ensure you’re within the 30-minute limit, or it’s a £25 overcharge.
Payment: Card (contactless) at exit barriers or pay stations. Recently, Manchester moved toward barrierless ANPR for drop-off (like others), meaning you may need to pay online. To be safe, look for signage on how to pay after dropping off. If no ticket is issued, it’s camera-controlled.
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders are exempt from drop-off charges; you can drop off free at the forecourt, but you must pre-register your vehicle with Manchester Airport in advance or use an intercom on entry to notify staff. The airport also provides special assistance zones if needed.
Fines: £100 PCN if you attempt to pick up in the drop-off zone (they monitor this via CCTV). Also £100 for stopping in unauthorised areas on airport roads. PCNs reduce to £60 if paid in 14 days.
NEWCASTLE (NCL)
Drop-Off: £5.00 for up to 10 minutes (was £4); £7.00 for up to 30 minutes; £10.00 for up to 45 minutes; £11.00 for up to 60 minutes; £22.00 for up to 2 hours. (The express drop-off area is just outside the terminal entrance.)
Short Stay Parking: Free for 15 minutes in Short Stay 2 car park; then £8.00 for up to 30 mins; £13.00 for 1 hour; £15.00 for 2 hours. Recommended: Use Short Stay 2 if you are picking up, you get 15 minutes free, which often is enough for the passenger to come out, and even if you run over, 30 minutes is £8, which is still cheaper than many airports.
Free Drop-Off: Yes, as above, Short Stay 2 offers 15 minutes free, which effectively can be used as a free drop-off/pick-up zone (it’s a short walk to the terminal from there). There is also a free Taxi Waiting Area off-site for licensed cabs to wait without charge.
Payment: Card (contactless) or coin at machines for parking. Drop-off itself has a barrier on exit, pay by card or coin at the exit machine if over 10 mins (exact change needed if using coins).
Blue Badge: No special concessions, Blue Badge drivers can use Short Stay 2’s 15-minute free period like anyone else, or park in designated bays in Short Stay (standard rates after 15 min). Staff may allow slightly extended time if needed for assisted drop-off, but officially no free extension beyond 15 min.
Fines: Newcastle’s approach road is an enforcement zone; stopping where not permitted can lead to a “red route” fine (around £60-£100). Stay in the official bays and you’ll be fine.
NORWICH (NWI)
Drop-Off: £5.00 for up to 30 minutes (covers both drop-off and short-term parking up to 30 minutes). Norwich effectively charges a £5 terminal access fee, which is included in some taxi fares by default. However, this £5 ticket allows you to park in Car Park 1 (right in front of the terminal) for half an hour, so if you need to accompany someone inside or pick up, you’ve got a bit of time.
Short Stay Parking: £5.00 for up to 30 mins; £7.50 for 30-60 mins; £10.00 for 1-2 hours (so basically, £5 minimum even for very short stays).
Free Drop-Off: 5-15 minutes free was previously offered in Short Stay for quick drop-offs, but as of 2025, Norwich has implemented a blanket £5 charge in Car Park 1 from the moment you enter. (Some sources still mention a 15-minute free period, but recent local updates indicate the £5 fee is now unavoidable for terminal drop-off. If you have a local friend, one trick is to use the nearby Holiday Inn car park for a very quick drop, but officially that’s not allowed.) There is no official free drop-off zone on airport property beyond the old short-stay grace period, which is now gone.
Payment: Cash or card at the parking barrier (or pay stations) when exiting.
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders do not get an exemption from the £5 drop-off fee, but they can use special assistance, staff may allow closer access if arranged. There are designated drop-off spaces for disabled travellers, but the same £5 charge applies (with the benefit that Blue Badge holders can then stay up to 4 hours for that £5 if needed).
Fines: No specific fines beyond normal parking enforcement; however, note that Norwich Airport adds a £10 “airport development fee” to all departing passengers (paid inside the terminal), which is separate from parking. This doesn’t affect drop-off drivers directly, but it’s a quirk of Norwich to be aware of if you’re flying!
SOUTHAMPTON (SOU)
Drop-Off: £7.00 for up to 20 minutes (was £6). No stopping on the forecourt beyond 20 minutes or an £80 overstay charge applies.
Short Stay Parking: £15.00 for up to 1 hour; £20.00 for up to 90 mins; £30.00 for up to 4 hours. (The short stay is very close to the terminal and is the only option for longer stays or pick-ups. Note the first hour is now £15 after the 2025 increase).
Free Drop-Off: 30 minutes free in the Long Stay car park. A shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes and takes about 5 minutes to reach the terminal. This is a convenient free option; you can drop someone off there, they hop on the shuttle, and you avoid the fee.
Payment: Card (contactless) at the exit for the drop-off zone; pay machines for short stay accept cards or coins.
Blue Badge: Blue Badge holders can use the Short Stay car park free for up to 30 minutes, which effectively provides a free drop-off/pick-up close to the terminal for those with disabilities. Use the intercom or see the parking office for validation when exiting.
Fines: £80 penalty for overstay or misuse (e.g. if you attempt to wait curb-side over 20 min). Enforcement cameras and staff patrol regularly, so keep your drop-offs prompt.
Disclaimer: The information above is accurate as of 2025 and is provided for guidance. Prices and policies are subject to change. Always verify the current fees and rules with your airport before your journey, and observe posted signage when dropping off or picking up passengers. Safe travels, and happy parking
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