Dropping off passengers at UK airports is no longer a quick or free task. In 2026, the majority of major airports charge £5-£7 for just 5-15 minutes, with some locations charging significantly more for longer stays or repeat entry.
While free drop-off options still exist, they are usually located in long-stay or mid-stay car parks and often require a short walk or shuttle bus to the terminal. Drivers who stop in the wrong place or fail to pay by the stated deadline can face fines of up to £100, typically reduced if paid within 14 days.
Charges, time limits, payment methods, and Blue Badge concessions vary widely by airport, making it essential to check the rules in advance. This guide breaks down drop-off fees, short-stay parking costs, free alternatives, and enforcement rules at every major UK airport, helping drivers avoid unnecessary charges and travel with confidence.
A covered forecourt drop-off area at Gatwick’s South and North Terminal. In 2026, Gatwick increased its minimum drop-off fee from £7 to £10 for 10 minutes.
Below is APH’s complete breakdown of drop-off charges, short-stay parking, free options, payment methods, and fines – listed alphabetically.
Aberdeen International Airport
Drop-off
- £5.50 (15 mins)
- £1 per minute thereafter
- £50 after 30 minutes
Short Stay
- £7 (20 mins)
- £15 (1 hr)
- £30 (up to 4 hrs)
- £60 (24 hrs)
Free options
- Long Stay free for up to 1 hour
Payment
- Card only
Blue Badge
- Extra 30 minutes free in Short Stay
Belfast City Airport
Drop-off
- £4 (10 mins)
- £6 (10–20 mins)
- £20 (20–30 mins)
- £25 (30 mins–1 hr)
- £50 day rate
Short Stay
- £5 (0–30 mins)
- £15 (1–2 hrs)
- £35 (up to 12 hrs)
Free options
- Long Stay free for 10 mins
- Short Stay free for up to 2 hours
Payment
- Card or cash
Belfast International Airport
Drop-off
- £3 (10 mins)
- £5 (10–20 mins)
- £10 (20–60 mins)
- £50 (1–24 hrs)
Short Stay
- £3–£37 depending on duration
- Day rate applies after 7 hrs
Free options
- Long Stay free for 15 mins
- Short Stay free for 30 mins
Payment
- Card, cash, or online
Birmingham Airport
Drop-off
- Free Drop-Off Car Park (10 mins)
- Premium Set-Down from £6 (15 mins) up to £59 (1 hr)
Short Stay
- Free first 10 mins
- £6 per additional 15 mins
Free options
- 10 mins free Drop-Off
- 30 mins free in Premium Set-Down
Fines
- £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days)
Bristol Airport
Drop-off
- £8.50 (10 mins)
- £10.50 (10-20 mins)
- £13 (20-40 mins)
- £30 (40-60 mins)
- £60 (1-2 hrs)
Short Stay
- £8.50 (15 mins)
- £9-£10.50 (15–30 mins)
- £65 (24 hrs)
Free options
- Waiting zone free for 1 hour
Fines
- £100 (£60 if paid within 14 days)
Cardiff Airport
Drop-off
- £3 (0–10 mins)
- £3 per additional 10 mins
Short Stay
- £4 (20 mins)
- £10 (1–2 hrs)
- £42 (24 hrs)
Free options
- 20 mins free in Car Park 2
Fines
- £50 for ticket issues on exit
East Midlands Airport
Drop-off
- £5 (15 mins)
- £1 per minute thereafter
Short Stay
- £6 (30 mins)
- £12 (2 hrs)
- £16 (3 hrs)
Free options
- Long Stay free for 1 hour
- Short Stay free for 30 mins
Fines
- £100 PCN (+possible £70 recovery fee)
Edinburgh Airport
Drop-off
- £6 (10 mins)
- £1 per minute thereafter
Short Stay
- £7 (15 mins)
- £18 (1 hr)
- £70 (24 hrs)
Free options
- 1 hour free across all car parks
- Long Stay free for 30 mins
Enforcement
- Vehicles may be towed if parked incorrectly
Exeter Airport
Drop-off
- Free for 30 mins in Car Park P4
- £6 (15 mins) in Car Park 1
Short Stay
- £7.50 (up to 1 hr)
- £20 (4–12 hrs)
Free options
- 30 mins free in P4
Enforcement
- Byelaw penalties may apply
Glasgow International Airport
Drop-off
- £6 (15 mins)
- £1 per minute thereafter
- £50 after 30 mins
Short Stay
- £8 (20 mins)
- £24 (2 hrs)
- £60 (24 hrs)
Free options
- Long Stay free for 1 hr
- Short Stay free for 30 mins
Leeds Bradford Airport
Drop-off
- No terminal forecourt drop-off
Parking
- 1-hour free zone
- £68 charge for 1–24 hrs
Blue Badge
- Dedicated bays available
Enforcement
- Re-entry within 1 hour triggers £68 charge
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Drop-off
- £6 (10 mins)
- £10 (20 mins)
- £25 (1 hr)
- £50 (24 hrs)
Short Stay
- Free for 20 mins
- £8 (1 hr)
- £60 (24 hrs)
Free options
- 20-40 mins free in selected drop-off car parks
Enforcement
- Byelaw penalties may apply
London Gatwick Airport
Drop-off
- £7 (10 mins)
- £1 per additional minute
- £27 max (30 mins)
From Jan 2026
- £10 for 10 mins
Free options
- Long Stay free for up to 2 hours
Blue Badge
- Exempt (pre-registration required)
London Heathrow Airport
Drop-off
- £6 (10 mins)
- £7 from Jan 2026
Short Stay
- £7.50 (29 mins)
- £94.50 (24 hrs)
Free options
- Free Park & Ride drop-off
- 2 hours free in Long Stay
Blue Badge
- 100% discount with advance registration
Fines
- £80 (£40 if paid within 14 days)
London Luton Airport
Drop-off
- £7 (10 mins)
- £1 per extra minute
- 30-min max stay
Short Stay
- £15 (30 mins)
- £67.50 (24 hrs)
Free options
- Long Stay free for 2 hours
Fines
- £95 (£55 if paid within 14 days)
London Stansted Airport
Drop-off
- £7 (15 mins)
- £25 after 15 mins
- £20 re-entry charge within 30 mins
Short Stay
- £10 (30 mins)
- £35 (4 hrs)
Free options
- Mid Stay free for 1 hour
Fines
- £100 (£60 if paid within 14 days)
Manchester Airport
Drop-off
- £5 (5 mins)
- £6.40 (10 mins)
- £25 (30 mins)
Short Stay
- £6.40 (15 mins)
- £61.40 (24 hrs)
Free options
- Free drop-off at JetParks 1
Fines
- £100 (£60 if paid within 14 days)
Newcastle Airport
Drop-off
- £5 (10 mins)
- £14 (1 hr)
- £48 (4 hrs)
Short Stay 2
- Free 15 mins
- £48 (24 hrs)
Blue Badge
- Designated bays only
Enforcement
- Byelaw penalties may apply
Norwich International Airport
Drop-off
- £6 (30 mins) in Car Park 1
Short Stay
- £7.50 (1 hr)
- £40 (24 hrs)
Payment
- Cash and card (card only at barriers)
Enforcement
- PCN for unauthorised stopping
Southampton Airport
Drop-off
- £7 (20 mins)
Short Stay
- £15 (1 hr)
- £60 (24 hrs)
Free options
- None currently available
Fines
- £80 (£50 if paid within 14 days)
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.