Dropping off or picking up passengers at Glasgow International Airport now comes with significant fees. Below, we break down the current charges for using the official drop-off zone, the costs of short-stay parking, and free alternatives available – along with tips on choosing the most convenient and cost-effective option for drivers and passengers. We’ll also show how APH can help you save on airport parking.
Glasgow Airport Express Drop-Off Fees
Glasgow Airport’s dedicated Express Drop-Off area is located directly in front of the terminal (under the Terminal multi-storey car park). It offers the closest access for quick drop-offs, but this convenience comes at a price. Vehicles are charged even for very short stops, and the fees escalate quickly if you stay beyond the initial time limit. The current drop-off charges are as follows:
- £7 for up to 15 minutes in the official drop-off/pick-up zone
- £1 per minute for each minute after 15 minutes
- £50 total charge if you stay over 30 minutes (a hefty premium intended to deter long waits)
In other words, a 20-minute stop would cost about £12, and any stay beyond half an hour triggers a £50 fee on exit. The airport explicitly warns that drivers who exceed 15 minutes will face a “premium charge” on exit. Tip: If you’re dropping someone off, aim to keep your stop under 15 minutes to avoid the per-minute surcharges, and definitely under 30 minutes to avoid the massive £50 penalty.
Also, be aware that stopping anywhere outside designated areas (for example, on approach roads or kerbsides) can result in hefty fines – up to £100 in many airports. Always use the official drop-off or car parks to avoid such penalties.
Short-Stay Parking Charges (Terminal Multi-Storey)
If you need a bit more time or want to meet passengers inside the terminal, you should use the Terminal Multi-Storey Short Stay Car Park. This car park is only a few minutes’ walk from the terminal doors, making it convenient for pickups or longer goodbyes. However, the convenience comes with high parking rates for short durations. Key short-stay parking charges at Glasgow Airport are:
- £8 for up to 20 minutes of parking
- £24 for up to 2 hours (ample for most pickups, but pricey)
- £60 for up to 24 hours (daily maximum)
As you can see, using the short-stay car park even briefly can cost almost as much as the express drop-off. For example, about 30-60 minutes of parking is around £15 (the 1-hour rate) according to the official site. The benefit of short-stay parking is that you can leave your car and go into the terminal to meet your arriving passengers or assist departing travellers with luggage. You won’t incur per-minute fines here; you simply pay the rate based on how long you park, but it is still expensive for short visits.
Note: Blue Badge holders (disabled drivers) should use the short-stay multi-storey instead of the express drop-off. Valid Blue Badge holders receive 30 minutes of free parking in the short-stay car park for drop-off/pick-up. (On exit, they must press the intercom and provide their badge number to have the fee waived.) This concession allows those with mobility issues to park closest to the terminal without charge for a short period.
Free Drop-Off and Pick-Up Options
To avoid fees altogether, Glasgow Airport provides free drop-off/pick-up alternatives – though they require a bit more time and planning. Here are the free options available:
- Long Stay Car Park – Free for up to 1 hour: Drivers can use the Long Stay car park to drop off or wait for passengers at no charge for 60 minutes. This free pick-up/drop-off zone is located a bit farther from the terminal (around a 5-10 minute walk, or a quick shuttle bus ride). The airport runs a free on-demand shuttle to and from the Long Stay car park, so you can either wait in your car and then ride the shuttle to meet your arriving party, or have your passenger take the shuttle to you. This option is ideal if you expect to wait longer (for example, if a flight is delayed) and want to avoid paying any fees. It’s a little less convenient due to the transfer, but it’s completely free for up to 1 hour.
- Short Stay Car Park – Free for 30 minutes (Blue Badge only): As mentioned, Blue Badge holders are entitled to 30 minutes of free parking in the Terminal Short Stay multi-storey for drop-offs and pickups. This allows disabled passengers or those assisting them to be picked up/dropped off right at the terminal without cost (within the 30-minute window). For most other drivers, there is no free short-term parking directly at the terminal – so if you don’t have a Blue Badge, the Long Stay 1-hour free zone is your go-to free option. Always verify any requirements (e.g. displaying the Blue Badge or using the intercom at exit) to ensure the fee is waived.
Comparing Options: Convenience vs. Cost
Each parking option at Glasgow Airport represents a trade-off between time saved and money spent. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which option best fits your needs as a driver or passenger:
- Express Drop-Off (Curbside) – Mostconvenient, highest cost. If you want to pull up right outside the terminal and be on your way in minutes, the express drop-off zone is unmatched for convenience. You can literally stop at the curb and unload luggage immediately outside departures. However, you’ll pay £7 for even a brief stop, and the meter ticks up by £1 each minute after 15 minutes. It’s worth it for ultra-short goodbyes or drop-offs where every minute counts, but any delay (heavy traffic, slow baggage unloading, etc.) will start costing you. Drivers using this option should be confident their stop will be very quick – plan ahead to avoid overstaying and racking up extra fees.
- Short Stay Car Park (Terminal Multi-Storey) – High convenience, high cost. This option lets you park and accompany your passenger into the terminal. For pickups, you can meet your arriving friends/family in the arrivals hall and help with luggage, which is much more comfortable than having them rush to a curb. The short stay car park is directly adjacent to the terminal, so convenience is still excellent (just a short walk). The trade-off is cost: parking here costs around £8 for 20 minutes and climbs to £24 for a stay of 1-2 hours. In practical terms, if you anticipate needing 20-30 minutes or more (for example, the passenger’s flight might be late or you want to grab a coffee together after arrival), short-stay parking gives you the flexibility – but you’ll pay a premium for the time. This is often the preferred option for pick-ups, since meeting inside avoids circling the terminal or risking an overstay fine at the drop-off zone. Just keep an eye on the clock because charges increase with each tariff band. (Remember, Blue Badge holders get 30 min free here, which significantly improves the value for eligible users.)
- Long Stay Free Pickup Zone (1 Hour Free) – Lowest cost, lower convenience. If avoiding fees is your top priority, the free hour in the Long Stay car park is the best choice. You can wait there without worrying about any charges or time-based penalties. This is especially useful for arrivals: you can park and wait as long as needed (up to 60 minutes) until your passenger phones to say they’ve collected their luggage. The downside is distance – the Long Stay lot is roughly a 5-10 minute journey from the terminal. There’s a free shuttle bus service to bring passengers to/from the terminal, but using it does add time. For example, a driver might park free and then ride the shuttle to meet the passenger at arrivals, or an arriving passenger might take the shuttle to meet the driver at the car. Either way, factor in a bit of extra time (and the minor hassle of transferring via shuttle). It’s less convenient than being right at the terminal, but cost-free is hard to beat. For many people, if you’re not in a rush, this option offers the best value.
In summary, drivers and passengers should choose based on their priorities: If you need absolute convenience and minimal walking, budget for the express drop-off or short-stay car park. If you have time or want to save money (for instance, to avoid an extra £7-£15 charge), use the free long-stay option and shuttle. And if you have a disabled parking permit, take advantage of the short-stay concession for a close, free drop-off. Planning ahead can ensure a smooth airport drop-off/pick-up that suits your schedule and your wallet.
Glasgow Airport Parking with APH – Save Money & Hassle
While the airport’s own drop-off and parking charges can be steep, there are other ways to park or drop off more affordably. APH offers a range of secure, great-value parking options at Glasgow Airport – helping you dodge the expensive drive-up rates. By pre-booking with APH, you can often save money and guarantee a parking space in advance, whether you need short-term or long-term parking.
APH has been a trusted name in UK airport parking for over 45 years (voted “Best Airport Parking Company” in the British Travel Awards for 15 years running). When you book with APH, you can choose from options like Park & Ride (park at a secured lot and take a quick shuttle to the terminal) or Meet & Greet services (drop your car off right at the terminal to a valet). These alternatives can be more cost-effective and convenient, especially if you’ll be at the airport for more than a quick drop-off. For example, if you’re seeing someone off and then catching a flight yourself, or if you need to leave your car while you travel, APH’s parking will likely be far cheaper per day than using the on-airport short stay facilities.
Ready to plan your trip and save on parking? Book trusted Glasgow Airport parking with APH now. By booking through APH, you’ll get a guaranteed space and competitive rates at Glasgow Airport’s most reliable parking sites – so you can drop off, park, or travel with peace of mind, knowing your car (and your budget) are in good hands. Safe travels, and happy parking!