Dropping off passengers at London Gatwick Airport has become a standard part of many travel plans, but knowing how much it costs to use the official dropoff zones can help you budget and avoid unexpected charges. Gatwick introduced a structured pricing system for vehicles that stop in the terminal forecourt areas outside both the North and South Terminals. These charges are designed to manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and encourage efficient use of space near the departure areas. The cost varies based on how long you stay and whether you use the official dropoff area or choose alternative options.
Standard Gatwick Airport DropOff Charges
Gatwick Airport’s official dropoff zones are located right outside the departures areas of both the North and South Terminals. These zones are the most convenient places to let passengers out with their luggage and head straight into the terminal. The pricing structure is set to ensure that the space is used for quick dropoffs and not longer waits or parking.
Basic Fees
The basic charge for using the Gatwick dropoff zone is a minimum fee that applies as soon as you enter the area and stop to let passengers out. The current charge structure includes the following
- A standard £7 fee for the first 10 minutes in the dropoff zone, covering the most common short stays.
- After the initial 10 minutes, a £1 charge per extra minute is added for each minute up to a total of 20 additional minutes.
- The maximum charge is typically capped at £25 to £27, reached after around 20-30 minutes in the zone.
- The maximum allowed stay in the dropoff zone is 30 minutes, after which you must leave, as the area is not intended for longer parking.
This pricing structure applies similarly at both terminals, so the cost is predictable whether you’re dropping passengers at the North Terminal or the South Terminal. The exact maximum daily cap can vary slightly depending on tariff adjustments, but in most cases you will not pay more than around £25-£27 even if you stay the full allowed time.
How to Pay the DropOff Fee
Gatwick Airport uses an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system to record your vehicle’s entry and exit from the dropoff area. There are no barriers in the dropoff zone, so payment must be made after the visit. The system captures your license plate when you enter and you then pay based on how long you stopped there.
Payment Methods
- Online payment through Gatwick’s PostPay portal. You can pay anytime after your visit but must do so by midnight of the following day.
- Paying by phone through the airport’s automated payment line. You will need your vehicle registration and payment details ready.
- Setting up an AutoPay account if you use Gatwick dropoff zones frequently, which can simplify payments and avoid late charges.
Failing to pay the dropoff fee by the deadline can lead to a Parking Charge Notice (PCN), which is typically significantly higher than the standard dropoff fee itself. This makes timely payment important to avoid extra costs.
Alternatives to the Terminal DropOff Zone
If you want to avoid the Gatwick dropoff charge altogether, there are a few alternatives worth considering. These might take a bit more time or require a short shuttle ride, but they can save money, especially if you plan to spend longer than the typical 10minute dropoff period.
Free Options and Car Parks
- Long Stay Car Parks Gatwick’s long stay car parks offer two hours of free parking and a shuttle bus service to both terminals. This can be a good choice if you have luggage or expect to be away from your vehicle for a short time.
- Short Stay Car Parks While not free, short stay car parks are located close to the terminals and may be cheaper than the dropoff zone if you plan to stay longer than the free dropoff period.
- Waiting-OffSite Options Some drivers choose to drop passengers off just outside the airport perimeter on nearby roads or at designated waiting zones, contacting them once they are inside. This avoids the dropoff charge but requires good timing and patience.
Special Exemptions and Permits
Gatwick Airport also provides exemptions and permit schemes for specific groups, which can reduce or eliminate dropoff fees in certain situations.
Blue Badge Holders
Blue Badge holders (drivers or passengers with disabilities) may qualify for free dropoff in the terminal zones, but must register in advance and provide proof of eligibility. The exemption typically covers up to a 30minute stay without charge once registered.
Local Commuter Scheme
Residents living within specified postcodes near Gatwick Airport can apply for a Local Commuter permit, which allows up to two visit dropoffs per day in the South Terminal without paying the standard fee. This scheme has an annual charge (typically around £50) and applies only to registered vehicles.
Tips for Managing Gatwick DropOff Costs
Knowing how much a Gatwick dropoff can cost and planning ahead can save you money and stress on travel day. Here are some practical tips
- Try to keep the stop under the initial time threshold (usually 10 minutes) to avoid paying for additional minutes.
- Pay for the dropoff fee promptly, ideally the same day, to avoid forgetfulness and potential fines.
- Consider using Long Stay car parks with free shuttle service if you expect to be away from your vehicle longer.
- Register for AutoPay if you’re a frequent user to streamline payments.
- Check eligibility for Blue Badge exemptions or Local Commuter permits if applicable.
The cost to drop off passengers at Gatwick Airport varies depending on how long you stay in the official dropoff zone. For most drivers, the minimum charge is £7 for up to 10 minutes, with additional charges of about £1 per minute and a maximum cap of approximately £25-£27 for a 30minute stay. Payments must be completed by midnight the following day to avoid fines. Alternatives like free long stay parking with shuttle buses or short stay car parks might be more costeffective for longer stays. Exemptions for Blue Badge holders and local commuter permit schemes offer further ways to reduce or eliminate the standard fees. Planning ahead and understanding these costs can help make your trip through Gatwick smoother and more affordable.