Dropping off passengers at Gatwick Airport is now simple but comes with new rules and charges. From March 2021, all vehicles entering the drop-off zones are recorded by number plate recognition cameras. A minimum charge of £7 applies and must be paid online once you exit the zone. Blue Badge holders are exempt, and regular commuters at Gatwick South Terminal can join a Local Commuter Scheme.
Whether you’re dropping someone off or catching a flight yourself, here’s everything you should know about Gatwick Airport’s drop-off charge in 2025.
What Is the Gatwick Drop-Off Charge?
In 2025, Gatwick Airport continues to charge vehicles that drop passengers directly at the terminal entrance both North and South. These charges were introduced to manage road congestion around the terminals and reduce vehicle emissions. It’s now a standard rule you can’t ignore.
If you’re thinking of pulling up right outside the terminal, opening the boot, and making a quick getaway, hold on. That convenience comes at a cost, and the clock starts ticking the moment you enter the drop-off area.
Gatwick North Terminal Drop-Off
The North Terminal drop-off zone is located on the lower-level forecourt between the Sofitel and the multi-storey car park. Enter via Airport Way or London Road and follow the signs. After collecting luggage, exit via the clearly marked route. Online payment for the drop-off must be made the same day or by midnight the next day. Failure to pay triggers a £100 parking charge notice, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
North Terminal Drop-Off Charges:
£7 for the first 10 minutes, £1 for each additional minute up to 20 minutes, maximum £25, maximum stay 30 minutes. You can still drop off for free by using the Long Stay North car park. Take a ticket, park in a free bay, and your passengers can use the shuttle bus to the terminal, running every 10–12 minutes. Stay under two hours to avoid charges.
| Parking Duration | Cost (Short Stay Car Park) | Cost (Premium Short Stay) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 minutes | £6.00 | £6.50 |
| 31 to 60 minutes | £8.00 | £10.30 |
| 1 to 2 hours | £13.00 | £15.00 |
| 2 to 3 hours | £15.00 | £19.00 |
| 3 to 4 hours | £19.00 | £24.50 |
| 4 to 5 hours | £22.00 | £29.50 |
| 5 to 6 hours | £26.00 | £35.00 |
| 6 to 12 hours | £40.00 | £50.00 |
| 12 to 24 hours | £45.00 | £55.00 |
| Every extra day | £45.00 | £55.00 |
Gatwick South Terminal Drop-Off
The South Terminal drop-off zone sits on the lower-level forecourt outside the terminal entrance. Enter via Airport Way and follow signs to the drop-off area. Payment rules are the same as the North Terminal, and failure to pay generates a penalty notice.
South Terminal Drop-Off Charges:
£7 for the first 10 minutes, £1 per additional minute up to 20 minutes, maximum £25, maximum stay 30 minutes. Free drop-off is possible via Long Stay South car park. Take a ticket, park in a bay, and your passengers can use the shuttle to the terminal, running every 10–12 minutes. Stay under two hours to avoid charges.
| Parking Duration | Cost (Short Stay Car Park) | Cost (Premium Short Stay) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 minutes | £6.00 | £6.50 |
| 31 to 60 minutes | £8.00 | £10.30 |
| 1 to 2 hours | £13.00 | £15.00 |
| 2 to 3 hours | £15.00 | £19.00 |
| 3 to 4 hours | £19.00 | £24.50 |
| 4 to 5 hours | £22.00 | £29.50 |
| 5 to 6 hours | £26.00 | £35.00 |
| 6 to 12 hours | £40.00 | £50.00 |
| 12 to 24 hours | £45.00 | £55.00 |
| Every extra day | £45.00 | £55.00 |
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
You’ve got until midnight the day after your drop-off to pay the fee. Leave it any later and Gatwick will issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £100. If you pay that within 14 days, they’ll reduce it to £60. Still, that’s a pretty steep price to pay for forgetting something as simple as a quick online payment.
How Do You Pay the Gatwick Drop-Off Fee?
Gatwick has made the payment process straightforward:
- Visit the Gatwick Airport website to pay manually
- Or sign up for AutoPay if you visit regularly
Setting up AutoPay is the best option for frequent travellers. You register your vehicle once, and the system automatically charges your card every time you enter the drop-off zone. No logins, no last-minute stress.
Just make sure your number plate is registered correctly because if it’s not, the system won’t recognise your car and you’ll still get fined.
Blue Badge Exemptions
Blue Badge holders must register in advance, providing passenger names, flight dates, vehicle registration, and a copy of the Blue Badge to qualify for free drop-off.
Local Commuter Scheme
Residents in RH6 0, RH6 9, or RH11 0 postcodes using Gatwick railway station can register for the Local Commuter Scheme. It allows two free drop-offs per day at the South Terminal for an annual fee of £50.
Automatic Payments & Taxis
Regular visitors can set up an AutoPay account to automatically pay drop-off fees each visit. Taxis are not exempt but can add the charge to the passenger fare.
Drop-Off Zones & Barriers
Gatwick drop-off zones are barrier-free to allow smooth traffic flow. Cameras record all entries and exits, and online payment is mandatory.
Picking Up at Gatwick
Short-stay car parks are ideal for picking up passengers. The drop-off zones are time-limited, and charges rise after 10 minutes, with a maximum of £25 for 30 minutes. Long Stay car parks provide free parking up to two hours with shuttle access to the terminals.
Red Routes
Avoid red routes marked with double red lines. No stopping, parking, or unloading is allowed. Violations incur a £100 fine, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Is There Any Way to Avoid Paying the Drop-Off Charge?
Yes. Gatwick Airport provides a Long Stay Car Park where you can drop passengers off for free for up to two hours. It’s not directly outside the terminal, but there’s a shuttle bus that runs frequently and gets you to either terminal in just a few minutes.
This is the best option if:
- You want to walk someone inside and say a proper goodbye
- You’re helping someone with multiple bags
- You’ve got extra time before your flight
- You want to avoid any chance of being fined
Top Tips to Make Drop-Off Easier
Here are a few quick wins to help you stay ahead of the drop-off chaos:
- Check which terminal you need before setting off (North or South)
- Sign up for AutoPay if you go to Gatwick often
- Keep your license plate and payment info up to date
- Use the Long Stay Car Park when time allows
- Avoid peak hours when traffic is heavier around the airport
- Set a reminder to pay if you’re doing it manually
Planning ahead takes minutes, but it could save you a lot of stress and money.
Getting to Gatwick Airport By Road
Gatwick Airport is 28 miles south of London, just off M23 Junction 9. From the north, take the M23 from M25 Junction 7. From the south, Gatwick is 27 miles from Brighton via A23/M23. When you book a Gatwick airport transfer with us, we handle the logistics from start to finish. That means no worrying about where to drop off, no scrambling to make payments, and no risk of a forgotten fine.
We include the drop-off fee in your quoted fare, so you only pay the fixed fare. Our drivers are experienced, punctual, and know every twist and turn of Gatwick Airport’s layout.
So instead of stressing over timers and traffic lanes, you can focus on the journey ahead and let us handle the road.
FAQs
How much does it cost to drop off passengers at Gatwick Airport?
The drop-off charge is £7 for the first 10 minutes. Each extra minute up to 20 minutes costs £1. The maximum fee is £25, and the maximum stay in the drop-off zone is 30 minutes.
Can I pay for the drop-off online or by card?
Yes. You can pay online after leaving the drop-off zone. Card payments are also accepted at some machines. Payment must be made the same day or before midnight the next day.
Are there any exemptions for the drop-off charges?
Blue Badge holders are exempt if they register in advance. You need to provide vehicle registration, passenger name, flight date, and a photo or scan of the Blue Badge.
Where is the best place to pick up passengers at Gatwick?
Short Stay car parks are ideal for pick-ups. Charges are lower for the first hour compared to drop-off zones, and you can stay longer if needed. Long Stay car parks offer free parking for up to 2 hours with shuttle bus access to terminals.
Can I get free drop-off at Gatwick?
Yes. Free drop-off is available at Long Stay North or South car parks. Take a ticket at the entry barrier, park in a free bay, and use the shuttle bus to the terminal. You must exit within two hours to avoid charges.
What are the Short Stay parking rates at Gatwick?
Short Stay car parks cost £6 for up to 10 minutes, £8 for 31–60 minutes, £13 for 1–2 hours, and up to £45 for 12–24 hours. Premium Short Stay has slightly higher rates, up to £55 per day.
Can I set up automatic payments for drop-off?
Yes. Regular visitors can create an AutoPay account. Your card is charged automatically each time you enter the drop-off zone.
How do I avoid fines for drop-off or parking?
Always pay online if using the drop-off zone. Avoid red routes. For Short Stay or Long Stay, follow parking rules and time limits. Blue Badge holders or registered commuters must have proper registration.
Conclusion
The Gatwick drop-off charge in 2025 isn’t something to ignore. Whether you’re heading out of the country or dropping off a loved one, being informed about the fees, time limits, and payment methods can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. And if you’d rather not think about it at all? That’s what TappAXI is here for.
