Gatwick Drop Off Charge: Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off Guide (2027)

If you’re dropping someone off at Gatwick Airport, you’ll need to know about the Gatwick drop off charge before driving up to the terminal.

Gatwick currently charges £10 for the first 10 minutes in its terminal drop-off zones, with additional charges if you stay longer. There are drop-off zones at both the North and South Terminals, but there’s also a free alternative if you don’t mind using the Long Stay car park and shuttle bus.

Picking someone up works differently, too. Gatwick recommends using its Short Stay car parks for passenger collections rather than waiting in the terminal drop-off zone.

In this guide, we’ll explain the current Gatwick Airport drop-off and pick-up charges, where to go, how to pay, how to avoid paying the drop-off charge legally, and what happens if you forget to pay.

Gatwick Drop Off Charge: Quick Answer

💡 Holiday Blueprint Pick: The Gatwick drop off charge currently starts at £10 for up to 10 minutes at the terminal drop-off zones. After 10 minutes, it costs £1 for each additional minute, with a maximum stay of 30 minutes and a maximum charge of £30.

The charge applies at the dedicated drop-off zones outside both North Terminal and South Terminal.

Want to drop someone off for free? Gatwick currently allows up to two hours’ free parking in its Long Stay car parks, with a free shuttle bus connecting passengers to the terminals.

Picking someone up? We’d use Gatwick’s Short Stay car park rather than the terminal drop-off zone. It gives you somewhere to wait if the flight or baggage is delayed and is Gatwick’s recommended option for collecting passengers.

Our verdict: For a quick goodbye directly outside the terminal, the £10 drop-off zone is the simplest option. If saving money matters more and you have extra time, the free Long Stay option is the obvious choice.

How Much Is the Gatwick Drop Off Charge?

The current Gatwick drop off charge is £10 for the first 10 minutes at the designated drop-off zones outside both North and South Terminal.

If you stay longer, the current charges are:

• Up to 10 minutes: £10
• Each additional minute: £1
• Maximum stay: 30 minutes
• Maximum daily charge: £30

So, for example, staying for 15 minutes would cost £15, while 20 minutes would cost £20. Gatwick doesn’t operate barriers at the terminal forecourts, so you simply drive into the designated zone, drop off your passengers and leave. The charge is then paid separately.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Don’t arrive at the terminal drop-off zone too early if the person you’re dropping off isn’t ready to get out of the car. At £1 for every additional minute after the first 10, the cost can rise quickly.

Time in Drop-Off Zone	Charge
Up to 10 minutes	£10
15 minutes	£15
20 minutes	£20
Maximum stay (30 minutes)	£30

How to Pay the Gatwick Drop Off Charge

Gatwick’s terminal drop-off zones use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, so there are no barriers or payment machines at the exit. Your vehicle registration is recorded when you use the zone.

You need to pay the Gatwick drop off charge by midnight on the day after your visit. For example, if you drop someone off on a Saturday, you’ll need to make payment by midnight on Sunday.

Payment can currently be made online or by phone. You can also set up an AutoPay account, which can be useful if you regularly drive to Gatwick because the charge is automatically taken when your registered vehicle uses the drop-off zone.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Take a screenshot of the payment confirmation or keep the confirmation email until you’re certain the payment has been processed. With ANPR systems, having a record of payment is useful if there’s ever a problem.

Can You Pay the Gatwick Drop Off Charge in Advance?

Yes. Gatwick allows you to pay the terminal drop-off charge in advance, on the day you use the zone, or by midnight the following day.

If you already know when you’re travelling, paying in advance means there’s one less thing to remember after you’ve dropped someone off.

What Happens If You Forget to Pay the Gatwick Drop Off Charge?

If you use one of Gatwick Airport’s terminal drop-off zones and don’t pay the charge by the deadline, you could receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

The current PCN is £100, reduced to £60 if it’s paid within 14 days. This is obviously considerably more expensive than paying the normal £10 drop-off charge. Gatwick Airport drop-off information

Gatwick uses ANPR cameras to record vehicles entering the drop-off zones, so it’s important not to assume you’ll receive a bill or reminder before the payment deadline.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: If you’re worried you’ll forget, pay the charge in advance or as soon as you’ve left Gatwick. Regular visitors can also consider setting up AutoPay so eligible drop-off charges are taken automatically.

What If You Receive a PCN by Mistake?

If you believe you’ve received a Parking Charge Notice incorrectly — for example, because you paid the charge or your vehicle was eligible for an exemption — follow the appeal instructions provided with the notice.

Keep any payment confirmations, receipts or other evidence that could support your appeal.

How to Drop Off at Gatwick Airport for Free

You don’t have to pay the Gatwick drop off charge if you’re happy to drop passengers away from the terminal.

Gatwick currently offers up to two hours of free parking in its Long Stay car parks specifically as an alternative to using the paid terminal drop-off zones. Gatwick’s official drop-off information

Passengers can then take the free shuttle bus to the terminal.

Free Drop-Off for North Terminal

Use the North Terminal Long Stay car park and follow the signs when you arrive.

After dropping off, passengers can take the free shuttle bus to North Terminal.

Free Drop-Off for South Terminal

Use the South Terminal Long Stay car park.

Again, passengers can use the free shuttle service between the Long Stay car park and South Terminal.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Pick: If you’re dropping off a family with several suitcases, young children or a pushchair, we’d probably pay the £10 for the convenience of dropping them directly outside the terminal. If it’s one or two adults who don’t mind taking the shuttle, the free Long Stay option is an easy way to save £10.

Is the Free Gatwick Drop-Off Worth It?

For most able-bodied travellers with manageable luggage, yes — particularly if saving money is the priority.

But remember that you’ll need to allow extra time for the shuttle. The paid terminal drop-off zone is much more convenient because passengers can walk straight into the terminal after leaving the car.

For a one-off family holiday, we’d personally view the choice as:

Convenience → £10 terminal drop-off
Save money → Free Long Stay drop-off

Where to Pick Up Passengers at Gatwick Airport

Picking someone up from Gatwick works differently from dropping them off. Rather than using the terminal drop-off zones, Gatwick recommends using the Short Stay car parks when collecting passengers.

There are Short Stay car parks close to both North Terminal and South Terminal, making them the most convenient option if you need to park and wait for someone to come through arrivals.

Picking Up from Gatwick North Terminal

For passengers arriving at North Terminal, use the North Terminal Short Stay car park.

Park your car and either wait in the terminal or arrange for the passenger to meet you once they’ve collected their luggage and are ready to leave.

Picking Up from Gatwick South Terminal

For passengers arriving at South Terminal, use the South Terminal Short Stay car park.

Again, we’d recommend waiting until the passenger has landed, cleared passport control and collected their luggage before driving into the car park if you want to keep your parking cost down.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Don’t rely purely on the scheduled landing time. It can take a while for passengers to get off the aircraft, clear passport control and collect their bags. Ask them to message or call you when they’re nearly ready to leave the terminal before you drive into Short Stay.

Can You Use the Gatwick Drop-Off Zone for Pick-Up?

The terminal forecourts are designed primarily for dropping passengers off, and Gatwick recommends using the Short Stay car parks when collecting someone.

Using Short Stay also makes more sense if you’re likely to be waiting, as you can park properly rather than watching the minutes — and the cost — increase in the drop-off zone.

Can You Pick Someone Up at Gatwick for Free?

If keeping the cost as low as possible is your priority, the Long Stay car parks can also be useful.

Gatwick currently allows up to two hours of free parking in Long Stay, with free shuttle buses connecting the car parks and terminals.

That means the arriving passenger can take the shuttle from their terminal to Long Stay and meet you there, avoiding the Short Stay parking charge.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Pick: For convenience, we’d use Short Stay and ask the passenger to message when they’re nearly ready. For the cheapest option, we’d arrange to meet in Long Stay and use the two-hour free parking period.

Gatwick North Terminal vs South Terminal Drop-Off

Gatwick Airport has dedicated drop-off zones at both North Terminal and South Terminal, and the same drop-off charging system applies whichever terminal you’re using.

The important thing is simply to make sure you drive to the correct terminal for the passenger’s flight.

Gatwick North Terminal Drop-Off

For North Terminal departures, follow the road signs for North Terminal and then the signs for the terminal drop-off zone.

The drop-off area is close to the terminal, making this the most convenient option for passengers with luggage, children or reduced mobility.

If you’d rather avoid the Gatwick drop off charge, use the North Terminal Long Stay car park and take the free shuttle to the terminal.

Gatwick South Terminal Drop-Off

For South Terminal departures, follow the signs for South Terminal and the designated drop-off area.

As with North Terminal, this puts passengers close to the terminal entrance but the normal drop-off charge applies.

For the free alternative, use the South Terminal Long Stay car park and take the free shuttle to the terminal.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Check your departure terminal before setting off rather than assuming which one you need. Your airline or boarding pass should show whether your flight departs from Gatwick North or South Terminal.

Are the Drop-Off Charges Different at North and South Terminal?

No. The same terminal drop-off charging structure applies at both Gatwick terminals, so there’s no financial advantage to using one terminal’s drop-off zone instead of the other.

Always use the terminal your passenger is actually flying from.

Who Doesn’t Have to Pay the Gatwick Drop Off Charge?

Some passengers may be eligible for an exemption from the Gatwick drop off charge, most notably Blue Badge holders.

Blue Badge Holders

Blue Badge holders can currently use Gatwick’s terminal drop-off zones without paying the normal drop-off charge, but the vehicle must be registered for the exemption.

Gatwick allows Blue Badge holders to register their vehicle either before using the drop-off zone or afterwards, provided the exemption is arranged within Gatwick’s required timeframe.

You’ll normally need details including the Blue Badge number, vehicle registration and flight information when applying.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Don’t assume displaying a Blue Badge in the windscreen automatically prevents the charge. Gatwick’s drop-off zones use ANPR cameras, so make sure you’ve completed the exemption process correctly.

What If Someone Else Is Driving the Blue Badge Holder?

The exemption can still apply when a Blue Badge holder is being dropped off by somebody else. The important thing is to register the vehicle being used for the journey through Gatwick’s Blue Badge exemption process.

Other Exempt Vehicles

Certain authorised vehicles and transport services may also be exempt from the terminal drop-off charge under Gatwick’s rules.

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, check Gatwick’s current exemption information before travelling rather than simply entering the drop-off zone without paying.

Gatwick Drop-Off vs Airport Parking: Which Is Better?

If you’re simply taking someone to Gatwick and leaving immediately, paying the Gatwick drop off charge is usually the easiest option.

But if you’re actually flying from Gatwick yourself, repeatedly using the drop-off zone doesn’t make much sense. In that situation, we’d compare proper airport parking instead.

Choose Gatwick Drop-Off If:

• You’re only taking someone to the airport.
• You want to leave them directly outside the terminal.
• You’ll be there for less than 10 minutes.
• Convenience matters more than saving £10.

Choose Gatwick Airport Parking If:

• You’re flying from Gatwick yourself.
• You’ll be leaving your car for several days.
• You want Park & Ride, Meet & Greet or on-airport parking.
• You’re staying at a Gatwick hotel before an early flight and want a hotel + parking package.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Pick: For a straightforward family drop-off, we’d probably pay the £10 and use the terminal forecourt. But if you’re actually going on holiday and leaving your car at Gatwick, compare airport parking prices before travelling — booking ahead can give you far more choice.

Gatwick Drop Off Charge FAQs

How much is the Gatwick drop off charge?

The Gatwick drop off charge currently starts at £10 for up to 10 minutes at the terminal drop-off zones. After the first 10 minutes, the charge increases by £1 for each additional minute, up to the maximum stay and charge.

Is there a free drop-off area at Gatwick Airport?

Yes. Gatwick currently allows passengers to be dropped off using the Long Stay car parks for up to two hours free of charge. Passengers can then use the free shuttle bus to reach North or South Terminal.

How do I pay the Gatwick drop off charge?

The terminal drop-off zones use ANPR cameras to record your vehicle registration. You can pay the charge online, and payment must currently be made by midnight on the day after you use the drop-off zone.

You can also pay in advance or set up AutoPay if you use Gatwick regularly.

What happens if I forget to pay the Gatwick drop off charge?

If you don’t pay by the deadline, you could receive a £100 Parking Charge Notice (PCN). The charge is currently reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Can I pick someone up from the Gatwick drop-off zone?

Gatwick recommends using its Short Stay car parks when collecting passengers rather than relying on the terminal drop-off zones.

This gives you somewhere to park while you wait for the passenger to clear passport control and collect their luggage.

Can I pick someone up from Gatwick for free?

Yes. One option is to arrange for the passenger to take the free shuttle bus to the Long Stay car park, where Gatwick currently allows up to two hours of free parking.

Do Blue Badge holders pay the Gatwick drop off charge?

Blue Badge holders can currently qualify for an exemption from the terminal drop-off charge, but the vehicle must be registered through Gatwick’s exemption process. Don’t assume displaying the Blue Badge alone automatically removes the charge.

Is the Gatwick drop off charge the same at North and South Terminal?

Yes. The same terminal drop-off charging structure applies at both Gatwick North Terminal and South Terminal.

Can I pay the Gatwick drop off charge before travelling?

Yes. You can pay the charge in advance, which can be useful if you’d rather not have to remember to make the payment after leaving Gatwick.

Gatwick Drop Off Charge: Final Verdict

The Gatwick drop off charge isn’t cheap at £10 for just 10 minutes, but for many families the convenience of dropping passengers directly outside the terminal will make it worth paying.

If we’re dropping off a family with children, several suitcases or a pushchair, we’d probably pay the £10 and keep things simple. You’re directly outside the terminal and don’t need to factor in a shuttle journey before check-in.

However, Gatwick’s free Long Stay drop-off option is a genuinely useful alternative. If you’re travelling light and have enough time, using Long Stay for up to two hours and taking the free shuttle can save the entire drop-off charge.

For passenger pick-ups, we’d avoid trying to time a meeting at the terminal forecourt. Using Short Stay and asking the passenger to message when they’re almost ready is much less stressful.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Verdict: For convenience, we’d pay the £10 terminal drop-off charge. For value, we’d use the free Long Stay option. And if we’re collecting someone from Gatwick, we’d use Short Stay rather than risk watching the drop-off-zone charges increase while waiting.

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