Gatwick Airport is among the busiest and most well-known airports in the United Kingdom, handling millions of passengers each year. Whether you’re dropping off a friend, family member, or travelling yourself, understanding the airport’s drop-off charges is essential to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth travel experience. This guide provides a detailed overview of Gatwick Airport’s drop-off charges, the costs involved, and offers tips for saving money and time during your visit.
Gatwick Airport charges a fee to drop off passengers at the North and South Terminals. The cost starts at £7 for the first 10 minutes and can increase to £27 for 30 minutes. Cameras monitor these drop-offs, and to avoid a £100 parking fine, payment must be processed online by midnight the day after the drop-off. Alternatively, drop-offs can be done for free at the Long Stay car park, which offers free parking for up to two hours and shuttle buses to the terminals.
In 2025, Gatwick will continue to charge for vehicles dropping passengers at either terminal entrance. These fees aim to control road congestion and cut vehicle emissions, making it a standard rule that everyone must follow. If you’re tempted to pull up directly outside the terminal, open the boot, and quickly leave, think again. That quick convenience comes at a cost—the timer starts as soon as you enter the drop-off zone.
There are three straightforward ways to pay the fee, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on how frequently you visit.
This method is perfect for PCO drivers, couriers, and private chauffeurs. Firstly, you need to create an account at NCP Gatwick Drop-Off. After registration, you just need to register your vehicle once. After that, payments are automatically deducted after each visit since you set up your payment details during registration. This approach ensures you never forget to pay or worry about making a payment if plans change suddenly, helping you avoid late fees and fines.
If you prefer not to create an account or set up a direct debit, that’s perfectly fine. Visit the official payment portal, input your vehicle registration details, and complete the payment by midnight the day following your drop-off. It’s that simple. This option is most suitable for one-time or occasional drivers.
For those who favour the traditional approach, you can also call 0330 174 4503 to make a payment by phone. Just have your vehicle registration number and debit or credit card ready, and a team member from NCP will assist you in completing the payment. This method is beneficial for drivers who aren’t comfortable with online portals, which is entirely understandable.
The drop-off fee at Gatwick Airport is £7 for the initial 10 minutes parking. After the initial 10 minutes, an additional £1 is charged for each subsequent minute, until a total of 20 minutes is reached. The maximum allowable parking duration for drop-off is 30 minutes, beyond which charges may increase or parking may be prohibited. The maximum fee for a single day is capped at £27, regardless of the duration of your stay, which must be within the 30-minute limit.
Payment for the drop-off fee must be paid by midnight the day after the drop-off. Payments can be made either online via the airport’s website or by phone. For those seeking free drop-off options, Gatwick recommends using the Long Stay car parks. These car parks offer up to two hours of free parking, and a shuttle service runs regularly to and from the terminal, providing a convenient alternative to paid drop-off.
You might wonder why airports are now charging for drop-offs. It’s not just about making money; the primary purpose is to control and regulate traffic. At Gatwick, the area in front of the terminal was getting too congested with vehicles.
These charges help reduce congestion, keep traffic moving smoothly, and lower emissions around the airport. While it can be frustrating if you’re only dropping someone off, understanding the rules and using a reliable service can make the process easier.
It’s important to note that Gatwick and other airports didn’t introduce these charges just for fun. The main reasons are traffic management and environmental sustainability. Before the charges, crowded forecourts caused delays and increased air pollution. Implementing a paid system has successfully reduced the number of vehicles waiting around the terminal entrances.
If you do not settle the Gatwick drop-off fee by midnight the day following your vehicle drop-off, you will be issued a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) by Gatwick’s enforcement partner, NCP. The PCN carries a penalty of £100. However, if you pay the fine within 14 days of receiving the notice, the charge is reduced to £60.
Understanding Gatwick Airport’s drop-off charges is essential for travellers who want to avoid unforeseen expenses and plan their trips efficiently. By familiarising themselves with the current fee structures, hours of operation, and alternative options, such as short-term or long-term parking, travellers can save money and reduce stress. Staying informed about any updates or changes to policies ensures a smoother journey and helps make cost-effective decisions. Ultimately, being well-informed about these charges enhances the overall travel experience at Gatwick Airport.
