How much is the Gatwick drop-off charge?
£10 for up to 10 minutes, then £1 a minute to a 30 minute maximum. The forecourt drop-off charge has been £10 since 6 January 2026 (up from £7). It applies 24 hours a day, every day, to cars, taxis and private hire vehicles alike.
Where the drop-off zone is
The North Terminal zone is on the lower level between the Sofitel and the multi-storey car park. The South Terminal zone is on the lower level. Cameras read number plates; there are no barriers.
How to pay
Pay online, by phone or by AutoPay, by midnight the day after. The payment phone line is 0330 174 4503. You cannot pay at the kerb. If you use the zone often, set up AutoPay so it is taken from your card automatically.
What happens if you do not pay
The registered keeper of the car gets a £100 parking charge, cut to £60 if paid within 14 days. If you went in a taxi or a hire car, the charge falls on the driver, which is why most drivers add it to the fare.
Blue Badge holders
Blue Badge holders are exempt if they register in advance with Times24, including when travelling by taxi (register the taxi's number plate), for a free 30 minute session.
How to avoid the charge
The free option is the Long Stay car parks, free for up to two hours, with a free shuttle bus to both terminals. It adds 15 to 30 minutes to the trip, so leave earlier.
Picking someone up at Gatwick
Gatwick asks private hire drivers to use the Short Stay car parks, so your driver parks there and meets you in Arrivals just past the customs exit with a name board. Short Stay costs £8 for up to 30 minutes and £14 for up to an hour.
By taxi, the charge is already paid
Every A1 Airport Taxis fare to Gatwick Airport includes the £10 forecourt drop-off charge, and every pickup fare includes the car park. Nothing is added at the kerb. See Gatwick taxi prices from your area, or compare the drop-off charges at all four London airports.
Questions
How much does it cost to drop off at Gatwick in 2026?
£10 for up to 10 minutes, then £1 a minute to a 30 minute maximum, paid online, by phone or by AutoPay, by midnight the day after.
Is there a free drop-off at Gatwick?
Yes: the Long Stay car parks, free for up to two hours, with a free shuttle bus to both terminals.
Do taxis pay the Gatwick drop-off charge?
Yes. Taxis and private hire cars pay it like any other vehicle. Our fares already include it.
What is the fine for not paying the Gatwick drop-off charge?
A £100 parking charge, cut to £60 if paid within 14 days.