Gatwick Airport charges £10 for up to 10 minutes at its terminal drop-off zones from 6 January 2026, then £1 for each additional minute up to 20 minutes. That is up from £7, one of the biggest drop-off price rises any UK airport has made. Here is the full 2026 tier breakdown for both terminals and how to avoid an automatic £100 penalty.

Gatwick drop-off charge for 2026

  • £10 for the first 10 minutes.
  • £1 for each additional minute, up to 20 minutes.
  • Maximum stay is 30 minutes, and the maximum daily charge is £30.
  • The same charge applies at both the North Terminal and South Terminal forecourts.

There are no barriers. Number-plate (ANPR) cameras record your vehicle as it enters and leaves the drop-off zone, and the charge is based on the time between.

How and when to pay

You do not pay at a machine on the day. Payment is made online, and you have until 23:59 the day after your visit to settle it. Miss that window and Gatwick issues a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £100, reduced to £60 if you pay within 14 days. Always keep a note of the date and terminal you used so you can pay the correct amount.

Who is exempt

Blue Badge holders are exempt from the Gatwick drop-off charge. You will normally need to register your vehicle in advance so the ANPR system recognises it. Check the official Gatwick drop-off pages before you travel.

How Gatwick compares to other UK airports in 2026

At £10 for 10 minutes, Gatwick is joint most expensive with Stansted (£10, but for 15 minutes). For comparison, Luton charges £9 for 12 minutes, Bristol £8.50 for 10, Leeds Bradford £8 for 10 and Manchester £6.50 for 10. If you are the one flying, see what parking costs for your dates on our London Gatwick Airport parking page before anyone drives you to the forecourt.

The bottom line

Budget £10 if you use the Gatwick forecourt in 2026, and pay online by midnight the next day, or the bill becomes £100. Figures here are based on Gatwick's published 2026 tariff; always confirm against the airport's own signage and website, as charges are reviewed periodically.

Gatwick Airport drop-off: frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to drop off at Gatwick Airport in 2026?

£10 for the first 10 minutes at both the North and South Terminal forecourts from 6 January 2026, then £1 for each additional minute up to 20 minutes. The maximum stay is 30 minutes and the maximum daily charge is £30.

How do you pay for Gatwick Airport drop-off?

You pay online, not at a machine, by 23:59 the day after your visit. Miss it and Gatwick issues a £100 Parking Charge Notice, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Which terminals does the Gatwick drop-off charge apply to?

Both the North Terminal and South Terminal forecourts, at the same £10 rate, recorded by number-plate cameras.