Gatwick airport drop off: charges, paying, and the free option

What is the Gatwick South drop off charge?

It's £10 for up to 10 minutes, then £1 a minute up to a maximum of 30, and it applies the moment your wheels touch the forecourt. (Yes, even if you're "just popping in". Especially then.) The barrier camera reads your number plate, which is more attention than my number plate has had since I passed my test. You get 10 minutes to unload, hug, cry and remember the passports are still in the glovebox.

Are the Gatwick North drop off charges any different?

No - it's the same £10 for 10 minutes. North Terminal works the same way, which is the only thing about Gatwick's two terminals that does. Think of it as a matching pair of parking tickets. (Collect both. Frame them. Do not.)

When did the Gatwick drop-off charge increase?

The charge went up from £7 to £10 on 6 January 2026, having only risen to £7 in May 2025. [Link to: Gatwick's official drop-off page] I take every rise personally. The airport does not take my feelings into account, which I think is a missed opportunity for them.

How do you pay the Gatwick drop off charge?

Online at gatwickairport.com (the drop-off payment page) by midnight the day after you drop off, or set up autopay so you never have to think about it again. (Thinking is the expensive bit.) Miss the deadline and the £100 penalty charge (£60 if you pay within 14 days) is the airport's way of saying it misses you. If you drop off often, autopay is the grown-up choice. I am told grown-ups exist.

Is there free drop off parking at Gatwick?

Yes. Park in the Long Stay car park at either terminal - the first 2 hours are free - and take the free shuttle bus to the terminal. The shuttle runs every 10 to 12 minutes, so allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes. It's free, which is lovely, and it takes a bit longer, which is less lovely when you're late. Trade-offs: the official language of airports.

Or skip it: getting dropped off by a taxi

When we drive you to Gatwick, the drop-off charge is already in your fixed fare. You get out, we drive off, and nobody in your family has to set a phone reminder that reads "PAY THE AIRPORT" in capitals. (I have that reminder. It is still there. It's been there since spring.)

Tips for a quick Gatwick drop-off

Check your terminal before you set off - turning up at the wrong one and driving back in means paying twice. Get the bags out and the passports in hand before the car stops, keep the goodbyes short, and pay the charge the same day so it doesn't slip your mind.

Gatwick drop off questions

How much is the drop off charge at Gatwick?

£10 for up to 10 minutes at North or South Terminal, then £1 a minute up to 30 minutes. Checked 30 October 2026.

How long do I have to pay the Gatwick drop off charge?

Until midnight the day after your visit.

What happens if I don't pay?

A £100 parking charge notice, reduced to £60 if you pay within 14 days.

Do taxis pay the Gatwick drop off charge?

Yes. Taxis and private hire cars pay the same charge. With Ridii it's included in your fixed fare, so there's nothing extra for you to pay.

Closing link to the money page: Rather not think about any of this? Book a taxi to Gatwick with Ridii from Oxted, Caterham or anywhere nearby, and we'll handle the forecourt.

Author box: Written by the Ridii Cars team at our Oxted office, who run airport transfers across Surrey 24 hours a day.