How to pay the Gatwick Airport drop-off charge in 2025

Dropping someone off at London Gatwick Airport? Whether you’re a private hire driver or just giving a friend or family member a lift, this handy guide has everything you need to know about Gatwick Airport’s drop-off charges in 2025.

From understanding the fees and exploring online payment options to discovering free parking alternatives, we’ve got all the details covered to ensure your drop-off experience is as smooth as possible.

Stay informed and avoid unexpected PCNs (Penalty Charge Notices) by knowing the best way to drop off passengers without any hassle.

• How much is the Gatwick Airport drop-off charge?
• Where are the Gatwick drop-off zone locations?
• How do I pay the Gatwick drop-off charge?
• What if I don’t pay the Gatwick drop-off charge?
• Are there any free drop-off areas at Gatwick?
• Where are the pick-up locations at Gatwick?
• Do private hire vehicles get discounts?

How much is the Gatwick Airport drop-off charge?

The Gatwick Airport terminal drop-off charge is £6 for 10 minutes and applies to all vehicles dropping off passengers in both the North and South Terminals at Gatwick.

Be mindful of how long you stay in drop-off zones, as there’s a strict time limit that starts counting down the moment you enter the terminal area.

Price breakdown for Gatwick Airport drop-off charges:

• £6 for 10 minutes
• £1 for each additional minute up to 20 minutes
• Maximum charge of £26 and the maximum length of stay 30 minutes

Remember, no matter how much it costs, just be sure to pay the charge by midnight the next day to avoid unnecessary fines.

The terminal drop-off charge is tracked by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and is in use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Where are the Gatwick drop-off zone locations?

You can drop off passengers right outside the airport terminals at Gatwick. You’ll see there are designated drop-off zones located on the forecourt of both the North and South Terminals, making it a convenient place for passengers to get inside the airport.

Just follow the signs when you arrive and you’ll find these areas easily.

North Terminal drop-off area:

The North Terminal drop-off zone can be found on the lower level between between the Sofitel hotel and the multi-storey car park. You’ll find plenty of signs to guide you.

View on Google Maps

South Terminal drop-off area:

The South Terminal drop-off zone is located on the lower-level forecourt area and also has clear signs.

View on Google Maps

Remember, there aren’t any barriers at the forecourts, so all you need to do is drive into one of the drop-off bays, drop off the passengers, and then drive off.

How do I pay the Gatwick drop-off charge?

You can pay on the day you drop off passengers or by midnight the next day. You shouldn’t pay the charge before you exist the drop-off zone as the ANPR will need to correctly calculate an appropriate charge.

The easiest way to manage your Gatwick drop-off charge is with an AutoPay account. You can add your vehicle registration and other details to your account to make each visit quicker and simpler – perfect if you often drop passengers off here.

Here are three options for paying the drop-off charge at Gatwick:

• Automatically once you set up AutoPay
• Online (London Gatwick Airport website)
• By calling an automated telephone service

You won’t be able to pay the drop-off charge at an airport ticket machine. You can only pay using one of the three options listed above.

What if I don’t pay the Gatwick drop-off charge?

If you don’t pay the Gatwick drop-off charge by midnight the next day, you’ll get a £100 PCN, which can be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Remember, Otto Car will not register your car with Gatwick Airport for you. This is your responsibility. If you do regular drop-offs at Gatwick, you should set up an AutoPay account to avoid fines.

Are there any free drop-off areas at Gatwick?

You can drop off passengers for free at Gatwick Airport’s Long Stay car parks, which offer the first two hours of parking at no charge. Just follow the signs for either ‘North Terminal Long Stay’ or ‘South Terminal Long Stay.’ From there, your passengers can catch a free shuttle bus to the terminal.

When you arrive, take a ticket at the barrier and park in free parking bay. Make sure to keep this ticket safe, as you’ll need to scan it when you exit.

Where are the pick-up locations at Gatwick?

All pickups should take place in the Short Stay car parks at both terminals. But you can also park for free in the Long Stay car parks for up to two hours.

Do private hire vehicles get discounts?

Unfortunately, private hire vehicles (PHVs) are not eligible for any discounts on the terminal drop-off charge. As the driver of the vehicle, you’re responsible for paying the fee.

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Related articles:

• Guide to London Airports’ drop-off charges
• London Heathrow Airport drop-off: How to pay the charge in 2025
• Guide to Manchester Airport’s drop-off and pick-up charges

Last updated: March 2025