Gatwick Airport Slaps Drop-Off Zones with New Charges
Dropping someone off at Gatwick just got pricier. From 8 March, drivers face a minimum £5 fee to drop off passengers at the North Terminal. The South Terminal follows suit on 12 April with the same charge.
Where to Drop Off Without Breaking the Bank
Gatwick’s drop-off zones sit right outside the terminals, making them the quickest way to say goodbye to travellers. But beware — it’s no longer free. If you want to avoid the new fees, consider using the short-stay car parks for pick-ups (note: regular parking charges apply here).
Want to save some cash? The Long Stay car park lets you drop off, pick up, and even park for free for up to 2 hours. Definitely worth considering if you’ve got time to spare.
How Much Does It Cost? Pay Up or Face a Fine
- £5 for the first 10 minutes
- £1 for every additional minute after, up to a maximum of 30 minutes and £25
Make sure to pay your bill by midnight the day after your drop-off. Miss that deadline and you’ll get hit with a Parking Charge Notice of £100 — though you can reduce it to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Easy Payment Options to Avoid a Fine
Gatwick offers several ways to pay:
- Pay PostPay charges on the same day or by midnight the next day
- Sign up for an AutoPay account for hassle-free payments
- Create a free Blue Badge drop-off account for eligible drivers
- Apply for the Local Commuter Scheme permit (check eligibility)
New number plate recognition cameras mean no barriers to slow you down. Just drive in, drop off, and pay conveniently online or via app — no need to dig for coins or cash.
Drop Off at the North Terminal
The North Terminal drop-off zone is on the lower level between the Sofitel hotel and the multi-storey car park. It’s clearly signposted from all approach roads. Remember, charges start on 8 March, so plan ahead!
With all flights currently operating from the North Terminal, this area is buzzing — and now, costing you too.
