Airport drop-off charges
UK airport drop-off charges, compared
Every major UK airport now charges for dropping off at the terminal. Miss the payment deadline and the fee becomes a fine.
Last updated · How we check our content
| Airport | Current fee | Pay by | Blue Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | Official page | Midnight the day after your visit | Yes. Valid UK/EEA Blue Badge holders can apply for a 100% discount |
| Gatwick | Official page | Midnight the day after your visit | Yes. Blue Badge holders are exempt from the drop-off charge |
| Stansted | Official page | Midnight the day after your visit (an AutoPay account can bill each visit automatically instead) | Not confirmed for this site. Check the signs on the day |
| Manchester Airport | Official page | Midnight the day after your visit | Yes. Blue Badge holders drop off free on production of their badge to traffic marshals |
| Birmingham | Official page | Within 24 hours of leaving the car park (or set up NCP AutoPay before you travel) | Yes, at Premium Set Down: 30 minutes free if your Blue Badge is validated at the NCP customer service cabin before you leave (the badge holder must be present). Longer stays are charged. |
Deadlines and Blue Badge rules checked against each airport's official page on 17 August 2026. Always check the signs on the day.
How to avoid a drop-off fine
- Check the current fee on the airport's official page before you travel.
- Pay online before the deadline: midnight the day after your visit at most airports, 24 hours after leaving at Birmingham.
- Enter your registration exactly. One wrong character can leave the fee unmatched.
- Keep the payment confirmation as evidence.
- Look for a free or cheaper drop-off option further from the terminal, such as Birmingham's Drop Off car park (free for 10 minutes).
Got a drop-off fine? Check your airport
Heathrow
Enforced by APCOA Parking on behalf of Heathrow Airport Ltd
Gatwick
Enforced by APCOA Parking on behalf of Gatwick Airport Ltd
Stansted
Enforced by APCOA Parking on behalf of Manchester Airport Group (MAG)
Manchester Airport
Enforced by Manchester Airport Group (MAG) / APCOA
Birmingham
Enforced by Birmingham Airport (car parks run by NCP)
Frequently asked questions
Are airport drop-off charges legally enforceable?▼
Usually yes: the signage is normally clear and the legal authority well established. But terminal forecourts are often covered by airport byelaws, which affects whether POFA 2012 keeper liability applies. ANPR errors, payment-matching failures, and procedural mistakes are genuine grounds to challenge a specific charge.
Why don't you list the fees?▼
Airports change drop-off fees often and without much notice: several raised them during 2026. A price that is out of date is worse than none, so we link to each airport's official page for the current fee.
Do Blue Badge holders have to pay?▼
It varies. Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham offer Blue Badge exemptions or free time, each with a different process. We have not confirmed Stansted's. See the Blue Badge column above.
Check your airport charge, free
Upload your notice and we will identify the airport, the enforcing operator, and whether you have grounds to challenge it.
Start free scanLegal information only, not legal advice. For urgent matters, speak to a qualified adviser.