Most large UK airports now charge to stop outside the terminal. Charges and rules vary a lot — see the drop-off charges table for every airport.
How the charges work
- Number-plate cameras, no barriers. At Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, East Midlands and others you drive straight through; cameras record the visit.
- Pay afterwards — on time. The usual deadline is midnight the day after your visit, online or by phone. Some airports let you set up AutoPay.
- Short time limits. Typical first periods are 5 to 15 minutes, with extra charges or penalties for staying longer.
- Some airports charge at a barrier instead — for example Liverpool, Leeds Bradford, Southampton and Bristol take payment on exit.
If you don't pay
You'll get a parking charge notice. Examples: Heathrow £80 (reduced to £40 within 14 days); Stansted, Manchester and East Midlands £100 (reduced to £60). Bristol and Birmingham also enforce the red routes around their terminals with £100 charges.
How to drop off for free
Many airports offer a free option a little further away, often linked by a shuttle bus:
- Heathrow: Park & Ride car parks, up to 29 minutes free.
- Gatwick and Luton: Long Stay, up to 2 hours free.
- Manchester: the free drop-off area in JetParks 1.
- Stansted: the free drop-off area at Mid Stay.
- Bristol: the Waiting Zone, up to 1 hour free.
- Edinburgh: Long Stay, 30 minutes free (no bus — a 10-minute walk).
Blue Badge holders
Some airports exempt Blue Badge holders or give free time — but not all, and you may have to register in advance. See Blue Badge parking at UK airports.