In a rather unsurprising turn of events, London has – once again – topped the eye-wateringly expensive charts. Gatwick Airport is now officially the priciest airport in the UK when it comes to its drop-off fees. And whilst the Department for Transport has recently announced that the government is set to launch a review of the country’s airport drop-off charges, drivers are currently having to fork out a whopping £10 for just a couple of minutes at Gatwick.
However, I come bearing a way in which you can avoid the fee (and the £100 fine that’ll incur if you forget to pay it). So, listen up, dear holiday-loving Londoners – because you’re going to want to hear this.
Gatwick Airport drop-off charges
The Gatwick Airport drop-off zones are located on the forecourt outside both of the terminals. If you’re dropping someone off there, it will currently set you back £10 for up to 10 minutes and then £1 for each additional minute. There is a maximum length of stay of 30 minutes, thus a maximum daily charge of £30.
The drop-off charge must be paid by midnight on the following day or drivers will incur a Parking Charge Notice of £100 (which is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days of issue). Blue badge holders are exempt from the drop-off fee but vehicles must be registered online.
How to drop someone off for free at Gatwick Airport
Now, if you don’t fancy forking out a tenner, there is a way in which you can drop someone off at Gatwick Airport without paying a penny. Both of the airport’s terminals have a long-stay car park that offers up to two hours parking for free. There is then a shuttle bus that runs regularly, taking passengers straight to the terminal for free in around 10 minutes.
It is worth noting, however, that if you outstay the free two hours, you will have to pay the daily charge of £38 for the long-stay car park. Gatwick Airport also boasts a very handy train station, with speedy services running regularly from central London.
You can find out more about Gatwick Airport’s drop-off information here.
