Gatwick drop-off fee reaches double figures after new charge introduced at London City

Gatwick Drop-Off Fee Hits £10 – Park First Offers a Convenient Alternative

Motorists dropping off passengers directly at London Gatwick Airport terminals now face a charge of £10, making Gatwick the first UK airport to set its drop-off fee at double figures. The increase represents a 43 per cent rise on the previous £7 charge and a doubling of the cost since it was first introduced in April 2021 at £5. The fee rose to £6 in January 2024 and £7 in May 2025. Gatwick has attributed the increase to rising costs, including a more than doubling of its business rates in the recent Budget.

A Gatwick spokesperson said the increase was not taken lightly. The airport emphasised that passengers can still be dropped off for free in long-stay car parks, where a free shuttle bus is available to the terminals. Blue Badge holders are also exempt from the charge. Gatwick highlighted its excellent public transport links, with trains connecting directly to more than 120 stations, frequent services to London and Brighton, and local buses operating 24 hours a day.

The airport said the higher drop-off fee is designed to reduce congestion at terminal entrances and encourage greater use of public transport. The charge also supports sustainable transport initiatives, including a £1 million investment in new and enhanced Metrobus routes in 2025. Gatwick pointed out that it is the best-connected airport in the UK for surface transport, having been built next to the main London to Brighton railway line to provide fast, frequent rail access for passengers.

Despite these alternatives, the increase has sparked frustration among drivers who frequently use the airport for family, friends, or business trips. One driver at the North Terminal commented: “I live particularly close, which means I’m using the airport quite a lot. I was just checking the tariff and I am not happy.”

For travellers looking to avoid the stress of terminal congestion and high drop-off charges, Park First offers a practical and convenient alternative. By pre-booking a space at one of our secure off-site car parks, drivers can enjoy:

• Better value for money compared with paying for terminal drop-offs
• Stress-free transfers, with a free shuttle directly to the terminal
• Safe and fully monitored parking, ideal for short or long trips
• Flexible booking options, suitable for last-minute travel

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The Gatwick fee increase comes shortly after other UK airports have raised their charges. Bristol Airport increased its drop-off fee by 21 per cent to £8.50, and London City Airport introduced an £8 charge for the first time on the same day, citing efforts to encourage passengers to use public or sustainable transport.

Drop-off fees at UK airports were first introduced following a security incident at Glasgow Airport in June 2007, when two terrorists attempted to drive a Jeep loaded with explosives into the terminal. Gatwick’s £10 fee now places it at the top of the UK drop-off charge list, followed by Bristol (£8.50) and London City (£8).

With terminal drop-offs becoming increasingly expensive and congested, Park First offers passengers a safer, less stressful, and more practical solution. Pre-booked off-site parking allows drivers to avoid the queues, leave their vehicle in a secure location, and travel to the terminal via a reliable shuttle, ensuring a smoother start to every journey.