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Gatwick Drop Off Charge & Free Alternative

Both Gatwick terminals charge a minimum fee at the kerbside drop-off zones, with prices climbing fast the longer you linger. There is also a completely free option most drivers don't know about. Here's how each works.

Forecourt drop-off

How much is the Gatwick drop-off charge?

A minimum charge applies at the designated drop-off forecourts at both North and South Terminals. The minimum fee covers only a short window — typically around 10 minutes — and the longer you stay the more you pay. Tariffs are reviewed periodically by Gatwick Airport, so always confirm the latest figure on the official airport website before travelling.

Pay on entry by card or contactless. There are no cash payments and no overstay grace period worth relying on — drop your passenger and luggage and exit the lane promptly.

Free option

Where to drop off at Gatwick for free

Use the Long Stay car parks at either terminal. Both offer up to 2 hours of free parking and a complimentary shuttle bus into the terminal.

Shuttles run every 10–15 minutes, day and night, with a journey time of around 5 minutes. For most drop-offs and pick-ups the total round-trip is comfortably inside the free window.

North Terminal — Drop-off

  1. 1Exit the M23 at Junction 9 and follow signs for North Terminal.
  2. 2Take the dedicated 'Drop-off' lane at the terminal forecourt roundabout.
  3. 3Pay the drop-off charge on entry by card or contactless.
  4. 4Unload at the kerb directly outside Departures and exit promptly.
  5. 5For free drop-off instead: follow brown 'Long Stay North' signs.

South Terminal — Drop-off

  1. 1Exit the M23 at Junction 9 and follow signs for South Terminal.
  2. 2Use the South Terminal forecourt — clearly signed for short drop-offs.
  3. 3Pay the drop-off fee on entry by card or contactless.
  4. 4Unload at the kerb beside the covered walkway into Departures.
  5. 5For free drop-off instead: follow brown 'Long Stay South' signs.

Drop-off vs free Long Stay — which to use?

ScenarioBest option
Quick kerbside drop, < 10 minutesForecourt drop-off (minimum fee)
Helping with luggage / accessibilityLong Stay (free for 2 hours)
Meeting an arriving passengerLong Stay (free for 2 hours)
Flight delayed at arrivalsLong Stay — avoids escalating forecourt charges
Heads up: Drop-off tariffs and the free Long Stay window can change. Always confirm current charges directly with Gatwick Airport before you travel. See our full Gatwick parking guide for short stay, long stay, valet and park & ride options.