- Mr Plane Guy
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charge Rises to £10, Here’s How to Avoid It
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger & Flight Expert
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It helps fund the blog (and my airport Pret addiction).
Gatwick Airport is increasing its terminal drop-off charge to £10, making it one of the most expensive airport drop-off fees in the UK.
From 6 January 2026, drivers stopping outside the terminal for up to 10 minutes will pay £10, a £3 rise overnight and more than double the original charge when drop-off fees were first introduced in 2021.
If you’re researching how to get to Gatwick, or planning airport parking before a holiday, this is one cost worth factoring in early.
Why Is Gatwick Increasing Its Drop-Off Charge?
According to Gatwick Airport, the price rise is driven by:
Rising operating costs
A significant increase in business rates
Efforts to reduce congestion at terminal forecourts
The airport also says higher drop-off charges are intended to encourage public transport use, while funding sustainable transport initiatives.
Blue Badge holders remain exempt, and passengers can still be dropped off for free at long-stay car parks using the free shuttle bus.
That’s the theory, but for many travellers, especially families and early-morning departures, it adds yet another unavoidable airport cost.
Gatwick Drop-Off Charges: How They’ve Changed
March 2021: £5 introduced
2024: Increased to £6
May 2025: Increased to £7
January 2026: Rising to £10
That’s a 100% increase in under five years.
And Gatwick isn’t alone:
Heathrow drop-off rises to £7 in January
London City is introducing a drop-off fee
Across mainland Europe, very few major airports charge for terminal drop-off, with Amsterdam Schiphol one of the notable exceptions.
Flying From Gatwick? Parking Is Now Often Cheaper Than Drop-Off
Here’s the irony: For many trips, airport parking at Gatwick now costs less than dropping someone off twice.
That’s why more travellers are searching for:
Gatwick airport parking deals
Gatwick North vs South parking
Cheapest way to park at Gatwick
And it’s exactly where planning ahead saves serious money.
🅿️ Plane Airport Parking: Compare Gatwick Parking Prices for 2026
Parking prices fluctuate wildly depending on:
Terminal (North vs South)
Travel dates
How early you book
That’s why I use and recommend Compare Parking Prices UK as part of my Plane Airport Parking guides.
Whether you need:
Meet & Greet (hand over the keys, walk to check-in)
Park & Ride (budget-friendly with shuttle)
Official on-site parking
…you’ll see all options side by side in seconds.
🅿️ Why Compare Parking Prices UK Is Worth Using
Compare trusted Gatwick parking providers instantly
Official airport & independent options verified
Transparent pricing (no “arrival surprises”)
Flexible cancellation on most bookings
UK-based support if plans change
With average bookings between £80–£150, this is often less than two terminal drop-offs and far less stressful.
Plane Tip: Take a quick photo of your parking bay, level and row before you leave. Jet-lagged you will thank past you.
🅿️ When to Book Gatwick Parking for the Best Price
2–3 weeks ahead: Save 20–40%
Avoid Friday mornings: Peak pricing
Mid-week departures: Cheapest rates
School holidays: Book as early as possible
Parking + Lounge Access = The Plane Way to Start a Trip
Once you’ve parked smart, don’t undo it by queueing at the gate.
Pair your parking with Priority Pass lounge access and start your trip properly:
Quiet seating
Food & drinks included
Wi-Fi and power points
My readers get 30% off Priority Pass even without flying business class.
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Check out my London Gatwick Lounge Reviews and many more airport reviews and details of special offers for airport lounges here.
Final Boarding Call: Getting to Gatwick Without Overpaying
✔ Factor in the £10 drop-off charge
✔ Compare parking prices before you book
✔ Choose North vs South carefully
✔ Book early for the best rates
✔ Start your trip in a lounge if you can
Airport parking isn’t glamorous, but saving £60 on it feels first-class.
Plane Related Reads
The Best Lounge at Gatwick? I Visited Them All So You Don’t Have To
Priority PassReview 2026: One Year of Lounge Access, Was It Worth It?
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charge Rises to £10, Here’s How to Avoid It.
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The PLANE Smart Way to Take Off
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