Travelling through London’s major airports in 2026 requires a bit more forward planning than it used to, particularly regarding terminal access charges. If you are catching a flight, staying updated on the latest costs is essential to avoid unexpected fines or the stress of navigating payment apps while at the kerbside.
As of early 2026, every major London airport has a mandatory fee for dropping off passengers directly at the terminal forecourt. Here is the current breakdown of what you can expect to pay at the UK’s busiest hubs.
Current Drop-off Charges (April 2026)
| Airport | Fee | Duration |
| Gatwick (LGW) | £10 | Up to 10 minutes |
| London City (LCY) | £8 | Up to 5 minutes |
| Heathrow (LHR) | £7 | Up to 10 minutes |
| Luton (LTN) | £7 | Up to 10 minutes |
| Stansted (STN) | £10 | Up to 15 minutes |
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The Heathrow terminal drop-off charge remains at £7 for 2026. This applies to every entry into the drop-off zones at Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. There are no physical barriers at the entrance; instead, the airport uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to log your arrival.
Pro Tip: You must pay the fee by midnight the day after your visit. Failure to pay results in an £80 Parking Charge Notice (PCN), which can be reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Gatwick is currently one of the most expensive drop-offs in the country. Since the start of 2026, the minimum fee is £10 for 10 minutes. If you exceed this time, it is an additional £1 per minute, capped at 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, your vehicle may be towed or incur a significantly higher fine.
Stansted & Luton
Following an update in March 2026, Stansted now matches Gatwick’s £10 minimum. Luton remains at £7, though they are famously strict on the 10-minute limit. If you have a large family or lots of luggage, these minutes can disappear quickly.
The Benefit of Professional Transfers
While these fees are a standard part of UK travel, they can be a headache for drivers who aren’t familiar with the specific payment portals for each airport. When you book a professional transfer, you remove the guesswork:
- No Hidden Fees: Your quote includes the terminal access charges.
- Door-to-Door Service: No need to park in a distant “Long Stay” car park and wait for a shuttle bus.
- Flight Monitoring: We track your flight in real-time to ensure we are there exactly when you need us, avoiding any extra waiting time charges.
Book Your Stress-Free Transfer Today
Don’t let airport fees ruin the start of your trip. Whether you are heading to Heathrow for a business flight or taking a group to Gatwick for a holiday, DM Airport Transfers provides a reliable, fixed-price service across London and the UK.
- WhatsApp/Mobile: +447947199830
- Email: info@dmairporttransfers.co.uk
- Website: dmairporttransfers.co.uk
