✈️ UK Airport Drop-Off Charges 2025: The Real Cost of a “Kiss & Fly”
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Heading abroad this summer? 🌞 Before you even get through security, you could face an unexpected charge just for being dropped off outside the terminal. At 24 of the UK’s 29 biggest airports, it’s no longer free to pull up and say goodbye — and some of the fees are eye-watering.
In 2025, charges range from £3 to £15 for just 10 minutes 🚗💸. The worst offenders include Luton (£10) and Southend (£15). Even a “quick drop” at airports like Bristol, Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, Southampton and Stansted will set you back £7.
But don’t panic — in most cases, there is a free alternative if you’re happy to walk or hop on a shuttle bus. Here’s everything you need to know about UK airport drop-off charges in 2025 and how to avoid paying them.
🚦 How Drop-Off Charges Work
Airports say the charges help reduce congestion and cover operational costs. For travellers, though, it feels like another hidden fee on top of flights, luggage, and airport food.
- Some airports only allow 10 minutes before prices skyrocket.
- Others don’t allow waiting at all — drop-off and drive.
- Fines apply if you stop on approach roads (look out for cameras and double red lines).
💡 Money-saving tip: Almost every airport has a free drop-off option, usually in a long-stay or mid-stay car park, with shuttle buses or walking routes to the terminal. It takes longer — but it’s free.
📊 Kiss & Fly Charges at UK Airports (2025)
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll pay to set someone down outside departures:
| Airport | 10 mins | 30 mins |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | £5.50 | £20.50 |
| Belfast City | £4 | £20 |
| Belfast International | £3 | £10 |
| Birmingham | £6 | £23 |
| Bournemouth | £5 | £5 |
| Bristol | £7 | £13 |
| Cardiff | £3 | £9 |
| East Midlands | £5 | £20 |
| Edinburgh | £6 | £26 |
| Exeter | £5 | £5 |
| Gatwick | £7 | £27 |
| Glasgow | £6 | £21 |
| Glasgow Prestwick | £4.50 | £4.50 |
| Guernsey | Free (30 mins) | Free (30 mins) |
| Heathrow | £6 (no waiting) | N/A |
| Inverness | Free | £3.80 |
| Isle of Man | Free (no waiting) | N/A |
| Jersey | Free (no waiting) | N/A |
| Leeds Bradford | £7 | £12.50 |
| Liverpool | £6 | £25 |
| London City | Free (no waiting) | N/A |
| Luton | £10 | N/A |
| Manchester | £6.20 | £25 |
| Newcastle | £5 | £10 |
| Newquay | Free (10 mins) | N/A |
| Norwich | £5 | £5 |
| Southend | £15 | £15 |
| Southampton | £7 | N/A |
| Stansted | £7 | £25 |
(Updated July 2025)
🆓 How to Drop Off for Free (Airport by Airport)
Here’s the good news: most airports do give you a free option — you just have to know where to look. In most cases, it’s a long-stay or mid-stay car park with a shuttle or walking path.
Examples:
- Heathrow → Free 29-minute drop-off in park & ride car parks, with free bus transfers.
- Manchester → JetParks 1 is free for 1 hour, with a 5-minute shuttle.
- Gatwick → Long-stay car parks offer up to 2 hours free, with regular buses.
- Birmingham → Free drop-off zone for 10 mins, with a 10-min walk or shuttle.
- Liverpool → Drop Off 2 car park gives 20 minutes free, 5–10 min walk.
🚶 Some airports (like Bournemouth, Prestwick, Norwich, Southend, Southampton) have no reliable free alternative right now. In these cases, locals suggest nearby retail parks or rail stations — but always allow extra time and check official guidance.
💡 Extra Travel Tips
- ✅ Blue Badge holders & EV drivers sometimes get additional exemptions — check airport websites.
- 🕒 Allow more time if using shuttles or walking routes.
- ❌ Don’t risk roadside drop-offs — fines and cameras are waiting.
- 🛑 Check updates before you travel — charges can change with little notice.
✨ Plan Ahead & Save
Avoiding drop-off charges is just one way to save money at the airport. You can also:
Airport Parking
Book your Airport Parking sooner, rather than later, they do fill up.
Airport Hotel & Parking
Stay, park, and fly ✈️🅿️ – Some hotels offer parking and shuttle.
Offers & Discounts
Drimsim
Stay connected wherever you roam
Final Word 🌍
Airport drop-off fees in 2025 are frustrating — but with a little planning, you can avoid them. Whether you’re after free shuttles, long-stay hacks, or bundle deals, knowing your options makes travel smoother (and cheaper).
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