2026 drop-off charges
Stansted Drop-Off Charges 2026
Stansted charges £10 to use the Express Set Down for up to 15 minutes, or £28 for 15 to 30 minutes. Compare it with the free Mid Stay option, how to pay, and the rules for 2026.
Stansted charges £10 to use the Express Set Down area beside the terminal, for a stay of up to 15 minutes. A second tier of £28 applies for 15 to 30 minutes, and 30 minutes is the maximum. The area is barrierless, so you pay online by 23:59 the next day. For free, use the Mid Stay car park drop-off and its free shuttle bus.
At a glance
Ways to drop off at Stansted, compared
The paid forecourt against the free car park and public transport options.
| How you drop off | Cost | Time included | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Set Down (next to terminal) | £10, or £28 for 15 to 30 min | 15 minutes | A fast drop and go |
| Mid Stay car park plus free shuttle bus | Free | Longer stays | Saving the fee when not in a rush |
| Drop at the station, take the train or coach | From £10 (coach) or £23 (train) | No drop-off fee | Avoiding the charge completely |
From experience: Good to know: the jump from £10 to £28 happens the moment you pass 15 minutes, with nothing in between, so a slightly slow goodbye can nearly triple the cost. If you are not certain of a quick drop, the free Mid Stay car park is the safer bet.
How much is the Stansted drop-off charge?
Stansted charges £10 to use the Express Set Down area right next to the terminal, for a stay of up to 15 minutes. A second tier of £28 applies for stays of 15 to 30 minutes, and 30 minutes is the maximum allowed. The charge changed in March 2026, so older guides quoting lower figures are out of date.
How to pay the Stansted drop-off fee
The Express Set Down area is barrierless and camera-controlled, so you pay afterwards online at stanstedairport.com by 23:59 the day after your visit. No one takes payment at the kerb, which catches many drivers out. Pay on time to avoid a Parking Charge Notice that costs far more than the drop-off fee.
How to avoid the Stansted drop-off charge for free
Stansted free alternative is the Mid Stay car park, which has a free drop-off area and a free shuttle bus to the terminal. It takes a few minutes longer than the £10 Express Set Down, but it costs nothing, which makes it the sensible choice whenever you are not in a rush or you need more than 15 minutes.
Early flights and the free shuttle
Stansted has many very early low-cost departures, and the free Mid Stay shuttle runs less often at antisocial hours. For a pre-dawn flight, check the first shuttle time before relying on the free option, or budget for the £10 Express Set Down so you are not left waiting with a flight to catch.
Blue Badge holders and exemptions
Blue Badge holders should check Stansted current accessibility guidance, as accessible drop-off arrangements and any exemption usually need to be confirmed or registered in advance rather than applied automatically at the camera.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Stansted drop off charge?
It is £10 for up to 15 minutes in the Express Set Down area, or £28 for 15 to 30 minutes, with a 30 minute maximum. The charge changed in March 2026.
How do I pay the Stansted drop off fee?
Pay online at stanstedairport.com by 23:59 the day after your visit. The Express Set Down area is barrierless with cameras, so there is no booth at the kerb.
Is there a free drop off at Stansted?
Yes. The Mid Stay car park has a free drop-off area with a free shuttle bus to the terminal. It is a few minutes slower than the £10 Express Set Down but costs nothing.
How long can you stop at Stansted drop off?
Up to 15 minutes for the £10 fee, or up to 30 minutes for £28. You cannot stay longer than 30 minutes in the Express Set Down area.
What happens if I do not pay the Stansted drop off charge?
You receive a Parking Charge Notice worth far more than the drop-off fee, rising if left unpaid. Paying by the next day keeps it at the £10 or £28 rate.
Where is the free drop off at Stansted?
The free drop-off is at the Mid Stay car park, signposted on the approach roads, with a free shuttle bus running to the terminal building.
Drop-off charges at other London airports
For the full picture at this airport, read the Stansted airport costs guide covering transport, parking and transfer prices.
Last checked: June 2026 by the AirportCosts editorial team. Airport drop-off fees change often, so we verify them against the airport's own website and update this page when they change.
Source: the official Stansted Airport website. See how we check airport costs and our editorial policy. Confirm the live fee on the official site before you travel.