2026 drop-off charges
Stansted Drop-Off Charges 2026
Stansted charges £10 for up to 15 minutes at Express Set Down, then £28 to 30 minutes. How to pay, avoid a £100 PCN and use the free Mid Stay alternative.
Stansted charges £10 to use Express Set Down beside the terminal for up to 15 minutes. £28 applies to stays over 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes; 30 minutes is the maximum. The area is barrierless, so your number plate is read and you pay online, by phone or through AutoPay by midnight the day after. Missing the deadline can lead to a £100 Parking Charge Notice, reduced to £60 within 14 days. For free, use the Mid Stay drop-off area and its 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 up to 15 min; £28 over 15 min | Maximum stay: 30 minutes | A fast drop and go |
| Mid Stay car park plus free shuttle bus | Free | Allow extra transfer time | Saving the fee when not in a rush |
| Travel by train or coach | Check the fare from your actual boarding stop | Allow the full public-transport journey time | Avoiding a terminal car visit |
Practical note: 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 Express Set Down next to the terminal for up to 15 minutes. A £28 charge applies once you stay over 15 minutes, up to the 30-minute maximum. The tariff changed on 19 March 2026, so older guides quoting lower prices are out of date.
How to pay the Stansted drop-off fee
Express Set Down is barrierless and camera-controlled, so there is no machine or booth at the kerb. Pay online, by automated phone on 03450 175046, or through AutoPay by midnight the day after your visit. If payment is late or missing, Stansted says it can issue a £100 Parking Charge Notice, reduced to £60 when paid within 14 days.
How to avoid the Stansted drop-off charge for free
The free alternative is the Mid Stay car park, which has a free drop-off area and a shuttle bus to the terminal. It is slower than Express Set Down, but it is the sensible option when the journey is not time-critical or you need more than a fast goodbye at the kerb.
Picking someone up at Stansted
Express Set Down can be used for pick-ups as well as drop-offs, but waiting there becomes expensive after 15 minutes. For a longer meet-and-greet, Stansted directs drivers to its Short Stay car parks; the free Mid Stay alternative is better when you can allow time for the shuttle.
Blue Badge passengers and Express Set Down
Stansted does not waive the Express Set Down fee simply because a Blue Badge is held. If the passenger being dropped off or collected has a valid Blue Badge and needs more than 15 minutes, speak to a traffic marshal in the area and show the badge. The airport can extend the stay where reasonably required; do not leave the vehicle unattended.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Stansted drop off charge?
It is £10 for up to 15 minutes in Express Set Down. £28 applies once you stay over 15 minutes, up to the 30 minute maximum. The tariff changed on 19 March 2026.
How do I pay the Stansted drop off fee?
Pay online, by automated phone on 03450 175046, or with AutoPay by midnight the day after your visit. Express Set Down 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?
Stansted says a £100 Parking Charge Notice can be issued if payment is not received by the deadline. It is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
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.
Are Blue Badge holders exempt from the Stansted drop off charge?
No. The normal Express Set Down charge applies. If the passenger holds a valid Blue Badge and needs more than 15 minutes, speak to a traffic marshal and show the badge; the airport can extend the stay where reasonably required.
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: August 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 pick-up and drop-off page. See how we check airport costs and our editorial policy. Confirm the live fee on the official site before you travel.