Luton Airport Drop-Off Charges (2026)

How much does it cost to drop someone off at Luton Airport?

Dropping someone off at Luton Airport costs £7 for up to 10 minutes in the Express Drop Off Zone. After 10 minutes, the charge rises by £1 per additional minute up to a 30-minute maximum. ANPR cameras read your number plate automatically on entry and exit.

How do you pay the Luton Airport drop-off charge?

Pay the drop-off charge online at the airport's website or by phone. Payment is due by midnight the following day — do not ignore it, since non-payment triggers a Penalty Charge Notice.

What happens if you overstay or do not pay the drop-off charge?

A Penalty Charge Notice of £95 is issued for overstaying or non-payment, reduced to £55 if paid within 14 days. ANPR cameras, in place since January 2025 (following a barrier system introduced in July 2024), record entry and exit times automatically.

Is there a free alternative to the Luton Airport drop-off zone?

Yes. The official Long Stay car park, postcode LU2 9NW, is free for up to 2 hours. Your passenger takes a free shuttle, running every 20 minutes with a 10-minute journey, to the terminal. See free parking at Luton Airport for every free option.

Do Blue Badge holders pay for dropping off at Luton Airport?

Blue Badge holders receive 30 minutes free in the Express Drop Off Zone, with reduced rates for stays up to 24 hours. See disabled parking at Luton Airport for the full accessibility picture.

How does the Luton drop-off charge compare to other airports?

Luton charges £7 for drop-off, matching Heathrow's £7 and undercutting Gatwick and Stansted, both £10. See Luton vs Stansted parking for the full cross-airport cost comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions