Drivers heading to Birmingham Airport (BHX) need to check their wallets, as the cost of the most convenient drop-off point has officially increased. The Premium Set Down car park, located right outside the terminal doors, now costs £7 for a stay of up to 15 minutes.
This price jump follows a trend across several major UK airports this year. The Premium Set Down area is designed for those “kiss-and-fly” moments where speed is a priority, but the convenience now comes with a steeper price tag. For those who stay longer than the initial 15-minute window, the charges escalate quickly, aimed at keeping traffic flowing and reducing congestion directly outside the departures hall.

Are there cheaper alternatives?
While the £7 fee might be a sting for some, there is still a way to drop off passengers for free. Birmingham Airport continues to offer a free 10-minute period in its dedicated Drop Off Car Park. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Location: It is roughly a 5-to-10-minute walk from the terminal building via a covered walkway.
- Shuttle Bus: If you don’t fancy the walk, a free shuttle bus runs regularly between this car park and the terminal.
- Time Limit: If you exceed the 10-minute free window, charges start at £6 for the next 5 minutes, quickly matching or exceeding the premium rates.
The airport has previously stated that these charges help manage the high volume of vehicles and contribute toward their environmental goals. For holidaymakers and business travellers alike, it’s worth factoring this extra cost into your travel budget or allowing an extra 15 minutes to use the free zone.
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