Following in the footsteps of several other major UK travel hubs, London Stansted Airport has officially increased its Express Set Down charges. As of late March 2026, the fee for the most convenient drop-off zone has risen to £10 for stays of up to 15 minutes.
This represents a significant jump from the previous £7 charge, putting Stansted on par with Gatwick as one of the most expensive airports in the country for “kiss and fly” departures. For drivers who find themselves delayed or stuck in traffic within the zone, the penalty is even steeper: staying between 15 and 30 minutes now costs £28.
Why the increase?
Airport officials have stated that the price hike is primarily driven by sustainability goals. By increasing the cost of car-based drop-offs—which involve four separate car journeys for a single flight—the airport hopes to encourage more passengers to use public transport links like the Stansted Express or local coach services.
The airport is currently seeing record passenger numbers, and reducing vehicle congestion directly outside the terminal doors is a priority for managing the site’s limited capacity.
How to avoid the £10 fee
While the £10 charge is now the reality for the Express Set Down area, there are still ways to drop off passengers without paying the premium:
- Mid Stay Car Park: Drivers can still drop off passengers for free in the Mid Stay Car Park.
- Shuttle Bus: From the Mid Stay area, a free shuttle bus runs every few minutes, taking approximately 7 minutes to reach the terminal doors.
- Local Resident Discount: The long-standing discount scheme for residents living within 10 miles of the airport remains in place, though users must be registered to benefit.
The Express Set Down area operates on a barrier-free system using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). This means drivers don’t pay at a booth on exit but must ensure they pay online or via the automated phone system to avoid receiving a Parking Charge Notice.
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