How to pay the Stansted drop off charge

Most airports around London have introduced a fee for dropping off passengers near the terminals — see Heathrow drop off charge, Gatwick drop off charge and Luton drop off charge for details. Stansted is no exception.

Here, we outline the Stansted drop-off charges and how to pay them.

What is the Stansted drop-off charge?

For dropping off passengers in the Express Set Down zone, located very close to the Terminals, you will have to pay a charge of: 

• £7 if you stay up to 15 minutes 

• £25 if you stay over 15 minutes 

IMPORTANT: If you re-enter this zone within 30 minutes of your first entry, you will have to pay a £20 charge. 

You cannot leave your car unattended in this drop-off zone. 

How to pay the Stansted drop-off charge?

Stansted Airport has now introduced a cashless payment system, where you can use your credit card, debit card, or mobile phone to tap or swipe and pay at the barrier gate.

Taking airport fares into consideration is important when estimating how much Uber drivers make in London. The good news is that the cost of airport drop offs are automatically included in the passenger’s trip payment to cover the expenses you have for the ride (as are toll fees if they form part of the journey), but you are still responsible for organising payment of the charge. 

Can I get a discount for the Stansted drop off charge?

If you live within a 10-mile radius of Stanstead Airport, you can apply for a Local Resident Discount, but not for a private hire vehicle. Unlike the ULEZ charge and Congestion charge, EVs are not exempt from paying the Stansted drop-off charge. 

Can I drop off passengers at Stansted airport for free?

Yes. You can drop off passengers at the Mid Stay Car Park and even park there for up to 60 minutes, free of charge. After that first free 60 minutes, you will be charged £5 for the next hour, and the full day rate of £45 if you stay there for over two hours.

Remember that if you re-enter within an hour of first entering the car park, you will have to pay a £40 fee.  

Do I need to pay the same charge for picking up passengers at Stansted Airport?

If you want to pick up someone from Stansted Airport, you have two options: 

• Short Stay car park (Orange zone) – £10 for up to 30 minutes and £18 for up to an hour.

• Mid Stay car park – free of charge for up to one hour 

IMPORTANT: The Express Set Down Zone is only accessible for dropping-off passengers.

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