Drop-Off Charges at Heathrow and Gatwick to Rise in 2026: New Rules for All Vehicles

Published on December 31, 2025

From 1 January 2026, anyone heading to Heathrow or Gatwick will need to factor in higher costs when using the airports’ forecourt drop-off zones. The revised charges will apply to every vehicle entering these areas, no matter how briefly they stop, affecting passengers as well as taxi drivers, ride-hailing services, and private transfers.

The change is part of both airports’ push to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving smoothly around busy terminals. There will be no free grace period and no option to pay at the terminal. Instead, drivers must pay the drop-off fee online before entering the zone, marking a clear shift in how airport drop-offs are managed and requiring a bit more planning from everyone involved.

New Drop-Off Charges and Payment System

At Heathrow Airport, the increased fees will apply across all terminal forecourts, affecting vehicles dropping off passengers at any of the airport’s five terminals. Similarly, at Gatwick, the new charges will be implemented for vehicles entering both the North Terminal and South Terminal drop-off zones. This change is set to affect all types of vehicles, whether private cars, taxis, or ride-hailing services like Uber.

Starting January 2026, the airports will no longer allow passengers or drivers to pay drop-off fees at the terminal. Instead, they will need to pay in advance online through the official airport websites or other authorized digital platforms. This is a shift away from the traditional practice where payment could be made on-site at the terminal.

The new system aims to streamline payment processing and reduce delays at drop-off points. For passengers, the change means they will need to factor in the fee before arriving at the airport, with penalties automatically imposed for missed payments. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and ensure that payment is processed before arrival to avoid unnecessary delays.

Impact on Taxis, Ride-Hailing, and Private Transfers

The new drop-off fees at Heathrow and Gatwick will also affect taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber, and private transfer vehicles. For travelers relying on these services, the charges will be added to the fare. Passengers using these services will see the new drop-off charges reflected in their total fare, making it crucial for both travelers and service providers to be aware of the changes in advance.

As these new rules apply across all vehicles, the impact of the fee increase will be felt by a wide range of passengers whether they’re driving themselves, using public taxis, or taking ride-hailing services. Travelers are encouraged to check their booking details to understand how the changes may affect their travel costs.

No Free Grace Period for Drop-Off

One of the key aspects of the new charges is that there will be no free grace period for vehicles stopping in the drop-off zones. This policy ensures that vehicles do not remain parked in the high-traffic areas for longer than necessary, reducing congestion at the terminals. The absence of a grace period also means that drivers must be prepared to move promptly once passengers are dropped off, avoiding potential penalties.

Automatic Penalties for Unpaid Fees

Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports have emphasized that there will be automatic penalties for vehicles that fail to pay the drop-off fee. Drivers who do not process their payment in advance or at the appropriate time will face a fine. This ensures compliance with the new system and reduces the chances of confusion or delays at the drop-off points.

Airport authorities have stated that the goal is to make the process as seamless and efficient as possible while improving overall traffic management around the terminals. The move is in line with broader trends seen across airports globally, where digital payment solutions are being implemented to reduce congestion and improve passenger experience.

Why the Changes?

The introduction of these new charges comes at a time when both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are managing increasing passenger numbers, especially with the recovery of international travel. Both airports have faced challenges in managing the flow of vehicles, particularly in peak times like holiday seasons and rush hours.

By implementing these new charges and requiring digital payment, both airports aim to reduce congestion, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that drop-off areas remain clear for passengers to easily access their terminals. Additionally, the introduction of these charges is intended to help fund ongoing improvements to the airports’ infrastructure and services.

Travel Tips for Passengers

For passengers traveling to Heathrow and Gatwick after 1 January 2026, it’s important to:

• Pre-pay for drop-off before arriving at the airport.
• Check flight details and allow extra time for payment processing.
• Confirm fare details with taxis or ride-hailing services to account for any added fees.
• Be aware of penalties for missed payments and ensure timely payment.

For More Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, passengers can check the official Heathrow and Gatwick airport websites for full details on the new drop-off charges, payment options, and rules. It’s also a good idea to look out for updates from taxi operators and ride-hailing apps, as these fees are likely to be reflected in final fares.

The changes at Heathrow and Gatwick signal a broader shift in how busy airports manage traffic and space around their terminals. By encouraging better traffic flow and more efficient use of forecourt areas, the airports aim to improve the overall experience. Travellers can avoid last-minute surprises by staying informed and planning their journeys in advance.