What to expect...
In an effort to reduce pollution and encourage the use of public transport, airports across the UK are introducing drop-off point charges. According to the Civil Aviation Authority, charges should have a set rate of £1 at drop-off points. Though this is the official rate, prices do vary, with some airports charging significantly more.
If you are planning on using a drop-off point, you'd be wise to consider the comparative cost between the pick-up zone, the short stay or the long stay parking lot. In many airports, the fee can vary depending on which area you use. For example, Edinburgh airport's long stay car park is free for the first ten minutes, while using their pick-up for zone incurs a fee of £3.50 for 15 minutes.
To help you weigh up the cost and maybe save a few pennies, here's a full list of the types of fees you can expect at airport drop-off points. For more information on airport parking and the savings you could make, visit our airport parking page.
| Airports | Drop-Off Charges |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen | Short Stay Car Park: £1.00 for up to 15 minutes. 15-30 minutes: £3.20. |
| Belfast International | Drop off/Pick up Zone: £1.00 for up to 10 minutes. 10-20 minutes: £2.00. |
| Birmingham | Drop off area: £1.00 for up to 10 minutes. Pick up Car Park 1,2 or 3: 60 minutes: £4.00. |
| Bournemouth | Drop Off Zone: £2.50 for up to 30 minutes. |
| Bristol | Drop off Area: £1.00 for up to 20 minutes. |
| Cardiff | Drop off area: free for up to 10 minutes. Pick up area: £1 for up to 20 minutes. Long stay 1: free for 20 minutes (shuttle bus). |
| Doncaster Sheffield (Robin Hood) | Drop off/Pick up: £1.00 for up to 10 minutes. Short Stay Car Park: free for up to 15 minutes. |
| East Midlands International | Rapid Drop off: £1.00 for up to 10 minutes. Short stay car park: £2.40 for up to 30 minutes. |
| Edinburgh | Drop off Zone: £1.00 for up to 5 minutes. 5-10 minutes: £3.00. Pick up zone: £3.50 for 15 minutes. Long stay car park: free for the first 10 minutes. |
| Exeter International | Car Park 1: £1.00 for 30 minutes. Car Park 4: free for the first 10 minutes (bus). |
| Glasgow | Pick up area: £1.50 for 10 minutes. Drop off area: free of charge. |
| Liverpool | Express Drop off/Pick up: £2.00 for up to 20 minutes. Drop off 2: free for up to 20 minutes. |
Source: http://www.caa.co.uk