Luton Airport Parking
Drop Off Guide
Dropping someone off at Luton Airport? Whether you're making a quick goodbye or helping the family get their holiday underway, a little planning makes the airport run much easier. Our guide brings together Luton airport drop-off charges, free parking options, directions and payment information, so you can choose the right place before you set off.
What are my Luton airport parking drop off options?
| Parking Option | Price* | Getting to the Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Drop Off and Pick Up Zone | £9 for up to 12 minutes, then £1 per additional minute. Maximum stay of 30 minutes. | Around a 5-minute walk. |
| Long Stay | FREE for up to 2 hours | Around a 10-minute free shuttle ride |
| Terminal Car Park 1 | £15 for up to 30 minutes / FREE for 30 minutes for Blue Badge holders |
Around a 4-minute walk via the footbridge. |
| Terminal Car Park 2 | £15 for up to 30 minutes | Around a 5-minute walk. |
| Mid Stay | £15 for up to 60 minutes. | Around a 10-minute walk. No shuttle bus service. |
*Prices checked on 9 September 2026 and subject to change. Walking and transfer times are approximate.
Drop Off / Pick Up Zone at Luton Airport
For a quick and fuss-free goodbye, head to Luton Airport’s Drop Off and Pick Up Zone. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the terminal and costs £9 for up to 12 minutes - enough time to unload the bags, say your goodbyes and get back on your way.
| Drop Off and Pick Up Zone Summary | |
|---|---|
| Price | £9 for up to 12 minutes, then £1 per additional minute (max stay 30 minutes) |
| Entry/exit | Cashless and barrier-free system |
| How to pay | Online only. Up to midnight the following day |
| Vehicles allowed | Cars and minibuses (up to 19 seats) |
| Directions | Head towards the airport using postcode LU2 9QT. At the roundabout before the tunnel, stop following your sat nav and follow the signs to the Drop Off / Pick Up Zone. |
Free Luton Airport Drop Off at Long Stay
For a more relaxed goodbye, Luton Airport’s Long Stay car park offers free parking for up to 2 hours. There’s time to help with the bags before your passengers hop on the free shuttle, which takes around 10 minutes to reach the terminal.
| Drop Off at Long Stay Summary | |
|---|---|
| Price | FREE for up to 2 hours, £7 for up to 3 hours |
| How to pay | Take a ticket when you enter. If you stay longer than 2 hours, use your ticket to pay at one of the payment machines in the terminal or car park before leaving |
| Directions | Use postcode LU2 9NW in your sat nav, then follow the signs for the Long Stay Car Park as you approach the airport. |
| Shuttle Bus | |
| Blue Badge holders | |
FAQs about Drop Off Luton Airport
How do I pay for Luton Airport drop off?
You can pay for Luton Airport drop off online by card through the official APCOA website. Simply enter your vehicle registration, select your visit and follow the payment instructions. Make sure you pay by midnight the following day. The Drop Off and Pick Up Zone is cashless and barrier-free, so there’s no payment to make at an exit barrier.
How long can I stay in the Drop Off zone?
You can stay in Luton Airport’s Drop Off and Pick Up Zone for up to 30 minutes. Staying longer will result in a £95 enforcement charge, reduced to £55 if paid within 14 days. The time limit is monitored by mobile CCTV, so keep an eye on the clock during your visit.
Can I leave my vehicle unattended?
No, you’ll need to stay with your vehicle at all times in the Drop Off and Pick Up Zone. Unattended vehicles will be towed away and a fine will apply.
Can Blue Badge holders park for free in the Drop Off zone?
No, standard charges apply to Blue Badge holders in the main Drop Off and Pick Up Zone. However, Blue Badge holders and passengers with proof of booked assistance can park for free for 30 minutes in Terminal Car Park 1.
Is there a free Luton Airport drop off?
Yes! You can drop passengers off for free for up to 2 hours in Luton Airport’s Long Stay car park. From there, they can hop on the free shuttle bus, which takes around 10 minutes to reach the terminal.
Planning a longer trip?
Did you know you can book your parking at Luton airport in advance with Holiday Extras? Whether you’re heading off for a weekend break or a fortnight in the sunshine, compare parking options and book ahead for great value. Simply enter your travel dates to find the right space for your trip.
Take a look at some of our favourite Luton airport parking options below:


