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Drop off your loved ones like a pro with this handy Drop Off for Stansted Airport Guide

Holiday Extras Logo Stansted Airport Parking Drop Off

If you're looking for all the information you need for your upcoming Stansted Airport drop off, you've come to the right place. Avoid paying more than you need to with our handy guide, including where you can go and how much you can expect to spend.

You can choose from a selection of Stansted Airport parking options when it comes to dropping off. There is a free set down area for those making a flying visit, express set down, or you can park up in Stansted's Short Stay car park. Depending on the length of time you wish to stay and the service you choose, it may work out a lot cheaper to pre-book your space in advance with us. Read on to find out more about each option available to you.

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Free Stansted Drop Off

The free set down area is located close to the airport, with a courtesy bus available to take you to the terminal. Located in Stansted's Mid Stay car park, simply follow signs for 'Free Set Down' once you're on airport grounds. This option is perfect for those wishing to accompany their loved ones to the check-in desks.

This service offers one hour free parking within the free set down zone, with a small charge of £2 for the next hour. Standard Mid Stay car park charges apply hereafter - so be careful if you think you may stay longer than 2 hours as the price can add up very quickly!

Express Set Down at Stansted Airport

The express set down is located within walking distance of the terminal, inside Stansted's Short Stay car parks (orange and green zones). There is a charge for this parking service, so it is perfect for those who aren't heading into the terminal with their loved ones, but want to drop them off as close as possible. Follow signs for 'Express Set Down' to find the car park.

Have a look at the table below for durations and prices for the express set down at Stansted.

Express Set Down Stansted Airport Drop Off Charge

Duration Price*
Up to 10 mins £5.00
10-15 minutes Additional £1.00 per minute
Over 15 minutes £25

For example, a stay of 7 minutes will cost you £5, a stay of 13 minutes £7, and a stay of 16 minutes will cost you £25. Please note, vehicles may be towed if left unattended, and there is a £20 fee if you return to the car park within 30 minutes of exiting.

Stansted Airport Short Stay Car Park

The final options are the Green, Orange and Blue zones of the Short Stay car park at Stansted Airport. They are located close to the airport, but the parking charges can add up very quickly if you want to say a proper goodbye. Simply follow signs for the 'Short Stay Car Park'.

Short Stay Stansted Airport Parking Prices

Duration Price*
Up to 30 mins £8.00
Up to 1 hour £14.00
Up to 2 hours £18
Up to 4 hours £27
Up to 24 hours £57

Book in Advance

no booking fees stansted airport drop off badge

You can also pre-book your space at Stansted Airport with Holiday Extras. Not only can this save you money, but without booking in advance, there is no guarantee there will be a space available on the day. Prices start from £8.25 for a full day's parking at the Stansted Long Stay. As you can see, this is better value than parking for over 15 minutes at the express set down, 1 hour at Short Stay, and 2 hours inside the drop-off zones located inside the Mid Stay car park.

How to Pre-Book your Space

To guarantee your space at Stansted Airport and save yourself money too, enter your drop off date into the search engine at the top of the page and choose from our fabulous selection of Stansted parking services. Don't worry, you don't have to use up the whole day's parking. You can leave whenever you're done saying goodbye to your loved ones.

Stansted Airport Parking


Stansted Airport Drop Off FAQs

Can I Drop Off for Free at Stansted?

Yes, you can follow signs to the 'Free Set Down' area, located in Stansted's mid-stay car park. Parking is free for up to an hour, with a £2 charge applicable for up to 2 hours. Your passengers can catch the complimentary shuttle transfer the rest of the way to the terminal.

Can I Drop Off at the Terminal?

To park close to the terminal, we recommend using the Short Stay car park at Stansted, with prices starting from £8 for half an hour. If you plan to stay longer than that, it is likely to be cheaper to book your space in advance.

Can you pay by card at Stansted Drop Off?

Yes, you can pay via debit/credit card or exact change.

Are there Any Other Drop Off Facilities Available?

Yes, you can also use the Express Set Down facility, located very close to the terminal. This is perfect for those making a flying visit and not planning on staying longer than 10 minutes, which costs £5. If you think you may be longer, prices can escalate very quickly, so make sure you look at your other options.

Is it Better to Pre-Book my Stansted Airport Parking?

If you think you may be longer than half an hour at Stansted, for example, if you'd like to escort your loved ones into the terminal, then it could work out cheaper to pre-book your space in advance. A full day's parking booked through us can cost as little as £8.25 which is cheaper than paying for an hour's parking at the Short Stay car park on the day.

What if I need to Pick Up from Stansted?

If you're looking to pick up passengers from Stansted instead, you simply need to head over to our Stansted Pick Up page instead, for everything you need to know to make sure your experience runs smoothly.


*Correct at time of writing and subject to change.