Stansted Airport is one of the UK’s busiest airports, serving millions of passengers each year. If you’re dropping someone off at London Stansted Airport, it’s important to understand where you’re allowed to stop, how much the drop-off zones cost, and the difference between the Express Drop-Off and Free Drop-Off car park — especially with ANPR cameras and automatic fines in place.

Where to Drop Off at Stansted Airport

Stansted offers two main drop-off areas:

1. Express Set Down Zone (Closest to Terminal — Paid Zone)

✔ Shortest walking distance to Departures
✔ Ideal for quick drop-offs
✔ Located directly outside the terminal

Time Limit: Up to 10 minutes

Best For:

• Early-morning flights

• Elderly or mobility-restricted passengers

• Families with children or heavy luggage

• Business travellers in a rush

2. Free Drop-Off Area (Mid-Stay Car Park — Free up to 1 Hour)

✔ Free for up to 60 minutes
✔ Shuttle bus every 10 minutes
✔ 7–10 minutes from the terminal

Best For:

• People are not in a rush

• Budget-friendly airport drop-off

• Longer goodbyes 😄

Stansted Airport Drop-Off Charges (2026)

⚠️ Important Rules

• No stopping on approach roads or red-route areas

• Cameras record vehicles automatically

• Violations may result in a £100 fine

When Should You Arrive for Drop-Off?

To avoid queues & terminal congestion:

Domestic Flights

Arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure

International Flights

Arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure

Factor in:

• Road traffic

• Shuttle bus time (if using free zone)

• Airline bag-drop queues

• Security waiting time

Best Way to Drop Off at Stansted: Book a Private Transfer

If you prefer:

✔ no parking charges
✔ no shuttle buses
✔ no zone confusion

The easiest option is a door-to-door Stansted Airport taxi transfer.

With Airport Transfer to Heathrow, you get:

• Fixed prices (no hidden fees)

• Meet & greet assistance

• Flight monitoring & schedule adjustments

• Luggage handling

• Executive & family-size vehicles

Perfect for:

• Early-morning & late-night flights

• Elderly travellers

• Children & prams

• Business travellers

• Long-haul departures

👉 Stansted Airport Transfers

Stansted to Heathrow Airport Transfers

Need to travel between airports?

We provide reliable transfers between:

✔ Stansted → Heathrow
✔ Heathrow → Stansted
✔ Gatwick & Luton airports
✔ Central London hotels

Benefits:

• Fixed journey time estimate (1.5–2 hours)

• GPS-tracked executive vehicles

• Free waiting time

• Professional drivers

👉 Heathrow Airport Transfers

Money-Saving Tip — How to Avoid Stansted Drop-Off Fees

To save on charges:

✔ Use the Free Drop-Off car park
✔ Allow extra shuttle travel time
✔ Avoid staying longer than 10 minutes in the Express Zone
✔ Pre-book a private transfer (drop-off included)

Book Your Stansted Airport Drop-Off Today

Skip drop-off stress, parking charges, and traffic confusion.

Let our professional drivers handle your Stansted Airport pick-up or drop-off with:

✔ punctual arrivals
✔ competitive fixed pricing
✔ clean executive vehicles
✔ door-to-terminal service

👉 Call or request a free quote for same-day or bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I drop off at Stansted Airport for free?
Yes — the Mid-Stay Car Park offers free drop-off for up to 1 hour with shuttle service to the terminal.

What happens if I stop on the approach road?
Stopping outside marked bays may trigger a £100 enforcement fine.

Is the Express Drop-Off worth it?
Yes — if you’re travelling with luggage, children, or tight timing.

Do private taxis include drop-off charges?
Yes — airport transfer quotes normally include the drop-off fee.

How do I avoid overstay charges?
Do not remain in the express zone beyond 10 minutes.