How to Pay Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charges?

It is important to have complete knowledge about the PCN (Parking Charge Notice) hotspots to avoid the fines and penalties from the PCO (Public Carriage Office) at Gatwick Airport, London. An ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system is enforced at the airport’s drop-off zones, and this system remains operational around the clock, tracking each vehicle’s stay time. Every time you enter these drop-off zones, you immediately become liable to pay the drop-off charge.

This article helps you understand drop-off charges and terminals at Gatwick Airport. It also includes payment options for Gatwick Airport drop-off charges and the consequences of not paying them on time. Moreover, there are some tips that you can follow to ensure timely payment of these drop-off charges.

Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charges

Gatwick Airport drop-off charges apply to every vehicle that drops off passengers at the drop-off zones of the North and South terminals of the airport. These drop-off charges vary based on the duration of your stay, such as:

• You need to pay £6 for a stay of 10 minutes.
• You will have to pay £1 for all the extra minutes up to 20 minutes.
• You will be required to pay £26 for a maximum length of stay, which is 30 minutes.

Once you leave either of these terminals after your visit, you must pay these charges by midnight the following day. Otherwise, you will receive a PCN (Parking Charge Notice).

However, Blue Badge holders can register their vehicles via NCP in advance, so they do not have to pay the drop-off charges. This exemption is valid for a 30-minute free drop-off session, up to 3 hours of your selected time.

Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Terminals & Directions to Reach There

Gatwick Airport has two drop-off zones, one at each terminal, just a short distance from check-in and departure. These terminals allow driving in, pulling over in the designated bays, dropping your passengers, and driving out. This convenience is guaranteed as there are no barriers on the forecourts, which also helps ensure the free flow of traffic and a hassle-free drop-off experience for all.

North Terminal

This drop-off zone is an express pick-up area on Level 4 of Car Park 6. From the London or Brighton’s direction, you can reach this terminal by:

• Exiting the M23 at junction 9 and following the signs displayed on the roundabout for Gatwick Airport.
• Going straight at the first roundabout (J9a) according to the displayed signs for the North Terminal.
• Taking the first exit at the next roundabout, where North Terminal is signposted.
• Reaching the North Terminal drop-off area on the lower level among the Sofitel and the multi-storey car parking area.

South Terminal

This drop-off zone is the express pick-up on Level 0 of Car Park 3. You can reach the South Terminal, following the direction of London or Brighton by:

• Exiting the M23 at junction 9 following the signs displayed on the roundabout for Gatwick Airport.
• After using the filter lane and turning left at the first roundabout (J9a), follow the signs to the South Terminal.
• Following signs for drop-off area.
• Reaching the South Terminal drop-off area on the lower level.

Moreover, there are free drop-off areas at Gatwick Airport, named the North Terminal Long Stay and South Terminal Long Stay zones. Here, you can park your car free of cost for two hours and get a free shuttle bus service to reach the terminals. Otherwise, everyone, whether a PCO driver or a private individual, has to pay the drop-off charges. However, the local residents (RH6 0, RH6 9, and RH11 0) can apply for a Local Commuter Scheme permit.

How to Pay Gatwick Drop-Off Charge?

You are required to complete the payment for the drop-off charges by midnight of the next day. The payment cannot be made in the drop-off zones of the North and South terminals. You can pay the charges online, via Autopay, or over the phone:

AutoPay Account

You can create a personal AutoPay account to register and set up auto payment of charges via direct debit payment. This payment method offers convenience to PCO drivers who often visit Gatwick Airport’s drop-off zones.

Online Payment

If you have visited the North or South drop-off terminal and do not have an AutoPay account, you can also pay drop-off charges online.

Payment Over the Phone

After your visit, you can use Gatwick Airport’s automated payment line and call 0330 174 4503 to make payment over the phone.

Consequences of Not Paying Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charge

If you fail to pay the Gatwick Airport drop-off charges by midnight the following day, you should be prepared to pay the fine. Once you receive PCN (Parking Charge Notice), you will have to pay £60 within 14 days and £100 if you pay after 14 days of receiving the notice. These charges can be paid online, or you can go to NCP’s website, which administers the drop-off service at Gatwick Airport.

Tips for Timely Payment of Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charge

You should pay the drop-off charges at Gatwick Airport by making the necessary arrangements beforehand, which will help avoid payment delays. For this purpose, you should ensure the validity of your credit or debit card and check if there is enough balance to pay the drop-off charges before you go to the airport. You can also link your mobile application to any payment method to ensure timely transactions.

Remembering these things will help you avoid all the hassle and stress by preventing delays in paying drop-off charges at Gatwick Airport. It will also ensure your travel plans go on smoothly and efficiently.