Two women closing car boot

Pick Up and Drop Off

Two women closing car boot

Pick Up and Drop Off

Where to park if you’re picking up or dropping off

Save up to 80% on parking by booking in advance

Do you need to collect or drop off a passenger?

London Stansted Airport offers pick-up and drop-off parking options for every budget. For quick access, the zones are located right outside the Departures area, making it easy to drop off luggage or meet arriving passengers. For added convenience, our Express Set Down area now offers barrier-free entry.

For a better experience, create an Autopay account to automatically manage payments every time you use Express Set Down.

You can also save on parking by using our free drop-off area at the Mid Stay car park. Located just a short distance from the terminal, our free shuttle bus service gets you there in minutes. Alternatively, choose from our Short Stay car parks.

Explore our Turn Up & Park options for stays longer than 4 hours or same-day parking.
Explore your options
Pre-book your parking space

Looking to pay a Pick Up and Drop Off charge?

Click here to pay via our payment portal.
Pay Pick Up and Drop Off charge

Pick Up and Drop Off options

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Short Stay

Short Stay Car Parks (Orange, Green & Blue)

Pick up or drop off

Follow signs for 'Short Stay Car Park'.

You can pick up or drop off in the Orange, Green and Blue Short Stay car parks. This is ideal if you want to accompany passengers or head into the terminal to meet someone.

Parking charges

Up to 30 minutes

£13

Up to 1 hour

£21

Up to 2 hours

£25

Up to 4 hours

£38

Book your parking in advance

Save money by pre-booking your parking today

Book now

Express Set Down - barrierless

We’ve made dropping off passengers at London Stansted Airport quicker and easier with a new barrierless system in the Express Set Down area. There are no barriers, so cars don’t need to stop and pay, reducing waiting times and improving traffic flow. The system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), and drivers can pay online later. If you plan to stay for more than an hour, book in advance to get the best parking rates.

Read our FAQs below to find out more...

Why have you moved to a barrierless solution?

Nobody enjoys being stuck in traffic. Our barrierless Express Set Down has been designed to streamline the drop-off and pick-up process, reducing wait times and improving traffic flow. By removing the barriers, drivers can pass through without stopping and pay online later.

How can I pay for the Express Set Down?

There are no payment barriers or machines around our Express Set Down area, and payments can’t be made using cash or cheques. Drivers simply need to pay online via our payment portal, or by phone: 0345 017 5046 by midnight the following day.

If payment is not received by the deadline, a £100.00 Parking Charge Notice will be issued to the registered vehicle holder. This will be reduced to £60.00 if paid within 14 days.

How long do I have to pay for my visit to the Express Set Down?

You’ll need to pay online or by telephone by midnight the day after you visit the Express Set Down area at London Stansted Airport.

If payment is not received by the deadline, a £100.00 Parking Charge Notice will be issued to the registered vehicle holder. This will be reduced to £60.00 if paid within 14 days.

Can I pay in advance for the Express Set Down?

Payment can only be made after you visit the Express Set Down area. To avoid a parking charge, please ensure that you make your payment by midnight the day after your visit.

Alternatively, you can set up an autopay account through our payment portal. Adding a payment card will simplify the payment process for each of your trips.

How do I set up an account for the Express Set Down?

You can do this via our payment portal. Simply add your vehicle registration and your payment card details. Then, payment will be taken automatically after each journey through the Express Set Down area.

If payment is not received by the deadline, a £100.00 Parking Charge Notice will be issued to the registered vehicle holder. This will be reduced to £60.00 if paid within 14 days.

I am unable to pay for the Express Set Down area online what do I do?

For any issues or concerns regarding your payment for using the Express Set Down area, please reach out to APCOA through one of the following options.

• Customer Services webchat: Live chat with an agent
• Customer Services phone number: 03450 175046

I have received a Parking Charge; how do I appeal this?

Non-payment will result in a £100 Parking Charge, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Remember, payment can only be made after you’ve visited the Express Set Down area.

If you wish to appeal a Parking Charge Notice you have received, please visit the APCOA website.

Are Blue Badge holders exempt from charges in the Express Set Down area?

All vehicles using the Express Set Down area must pay for their visit. However, if you require longer than the allocated 15-minute period, please speak to one of our traffic marshals on site who will be able to provide further guidance.

Remember, payment can only be made after you’ve visited the Express Set Down area.

How do I apply for the Stansted Local Residents Discount Scheme?

To apply for the Stansted Residents Pick Up and Drop Off discount, read the Local Residents Discount Terms & Conditions and complete the form included.

How long does it take to process a Local Resident Discount application?

Due to the high volume of applications we receive for the Local Residents Discount Scheme, our response time is currently ten working days. Please be assured, we're processing applications as quickly as possible.

If you have any concerns or further questions, or if your application has taken longer than ten working days, please contact us.

For a new application or to update your Local Resident vehicle, please complete the Local Resident Discount Scheme form.

Looking to pay a Pick Up and Drop Off charge?

Click here to pay via our payment portal.
Pay Pick Up and Drop Off charge

Our other airport car parks

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Long Stay

From £71.99 (8 days)


Great value parking if you’re staying for longer than a week

15 minute transfer

Safe and secure, Park Mark® accredited

Blue Badge parking available

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Meet & Greet

From £91 (8 days)

PRE BOOK ONLY


Drop your car off outside the terminal and we’ll park it for you

1-2 minute walk

Safe and secure, Park Mark® accredited

Blue Badge parking available

More info
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Mid Stay

From £76.99 (8 days)


Value-for-money parking within walking distance of the terminal

7 minute transfer

Safe and secure, Park Mark® accredited

Blue Badge parking available

More info