London Stansted Airport has strict rules for where drivers can stop, drop off or pick up passengers. With ANPR cameras, time limits and rising fees, understanding the 2025 charge structure is essential to avoid fines and keep your airport run stress free. This guide explains all drop off and pick up zones, pricing, exemptions and practical tips to help you plan ahead.

For a full view of all London airport rules, see:
London Airport Transfers 2025 Guide
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/london-airport-transfers-2025-guide

If you also use Heathrow or Gatwick, you may want to compare:
Gatwick Drop Off Charges 2025
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-drop-off-charges-2025

Heathrow Pick Up Charges 2025
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/Heathrow-Pick-Up-Charges-2025

Drop Off Charges and Zones at Stansted Airport

Stansted Airport has three drop off options, each with different pricing and rules. The closer you get to the terminal, the more you pay.

Express Set Down Zone

The closest drop off area located directly outside the terminal building.

Pricing

• £7 for up to 15 minutes
• £25 flat fee for stays over 15 minutes
• £20 surcharge if you re-enter within 30 minutes

Key Rules

• No stopping outside marked bays
• Vehicles cannot be left unattended
• Overstaying or misusing bays can result in £50+ fines
• Payment must be made online within 24 hours

This zone is best for quick drop offs only. Anything beyond a brief goodbye becomes costly due to the steep penalty charges.

For comparison, see how Gatwick handles its express zones:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-drop-off-charges-2025

Short Stay Car Park (Green and Orange Zones)

Short Stay is a more flexible option for drivers who expect to spend longer with their passengers or want to accompany them inside the terminal.

Pricing (2025 typical rates)

• Up to 30 minutes: around £10
• Up to 1 hour: £18
• Up to 2 hours: £22

This is the recommended pick up and drop off zone if you know you will need extra time.

Short Stay is comparable to Heathrow’s pick up system:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/Heathrow-Pick-Up-Charges-2025

Mid Stay Car Park

The best value option and the only one at Stansted offering one hour of free parking.

Pricing

• First 60 minutes: free
• After 1 hour: £5 for the next hour
• Standard daily rates apply thereafter

Features

• Served by free shuttle buses every 5 to 10 minutes
• Travel time to the terminal approximately 7 to 10 minutes
• Ideal for longer drop offs, unpredictable timings and meeting arriving passengers

This is similar to Gatwick’s free Long Stay waiting system used for pick ups and long drop offs:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-pick-up-rules-free-wait-zones-2025

Pick Up Charges and Designated Areas

Stansted does not allow pick ups at the terminal forecourt. All arriving passengers must be collected from either Short Stay or Mid Stay.

Short Stay Pick Up

• Closest to the terminal
• Charges begin around £10 for the first 30 minutes
• Ideal for fast pick ups where timing is predictable
• Vehicles cannot wait outside marked bays

Mid Stay Pick Up

• First hour is free
• Shuttle buses run frequently
• Best for uncertain arrival times or international flights

Waiting in the Express Set Down area for pick ups can generate fines of £50 or more.

For a similar setup at Gatwick, see:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-pick-up-rules-free-wait-zones-2025

Accessibility and Exemptions

Stansted provides a few exceptions under specific conditions:

Blue Badge Holders

• May receive additional time in Express Set Down
• Badge must be clearly displayed
• Notify marshals if additional help is required

Emergency and Official Vehicles

• Exempt under airport regulations
• Must still follow marked instructions and restrictions

How to Pay Stansted Drop Off Charges

Stansted uses cashless payment only. Payment must be made:

• Online via the airport payment portal
• Via the airport app
• Within 24 hours

Failure to pay results in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) up to £100.

Tips to Avoid Extra Costs at Stansted

• Use Express Set Down only if you can complete the drop off within 15 minutes
• For longer goodbyes, choose Mid Stay’s free 1-hour window
• If your passenger needs assistance inside, use Short Stay rather than risking fines
• Pay immediately after leaving the zone to avoid the PCN
• Avoid circling the airport loop as ANPR cameras track re-entry, triggering surcharges
• For frequent airport travel, consider private transfers to avoid charges altogether

If you prefer avoiding airport parking entirely, book a private Stansted transfer:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/transport/car-transfer

Summary Table Stansted Drop Off and Pick Up Charges 2025

Conclusion

Stansted Airport’s 2025 drop off and pick up system is clear once you understand the zone layout and fee structure. Express Set Down suits fast drop offs, Short Stay works for meeting passengers directly, and Mid Stay is the best free option for longer waiting times. By choosing the right zone and paying promptly, drivers can avoid fines and enjoy efficient airport runs.

For more practical airport guidance across London, explore our full Travel Connections hub:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/london-airport-transfers-2025-guide