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Stansted Airport has 3 pick up and drop off choices.
The Express Set Down zone costs £10 for up to 15 minutes and £28 for over 15 minutes. A £20 fee applies if you re-enter within 30 minutes. Taxis and commercial vehicles can't get this re-entry discount.
For picking up passengers, use the short stay car park, which costs £13.00 for the first 30 minutes.
For longer stays, the mid stay car park offers free Stansted Airport parking for up to 60 minutes, then £5 for the next hour.
Express Set Down is the quickest drop-off
The Express Set Down at Stansted Airport is a fast way to drop off travellers. It is in the short stay car park opposite the orange zone, with the closest access to the terminal.
Pay the drop-off fee directly online or automatically with an account.
Pricing Structure for Express Set Down
The cost starts at £10.00 for stays up to 15 minutes. For more time, it is £28.00 for stays of over 15 to 30 minutes. A £20.00 penalty applies for returning within 30 minutes.
Pay by midnight the day after your visit. Missing the deadline brings a £100 Parking Charge Notice (reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days).
Location and Accessibility
The Express Set Down area is close to the terminal and suits quick goodbyes. Blue Badge spaces are in Zone C, near the terminal and the special assistance desk, which helps passengers with mobility issues.
Time Restrictions and Penalties
Vehicles must not be left unattended in the Express Set Down area, which avoids congestion. Other parking options suit longer stays.
Short Stay Car Park
The Short Stay car park at Stansted Airport suits drivers who need more time to say goodbye or welcome someone.
For stays over 15 minutes, the Short Stay car park is a good choice and costs less than the Express Set Down. The prices are:
- Up to 30 minutes: £13.00
- Up to 1 hour: £21.00
- Up to 2 hours: £25.00
- Up to 4 hours: £38.00
This option suits Stansted chauffeurs and anyone picking up at London Stansted. Passengers have enough time to clear customs and collect their luggage, without high charges.
Booking a space at Stansted Airport in advance can start from £9.06 avg per day (depending on travel dates), a big saving compared to parking on the day.
The Short Stay Premium (Orange, Red and Yellow zones) is just 1 to 4 minutes from check-in. The Short Stay Economy (Blue Zone) is a bit further, at 7-10 minutes. These options suit both quick pickups and longer waits at London Stansted.
The Mid Stay car park is free for the first hour
The STN Mid Stay car park is a great choice for a hassle-free experience at a low cost.
Accessing the Mid Stay Car Park
Follow these steps to reach the Mid Stay car park:
- From London: Take M11 and exit at Junction 8a
- From Cambridge: Use M11 and exit at Junction 8
Shuttle Bus Service
The Mid Stay car park has a convenient shuttle bus service:
- Buses run every 10 minutes
- Journey time to the terminal is about 7 minutes
Time Limits and Charges
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | Free |
| 1-2 hours | £5.00 |
| Over 2 hours | Day Rate |
| Re-enter within 1 hour | £48.00 |
Local Resident Discount Scheme
Residents living up to 10 miles from Stansted Airport can get cheaper rates for the airport's Express Set Down service. The offer helps local communities who often use London Stansted pickup services.
The reduced charge depends on how close you live to the airport, and up to 2 vehicles can be registered at a time.
The usual rates apply for longer stays, and the £20 fee for re-entry within 30 minutes applies to everyone.
To get this discount, fill out an application form, which usually takes 7-10 working days to process. Once approved, you can use the Express Set Down zone at lower rates. The scheme supports local areas and good Stansted car service options.
These cards are for the named cardholder only. STN Airport replaces a damaged card for free.
