Dropping off at London City Airport is not free. The forecourt charge is £8 for up to 5 minutes, then £1 per minute after that, up to a maximum stay of 10 minutes, which works out at about £13 for the full 10 minutes. It was introduced on 6 January 2026, and you pay online by midnight the following day. Prices checked August 2026.
The drop-off tariff
| Time on the forecourt | Charge |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 minutes | £8 |
| Each minute after 5 minutes | £1 per minute |
| Full 10-minute maximum stay | around £13 |
The forecourt uses barrierless ANPR cameras that read your number plate, so there is no ticket to take and no barrier to lift. You will not pay at the airport itself. Instead you pay online by midnight on the day after your visit. There is no free forecourt waiting, so even a brief stop is chargeable once you enter.
Who is exempt
Blue Badge holders are exempt from the charge. Licensed black cabs are also temporarily exempt, pending a TfL consultation on integrating the charge with the taxi meter. Private cars, ride-hailing vehicles and everyone else pay the standard tariff.
How to avoid the charge
The simplest way to skip the fee is to use the DLR, which is built into the terminal. If you are collecting someone, ask them to ride one or two DLR stops out, for example to Canning Town or Custom House, and meet them there for free. Because the airport is so compact and the station is a two-minute walk from the terminal, this adds only a few minutes to their trip. If you would rather leave the car for longer than a quick stop, compare the short-stay car parks, which can be more economical than paying by the minute on the forecourt.
Picking someone up
For pick-ups, timing matters because the clock starts as soon as you enter the forecourt. Wait until your passenger has actually landed, cleared the terminal and is ready at the kerb before you drive in, rather than circling or idling on the forecourt. With the 10-minute maximum, there is no option to sit and wait, so coordinate by phone and only pull in when they are outside.
Drop-off FAQs
Is drop-off free at London City Airport? No. It is £8 for up to 5 minutes, then £1 per minute to a 10-minute maximum, about £13 for the full stay. The charge started on 6 January 2026.
How do I pay the London City Airport drop-off charge? The forecourt uses barrierless ANPR cameras, so there is nothing to pay on site. You pay online by midnight on the day after your visit.
Who is exempt from the drop-off charge? Blue Badge holders are exempt, and licensed black cabs are temporarily exempt pending a TfL consultation. Private and ride-hailing cars pay the full tariff.
How can I avoid the drop-off fee at LCY? Use the DLR, which is built into the terminal, or meet an arriving passenger one or two DLR stops away, such as Canning Town, at no cost.
More: Overview, Taxis, Public transport, Parking, Routes, FAQs.
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Last verified August 2026 by the London City Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official London City Airport website before you travel.