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Collect your loved ones quickly and easily with this Stansted Airport Parking Pick Up Guide

We know you don't want your Stansted Airport pick up to be any more hassle than it needs to be. Collect your loved ones quickly and easily, and for the best possible price, when you use our Stansted Airport parking pick up guide.

Have a look at all of the options available to you at Stansted Airport, including a free option for those who are only making a flying visit, to options for those who wish to park for a little longer. However, depending on the length of time you expect to spend at the airport, it may actually work out cheaper to pre-book your space in advance. Read on to find out more so you can make an informed choice and pick up at Stansted like a pro.


Free Parking at Stansted Airport

You can enjoy up to 1 hour's free parking in the 'Free Set Down' area of the Stansted Airport Mid Stay car park. Once parked, you need to catch the complimentary bus to the terminal, and ensure you return and exit the car park within the hour to avoid any charges. If you go over your 1 hour, charges will apply, so make sure you're not late! This is the perfect option for those who want to meet their loved ones inside the airport, and are certain they will be no longer than 1 hours.

Mid Stay Stansted Airport Parking Prices

Duration Price*
Up to 1 hour FREE
Up to 2 hours £5.00
Up to 24 hours £30.00
Each additional 24 hours £30.00

Stansted Short Stay Car Park

Another option for your Stansted Airport pick up is the Short Stay car park, located very close to the terminal. To find it, follow signs for 'Short Stay Car Park and head to the Green, Orange and Blue zones. We don't recommend using this facility, however, as although it is located closer to the airport than the free pick up zone, the parking charges can add up quickly if you are longer than you expect.

Short Stay Stansted Airport Parking Prices

Duration Price*
Up to 30 mins £10.00
Up to 1 hour £18.00
Up to 2 hours £22.00
Up to 4 hours £35.00
Up to 24 hours £62.00

Express Set Down at Stansted

We would typically recommend the Express service to those who are only dropping off at Stansted, as if your loved ones are later to arrive than you expect, parking here can certainly cost a pretty penny.

Express Set Down at Stansted Airport Parking Charges

Duration Price*
Up to 15 mins £7.00
Over 15 minutes £25.00

So for example, a stay of 13 minutes will cost you £7 and a stay of 17 minutes will cost you £25! You cannot leave your vehicle unattended as it may be towed, and there is a £20 recirculation fee if you return to the car park within 30 minutes of leaving.


Why Should I Pre-Book with Holiday Extras?

no booking fees stansted airport pick up badge

Want to get to the terminal nice and early to see your loved ones arrive, or maybe grab a bite to eat before you set off for home? Worried about flight delays and paying through the nose for on-the-day parking, or not being able to find a parking space in peak times?

By booking your space in advance with Holiday Extras, you can alleviate all those worries. Not only are you guaranteed a space when you arrive, but you can pay a set price for a whole day's parking, and leave only when you're good and ready. Our prices for a day's parking at Stansted Airport start from as low as £8.25, which, as you can see, is cheaper than an hour in the Short Stay car park, and 15 minutes in the Express service zone. Interested? Find out how to book below.

How to Book

Simply pop in the date you're heading to the airport into the search bar at the top of the page. There, you'll be shown all the prices and information you need about the car park before you book. Check-out, wait for your confirmation email, and then relax - your visit to Stansted Airport is going to run perfectly.

Stansted Airport Parking


Stansted Airport Pick Up Parking FAQs

Is it Free to Pick Up at Stansted Airport?

There is a free pick up point at Stansted, signposted as 'Free Set Down'. Located inside Stansted's Mid Stay car park, you are allowed an hour's free parking, with a small £2 charge for up to 2 hours. Your passengers can catch the free shuttle bus the rest of the way to the terminal.

Can I Pick Up Passengers at the Terminal?

To pick up passengers as close to the terminal as possible, we would recommend using the Short Stay car park, which is the closest pick up point available. However, this can get very expensive if you plan to park for longer than 30 minutes.

What Other Stansted Pick Up Options are there?

There is also the Express Set Down option available at Stansted, with prices starting from £7 for up to 15 minutes. The prices for this facility can rack up very quickly, so be sure to check out your other options.

What if I Want to Meet my Passengers in Arrivals?

If you would prefer to head inside to meet your passengers, we would recommend making use of Stansted's Short Stay car park, which offers 30 minutes of parking for £8. If you want to park for longer than that, pre-booking with us could work out significantly cheaper.

Is it Better to Book my Stansted Parking Space in Advance?

We certainly recommend pre-booking your Stansted space if you plan to park for longer than 30 minutes. This is because standard rates at the Short Stay car park could be higher if you stay for more than half an hour, than booking a full day's parking with us. You won't need to worry about time restraints or being overcharged, so make a search before you come to your decision.

I Need to Drop Passengers off at Stansted - What do I do?

If you're dropping off at Stansted Airport, head over to our dedicated drop off page instead, for all the information you need to ensure it runs smoothly.


*Correct at time of writing and subject to change.