Quick answer
Dropping off: £8 for up to 5 minutes, then £1 a minute, 10 minutes maximum, paid online by midnight the next day. Picking up: use the Pick-Up area by the main car park, £10 for up to 20 minutes. Parking: the Main Stay and Premium car parks next to the terminal, cheapest when booked ahead.
Drop-off on the forecourt
Terminal drop-off charges
| Time | Charge |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 minutes | £8.00 |
| After 5 minutes | £1 per minute |
| Maximum stay | 10 minutes |
| Overstay | £100 enforcement charge, cut to £60 if paid within 14 days |
- Cameras read number plates (ANPR). Pay online through the airport's drop-off page by midnight the day after, or you may get a Parking Charge Notice.
- Do not wait in the car or leave it unattended on the forecourt.
- Blue Badge holders can register for 10 free minutes in the Drop-off area, even when a taxi or friend drives them. Apply at least 7 days before the visit.
Source: airport drop-off page. check before you travel.
Picking someone up
Pick-Up area charges
| Stay | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 20 minutes | £10.00 |
| 20 to 30 minutes | £16.90 |
| 30 minutes to 1 hour | £21.90 |
| 1 to 2 hours | £29.90 |
| 2 to 4 hours | £39.90 |
| 4 to 8 hours | £59.90 |
| 8 to 24 hours | £97.90 |
Follow the Pick-Up signs to the area by the main car park. If you need more than 20 minutes, the airport suggests the Main Stay car park. The car parks are cashless and take major cards except American Express. Airport Pick-Up page; parking FAQs.
Car parks
Main Stay car park
On site, a short walk to the terminal
- Booking
- Pre-book online up to a year ahead; minimum 1 day, latest 6 hours before arrival. The airport says pre-booking can save up to 90% on drive-up rates.
- On the day
- Take a ticket at the barrier and pay before you leave, at the Pick-Up area or terminal entrance pay points
- Security
- Barrier controlled, CCTV, number plate recognition
- Height limit
- 3.30 m; no motorhomes, lorries, trailers or caravans
Valet (meet and greet)
Hand over your car in the Main Stay
- How
- Book ahead, or meet the valet team in the Main Stay car park
- Prices
- Set by date and length of stay, and cheaper the earlier you book. The airport does not publish a fixed daily rate. check before you travel
- Electric vehicles
- Six chargers in the main car park: 2 rapid and 4 standard
- Blue Badge
- The airport offers free time in the main car park when you show your Blue Badge at the info desk; its pages give 30 minutes or 1 hour, so ask on arrival
- Accessible bays
- Two in the Drop-off area and twelve in the Main Stay car park, with seating and a call point
Airport parking page; parking FAQs; Blue Badge page; assisted travel page.
Off-airport and alternatives
Space by the terminal is limited, and the streets around the Royal Docks have parking controls; Newham Council enforces them. Many travellers drive to a station with parking and take the DLR or Elizabeth line instead. Brokers also sell LCY parking, including the on-site car parks, so compare the total for your dates.
Compare London City parking
Parking booking is not connected here. Pre-booking the on-site car park direct is usually cheaper than paying on the day.
Questions travelers ask
How much is drop-off at London City Airport?
£8 for up to 5 minutes, then £1 a minute, with a 10 minute maximum. Pay online by midnight the day after.
How much does it cost to pick someone up at LCY?
The Pick-Up area costs £10 for up to 20 minutes, £16.90 for up to 30 minutes and £21.90 for up to an hour, per the airport.
Can I pay cash for parking at London City?
No. The car parks are cashless and take major cards except American Express.
Are there EV chargers at London City Airport?
Yes, six in the main car park: 2 rapid and 4 standard.
Sources
Last checked 12 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Details at the airport change often; the airport's website and your airline have the final word.