UNITED CARS · PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Extra charges.
Clearer journeys.
A simple guide to airport drop-off fees, parking, waiting time and road tolls — so you know what to check before you travel.
Airport charges and road tolls are not included in our advertised journey fares. Parking charges also apply where incurred. Ask our team to confirm the extras for your route, vehicle and travel time when booking.
Airport pickups: waiting & parking
Time to collect your bags, find your driver and get on your way. Here is how airport pickup waiting works.
Free airport pickup waiting
Your free 60-minute airport pickup waiting period starts when your plane has landed, using the actual landing time. Parking charges still apply.
Waiting after the free period
Once 60 minutes have passed from your actual flight landing time, waiting is charged at £7.50 for each 15 minutes or part of a 15-minute interval. For example, 16–30 minutes of additional waiting costs £15.
Charged separately
Airport parking is extra, even during the free waiting period. The cost depends on the airport, the car park and how long the vehicle stays.
Airport drop-off charges
These are the operators’ standard short-stay drop-off tariffs. They are separate from your United Cars transfer fare. Longer stays and airport collections may have different charges.
Gatwick Airport
£10First 10 minutes
North and South Terminal drop-off zones. Longer stays cost extra; maximum stay 30 minutes.
Official tariff ↗Heathrow Airport
£7Each terminal drop-off visit
Applies to the terminal forecourt drop-off zones. Airport collections use separate pick-up or parking arrangements.
Official tariff ↗Stansted Airport
£10First 15 minutes
Express Set Down. The charge rises to £28 after 15 minutes; maximum stay 30 minutes.
Official tariff ↗London City Airport
£8First 5 minutes
Terminal forecourt drop-off. £1 per minute thereafter; maximum stay 10 minutes.
Official tariff ↗Luton Airport
£9First 12 minutes
Drop Off & Pick Up Zone. £1 per minute thereafter; maximum stay 30 minutes.
Official tariff ↗Airport collection parking
VariesBy airport, car park and stay
Parking charges apply to airport pickups, including during the 60 minutes of free waiting. Ask our team about the parking arrangements for your arrival.
See waiting & parking ↓Official tariffs checked on 15 October 2026. Rates and access arrangements can change. Follow the official tariff links for the latest details. Any applicable concession depends on the airport’s rules and the vehicle used.
Bridge & tunnel charges
A chargeable crossing can add to your journey price. The amount depends on the crossing used, time of travel, vehicle classification and any eligible discount or exemption.
Blackwall & Silvertown tunnels
Standard car & small van tariffs · per crossing
- Auto Pay off-peakOther chargeable times, including weekends
- £1.55
- Auto Pay peakWeekdays: northbound 06:00–10:00
Southbound 16:00–19:00 - £4.20
- Paid online or by phoneAt any chargeable time
- £4.20
Rates shown include the increase from 21 September 2026. Other vehicle classes have different rates. Exemptions depend on the vehicle and licensing; our team can confirm what applies to your booking.
TfL rates, times & exemptions ↗Dartford Crossing
Dart Charge · per crossing
- Standard Class B chargeOne-off or pay-as-you-go payment
- £3.50
- Class B pre-pay accountDiscounted operator rate
- £2.80
Class B covers cars and minibuses with no more than 9 seats including the driver. Other vehicle classes have different charges. The applicable rate depends on the vehicle and payment account.
Official Dart Charge rates ↗A few useful answers
Are these charges included in the airport prices?
No. Airport drop-off charges, parking and road tolls are additional to the advertised journey fare. Waiting charges apply after the free airport pickup allowance. Confirm the extras for your booking with our team.
When does the free airport waiting period start?
The free 60-minute waiting period starts when your plane has landed, using the actual flight landing time. After those 60 minutes, waiting charges apply. Airport parking charges remain separate.
How is additional waiting time calculated?
After 60 minutes from your actual flight landing time, each started 15-minute interval costs £7.50. Any part of an interval is rounded up to the next 15 minutes.
- 1–15 minutes of extra waiting: £7.50
- 16–30 minutes of extra waiting: £15
- 31–45 minutes of extra waiting: £22.50
- 46–60 minutes of extra waiting: £30
The same £7.50 charge applies to each further started 15-minute interval. Airport parking charges are separate.
Is airport parking free during the 60-minute waiting allowance?
No. The free allowance covers waiting time only. Airport parking charges still apply and depend on the car park and length of stay.
Does every transfer use a toll bridge or tunnel?
No. It depends on your pick-up point, destination and route. Return journeys can involve a separate charge for each chargeable crossing. Ask which tolls apply to your journey when booking.
Are airport drop-off and collection charges the same?
Not necessarily. The drop-off tariffs above relate to the specified drop-off zones. Collecting passengers can require a different parking or pick-up area with its own tariff. Let us know your flight and terminal so we can explain the arrangements.
Let’s make your journey clear.
Tell us your route, travel date and passenger numbers. Our local team can explain the journey fare and any applicable extras.
Third-party tariffs checked: 15 October 2026 · Terms & Conditions · Back to top ↑
