
Quick 5-minute terminal drop-off from ยฃ5 or free 15-minute pick-up in Mid Stay Car Park โ seamless connections to all flights.
๐ Type: Short-Stay Pick-Up & Drop-Off Zone
๐ Open: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
๐ Rating: N/A (airport-operated facility)
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
Terminal Drop-Off Zone:
ยฃ5 for first 5 minutes
ยฃ1 per additional minute up to 20-minute maximum stay
Enforcement charge ยฃ95 (ยฃ55 if paid within 14 days) for overstay or unattended vehicles
Mid Stay Car Park (Pick-Up & Drop-Off Alternative):
FREE for up to 15 minutes (no advance booking)
Shuttle bus or 10-minute walk to terminal
Payment: Automatic via ANPR; pay online by midnight the following day or at on-site kiosks.
Blue Badge Holders: 30 minutes free in Terminal Car Park 1 (pre-book assistance required).
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Terminal Zone Bays | ~20 marked spaces outside main entrance |
| Mid Stay Bays | ~600 spaces (adjacent to Terminal Car Park 2) |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Lighting | Full LED throughout both zones |
| Security | CCTV monitoring; ANPR entry/exit control |
| Height Limit | None |
โฟ Accessibility
Terminal Zone: Level kerbside drop-off; no parking or waiting beyond driverโs seat
Mid Stay Car Park: Step-free shuttle to terminal; accessible bus stops and covered walkway
๐ EV Infrastructure
Terminal Zone: No chargers
Mid Stay Car Park: No on-site chargers; nearest rapid chargers in Terminal Car Park 1
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
| Time | Zone | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05:00โ08:00 (Weekdays) | Drop-Off Zone | ~90 % | Early departures |
| 08:00โ10:00 (Weekdays) | Mid Stay | ~70 % | Shift arrivals & pick-ups |
| 16:00โ18:00 (Weekdays) | Drop-Off Zone | ~85 % | Afternoon departures |
| Weekends All Day | Mid Stay | ~60 % | Family visits & leisure |
Pro Tip: Use the Mid Stay Car Park for free 15-minute pick-ups, then shuttle or walk to the terminal to avoid drop-off charges.
๐ถ Walkability & Connections
| Zone | Walk/Shuttle Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Drop-Off | 0 min (at kerbside) | Immediate access to check-in and security |
| Mid Stay Car Park | 5 min shuttle / 10 min walk | Free short-stay parking, low congestion |
| Luton Airport Parkway | 15 min drive | Rail link to London & Midlands |
๐ Nearby Amenities
Cafรฉs & Retail: All in terminal building (immediate)
Restrooms: In both terminal and shuttle interchange
Taxi Rank & Bus Stops: Adjacent to drop-off kerbside
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
No Unattended Vehicles: Leaving your car even briefly will incur a fine or tow
Maximum Stay Enforcement: Strict 20-minute cap in Terminal Zone; penalties apply
Payment Deadline: Charges must be settled by midnight after visit to avoid penalty
Shuttle Availability: Runs every 10 minutes between Mid Stay and terminal 05:00โ23:00
๐ Expert Tips
Free Alternative: Mid Stay Car Park offers 15 minutes freeโideal for quick pick-ups
Penalty Avoidance: Log your registration immediately upon exit in the online portal
Blue Badge Advantage: Pre-book assistance to use Terminal Car Park 1 with 30 minutes free
Off-Peak Savings: Arrive after 10 am to avoid peak-time congestion in both zones
๐ฎ Future Developments
2025: Introduction of ANPR-linked mobile payments and extended free period pilot
2026: Potential relocation of Drop-Off Zone closer to new terminal extension