When you're picking up passengers by car, please go to the Short Stay car park. Need longer than 20 minutes? Move to the Main Stay car park and swap to an On-Site car park ticket to avoid penalty charges. You can do this at the information desk inside the terminal.

Picking someone up from London City Airport (LCY) in 2026 requires careful timing to avoid significant charges, as the airport has strict "no idling" rules. Unlike larger airports, LCY is compact, and you cannot park or wait at the terminal curbside; that area is strictly for immediate drop-offs and carries a high "forecourt charge." For a pickup, you must use the Pick-Up Area or the Short Stay Parking, which uses an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. As of early 2026, the cost for the first 10–20 minutes is typically around £8, but prices rise sharply after that. The most efficient way is to have your passenger message you once they have cleared customs and are walking toward the exit. You can then pull into the pick-up lane, load the bags, and exit quickly. If the flight is delayed, it is much cheaper to wait at a nearby retail park or side street outside the airport perimeter until they are actually ready. Remember that LCY is located within the London ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone), so ensure your vehicle is compliant to avoid an extra daily charge.