London Airport Drop-Off Fees 2026: The Complete Guide to Price Increases
London Airport Drop-Off Fees: What You Need to Know for 2026
Navigating London’s airports just became more expensive. As of January 2026, major hubs have implemented significant fee increases. However, thanks to current TfL regulations, London Black Cabs offer a unique financial advantage by deferring these hikes.
| Airport | General Public Fee | Black Cab Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | £7.00 (Strict 10-min limit) |
£6.00 (Exempt from increase until April) |
| London City | £8.00 (Up to 5 mins) |
£0.00 (Fully exempt until April) |
| Gatwick | £10.00 | £10.00 |
| Stansted | £7.00 (Up to 15 mins) |
£7.00 |
| Luton | £7.00 (Up to 10 mins) |
£7.00 |
The Black Cab Advantage: Heathrow & London City
While private cars and minicabs must pay these new rates immediately, licensed London Black Cabs are currently exempt from the 2026 price hikes at Heathrow and the new charges at London City until the TfL tariff review in April 2026.
- Heathrow Airport Transfers: While the general drop-off fee has risen to £7, Black Cabs continue to pay the original £6 rate until April.
- City Airport Transfers: London City's new £8 fee does not apply to our passengers.
Central London: The Congestion Charge Gap
The cost of entering Central London has also risen this January to £18 per day. While Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) have paid this charge for some time, the recent removal of the "Cleaner Vehicle Discount" means even electric minicabs and Ubers are now hit with substantial daily costs.
In many cases, these operators pass a portion of this £13.50–£18 daily fee directly to the passenger as a surcharge. London Black Cabs remain 100% exempt from the Congestion Charge. When you book a transfer with us into the zone, you are guaranteed a journey free from these hidden environmental or congestion surcharges.
Our View: A Question of Fairness
While airports cite environmental goals for these charges, we believe the current model places an undue burden on travelers, especially during late-night hours when public transport is non-existent. For those traveling at these times, a taxi is a necessity, not a luxury.
By choosing a Black Cab over a Private Hire vehicle, you avoid potential Congestion Surcharges and benefit from lower Airport Drop-off fees at major hubs.
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