London Airport Drop-Off Rules & Meet & Greet: 2025 Guide for Surrey Travellers

Planning a flight from Surrey? This practical guide explains how airport drop-off/pick-up rules work at Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and London City, when to choose Meet & Greet, and where to book the right vehicle—saloon, estate, MPV, 8-seater, or executive.

Luxurious private hire vehicle providing transfer service between Gatwick and Heathrow airports
Luxurious private hire vehicle providing transfer service between Gatwick and Heathrow airports

Quick links

Town pages for fast local quotes:
RedhillReigateGodalmingSuttonGuildford


When to choose Meet & Greet (arrivals hall collection)

Meet & Greet means your driver waits inside the terminal with a name board, assists with luggage, and leads you to the vehicle. It’s the simplest option when you:

  • Land with family and multiple cases or prams
  • Host clients/VIPs (pair with an executive saloon)
  • Need mobility support or extra time at arrivals

Add Meet & Greet during booking; see details here: All UK Airports — Meet & Greet.


Surrey → Heathrow (LHR)

  • Drop-off: Heathrow operates a Terminal Drop-Off Charge at all terminals, 24/7. If you hold a Blue Badge, a 100% discount can be applied for the vehicle that drops you off (including taxis).
  • Pick-up: Meet at Short Stay or choose Meet & Greet inside arrivals.
  • Plan/Book: Heathrow Airport Taxi ServiceLondon Heathrow Airport TaxiBook Now
  • Good to know: Heathrow terminals sit inside the ULEZ—ensure vehicle compliance when driving yourself.

Surrey → Gatwick (LGW)


Surrey → Luton (LTN)

  • Drop-off: The Express Drop-Off is a short walk from the terminal; charges apply. Free alternatives exist in designated car parks (with shuttle/walk).
  • Pick-up: Use the signed pick-up area or choose Meet & Greet for terminal-side assistance.
  • Plan/Book: Luton Airport TransfersMinicabs to Luton AirportBook Now

Surrey → Stansted (STN)

  • Drop-off/Pick-up: Express Set Down operates directly outside the terminal; charges apply. Short Stay/Mid Stay options are also available.
  • Meet & Greet: Recommended for hosted arrivals or first-time visitors.
  • Plan/Book: Stansted Airport TransfersBook Now

Surrey → London City (LCY)

  • Drop-off: Terminal drop-off is free, with 30 minutes free parking for Blue Badge holders in the Pick Up Area (check signage on the day).
  • Pick-up: Short Stay/Pick Up area; Meet & Greet available for business travellers.
  • Plan/Book: Taxi Service for London City AirportBook Now

Picking the right vehicle (quick guide)

SituationBest fitWhere to check
Early Heathrow with 3–4 casesEstate / MPVVehicle FleetHeathrow
Family of 5–8 with prams8-seater MPV + Meet & GreetVehicle Fleet
Client/VIP arrivalExecutive saloon + Meet & GreetCorporate / Executive
Wheelchair userWheelchair-accessible vehicleWheelchair-Accessible Taxis
Daily school run → stationNamed driver + saloon/estateSchool Runs

Local tips to add in your booking notes

  • Exact terminal and airline (for collections)
  • Entrance/door or platform (Redhill, Reigate, Godalming, Sutton, Guildford stations)
  • Bag count, child seats, mobility needs
  • Time buffer for early flights or peak traffic

How to book

  1. Online (fastest): Book Now
  2. Corporate account: priority booking + invoicing via Corporate / Executive
  3. Questions: check the FAQs or browse Our Branches & Areas We Cover

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