The Express Drop-Off closest to the terminal is paid, starting at £5 for up to 10 minutes. But Newcastle is unusually generous compared with most UK airports: there are two genuinely free options. Short Stay 2 gives you 15 minutes free, and the Callerton Parkway waiting zone gives up to 90 minutes free with a free shuttle bus. Prices checked August 2026.
Express Drop-Off tariff
The Express Drop-Off is the zone closest to the terminal, designed for quick set-down and pick-up. It is paid on a rising scale.
| Time | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 minutes | £5 |
| Up to 30 minutes | £10 |
| Up to 45 minutes | £14 |
From March 2026 the car park exits are card-only by default, with cash accepted only at designated machines, so carry a contactless card.
The two free alternatives
You do not have to pay to drop someone off. There are two no-cost options:
- Short Stay 2 is free for up to 15 minutes, a genuine free set-down with a short walk to the terminal. It is the quickest free choice for a straightforward drop.
- Callerton Parkway waiting zone is free for up to 90 minutes and includes a free shuttle bus that runs roughly every 30 minutes to the terminal. This is the one to use if you are waiting for an arriving passenger whose flight might be delayed.
Picking someone up
For pick-ups, the Callerton Parkway waiting zone is the sensible base: 90 minutes free covers most delays, and the shuttle brings your passenger out to you. If you would rather collect right by the terminal, Long Stay can also be used to pick up passengers, which avoids the Express charge entirely. See the parking page for rates. If you would rather not drive at all, the Metro reaches the city in about 25 minutes for £2.50, or a pre-booked taxi will take your passenger to the door.
Drop-off FAQs
Is there a drop-off charge at Newcastle Airport? The Express Drop-Off is paid, from £5 for up to 10 minutes. But Short Stay 2 is free for 15 minutes and the Callerton Parkway waiting zone is free for up to 90 minutes.
Where is the free drop-off at Newcastle Airport? Short Stay 2 (free for 15 minutes) or the Callerton Parkway waiting zone (free for up to 90 minutes, with a free shuttle bus).
How much is the Express Drop-Off at Newcastle Airport? £5 for up to 10 minutes, £10 for up to 30 minutes, and £14 for up to 45 minutes.
Where should I wait to pick someone up? The Callerton Parkway waiting zone, free for up to 90 minutes with a free shuttle, is the best base for pick-ups, or use Long Stay to collect near the terminal.
More: Overview, Taxis, Public transport, Parking, Routes, FAQs.
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Last verified August 2026 by the Newcastle Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official Newcastle Airport website before you travel.