London City Airport runway – business jets and scheduled flights share a compact site with limited access.
Why LCY Travel Needs a Plan
London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to Canary Wharf and the Square Mile. Its single runway and compact terminal make it efficient, but that efficiency comes at a price: there is no free drop‑off zone. From 6 January 2026, the airport will charge £8 for up to five minutes in the drop‑off area, with £1 per additional minute and a maximum stay of 10 minutes【159267678783244†L205-L210】.
Corporate chauffeurs must plan around these fees and time limits. A good plan means arrival at the right moment, clear signage and standby for flight delays.
Drop‑Off Fees & Rules
- £8 for the first 5 minutes: the drop‑off zone is charged at £8 and allows up to five minutes. Each additional minute costs £1, and the stay is capped at 10 minutes【159267678783244†L205-L210】.
- Pay by midnight: payment is required by midnight the day after use or penalty charges apply.
- No barrier: the drop‑off area is on the forecourt; you enter and exit without a barrier, so timing is critical.
- Blue Badge exemptions: Blue Badge holders may be eligible for concessions – check airport guidance.
Chauffeur Setup (How We Run It)
- Flight details: collect flight number, airline and scheduled departure/arrival time so your chauffeur can track changes.
- Departure buffer: build in 10–15 minutes for check‑in and security; LCY is efficient, but business passengers still need time.
- Collection window: for arrivals, set a window (e.g., landing time + 15–25 minutes) to allow for baggage claim.
- Standby: chauffeurs wait nearby (not in the drop‑off zone) and enter only when the passenger is ready to board or exit the vehicle.
Pick‑Up & Drop‑Off Playbook
1) Use the official drop‑off zone
The drop‑off zone is directly outside the terminal. There is no free waiting area, so the chauffeur must arrive within the scheduled window and depart promptly to avoid extra charges.
2) Meet‑and‑Greet
For arrivals, we recommend the chauffeur parks in the short‑stay car park (charges apply) and meets guests inside the terminal. This avoids breaching the 10‑minute drop‑off limit and gives your guest time to pass border control.
3) Respect stopping restrictions
Private hire drivers should not stop on taxi ranks or obstruct traffic and must move off as soon as passengers board or alight【661920111794978†L84-L104】.
Typical Executive Routes from LCY
| Route | Use case | Chauffeur plan |
|---|
| LCY ↔ Canary Wharf | Investor meetings, board sessions | 5–10 min drive; use meet‑and‑greet; buffer for security |
| LCY ↔ The City | Financial district offices | 15 min drive; avoid peak hours; fixed curb points |
| LCY ↔ ExCeL London | Conferences and trade shows | 10 min drive; drop at west taxi rank; pre‑book parking【358564165126979†L98-L113】 |
| LCY ↔ Mayfair | Client dinners, hotels | 25–30 min drive; time windows; standby for hospitality overruns |
Meeting‑Day Timing Guide
- Collect flight information: know the airline, flight number and scheduled times.
- Set buffers: build in time for security, baggage and potential delays.
- Use pickup windows: 15–25 minutes after landing ensures the chauffeur doesn’t overstay in the drop‑off zone.
- Have a single point of contact: assistants should update the chauffeur with any changes.
FAQ
How much does the drop‑off at LCY cost?
From 6 January 2026 the fee is £8 for up to five minutes, then £1 per minute up to a maximum stay of 10 minutes【159267678783244†L205-L210】.
Can chauffeurs wait at the curb?
No. There is no free waiting at LCY. Chauffeurs must either park in the short‑stay car park or wait off site until the pickup window.
Do you offer day hire for LCY?
Yes. Day hire is ideal for back‑to‑back meetings in Canary Wharf and the City. It removes the stress of rebooking for each leg.
LCY terminal – timing your arrival is essential since drop‑off stays are capped.