Cardiff Airport Drop-off and Pick-up: What to Know Before You Go
Dropping someone at Cardiff Airport now costs £4.50 for up to 10 minutes in the zone outside the terminal. There is a free alternative if you are prepared to walk a little further. Here is how it works, and how to skip it altogether.
Drop-off and pick-up at a glance
| Option | Cost | Time | Walk to terminal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-off zone outside the terminal | £4.50 | Up to 10 minutes | None |
| Car Park 2 | Free | First 20 minutes | About 5 minutes |
| Pick-up on the terminal forecourt | £4.50 | Up to 10 minutes | None |
| Pre-booked transfer | Included in your fare | No time limit for you | None |
The drop-off charge rose from £3 to £4.50 in July 2026, and staying longer than 10 minutes costs more.
Dropping off
The drop-off zone sits right outside the single terminal, so it is the quickest option, but 10 minutes passes fast with children and several cases. If you want to avoid the fee, Car Park 2 gives you 20 minutes free, about a five-minute walk from the terminal. Allow extra time for the walk, especially for an early flight.
Picking someone up
Pick-up works the same way. Waiting on the forecourt is charged, so most people wait in Car Park 2 and head over once the passenger has their bags. Check the flight’s arrival time before you leave, as delays can quickly use up a free 20 minutes.
Getting to Cardiff Airport
The airport is at Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan, about 12 miles south-west of Cardiff city centre and usually 25 to 35 minutes by road.
Skip the charges with a transfer
With Ibex Shuttle, your driver collects you from home and takes you to the terminal door, with drop-off charges included in your fixed price. On the way home, we track your flight and meet you on arrival, so nobody has to circle the car park waiting.
Cardiff Airport transfers start from £90 + VAT (£108 inc. VAT) in an executive car, and £215 in our 16-seat minibus for groups.
See Cardiff Airport transfer prices or get a fixed-price quote.
Charges checked in October 2026 and may change. Check Cardiff Airport’s website for the latest rates before you travel.
