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Dublin Airport Set-down Charge & Free Alternative

Both Dublin Airport terminals offer free set-down for the first 10 minutes at Express Red, with per-minute charges climbing fast the longer you linger. There is also a cheaper option most drivers don't know about. Here's how each works.

Express Red set-down

How much is the Dublin Airport set-down charge?

The Express Red set-down zones at both T1 and T2 give you the first 10 minutes free. After the 10-minute mark a per-minute charge applies, and the longer you stay the more you pay. Tariffs are reviewed periodically by daa, so always confirm the latest figure on the dublinairport.com website before travelling.

Number-plate (ANPR) recognition records your entry and exit automatically. There is no cash payment — drop your passenger and luggage and exit the lane promptly to stay inside the free window.

Cheaper option

Where to drop off at Dublin Airport for less

Use the Holiday Blue car park. You only pay for the actual time used at the daily long-term rate, with a complimentary shuttle bus into both terminals.

Shuttles run every 10–15 minutes, day and night, with a journey time of around 5–10 minutes. For most pick-ups where the passenger has been delayed inside the terminal, this works out cheaper than waiting on the Express Red meter.

Terminal 1 — Set-down

  1. 1Exit the M1 / M50 and follow signs for Dublin Airport, then T1.
  2. 2Take the dedicated 'Express Red Set-down' lane at the T1 forecourt.
  3. 3First 10 minutes are free — ANPR captures your entry time.
  4. 4Unload at the kerb directly outside Departures and exit promptly.
  5. 5For longer waits: follow signs to 'Holiday Blue' instead.

Terminal 2 — Set-down

  1. 1Exit the M1 / M50 and follow signs for Dublin Airport, then T2.
  2. 2Use the T2 Express Red set-down forecourt — clearly signed.
  3. 3First 10 minutes free; per-minute charges apply after the limit.
  4. 4Unload at the kerb beside the covered walkway into Departures.
  5. 5For longer waits: follow signs to 'Holiday Blue' instead.

Set-down vs Holiday Blue — which to use?

ScenarioBest option
Quick kerbside drop, < 10 minutesExpress Red set-down (free)
Helping with luggage / accessibilityHoliday Blue (pay per hour, cheaper than meter)
Meeting an arriving passengerHoliday Blue or dedicated Pick-up area
Flight delayed at arrivalsHoliday Blue — avoids escalating set-down charges
Heads up: Set-down tariffs and the free 10-minute window can change. Always confirm current charges directly with daa / dublinairport.com before you travel. See our full Dublin Airport parking guide for Express Red, Holiday Blue, Platinum and park & ride options.