Book Gatwick Airport Parking — compare entry and exit dates

Click above to secure the best parking rates at Gatwick Airport

parkgatwick.co.uk

Gatwick Airport Parking Guide

Serving over 40 million annual passengers, Gatwick offers a complex ecosystem of parking solutions. We decode every option — from on-site short stay and long stay to valet meet & greet and independent park & ride — with the pros, cons and practical detail that actually matters on travel day.

Book Gatwick ParkingRead the FAQ
Modern airport multi-story parking structure at sunset

40M+

Annual Passengers

Overview

A complete picture before you book

Airport parking can be confusing — even more so at a hub the size of Gatwick. Thankfully the airport has invested heavily in giving passengers genuine choice, with options that suit every budget and every type of trip, from a quick drop-off at the kerb to a two-week family holiday.

Beyond the official airport-run car parks, a sizeable ecosystem of independent providers offers park & ride and meet & greet services from sites within a short shuttle ride of the terminals. Below we walk through every category, what it costs you in time and convenience, and the practical things to verify before handing over your keys.

Official airport-run

On-Airport Solutions

Managed directly by Gatwick Airport, these options guarantee the closest proximity to check-in desks and arrivals halls. Quality can vary, but parking inside the airport boundary always means the easiest route to your gate.

Short Stay Parking

Designed for stays of less than 24 hours. There is a dedicated short stay car park at each end of the airport, both billed by the hour — fees can climb quickly if you stay longer than a day.

  • •North Terminal Short Stay: multi-story car park immediately adjacent to the terminal — walk straight to check-in or arrivals.
  • •South Terminal Short Stay: equally close, with a short covered walkway directly into the terminal building.
  • •Billing: hourly rate — best kept to under a day, otherwise long stay is significantly cheaper.
Best for Drop-offs & Pickups

Long Stay Parking

The economical choice for trips lasting several days or more. Both long stay car parks are operated by Gatwick and connected to their respective terminal by a complimentary shuttle bus running day and night.

  • •North Terminal Long Stay: multi-story car park linked to the terminal by free shuttle, roughly a 5 minute ride.
  • •South Terminal Long Stay: identical arrangement at the South Terminal with its own dedicated shuttle service.
  • •Shuttles every 10–15 minutes, day and night.
  • •CCTV monitored with frequent patrols by airport personnel.
  • •Booking online in advance via the airport website usually beats the on-site rate.
Best for Multi-Day Travel
Premium Experience

Valet & Premium Services

For travellers who want to skip the search for a space entirely, Gatwick runs two premium tiers at both terminals. They cost more than standard short or long stay, but for families with small children, anyone hauling heavy luggage, or business travellers short on time, the convenience often outweighs the price.

01

Meet & Greet Valet

Previously branded "Premium Meet & Greet". Drive directly to a designated drop-off point at the terminal, hand your keys to a trained attendant, and your vehicle is parked in a secure, airport-owned car park. On your return it is brought back to a predetermined pickup location. Generally the highest-priced official option — and frequently the lowest stress, especially in peak periods.

02

Premium Parking

A hybrid of self-parking and convenience. You still park your own vehicle, but in a dedicated reserved bay inside one of the short stay car parks — typically on a higher floor or closer to the terminal entrance. More expensive than standard short stay, but noticeably easier during peak hours when finding a space is the real cost.

Terminal guide

North vs South Terminal

Gatwick's two terminals each have their own drop-off forecourt, short stay and long stay car parks. Use this side-by-side guide to find the right entry point before you set off — and check your boarding pass for the correct terminal first.

North Terminal

North Terminal entry points

easyJet, TUI, Norwegian and most charter flights

Drop-off

  1. 1Follow signs from the M23 J9 for North Terminal.
  2. 2Take the dedicated 'Drop-off' lane at the forecourt roundabout.
  3. 3Pay the drop-off charge on entry — minimum fee covers the first few minutes only.
  4. 4Unload at the kerb directly outside Departures and exit promptly.

Short Stay

  1. 1Stay left at the terminal roundabout and follow 'Short Stay' signage.
  2. 2Enter the multi-story car park immediately adjacent to the terminal.
  3. 3Take a ticket on entry; pay at the machines before returning to your vehicle.
  4. 4Walk straight from the car park into Departures — no shuttle required.

Long Stay

  1. 1Exit the M23 at J9 and follow brown 'Long Stay North' signs.
  2. 2Enter the car park, note your zone and bay number, and lock up.
  3. 3Wait at the marked shuttle stop — buses run every 10–15 minutes.
  4. 4Ride the free shuttle (~5 minutes) directly to North Terminal Departures.
South Terminal

South Terminal entry points

British Airways, Vueling, Wizz Air and most long-haul flights

Drop-off

  1. 1Follow signs from the M23 J9 onwards for South Terminal.
  2. 2Use the South Terminal forecourt — clearly signed for short drop-offs.
  3. 3Pay the drop-off fee on entry; charges escalate quickly past the minimum window.
  4. 4Unload at the kerb beside the covered walkway into Departures.

Short Stay

  1. 1Follow 'Short Stay South' signage from the terminal approach roads.
  2. 2Park in the short stay car park beside the terminal building.
  3. 3Use the short, covered walkway directly into the South Terminal.
  4. 4Pay before returning to your car — billing is hourly.

Long Stay

  1. 1Follow brown 'Long Stay South' signs as you approach the airport.
  2. 2Park, photograph your bay number and head to the shuttle pickup point.
  3. 3Free shuttle buses run every 10–15 minutes, day and night.
  4. 4Ride approximately 5 minutes directly to South Terminal Departures.
Independent providers

Third-Party & Park-and-Ride

Alongside the airport's own car parks, numerous independent companies operate park & ride and meet & greet services at discounted rates. Savings can be real — but so are the variables. Always research the company thoroughly before booking.

Park and Ride

You drive to an off-airport lot, park your own car, and take the operator's shuttle bus to the terminal. Depending on the distance from the airport, that shuttle ride can be anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes (sometimes more). When evaluating any third-party park & ride, weigh up these three factors:

Shuttle Frequency

Are buses running often enough for your flight time? Check both peak and off-peak schedules — a cheap rate is no bargain if you wait 40 minutes for a bus at 5am.

Total Travel Time

Factor in the wait for the shuttle plus the drive into the airport. A 10-minute lot is very different from a 30-minute lot once you add it to your terminal arrival buffer.

Security & Liability

Look for video surveillance, fenced and patrolled lots, and clear written liability cover for damage or theft. Park Mark accreditation is a good signal — third-party review sites help with the rest.

Independent Meet & Greet

Mirroring Gatwick's own valet, several independent companies offer their own meet & greet service. You drop your vehicle at a designated point near the terminal and an attendant takes it to a secured lot away from the airport, returning it on your arrival.

Before booking, always confirm three things: the exact approved drop-off and pickup location, where your vehicle will actually be stored while you are away, and what liability cover applies in the event of damage or theft. Stick to established comparison sites or providers with verifiable accreditation.

Essentials

Drop-off, pick-up & the small print

A minimum charge applies at Gatwick's terminal drop-off forecourts, and fees escalate quickly the longer you stay. For free drop-off or pick-up, head to the Long Stay car park instead — it offers up to 2 hours free parking and a complimentary shuttle to the terminal.

Always check your boarding pass for the correct terminal before you set off. North and South operate as effectively separate airports for parking purposes, even though they're connected.

How much is parking at Gatwick Airport?+

Gatwick parking prices vary by car park and how far ahead you book. Short Stay is billed by the hour and is the most expensive per day. Long Stay is far cheaper for trips of 24 hours or more, with the lowest rates secured by booking online in advance via the Gatwick Airport website. Meet & Greet Valet sits at the top of the price range.

How much is short stay parking at Gatwick?+

Short Stay at both North and South Terminals is billed by the hour. It is the cheapest option for stays under a couple of hours but escalates quickly past 24 hours, at which point Long Stay becomes substantially better value. Always check the live tariff on the Gatwick Airport website before travelling.

How much is long stay parking at Gatwick?+

Long Stay is the economy on-airport option and is priced per day, with significant discounts when booked online in advance. Pricing depends on dates and how far ahead you book — booking weeks ahead can roughly halve the on-the-day rate.

How much is the Gatwick drop-off charge?+

A minimum drop-off charge applies at the designated forecourts at both North and South Terminals, covering only a short window. Fees increase quickly the longer you stay. For free drop-off and pick-up, use the Long Stay car parks (up to 2 hours free) and the complimentary shuttle bus.

How do you pay for short stay parking at Gatwick?+

Take a ticket on entry. Before returning to your vehicle, pay at one of the payment machines inside the car park or terminal using card or contactless. Insert the paid ticket at the exit barrier. Number-plate (ANPR) recognition is also used at some entry points — check the signage on arrival.

Can I just turn up and park at Gatwick?+

Yes — Short Stay and Long Stay accept turn-up traffic. However, booking online in advance through the Gatwick Airport website almost always secures a lower price and guarantees a space, especially during school holidays and peak travel periods.

Is there free parking at Gatwick for pick-up?+

Yes. The Long Stay car parks at both North and South Terminals offer up to 2 hours of free parking. From there, take the free shuttle bus to the terminal to meet arriving passengers.

Where do you park at Gatwick North Terminal?+

North Terminal has its own Short Stay multi-story directly adjacent to the terminal, a Long Stay car park linked by free shuttle (~5 minutes), Premium Parking bays inside Short Stay, and Meet & Greet Valet drop-off at the forecourt. Follow signs for 'North Terminal' from the M23 J9 and choose your signed car park.

Where do you park at Gatwick South Terminal?+

South Terminal mirrors the North: a Short Stay multi-story with covered walkway into the terminal, a Long Stay car park with free shuttle (~5 minutes), Premium Parking bays, and Meet & Greet Valet at the forecourt. Follow signs for 'South Terminal' from the M23 J9.

Is disabled parking free at Gatwick Airport?+

Blue Badge holders can park in designated accessible bays at the Short Stay car parks at both terminals. Standard parking charges normally apply, but concessions and assistance are available — confirm the latest disabled parking policy directly with Gatwick Airport before travelling.

Can you extend Gatwick parking?+

Yes. If your trip is delayed, contact Gatwick Airport parking (or your booking provider) as early as possible to extend your stay. Extending in advance is almost always cheaper than the on-the-day overstay rate at the exit barrier.

How long is short stay parking at Gatwick?+

Short Stay is designed for stays of less than 24 hours. You can stay longer, but the hourly tariff means Long Stay becomes the better-value option once you cross roughly the 24-hour mark.