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Gatwick Airport Parking

The complete guide to Gatwick Airport parking — what each car park costs, who it's best for, and how to lock in the lowest rate before you fly.

Overview

Gatwick Airport parking in plain English

Gatwick is the UK's second-busiest airport and the parking market reflects that — official car parks at North and South, premium and valet services, plus dozens of off-airport providers running secure shuttles to the terminals.

If you only remember one thing: pre-booking is almost always 40–60% cheaper than rocking up at the barrier. Beyond that, the choice comes down to terminal, trip length and how much hassle you'll tolerate.

Options

Every Gatwick Airport parking type at a glance

Long Stay (North & South)

The default for trips of 3+ days. Free shuttle every 10–15 minutes, 24/7. Best official value when booked ahead.

Short Stay

Walking distance to the terminal — cheap for a few hours, expensive past 24 hours. Use for pickups and very short trips only.

Premium Parking

Closest self-park to the terminal building, often a short covered walk. No shuttle needed — a middle ground between Long Stay and Valet.

Valet Parking

Drop the car at the terminal forecourt, a chauffeur takes it to a secure compound. Fastest in and out — at the highest price.

Off-airport park & ride

Private operators with secure compounds and shuttle buses to the terminal. Often the cheapest option overall — pick a Park Mark accredited provider.

Meet & greet

Off-airport equivalent of valet: hand over the keys at the terminal, the operator parks for you. Convenient — vet the operator carefully.

How to save on Gatwick Airport parking

  • Lock the rate in advance. Gatwick parking is dynamically priced — quotes today are almost always cheaper than the same booking next week.
  • Pick the right terminal. Long Stay, Short Stay, Premium and Valet are all split by terminal. The inter-terminal train is free but adds 15–20 minutes.
  • Skip Short Stay for long trips. Short Stay is metered hourly. Past 24 hours, Long Stay or off-airport will always undercut it heavily.
  • Use free drop-off zones. The Short Stay car parks are no longer free to drop off — but the Long Stay car parks give you up to 2 hours free with a shuttle to the terminal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to park at Gatwick?

Pre-booked off-airport park & ride is usually the cheapest, with the official Long Stay car parks close behind when booked early. Turn-up rates at the barrier are always the most expensive.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as you can. Prices rise as the travel date approaches and peak holiday weeks routinely sell out — especially Long Stay and Valet.

Is parking at Gatwick safe?

Yes. Every official Gatwick car park is Park Mark accredited with 24-hour CCTV, regular patrols and secure perimeter fencing.

Which terminal car park do I need?

Match the car park to your departure terminal — North or South. The inter-terminal shuttle train is free but adds 15–20 minutes with luggage.

Is valet parking worth the extra cost?

Valet is worth it when time is tighter than budget — early-morning flights, late returns, travelling with kids or heavy luggage. For everything else, Long Stay or off-airport is far better value.

Can I extend my parking if my flight is delayed?

Yes. Most operators charge a daily rate for extensions — contact them as soon as you know. Returning past your booked exit time without notice usually costs more than calling ahead.

Ready to book? Compare live rates across Long Stay, Valet, Premium and off-airport park & ride for both Gatwick terminals.

More guides: All Gatwick parking options · South Terminal Long Stay · North Terminal Long Stay · Drop-off charges