Click above to secure the best parking rates at Gatwick Airport
Planning a trip from London Gatwick's South Terminal and wondering where to leave your car? This is the complete guide to long-term parking options — official Long Stay, valet, premium and cheaper off-airport alternatives.
Alongside the many private operators around Gatwick, the airport itself owns and manages three official long stay car parks. These are widely considered the safest and most reliable options for extended trips.
If you're flying from the South Terminal, the Long Stay South Terminal car park is usually the best fit. It's the official airport facility, conveniently located close to the terminal buildings, and handles stays from a few days to several weeks.
On arrival you pass through a barrier that automatically reads your number plate, then park in one of the many available bays. From there, a free shuttle bus runs you into the South Terminal — every 10 to 15 minutes, day and night, with a journey time of around 5–10 minutes. Buses are wheelchair and pushchair friendly.
Security measures across all on-airport car parks include CCTV, regular patrols and perimeter fencing. Booking ahead almost always beats the turn-up rate.
Long Stay isn't the only official option for South Terminal — depending on your priorities (time, budget, convenience) one of these may suit you better.
Drop your car at the terminal forecourt and a chauffeur takes it to a secure compound. On return, the car is waiting for you at the same forecourt. The most convenient option — priced accordingly.
Closest self-park option to the terminal — typically just a short covered walk from check-in. No shuttle bus needed. Ideal if you want to save time but skip the valet premium.
Technically possible for short trips of a day or two, but quickly becomes expensive for genuine long stays. Use only when Long Stay is full.
A range of private operators offer cheaper rates with a shuttle bus to the terminal. Quality varies — always pick a Park Mark accredited provider with strong recent reviews.
| Priority | Best option |
|---|---|
| Lowest official price | Long Stay South Terminal (pre-booked) |
| Fastest in/out | Valet or Premium Parking |
| Cheapest overall | Off-airport park & ride (reputable operator) |
| Maximum peace of mind | Any official on-airport car park |
Yes, but turn-up rates are considerably higher than pre-booked rates, and at peak times the car park can be full.
Free shuttles run every 10–15 minutes, 24/7, 365 days a year. The trip to the South Terminal takes around 5–10 minutes.
The Long Stay South car park is open-air and suits most vehicles. Multi-storey options have height limits — check with Gatwick if you drive an oversized vehicle.
All on-airport car parks are Park Mark certified, with 24-hour CCTV, regular patrols and secure fencing.
See our full Gatwick parking guide or read about drop-off charges & free alternatives.