Finding the right place to park your car at Gatwick Airport may feel confusing. With two busy terminals, multiple parking types, and changing prices, travellers often ask: Where should I park at Gatwick? This guide explains all official and off-site Gatwick parking options, what they cost, and what to expect, so you can plan your journey with confidence.
Gatwick Airport Parking Options
Gatwick Airport (LGW) has two main passenger terminals: the North Terminal and the South Terminal. They are linked by a free automated shuttle that runs 24 hours a day and takes just a couple of minutes. Each terminal has its own Short Stay car park right next to the entrance, while Long Stay and Valet Parking are located a little further out, with shuttle buses or short walks to the terminal doors.
Gatwick Airport North Terminal Parking
The North Terminal has several parking options close to the terminal building. Short Stay car parks 5 and 6 are right beside departures, while Long Stay North is a short shuttle ride away. There’s also Premium Short Stay for faster access and Mid Stay Parking (Green Car Park 7), which is only available through pre-booking.
Knowing which terminal your flight departs from is the first step to choosing the right car park. Airlines such as easyJet mostly use the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport.
Gatwick Airport South Terminal Parking
The South Terminal offers Short Stay car parks 1, 2, and 3 next to the main entrance, along with a dedicated Long Stay car park connected by free shuttle buses. Premium Short Stay spaces are on the same level as departures, making them the quickest option for drop-offs or short visits. Primarily, British Airways, Vueling, and numerous other airlines operate from the South terminal.
Short Stay Parking at Gatwick
The Short Stay car parks are multi-storey buildings directly beside the terminals. These are ideal for picking up passengers, short business trips, or overnight stays. The North Terminal uses Car Parks 5 and 6, and the South Terminal uses Car Parks 1, 2, and 3.
They are the closest official car parks to the terminals, so you can walk straight into the check-in area within minutes. However, this convenience comes at a price. Short Stay Gatwick Airport parking costs:
- Up to 30 minutes – £7
- 1 to 2 hours – £15.50
- 12 to 24 hours – £60
- Each extra day – £60
Premium Short Stay spaces are even closer, usually on the same level as terminal departures. These cost more, starting from around £12 for 30 minutes and £75 for 24 hours. They are useful if you are short on time or carrying lots of luggage.
Long Stay Parking at Gatwick
Long Stay car parks are the main choice for travellers going away for several days or weeks. Both terminals have dedicated Long Stay areas with regular free shuttle buses. The shuttles run every 10–12 minutes, and the journey to the terminal takes about 5–10 minutes from South and 10–20 minutes from North.
Prices:
- Free for the first 2 hours (useful for pick-up and drop-off).
- 2–24 hours – £38
- Each additional day – £32
So, for example, a week’s parking without pre-booking costs about £230. Pre-booking is strongly advised, as advance rates can be 50–70% lower.
Mid Stay Parking
Gatwick offers a mid-stay car park at the North Terminal (Green Car Park 7). This is only available with advance booking through website. It uses ANPR (automatic number plate recognition), so you drive straight in and out without tickets. South Terminal does not currently have a Mid Stay equivalent.
Valet Parking at Gatwick
For maximum convenience, Valet Parking Gatwick lets you drive up to a Short Stay level, hand over your keys to staff, and walk into the terminal. Your car is then stored in a secure location and returned to you when you land.
Valet parking costs more but saves time, especially for business travellers or families. You can also pre-book an EV charging service with valet. Your car will be topped up on a 22kW charger while you are away.
Disabled (Blue Badge) Parking
All official Gatwick car parks have Blue Badge spaces near lifts and shuttle stops. These are step-free and supported by assistance phones. However, Gatwick does not offer free parking for Blue Badge holders beyond the standard 2 hours in Long Stay. One exception is that disabled passengers can use the drop-off forecourts free of charge.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up at Gatwick
Both terminals have dedicated drop-off forecourts directly outside the entrances. As of 2025, the Gatwick drop-off charges are between £7 for up to 10 minutes, with £1 for each extra minute up to 20 minutes, capped at £27 for 30 minutes. Charges are tracked using ANPR cameras, and you must pay online by midnight the next day.
If you prefer a free option, both Long Stay car parks allow 2 hours free parking, after which your passengers can take a shuttle to the terminal.
Pick-ups are not allowed at the forecourt. Use Short Stay car parks instead, where normal parking rates apply.
Off-Site Parking Providers
Park & Ride Services
At Gatwick, Park & Ride is the most budget-friendly choice. You park your car in a secure lot and then take a free shuttle bus to the North or South Terminal. Shuttles usually run every 10–15 minutes and the journey takes about the same time. It’s a reliable option if you don’t mind allowing a little extra time before your flight. When booked in advance, Park & Ride can cost as little as £5–£10 per day.
Meet & Greet Parking
For maximum convenience, many travellers book Meet & Greet parking. You simply drive to the terminal forecourt, hand your keys to a fully insured staff member, and your car is parked securely while you travel. On return, your vehicle is brought back to the terminal so you can drive away immediately. While it’s more expensive (around £20–£40 per day), it’s ideal for families, business travellers, or anyone carrying heavy luggage.
Hotel + Parking Packages
If you have an early flight, a hotel with parking package is a smart choice. Hotels around Gatwick often let you stay the night before and leave your car for the length of your trip. This saves travel time in the morning and is especially useful for long-haul departures.
Security & Safety
All official Gatwick parking and approved providers follow strict safety standards. Facilities are equipped with CCTV, floodlighting, and 24/7 patrols, and many are Park Mark certified for added peace of mind. Booking early not only guarantees a space but also locks in the lowest price.
EV Charging at Gatwick
If you drive an electric car, EV charging at Gatwick is widely available:
- Short Stay car parks: 22kW chargers in North CP5 and South CP3.
- Valet Parking: 22kW charging can be pre-booked.
- GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt®: Located on the South Terminal Ring Road, it has over 30 rapid chargers (150kW–350kW).
- Tesla Superchargers: Available near the airport and in Crawley (4–8 stalls).
- Off-site providers: Some Park & Ride lots, such as APH, offer 30kW–60kW charging during your stay.
Off-Site Parking Providers
Park & Ride Services
At Gatwick, Park & Ride is the most budget-friendly choice. You park your car in a secure lot and then take a free shuttle bus to the North or South Terminal. Shuttles usually run every 10–15 minutes and the journey takes about the same time. It’s a reliable option if you don’t mind allowing a little extra time before your flight. When booked in advance, Park & Ride can cost as little as £5–£10 per day.
Meet & Greet Parking
For maximum convenience, many travellers book Meet & Greet parking. You simply drive to the terminal forecourt, hand your keys to a fully insured staff member, and your car is parked securely while you travel. On return, your vehicle is brought back to the terminal so you can drive away immediately. While it’s more expensive (around £20–£40 per day), it’s ideal for families, business travellers, or anyone carrying heavy luggage.
Hotel + Parking Packages
If you have an early flight, a hotel with a parking package is a smart choice. Hotels around Gatwick often let you stay the night before and leave your car for the length of your trip. This saves travel time in the morning and is especially useful for long-haul departures.
Security & Safety
All official Gatwick parking and approved providers follow strict safety standards. Facilities are equipped with CCTV, floodlighting, and 24/7 patrols, and many are Park Mark certified for added peace of mind. Booking early not only guarantees a space but also locks in the lowest price.
Gatwick Airport Parking Prices
Here is a breakdown of Gatwick parking prices for official car parks:
| Duration | Short Stay | Premium Short Stay | Long Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 mins | £7 | £12 | Free |
| 1–2 hours | £15.50 | £18 | £38 (2–24h) |
| 12–24 hours | £60 | £75 | £38 |
| Additional days | £60 per day | £75 per day | £32 per day |
Pre-booked off-airport Park & Ride can be as low as £5–£10 per day.
Tips for Parking at Gatwick Airport
- Always pre-book: Prices change daily, just like flights. Booking can save up to 75%.
- Check your terminal: North and South have separate car parks and shuttle routes.
- Use Long Stay for free drop-off: Up to 2 hours of free parking makes it ideal for pick-ups too.
- Watch vehicle height limits: North CP5 max 1.8m; North CP6 and Mid Stay 2.1m; South Short Stay 2.0m.
- Allow time for shuttles: Long Stay buses run every 10–12 minutes, so factor that in.
- Consider EV charging: Use Short Stay or the GRIDSERVE forecourt if you need to charge before your trip.
While Gatwick offers different parking options, many travellers prefer to skip the parking hassle altogether. With TappAXI, you don’t have to worry about finding a space, paying daily charges, or taking a shuttle bus. Your driver drops you directly at the terminal doors and collects you on your return, making it a simple and stress-free alternative to parking at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest parking at Gatwick?
For long trips, off-site Park & Ride services usually offer the lowest prices, from £5–£10 per day when pre-booked. On-site, Long Stay is the cheapest for multi-day trips.
Is there free parking at Gatwick Airport?
Yes. The Long Stay car parks allow up to 2 hours free, with free shuttle buses to both terminals. Blue Badge holders can also use the forecourt drop-off free of charge.
Can I charge my EV at Gatwick?
Yes. Short Stay car parks at Gatwick airport have 22kW chargers, valet parking offers a charging service, and the GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt near the South Terminal has ultra-fast chargers.
How much is 7 days’ parking at Gatwick?
At Long Stay, 7 days costs around £230 if paying on the day. Off-site pre-booked Park & Ride can reduce this to £40–£60 for a week.
Do I need to pre-book parking?
It’s not required but highly recommended. Pre-booking guarantees a space and can save up to 75% compared to turn-up rates.
Where should I pick up passengers at Gatwick?
Use the Short Stay car parks, which are next to both terminals. Forecourt areas are for drop-off only.
Are Gatwick car parks safe?
Yes. All official car parks are barrier-controlled, monitored by CCTV, and accredited with the Park Mark Safer Parking award.
Conclusion
Parking at Gatwick Airport has many options, from quick Short Stay bays to budget Long Stay and off-site Park & Ride services. Prices vary, but planning ahead and pre-booking is the best way to save. EV drivers also have good facilities, including fast charging at the new GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt. Whether you’re dropping off, picking up, or going abroad for several weeks, Gatwick has a parking solution to suit every need. Finding the right parking at Gatwick Airport can be costly and time-consuming, especially during peak hours. Whenever you’re travelling by our Gatwick Airport taxi, you don’t have to think about parking charges, shuttle buses, or long walks from the car park.
