Gatwick Airport offers six main parking categories across North and South Terminal — from covered Short Stay spaces to Long Stay shuttle car parks, Meet and Greet valet parking, and Express Pick-Up zones. Our operations team handles passenger collections and drop-offs at Gatwick daily, and this guide draws on that experience to walk you through every option, what each one costs, and which works best depending on your trip length and budget.
Author: Stansted Airport Taxi Editorial Team | QMH Technologies Ltd. Licence: Uttlesford PHV | Companies House: 13506378. Last reviewed: October 2026 · Prices updated October 2026 · Valid through 31 December 2026. Prices last updated: October 2026. Gatwick car park charges vary by booking date and lead time — pre-book for best rates.
⚙ Quick Answer: Gatwick Airport Parking
Gatwick has six main parking categories across North and South Terminal — covered Short Stay, Long Stay shuttle car parks, Meet and Greet valet parking and Express Pick-Up zones.
Pre-booked Long Stay is usually the cheapest option for holidays — book at least 3–4 weeks ahead. South Terminal Long Stay includes the first 2 free hours, which suits passenger collections.
Forecourt drop-off is not free: a £10 charge applies (effective 6 January 2026, up from £7). Pre-booked private hire fares include it.
Gatwick Airport Parking: At a Glance
The headline facts before the detail.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main parking categories | Six options across North and South Terminal |
| Cheapest for holidays | Pre-booked Long Stay, 3–4 weeks ahead |
| Short Stay walk to terminal | 3–8 minutes on covered walkways |
| Long Stay shuttle | Free, around 10 minutes each way |
| Meet and Greet | Hand your keys to the valet at the forecourt — no shuttle |
| Short Stay pre-booking saving | Typically 30–50% against drive-up when booked 2–4 weeks ahead |
| Terminal forecourt drop-off | £10 (effective 6 January 2026, up from £7) |
| Private hire alternative | Fixed fare including the £10 charge — no car park |
| Contact | +44 20 3617 7825 or online booking |
Quick Answers
What is the cheapest way to park at Gatwick Airport?
Pre-booking Long Stay at least 3–4 weeks in advance is usually the most cost-effective option for holidays. South Terminal Long Stay offers 2 free hours, which also suits passenger collections.
How much does Short Stay parking cost at Gatwick?
Short Stay rates vary by terminal and season. Drive-up rates are substantially higher than pre-booked rates. For current pricing, book directly at Gatwick Airport's official car park booking page. Pre-booking 2–4 weeks in advance typically saves 30–50% against drive-up rates.
What is the difference between Long Stay and Short Stay at Gatwick?
Short Stay car parks are directly connected to the terminal — 3–8 minutes on foot. Long Stay car parks are further from the terminal and use a free shuttle bus (around 10 minutes each way).
How does Meet and Greet parking work at Gatwick?
You drive to the terminal forecourt, hand your keys to the valet team, and walk straight to check-in. On return, call ahead when you land — your car is ready at the terminal when you exit arrivals. No shuttle required.
Can I drop someone off at Gatwick for free?
Free drop-off is not available on the terminal forecourt — a £10 drop-off charge applies (effective 6 January 2026). Free alternatives exist further from the terminal, involving a walk or short shuttle ride.
Which car park should I use for British Airways at Gatwick?
British Airways operates from South Terminal. Use South Terminal car parks — Short Stay (Car Parks 1, 2, 3), Long Stay (South Terminal Long Stay), or South Terminal Meet and Greet. Confirm your specific BA terminal when booking.
Gatwick Parking: The Six Main Options
Gatwick car parking divides into six categories. Two terminals — North and South — each have their own car parks, but the options are the same across both.
Short Stay — covered multi-storey car parks directly connected to each terminal. Best for drop-offs and collections under 3 hours.
Long Stay — surface or partially covered car parks further from the terminals, connected by regular shuttle buses. Best for holidays and trips of 3 or more days.
Meet and Greet (Valet) — you drive to the terminal, hand your keys to a valet, and walk in. On return, your car is waiting at the terminal. Best when you want no shuttle.
Express Pick-Up — single-storey short-term car park with a flat-rate charge. Used for collecting arriving passengers. Best for pickup within 30 minutes.
Long Stay Business — same-level parking closer to the terminal than standard Long Stay, with a covered walkway. A mid-point between Short Stay and Long Stay.
Purple Parking / JetParks / off-airport — independently operated car parks near Gatwick, typically cheaper, typically requiring a shuttle to the airport. Useful for long holidays where price is the priority.
Short Stay Parking at Gatwick
Short Stay car parks sit directly alongside or above each terminal. Transfers to check-in take 3–8 minutes on foot, all under cover.
North Terminal Short Stay: Car Parks 5 and 6. Directly connected to North Terminal by covered walkway. Car Park 6 is Level 4 for Express Pick-Up.
South Terminal Short Stay: Car Parks 1, 2 and 3. Car Park 3 includes the Express Pick-Up level on Ground Floor.
Short Stay is the right choice if you are dropping someone off, collecting an arriving passenger and want to park while they come through arrivals, or have a trip under 24 hours. It is not cost-effective for holidays of 3 or more days — Long Stay or Meet and Greet will cost less.
Pre-booking: Always pre-book Short Stay online. Drive-up prices can be 40–60% higher than advance-booking rates during peak summer weeks.
Long Stay Parking at Gatwick
Long Stay car parks are further from the terminals and connected by free shuttle buses. The shuttle frequency and journey time differ between North and South.
North Terminal Long Stay: Shuttle to North Terminal runs every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day. Journey time approximately 10 minutes.
South Terminal Long Stay: Shuttle to South Terminal runs every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day. Journey time approximately 10 minutes.
Long Stay is the correct choice for holidays. For a 7-night trip, the price difference between Short Stay and Long Stay at Gatwick is typically substantial. We see passengers regularly choose Short Stay for convenience and pay two to three times the Long Stay rate — pre-booking Long Stay removes this cost entirely.
Important: The first 2 hours at South Terminal Long Stay are free. This can be used for passenger pickup — park, collect your arriving passenger, and leave within 2 hours at no charge.
Meet and Greet Parking at Gatwick
Meet and Greet (also called Valet Parking) removes the shuttle leg entirely.
How it works: You drive to the terminal forecourt, drop your bags, hand your keys to the valet team, and walk into the terminal. On return, call ahead when you land — your car is ready at the terminal when you exit.
North Terminal Meet and Greet: Operated from the North Terminal forecourt.
South Terminal Meet and Greet: Operated from the South Terminal forecourt.
Meet and Greet costs more than Long Stay but removes the shuttle journey with luggage. For families with young children, passengers with heavy bags, or passengers with mobility needs, the convenience is often worth the price difference.
Book directly with Gatwick or a verified car-parking operator. We recommend pre-booking — Meet and Greet spots sell out during school-holiday peaks, and arriving without a booking means re-routing to Short Stay at drive-up rates.
Express Pick-Up at Gatwick
Express Pick-Up is the designated zone for collecting arriving passengers. It is cheaper and closer than Short Stay for brief collections.
North Terminal Express Pick-Up: Car Park 6, Level 4.
South Terminal Express Pick-Up: Car Park 3, Ground Floor (Level 0).
The Express Pick-Up charge is a flat rate for a set period — typically 30 minutes. This gives you enough time to park, walk to arrivals, collect your passenger, and return to the car.
Practical use: Our drivers use the Express Pick-Up zones for airport collections. For a private hire collection, we recommend the passenger confirms their baggage is cleared before you enter the car park. This avoids paying for extra time while waiting for delayed baggage.
For a standard arrivals collection, the flow is: passenger clears immigration and baggage reclaim → contacts driver → driver enters Express Pick-Up → passenger walks to car park meeting point → departs within the flat-rate window.
North Terminal vs South Terminal Parking
Both terminals have the same car park categories. The key difference is which airline uses which terminal.
North Terminal airlines include: easyJet (since 29 March 2026), Norwegian, TUI, Wizz Air, and others.
South Terminal airlines include: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and others.
Always confirm your airline's terminal before booking parking. Booking North Terminal parking for a South Terminal flight means either a 15-minute shuttle ride between terminals or abandoning your pre-booked space.
The inter-terminal shuttle is free, runs 24/7, and takes approximately 3 minutes. However, if you have parked in the Short Stay car park on the wrong side, you will need to move your car or walk the additional distance with luggage.
Long Stay Business Parking at Gatwick
Long Stay Business sits between standard Long Stay and Short Stay in terms of both price and distance.
It offers same-level or covered parking closer to the terminal than standard Long Stay, with a covered walkway connection rather than a shuttle bus.
Long Stay Business suits passengers who want to avoid the shuttle but cannot justify Short Stay pricing for a longer trip. It is available at both terminals — pre-book online.
Pre-Booking Gatwick Parking: What We Recommend
From our daily operations at Gatwick, we consistently see three mistakes passengers make with airport parking:
1. Not pre-booking. Drive-up rates at Gatwick are significantly higher than advance rates. For a 7-night trip in July, drive-up Long Stay can cost two to three times the pre-booked rate.
2. Booking the wrong terminal. Confirm your airline's terminal at the time of booking. The easyJet move to North Terminal on 29 March 2026 caught many passengers who had pre-booked South Terminal car parks.
3. Underestimating Long Stay shuttle time. The shuttle takes 10 minutes, but loading luggage, waiting for the bus, and walking from the terminal stop adds time. Allow 30–40 minutes from car park to check-in desk if using Long Stay.
Gatwick Drop-Off: The Express Set-Down Charge
If you are being dropped off at Gatwick by a private hire vehicle or friend, a drop-off charge applies on the terminal forecourt.
Current charge: £10 (effective 6 January 2026, increased from £7).
This applies at both North and South Terminal forecourts. Alternative free drop-off options include the Short Stay car parks (paid, but usable for quick drop-off) and designated free drop-off areas further from the terminal, which involve a walk or shuttle.
At Stansted Airport Taxi, our fares to Gatwick always include the £10 drop-off charge. It is part of our fixed quoted price — no surprise at the terminal.
Vehicle Options for Gatwick Airport Transfers
Pre-booked Gatwick transfers are available in eight vehicle classes, from saloon to executive MPV. Every fare is charged per vehicle, not per passenger, so the cost per person falls as the group grows. A wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is available on request — confirm at booking.
| Vehicle class | Passengers | Luggage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon | Up to 4 | Up to 3 cases | Solo, couple, small group |
| Estate | Up to 4 | Up to 5 cases | Family with pushchair or ski bags |
| MPV5 | Up to 5 | Up to 5 cases | Small group or family |
| MPV6 | Up to 6 | Up to 6 cases | Small group or family |
| MPV7 | Up to 7 | Up to 7 cases | Family with multiple children or large luggage |
| MPV8 | Up to 8 | Up to 8 cases | Larger groups |
| Executive Saloon | Up to 4 | Up to 3 cases | Business travel |
| Executive MPV | Up to 7 | Up to 7 cases | Business group |
See our standard cars, MPV cars, executive taxi and minibus fleet pages, or read our guide to wheelchair-accessible airport transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cheapest way to park at Gatwick Airport?
A: Pre-booking Long Stay at least 3–4 weeks in advance is usually the most cost-effective option for holidays. South Terminal Long Stay offers 2 free hours, which also suits passenger collections. Compare official Gatwick prices with verified third-party operators — prices vary significantly by date and lead time.
Q: How much does Short Stay parking cost at Gatwick?
A: Short Stay rates vary by terminal and season. Drive-up rates are substantially higher than pre-booked rates. For current pricing, book directly at Gatwick Airport's official car park booking page. Pre-booking 2–4 weeks in advance typically saves 30–50% against drive-up rates.
Q: What is the difference between Long Stay and Short Stay at Gatwick?
A: Short Stay car parks are directly connected to the terminal — 3–8 minutes on foot. Long Stay car parks are further from the terminal and use a free shuttle bus (around 10 minutes each way). Short Stay costs more and suits short visits or drop-offs. Long Stay is more economical for holidays of 3 or more days.
Q: How does Meet and Greet parking work at Gatwick?
A: You drive to the terminal forecourt, hand your keys to the valet team, and walk straight to check-in. On return, call ahead when you land — your car is ready at the terminal when you exit arrivals. No shuttle required. Meet and Greet costs more than Long Stay but removes the shuttle journey with luggage.
Q: Can I drop someone off at Gatwick for free?
A: Free drop-off is not available on the terminal forecourt — a £10 drop-off charge applies (effective 6 January 2026). Free alternatives exist further from the terminal, involving a walk or short shuttle ride. Pre-booked private hire transfers include this charge in the fixed fare.
Q: Which car park should I use for British Airways at Gatwick?
A: British Airways operates from South Terminal. Use South Terminal car parks — Short Stay (Car Parks 1, 2, 3), Long Stay (South Terminal Long Stay), or South Terminal Meet and Greet. Confirm your specific BA terminal when booking.
Q: Which car park is best for easyJet at Gatwick?
A: easyJet moved to North Terminal on 29 March 2026. Use North Terminal car parks — Short Stay (Car Parks 5 and 6), Long Stay (North Terminal Long Stay), or North Terminal Meet and Greet. Express Pick-Up for collections is Car Park 6, Level 4.
Q: How early should I arrive at Gatwick if I have Long Stay parking?
A: Add 30–40 minutes to your usual check-in arrival time if using Long Stay. This covers the walk from your car, waiting for the shuttle, the 10-minute journey, and the walk to check-in. During peak periods, allow more.
Related Guides
- Gatwick Short Stay Parking
- Gatwick Long Stay Parking
- Gatwick Airport Hotels with Parking
- Best Hotels Near Gatwick Airport
- Hotels Near Gatwick North Terminal
- Hotels Near Gatwick South Terminal
- Which Terminal Does easyJet Use at Gatwick?
- Which Terminal Does British Airways Use at Gatwick?
- Gatwick Airport Taxi
More Gatwick Travel Guides
🚗 Gatwick Taxi
Pre-booked transfers to both terminals. Fixed fare, no surprises.
🏨 North Terminal Hotels
Sofitel, Hampton by Hilton, Premier Inn — all with covered access.
🏨 South Terminal Hotels
BLOC, YOTEL, Hilton — inside or adjacent to South Terminal.
✈️ easyJet Terminal
easyJet uses North Terminal since 29 March 2026.
✈️ British Airways Terminal
British Airways operates from South Terminal.
🅿️ Short Stay Parking
Car Parks 5 & 6 (North) and 1, 2 & 3 (South).
🅿️ Long Stay Parking
Free shuttle, up to 70% cheaper than Short Stay.
🏨 Hotels with Parking
Stay and park packages across both terminals.
🏨 Best Gatwick Hotels
All on-airport and near-airport options compared.
Travelling to Gatwick: Why Some Passengers Skip the Car Park
Not every Gatwick passenger needs to park. For passengers travelling from Central London, Essex, Hertfordshire, or the home counties, a pre-booked private hire transfer can remove the parking cost, shuttle, and car-park logistics entirely.
Stansted Airport Taxi provides pre-booked transfers to and from Gatwick Airport — North Terminal and South Terminal. Our fares are fixed at booking, include the £10 terminal drop-off charge, and cover door-to-door service. Tolls, Congestion Charge zone journeys and the Dartford Crossing are confirmed at booking where they apply.
For a household of 3–4 travelling to Gatwick, comparing the fixed transfer fare against parking, fuel, and the return shuttle often tips in favour of a pre-booked taxi — particularly for early departures when parking charges are highest.
Get a Gatwick transfer quote →
- ✔ Fixed fare confirmed at booking — includes the Gatwick terminal charge
- ✔ North Terminal and South Terminal, door to door
- ✔ Saloon through Executive MPV, with real-time flight monitoring
- ✔ Child seats available on request at £15 per seat
See our full Gatwick Airport taxi hub, Gatwick Airport taxi prices, Gatwick drop-off charges and Gatwick meet and greet guides.
👉 Get your fixed quote — call +44 20 3617 7825 or book online.
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Stansted Airport Taxi — QMH Technologies Ltd · 10–16 Tiller Road, London E14 8PX · Registered in England and Wales — Companies House No. 13506378 · Uttlesford District Council PHV Operator Licence · info@stanstedairport-taxi.com. Drivers: Enhanced DBS checked · NVQ Level 2 Road Passenger Transport · PCO licensed. Last reviewed October 2026.
