Gatwick Short Stay car parks are the closest parking to both terminals — connected by covered walkways, 3–8 minutes on foot. They are the right choice for passenger drop-offs, collections within a few hours, and trips under 24 hours. For holidays of 3 or more days, our team consistently recommends Long Stay instead — Short Stay rates make Long Stay the better value for any trip over a day.
We coordinate passenger pickups at Gatwick daily. This guide covers which Short Stay car parks serve each terminal, how the Express Pick-Up zones work, when pre-booking saves money, and when Short Stay is not the right choice.
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. Pre-book online for best rates — drive-up prices are significantly higher during peak periods.
⚙ Quick Answer: Gatwick Short Stay Parking
Short Stay is the closest parking to both terminals — covered walkways, 3–8 minutes on foot. It suits drop-offs, collections within a few hours and trips under 24 hours.
For holidays of 3 or more days, Long Stay is better value. Short Stay rates make Long Stay the cheaper choice for any trip over a day.
Pre-book: drive-up can cost 40–60% more in peak summer weeks.
Gatwick Short Stay Parking: At a Glance
The headline facts before the detail.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| North Terminal Short Stay | Car Parks 5 and 6 — about 3–5 minutes by covered walkway |
| South Terminal Short Stay | Car Parks 1, 2 and 3 — about 5–8 minutes by covered walkway |
| Express Pick-Up | Dedicated level, flat rate for a short period (typically 30 minutes) |
| Express Pick-Up location | North: Car Park 6, Level 4 · South: Car Park 3, Ground Floor |
| Best for | Drop-offs, short collections, trips under 24 hours |
| Trips of 3+ days | Long Stay is better value |
| Drive-up premium | Up to 40–60% more in peak summer weeks |
| Private hire alternative | Fixed fare including the £10 Gatwick charge |
| Contact | +44 20 3617 7825 or online booking |
Quick Answers
How close is Gatwick Short Stay to check-in?
North Terminal Short Stay (Car Parks 5 and 6) is approximately 3–5 minutes by covered walkway to the check-in desks. South Terminal Short Stay (Car Parks 1, 2 and 3) is approximately 5–8 minutes by covered walkway.
What is the Express Pick-Up zone at Gatwick?
Express Pick-Up is a dedicated level within the Short Stay car park at each terminal, with a flat-rate charge for a short period — typically 30 minutes. It is designed for collecting arriving passengers.
Is pre-booking Gatwick Short Stay worth it?
Yes. Pre-booking Short Stay, even a few days in advance, saves money compared to drive-up rates. During peak summer weeks, drive-up can cost 40–60% more. Pre-booking also ensures you go to the correct car park for your terminal.
Is Short Stay or Long Stay cheaper for a week at Gatwick?
Long Stay is substantially cheaper for a 7-night holiday. Short Stay is designed for short-duration parking and becomes expensive relative to Long Stay for any trip over 24–48 hours. Pre-booked Long Stay is the right choice for holidays.
Which Short Stay car park should I use for easyJet at Gatwick?
easyJet operates from North Terminal since 29 March 2026. Use Car Park 5 or Car Park 6. For Express Pick-Up of an easyJet arrival, use Car Park 6, Level 4.
Which Short Stay car park should I use for British Airways at Gatwick?
British Airways operates from South Terminal. Use Car Parks 1, 2 or 3. For Express Pick-Up of a BA arrival, use Car Park 3, Ground Floor (Level 0).
Gatwick Short Stay Car Parks: North and South Terminal
Short Stay car parks are covered multi-storey structures immediately adjacent to each terminal.
North Terminal Short Stay:
- Car Park 5 — adjacent to North Terminal, covered walkway connection
- Car Park 6 — adjacent to North Terminal, covered walkway; Ground Floor Level 4 is the Express Pick-Up zone
South Terminal Short Stay:
- Car Parks 1, 2 and 3 — connected to South Terminal by covered walkways
- Car Park 3, Ground Floor (Level 0) — Express Pick-Up zone for South Terminal
All Short Stay car parks are covered, which means no weather exposure between your car and the terminal. Lift and ramp access is available.
How Long Does It Take to Walk from Short Stay to Check-In?
Short Stay to check-in is one of the fastest terminal connections at any major UK airport.
North Terminal: Car Parks 5 and 6 to North Terminal check-in desks — approximately 3–5 minutes by covered walkway.
South Terminal: Car Parks 1, 2 and 3 to South Terminal check-in desks — approximately 5–8 minutes by covered walkway.
These timings assume a walking pace with luggage. With a pushchair or wheelchair, allow a few extra minutes and use the lifts — they are signposted throughout.
By comparison, Gatwick Long Stay involves a shuttle bus journey of approximately 10 minutes, plus walking time to the shuttle stop and from the terminal stop to check-in. Short Stay to check-in is substantially faster, which is its main advantage.
Express Pick-Up at Gatwick Short Stay
Express Pick-Up is the designated zone for collecting an arriving passenger. It sits within the Short Stay car park structure at both terminals.
North Terminal Express Pick-Up: Car Park 6, Level 4. A flat-rate charge applies for a set period — typically 30 minutes.
South Terminal Express Pick-Up: Car Park 3, Ground Floor (Level 0). Same flat-rate structure.
How to use Express Pick-Up correctly:
We train our own drivers on this sequence, and it applies equally to friends or family collecting a passenger:
- Passenger lands, clears immigration, collects baggage
- Passenger exits arrivals and contacts you — confirm they are in the arrivals hall
- You drive into the Express Pick-Up level and park
- Passenger walks from arrivals to the car park meeting point
- You load luggage and depart within the flat-rate window
The mistake we see most often: drivers enter the car park while the passenger is still queuing at immigration. By the time the passenger reaches the car, the flat-rate period has elapsed, and an additional charge applies. Wait for confirmation that baggage is cleared before entering.
Short Stay Parking Prices at Gatwick
Gatwick Short Stay prices vary by terminal, duration, and whether you pre-book.
Pre-booking vs drive-up:
Short Stay is one of the areas where pre-booking delivers the largest saving at Gatwick. During July and August, drive-up Short Stay can cost 40–60% more than the same space booked 3–4 weeks in advance.
For current pre-booked and drive-up rates, book directly via Gatwick Airport's official car park booking page. Prices change frequently and are not reproducible reliably in a guide — always check live.
General guidance on value:
- Under 1 hour: Express Pick-Up is the most cost-effective option for a simple collection
- 1–4 hours: Short Stay is appropriate and competitively priced at pre-booked rates
- Over 4 hours: the hourly Short Stay rate makes this expensive for a full day; consider Long Stay
- 24 hours or more: Long Stay is almost always substantially cheaper; Short Stay for this duration is not recommended
When Short Stay Is the Right Choice at Gatwick
Based on our daily operations at both terminals, Short Stay suits these scenarios:
Drop-offs (departures): You are dropping a passenger and leaving immediately. Park in Short Stay, walk your passenger to the terminal entrance, and drive out within 1–2 hours. Quick and direct — no shuttle.
Collections (arrivals): You are collecting a passenger and want to be close to arrivals. Use the Express Pick-Up zone. Flat rate, fast exit.
Short trips under 24 hours: A day business trip or overnight stay where the cost is not significant relative to the convenience. Short Stay at pre-booked rates for under 24 hours is reasonable.
Accessibility needs: For passengers with mobility requirements, Short Stay's covered proximity to the terminal is often worth the price difference compared to Long Stay with a shuttle. Our WAV fleet is available 24/7 as an alternative to driving — speak to our team about accessible transfers.
When Short Stay Is Not the Right Choice
Short Stay is not the right choice for holidays of 2 or more days. The daily rate makes it an expensive option for anything beyond a short stay. Long Stay — with its free shuttle bus — costs a fraction of Short Stay for a 7-night or 14-night holiday.
We regularly see passengers at Gatwick who intended to use Long Stay but ended up in Short Stay because the car park entrance was better signposted. Pre-booking solves this: your booking confirmation shows the car park name and the route, so there is no chance of ending up in the wrong car park.
If you have accidentally parked in Short Stay for a long trip: exit and re-enter Long Stay if your booking allows it, or accept the Short Stay charge for the full duration. This is an avoidable cost — always pre-book Long Stay for holidays.
Booking Gatwick Short Stay Parking
Pre-booking is always available through Gatwick's official website. You choose your terminal, car park, and dates. On arrival, follow signs to your pre-booked car park.
Tips for booking:
- Book your correct terminal first — North for easyJet (since 29 March 2026), South for British Airways. Confirm your airline's terminal before booking.
- Book at least 2 weeks in advance for meaningful savings over drive-up rates.
- Keep your booking confirmation reference — you will need it on entry.
- For collections, book Express Pick-Up rather than full Short Stay if you expect to be in and out within 30 minutes.
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: How close is Gatwick Short Stay to check-in?
A: North Terminal Short Stay (Car Parks 5 and 6) is approximately 3–5 minutes by covered walkway to the check-in desks. South Terminal Short Stay (Car Parks 1, 2 and 3) is approximately 5–8 minutes by covered walkway. Both are covered — no outdoor exposure.
Q: What is the Express Pick-Up zone at Gatwick?
A: Express Pick-Up is a dedicated level within the Short Stay car park at each terminal, with a flat-rate charge for a short period — typically 30 minutes. It is designed for collecting arriving passengers. North Terminal: Car Park 6, Level 4. South Terminal: Car Park 3, Ground Floor.
Q: Is pre-booking Gatwick Short Stay worth it?
A: Yes. Pre-booking Short Stay, even a few days in advance, saves money compared to drive-up rates. During peak summer weeks, drive-up can cost 40–60% more. Pre-booking also ensures you go to the correct car park for your terminal.
Q: Is Short Stay or Long Stay cheaper for a week at Gatwick?
A: Long Stay is substantially cheaper for a 7-night holiday. Short Stay is designed for short-duration parking and becomes expensive relative to Long Stay for any trip over 24–48 hours. Pre-booked Long Stay is the right choice for holidays.
Q: Which Short Stay car park should I use for easyJet at Gatwick?
A: easyJet operates from North Terminal since 29 March 2026. Use Car Park 5 or Car Park 6. For Express Pick-Up of an easyJet arrival, use Car Park 6, Level 4.
Q: Which Short Stay car park should I use for British Airways at Gatwick?
A: British Airways operates from South Terminal. Use Car Parks 1, 2 or 3. For Express Pick-Up of a BA arrival, use Car Park 3, Ground Floor (Level 0).
Q: Can I drive-up to Gatwick Short Stay without a booking?
A: Yes, but drive-up rates are significantly higher than pre-booked rates, particularly during peak periods. If you need Short Stay urgently, drive-up is available — but pre-booking whenever possible is better value.
Related Guides
More Gatwick Guides
🅿️ Gatwick Parking Guide
All parking categories explained across both terminals.
🅿️ Long Stay Parking
Free shuttle, significantly cheaper for holidays.
🏨 Hotels with Parking
Stay and park packages for the full trip duration.
✈️ easyJet Terminal
North Terminal since 29 March 2026.
✈️ British Airways Terminal
South Terminal for all BA flights.
🚗 Gatwick Taxi
Fixed-fare door-to-door transfers.
🏨 North Terminal Hotels
Sofitel, Hampton by Hilton, Premier Inn.
🏨 South Terminal Hotels
BLOC, YOTEL, Hilton.
🏨 Best Gatwick Hotels
All on-airport options compared.
An Alternative to Short Stay: Pre-Booked Private Hire
For many Gatwick passenger collections and drop-offs, a pre-booked private hire transfer removes the need for Short Stay parking entirely.
Stansted Airport Taxi provides fixed-fare transfers to and from both Gatwick terminals. We collect arriving passengers from the arrivals area and drop off departing passengers at the terminal forecourt. Our fares include the £10 terminal drop-off charge (effective 6 January 2026) — no surprises.
For a simple airport drop-off or collection from Essex, Hertfordshire, or North/East London, a pre-booked transfer is often comparable in price to Short Stay parking plus fuel, and removes the need to navigate the car park at 04:30 in the morning.
Get a Gatwick transfer quote →
Fares shown are indicative, calculated on distance by vehicle class, and confirmed at booking via our fare calculator. Your final fixed price is locked in your booking confirmation — no surge, no airport surcharge, no late-night premium, no card fees.
- ✔ 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.
Find us on Google for directions and reviews. Read our reviews on Facebook, ProvenExpert and TripAdvisor, or get the Google Play app.
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.
