Meet and Greet vs Park and Ride at Gatwick: Which is Best for You?
Compare Gatwick parking options from just £6.12 per day.
When planning your journey from Gatwick, choosing the right airport parking can make all the difference. The two main parking options are Meet and Greet, for the most convenient way to park right at the terminal, and Park and Ride, a cheaper option with quick shuttle transfers to either terminal.
Depending on whether you're travelling from Gatwick North or South Terminal, the parking services can vary slightly between them. Comparing your options with Holiday Extras helps you find the best parking service fit for your next trip!
Whether you're looking for the quickest way to the terminal or the best value for your stay, it all comes down to three things: convenience, proximity and cost. Let us take the hassle out of finding your perfect Gatwick parking with this ultimate guide to the key differences between parking services.
Top Tip:Book early to secure your space and avoid the last-minute rush. With Holiday Extras, you can grab a great deal from trusted providers and reliable services, and we're Never Beaten on Price. Plus, you could save up to an incredible 75% compared to on-the-day prices.
Holiday Extras Recommends...
Looking for the cheapest deal on your airport parking? Whether it's a seasonal special offer or a limited-time promotion, shopping around to compare the best prices is key to bagging the best price. Our recommended park and ride and meet and greet deals below include great savings and start from just £45.95 per week, with either a Winter Special or exclusive Special Offer.
Alternatively, book the ultimate Park and Ride with Holiday Extras, this is our best one yet (even if we do say so ourselves!) It's one of our top-booked car parks and comes with the option to add Late Return Cover. With flights experiencing delays, don't risk unexpected charges. We'll cover 100% of your overstay fees, for up to 48 hours, so you're fully protected. All the following recommendations include Free Cancellation should your travel plans change unexpectedly.
Purple Parking Winter Special
10-minute transfer
One of our top-booked park and ride services, now with a winter discount! Drop off your car and keys at reception and enjoy a smooth 10-minute transfer. It's everything you need for a hassle-free start to your holiday.
Prices from £45.99 p/w
Cophall Parking - Special Offer
7-10 minute transfer
Enjoy a special offer on this quick and easy park and ride. Drop off your car, hand over your keys, and hop on the shuttle. With CCTV, fencing, barriers and staff patrols, you'll get the same secure service, now at an even better price!
Prices from £45.95 p/w
Holiday Extras - Ultimate Park and Ride
10 minute transfer
A simple, secure, and top-rated park and ride close to both terminals. Just drop off your car and keys at reception, then hop on the reliable shuttle bus, running every 20 minutes. It's parking made easy and great value too!
Prices from £48.99 p/w
Maple Parking Meet and Greet North - Special Offer
Short stroll
Convenient and time-saving meet and greet parking - now with a special offer! Just a short stroll to the terminal, with no need for a shuttle bus. No Wait Guarantee included, so you'll be on your way in no time.
Prices from £68.00 p/w
Maple Parking Meet and Greet South - Special Offer
Short stroll
With over 30 years of experience and staff on hand 24/7, this smooth and simple service is trusted by thousands of travellers every year. Now available with a special offer. Same service, lower price with no shuttle, no stress, just fly.
Prices from £68.00 p/w
Top Tips for Comparing Parking at Gatwick
Short on time? Meet and Greet gets you from your car to check-in in minutes, with no buses, transfers, and no hanging about.
Consider who you're travelling with: Meet and Greet is ideal for families, elderly passengers, or anyone with reduced mobility, while Park and Ride is often a better fit for solo travellers or those travelling light.
Bringing lots of luggage? If you're travelling with big suitcases, prams, or ski bags, skip the hassle of loading up a shuttle and choose Meet and Greet for the easiest, most convenient option.
Look at the length of your trip: Park and Ride is more cost-effective for longer holidays, while Meet and Greet can offer better deals for shorter stays and business trips.
Know your terminal! Not all services serve both terminals. Double-check before you book so you're not dragging bags across the airport (though a free monorail connects both terminals, so it's not the end of the world!).
Check for added extras: Some park and ride options offer EV charging or let you keep your keys, while some Meet and Greet services come with helpful perks.
Cheapest isn't always best: Don't just go by price, if convenience is also a priority. A small difference in cost might mean less hassle for your next holiday.
Read recent reviews: Real customer feedback gives you a better idea of what to expect - especially around convenience, timing, and reliability.
Browse Cheap Parking Options at Gatwick
Our handy comparison table below makes choosing your parking a walk in the park (or a drive to the terminal!) We've ordered the packages by price, so if you're looking to save money on your Gatwick parking, you won't need to scroll far for the best offers. You'll also find real Customer Reviews to help you choose with confidence.
What's the difference between Meet and Greet and Park and Ride at Gatwick?
Let's keep it simple! For a full breakdown of the key differences between Gatwick's Meet and Greet and Park and Ride, check out the table below.
Key Differences
Meet and Greet
Park and Ride
Process
Drive to the terminal, hand over your keys to a professional and insured driver who parks for you. Walk straight to check-in.
Drive to a designated car park, park up, and take the shuttle bus to the terminal. 'Keep your keys' means park at your own risk.
Proximity
Just a few minutes walk from check-in, with no shuttle required.
Usually located off-airport, with a 5 to 15-minute shuttle transfer to the terminal.
Price
More expensive due to added convenience and premium service.
The cheapest option and ideal for budget-friendly travel.
Top Park and Ride Services Near Gatwick
When comparing parking services at Gatwick, it's worth remembering that most park and ride providers serve both North and South Terminals. So, no matter which terminal you're flying from, the shuttle buses will get you there quickly and easily. From trusted providers like Purple Parking, APH, Holiday Extras, and Airparks, to Gatwick Long Stay, there are plenty of car parks nearby to choose from. It's important to compare your options based on price, transfer time, customer ratings, and what suits you best.
The park and ride options below are listed in order of transfer time, so you can see which car parks are closest to the terminal. All are off-airport car parks with shuttle transfers typically taking just 5-15 minutes and prices start from just £6.12 per day. These trusted, great-value services offer the ideal balance of price and convenience (if you don't mind a short shuttle-ride).
I Love Park & Deliver
On-airport (drop off at car park, pick up at terminal)
Looking for the quickest, easiest way to park at Gatwick? Meet and greet, also known as Valet Parking, lets you drive right up to the terminal, hand over your keys, and walk straight to check-in. It's the ideal choice if you're short on time, travelling with family, or just want the VIP treatment.
Meteor, I Love Meet and Greet, I Love Valet Parking, and Official Gatwick Valet Parking offer the closest access to the terminal, with forecourt drop-off just minutes from check-in and prices start from just £8.50 per day. Other Meet and Greet services are still within walking distance and fully accessible, with no shuttle bus required.
Here's an overview of the wide range of Meet and Greet services available to book through Holiday Extras. Check the terminal, distance to departures, security features, and click through to read reviews from real customers sharing their experiences. Bear in mind that Meet and Greet is insured for the most secure parking option.
Drop your car just steps from the terminal - no shuttle buses, no fuss
Quick and easy - perfect if you're travelling with kids or on business
Great for early mornings or late-night flights
Helpful for travellers with mobility needs or lots of luggage
Car is parked in a secure compound usually with CCTV & 24-hour staff patrols
Often available at short notice
Meet and Greet is insured and your car is parked by an insured driver
Things to Keep in Mind
Usually costs more than Park and Ride
Most services need you to hand over your keys
Park and Ride at Gatwick: Why It's a Popular Choice
One of the cheapest ways to park at Gatwick
Ideal for longer stays
Regular shuttle buses to both North and South Terminals
Car parks feature robust security like fencing, CCTV & 24-hour staff patrols
Some options let you charge your EV
Why it might not be suitable
You'll need to take a shuttle (usually 10-15 minutes)
Can be trickier with young children or bulky luggage
Less suitable if you're short on time or need extra assistance
You'll often park your own car and keep your keys - it's not covered by Meet and Greet insurance.
Which Gatwick Parking is Right for You?
Still not sure which parking to pick? Every journey is different, and at Holiday Extras, our goal is to help you choose the right parking for your trip. Whether you're flying for business or heading off on a family holiday, we've taken the jargon out and broken down the best parking choices for each type of traveller below, so you can decide quickly and confidently.
Your Situation
Recommended Option
Here's Why
Family with kids
Meet and Greet
Easiest terminal access, no shuttle, less hassle
Budget-conscious traveller
Park and Ride
Cheapest option, especially for longer stays
Business traveller
Meet and Greet
Fastest drop-off, saves time before a flight
Long-haul holidaymaker
Park and Ride
Excellent value for 7+ day trips
Travellers with early flights or late returns
Meet and Greet
Quick terminal access, avoids waiting for shuttles
Travellers with reduced mobility
Meet and Greet
Direct terminal drop-off, no shuttle required
FREE Monorail between Gatwick Terminals
Getting between the North and South Terminals at Gatwick is quick and easy. A FREE monorail runs between the terminals every 3-4 minutes and takes only 2 minutes so there's no worries if you do park at a different terminal to your gate.
If you have booked with Holiday Extras, however, it is easy to change your booking if you want to park at the other terminal.
If you can find exactly the same product cheaper within 24 hours of paying for your booking with Holiday Extras, we will match the price by refunding the difference. Find out more: Never Beaten on Price Guarantee.
*Prices displayed throughout are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change depending on availability. Weekly prices are based on 8 days of parking.
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Free drinks/snacks
Trusted Providers
If you can find exactly the same product cheaper within 24 hours of paying for your booking with Holiday Extras, we will match the price by refunding the difference. Find out more: 
