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Gatwick Airport Parking - FAQs


We've been selling Gatwick parking since the late 1980s, so it's something we know a lot about! If you're planning a trip via Gatwick Airport then it's likely you have some questions. Whether you're considering the costs, security, or proximity to the terminals, this Gatwick Airport Parking FAQs page can help. Here you'll find detailed answers to all your parking queries, so you can park all your concerns along with your car.


What's the difference between on-airport and off-airport Gatwick parking?


On-airport car parks are within the airport boundary; off-airport car parks are outside it. Our on-airport car parks at Gatwick include Long Stay North Terminal, Long Stay South Terminal and Long Stay Plus South Terminal. Our off-airport car parks include Airparks, APH, Holiday Extras and Purple Parking.

What does secure Gatwick airport parking mean?


Secured car parks have security measures like CCTV, entry and exit barriers, fencing and lighting to keep your car safe. All our Gatwick Airport car parks are fully secured and most of them hold the Park Mark, a national security award accredited by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Are there any discounts available for parking at Gatwick Airport?


Yes, if you book your Gatwick parking with a reliable and competitive provider such as Holiday Extras, along with saving up to 80% off on-the-gate prices, with a Gatwick Promo Code you can also save up to an additional 12% off your airport parking. Holiday Extras is also covered by a Never Beaten on Price* Guarantee so you won't find a cheaper deal.

Are there any shuttle services available for parking at Gatwick Airport?


Yes, Gatwick Airport offers various parking services with shuttle transfers. These services include:

  • Park and Ride - A popular budget-friendly option, this service involves parking your car at a location further away from the terminals. Then you take a shuttle ride to the airport, and these transfers are usually free-of-charge or included in the price of your airport parking. Shuttle services operate frequently and ensure a convenient and reliable transfer to and from the terminals. Operators include Purple Parking Park and Ride which takes just 10 minutes to reach the North and South Terminal and buses run every 20 minutes.
  • Long Stay Car parking - Gatwick's Official Long Stay car park offers a free shuttle bus service to the airport. This service runs every 10-12 minutes and takes only up to 15 minutes to reach either terminal. A preferable option for longer airport stays, the shuttle service provides a reliable transfer without a hefty price tag.

What are the different types of parking options available at Gatwick Airport?


Gatwick Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit different needs and various preferences. The parking options include:

  • Short Stay Parking - Perfect for just a quick visit, Short Stay car parks are located close to the terminal for super convenient access.
  • Long Stay Parking - With free shuttle transfers, this is a more economical version for anyone parking for slightly longer periods.
  • Premium Parking - Great for those who are willing to pay a little extra, Premium parking offers parking spaces closest to the terminals.
  • Meet and Greet Parking - Ideal for anyone who wants to feel like a VIP and enjoy special parking treatment! This service involves leaving your car with a professional driver at the terminal, and having it brought back to you upon your return.
  • Valet Parking - Similar to Meet and Greet parking, with Valet parking you drop off your car at the terminal and it is parked for you. Upon your return, your car will be ready and waiting for you at the terminal.
  • Park and Ride - Typically a cheaper option for long-term parking. These services are available at car parks located slightly further from the terminals and include regular shuttle bus services to and from the airport.

Is there electric car charging available at Gatwick?


Yes, there are several options available for charging your electric vehicle at Gatwick Airport.

  • Short Stay Parking - There are eight 22kW charging points in the North and South Terminal Short Stay car parks. In the North Terminal, these are located in Car Park 5, Level 3 and Car Park 3, Level 1 in the South Terminal.
  • Valet Parking - EV charging can be booked for a small fee when you book Official Valet Parking at either terminal at Gatwick. This provides a two hour charge duration on Type 2 (22kW) fast chargers, delivering up to 44kWh. This must be pre-booked when you book your parking.
  • APH Park and Ride Electric Charge - Offering affordable rates, plus EVC charging included! Book a great deal with APH Park and Ride, through Holiday Extras, for effortless parking and charging.

What is the difference between short-stay and long-stay parking at Gatwick Airport?


The difference between short-stay and long-stay parking at Gatwick is dependent on the duration of parking you require and the car park's proximity to the airport. Both car parks are secure but cater for different drivers' needs, especially in terms of terminal access. Let's break down the main differences between these two options:

  • Short Stay Parking - Ideal if you're only parking for a few hours, this car park is frequently used by people picking up or dropping off passengers. The short-stay car parks are located very close to the airport terminals, making it convenient to access the terminal quickly. Being the closest option of the two, this car park is therefore more expensive than the long-stay car park.
  • Long Stay Parking - This is better suited to travellers who would like to park for longer at the airport. Long-stay parking is generally further from the terminals, but shuttle services are available to transport travellers to and from the airport. Offering lower rates than the short-stay car park, as long as you don't mind the shuttle transfer to the terminal, this is a great option.

Both car parks have designated Blue Badge parking bays for passengers with disabilities or limited mobility. Short-stay parking bays provide convenient and easy access routes directly into the terminal buildings. In the long-stay car parks, the parking bays are situated next to the transfer bus stops, within easy reach of the wheelchair-accessible buses to either terminal.

How much does it cost to park at Gatwick Airport?


The cost of your Gatwick airport parking varies depending on the type of parking you'd like to book and the duration you intend to stay for. Here's a quick overview of the parking options available:

  • Short Stay Parking - For short stays, quick visits, or for picking up or dropping off passengers the Short Stay car park is ideal. Situated just minutes from the airport, prices start from £6 for up to 30 minutes, £10 for one hour and so on.
  • Long Stay Parking: If you're planning a slightly longer trip the Long Stay car park offers a convenient and affordable option, with the first 2 hours free-of-charge and £38 for up to 24 hours.
  • Longer Parking Stays - If you intend to park for longer, it's advisable to book Gatwick Airport Parking. Pre-booking is recommended as it can significantly reduce these costs. If you book with a trusted provider like Holiday Extras, you can save up to 80% off the on-the-gate price, which is a substantial saving. You can choose from a variety of services and parking providers, with secure parking guaranteed and a range of competitive deals to choose from. Find out more about how to save money on your Gatwick car parking.

What is the maximum duration for Gatwick Airport Parking?


At Gatwick Airport there is no specified maximum period of time for how long you can park your car. This allows for added flexibility, especially if the length of your travel plans changes and you need to park for an extended period of time. It's important to be aware though that if you exceed your pre-booked duration period overstay charges will apply and these can be costly. For instance, overstaying in the long-stay car park can incur charges of an additional £32 per day.

If you intend to book Gatwick Airport Parking for long periods of time, then comparing parking services with a trusted airport provider like Holiday Extras is your best bet. You can compare a range of competitively priced parking deals and services. When you pre-book in advance, you can save up to 80% off and ensure you get the best-value parking for your money.

What is the shuttle service like for Gatwick Airport Parking?


A shuttle service at Gatwick Airport offers convenient and efficient travel to and from a car parking facility. Shuttle services usually operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and run frequently (typically between every 10-15 minutes). This means you won't have to wait long once you've parked your car to board your shuttle to the airport.

Gatwick shuttle bus services, including those from the Long Stay car park are recommended for their reliability and comfort, providing a straightforward and hassle-free service. Additionally, providers including Purple Parking Park and Ride have accessible shuttle buses for customers with limited mobility or those needing wheelchair access.

How long does it take to get from the car park to the airport terminal at Gatwick Airport?


The time it takes to travel from a car park facility to either Gatwick's North or South Terminal depends on the airport parking service that you use. But a general guideline is as follows:

  • Short Stay car park - Located closer to the terminals, the Short Stay car park is within walking distance and is around a 5-minute walk.
  • Long Stay car park - The shuttle service from the Long Stay car park takes about 5 to 10 minutes to reach the South Terminal and around 7 to 12 minutes to reach the North Terminal.
  • Park and Ride - Individual car parks offering Park and Ride services have transfer times that vary based on their distance from the airport. For instance, APH is just a 10-minute bus ride away from the terminals, and your car is securely managed with APH's award-winning security measures.
  • Meet and Greet parking - The most convenient option, this service offers you quick access to the check-in desks. With Meet and Greet parking, once you drop off your car, it's just a short walk to the terminals.

Can I cancel my Gatwick airport parking booking?


Yes, if you book your airport parking with Holiday Extras, thanks to Flextras, you enjoy the freedom and flexibility to easily and freely amend or cancel your booking for any reason. Plus, you can re-book for another date without any hassle.


*Prices correct at time of writing.