Gatwick is the UK's second-busiest airport and one of the most price-sensitive markets for parking — two terminals, a wide catchment across South London, Surrey, Kent and Sussex, and a large number of off-airport operators competing for your booking. That competition is good for you if you know how to compare properly, and expensive if you don't. This guide is the honest 2026 breakdown.
Located south of London with strong links from Sussex, Surrey and Kent, Gatwick is a natural choice for holiday flights and European connections. Parking choice often depends on which terminal you fly from — match your car park to your terminal to minimise transfers.
Which Gatwick terminal am I flying from?
Gatwick has two terminals with different airline mixes:
- North Terminal — Virgin Atlantic, TUI, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and several others. Handles roughly half of Gatwick's passenger volume.
- South Terminal — easyJet, British Airways, and the largest share of short-haul European traffic.
Your airline's booking will show which terminal you're departing from — check this before booking parking, especially if you're returning to a different terminal (some connecting flights do).
The good news: most Gatwick parking options serve both terminals — including the vast majority of independent Park & Ride and Meet & Greet operators. So if you find a great deal, you can usually use it either way. The free inter-terminal shuttle runs 24/7 and takes about 2 minutes between the two terminals if your operator only drops at one.
How much does Gatwick airport parking cost?
For 2026, the honest indicative range for a pre-booked 7–8 day stay:
- Park & Ride with independent operators: from around £35–50 per week in off-peak periods
- Meet & Greet: from around £45–65 per week off-peak
- Official Gatwick Long Stay turn-up rates start at £25 for the first day, £20 for subsequent days — significantly higher than pre-booked equivalents
Pre-booking saves up to 70% versus turning up on the day. Peak weeks (summer school holidays, Christmas, half-terms) can double these figures.
The Gatwick drop-off charge — the fee that catches people out
Gatwick now charges a minimum £10 to drop passengers in the terminal drop-off zones. If you're doing a quick drop-off, don't sit at the terminal — use the Long Stay car park, which is free for the first two hours and connects to the terminals via a short shuttle or five-minute walk.
If you're picking someone up, the Short Stay car park is usually cheaper than paying drop-off zone charges for a wait of more than a few minutes.
What types of parking are available at Gatwick?
Meet & Greet — you drive to your terminal's designated Meet & Greet handover area. Hand keys to a vetted driver, walk to check-in. Return is coordinated to your landing.
Park & Ride — the cheapest option. Park in an off-airport compound, take a shuttle to the terminal. Transfer times are typically 5–15 minutes.
Official Gatwick Long Stay — Gatwick's own budget product. Self-park, 5–10 minute shuttle transfer.
Short Stay — right by the terminals. Overpriced for holiday parking; sensible for drop-off/pick-up beyond the free zone allowance.
Is Meet & Greet safe at Gatwick?
Meet & Greet at Gatwick is safe when the operator is legitimate. Gatwick has had a documented history of rogue operators — check Trustpilot history (not just the rating), verify a physical trading address and company registration, ask where the compound actually is, and take photos of your car at drop-off and pick-up.
A2Z only lists operators that pass our vetting — company registration, insurance verification, compound security, and Trustpilot history.
How early should I book Gatwick parking?
Peak dates: as early as your travel is confirmed. Summer holidays, half-terms and Christmas week can push both prices and availability hard. Off-peak: 4–8 weeks ahead is comfortable. Last-minute Gatwick parking often costs more than double the pre-booked equivalent, especially at weekends.
Getting to Gatwick
Gatwick sits just off the M23 (Junction 9), around 30 miles south of central London. It draws a wide catchment: south London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, and parts of Hampshire. Postcodes for satnav: RH6 0NP for the airport in general, RH6 0RN for North Terminal Long Stay, RH6 0LL for South Terminal Long Stay.
Your journey at Gatwick
Practical guidance for drop-off and collection. Exact meeting points are always on your operator voucher.
Where to meet
Your confirmation voucher shows the exact operator Meet & Greet point or Park & Ride reception for Gatwick. Arrive at the booked time and follow the operator’s signs — not the public short-stay car parks unless told otherwise. A2Z is the booking agent; the operator handles the day-of service.
Terminal map
Check which terminal your airline uses before you leave home. Operator Meet & Greet and shuttle routes differ by terminal at larger airports — using the wrong terminal delays handover.
Directions
Follow airport “Departures” then operator instructions on your voucher. Keep the operator phone number handy for the last 15–20 minutes of your drive.
Traffic tips
Build in extra time at peak holiday weekends and early mornings. Roadworks and airport drop-off congestion are the most common causes of late arrival.
Arrival instructions
On landing, collect bags then call the number on your voucher. For Meet & Greet, wait at the agreed collection point; for Park & Ride, use the shuttle back to the compound.
Departure instructions
Allow time to hand over keys or catch the shuttle before airline check-in closes. Have your booking reference and vehicle registration ready.
What to expect on site
Typical operator facilities — your confirmation shows the exact location for your booking.
Operators at Gatwick
Typical Meet & Greet and Park & Ride providers you may see when you search — availability and pricing depend on your dates.
- Gatwick Meet & Greet Express Meet & Greet
- Gatwick Terminal Valet Meet & Greet
- Gatwick Sky Park & Ride Park & Ride
- Gatwick Long Stay Parking Park & Ride
Looking for a stay near Gatwick Airport? Search Gatwick Airport hotels
Gatwick airport parking FAQs
Do I have to park at the same terminal I'm flying from?
No. The free inter-terminal shuttle runs 24/7 and takes about 2 minutes. Most off-airport operators serve both terminals via the same site.
What's the cheapest Gatwick parking option?
Independent Park & Ride from vetted operators, booked in advance. Look at transfer time and Trustpilot history, not just the sticker price.
How much is Gatwick drop-off?
A minimum £10 charge applies to vehicles stopping in the terminal drop-off zones. Use Long Stay (free for 2 hours) for anything more than a very quick drop.
Are meet & greet drivers at Gatwick vetted?
With A2Z's listed operators, yes — we don't list operators who don't pass vetting. With any comparison site that doesn't vet inventory, do the checks yourself before booking.
Can I amend or cancel my Gatwick booking?
Most operators offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before travel; this is shown per-listing before you pay.