Gatwick Parking Prices: North & South Compared

Gatwick parking prices currently start at £38 for the first 24 hours in official Long Stay, followed by £32 for each additional day. Short Stay costs £8 for up to 30 minutes and £70 for 12–24 hours, while Premium Short Stay costs £87.50 for 12–24 hours. Mid Stay and Valet prices require a live pre-booking quote because Gatwick does not publish one fixed rate for every travel date.

Prices and parking arrangements checked on 6 July 2026. Gatwick parking fees, product availability and terminal arrangements can change. Obtain a live quote for your dates before booking.

Quick answer

For longer trips, Long Stay is normally the lowest-cost official Gatwick parking option, with a free shuttle serving both terminals. Short Stay is more convenient but has a drive-up rate of £70 per day. Mid Stay provides a six-minute covered walk but is available only at North Terminal, while official Valet Parking serves both terminals and requires key handover.

Our practical starting points are:

Choose Long Stay when price matters most.
Choose Mid Stay for a walkable North Terminal option.
Choose Short Stay when you want to keep your keys and park close to either terminal.
Choose Valet or Meet and Greet when luggage, children, mobility or time make a shuttle inconvenient.
Choose Premium Parking for same-level or near-terminal access.
Use Long Stay for up to two hours free when dropping off or collecting someone and terminal proximity is not essential.

Gatwick parking prices at a glance

The following table uses Gatwick’s official roll-up tariffs. Advance-booking prices are dynamic and may be lower. Short Stay, Premium Short Stay and Long Stay roll-up rates are currently the same for North and South Terminal.

Parking option	Current published price	Terminal access	Keep your keys?	Availability
Long Stay	First two hours free; £38 for 2–24 hours; £32 each additional day	Free shuttle	Yes	North and South
Short Stay	£8 up to 30 minutes; £70 for 12–24 hours	Around four minutes on foot	Yes	North and South
Premium Short Stay	£12 up to 30 minutes; £87.50 for 12–24 hours	Around two minutes; same-level access	Yes	North and South
Mid Stay	Live pre-booking quote required	Six-minute covered walk	Yes	North only
Premium Mid Stay	Live pre-booking quote required	Two-minute covered walk	Yes	North only
Official Valet Parking	Live pre-booking quote required	Two-minute covered walk	No	North and South
Terminal drop-off	£10 for 10 minutes; £1 per additional minute	Outside terminal	Not applicable	North and South

How much is parking at Gatwick Airport?

The current official drive-up price is £38 for the first 24 hours in Long Stay, compared with £70 for 12–24 hours in Short Stay and £87.50 for 12–24 hours in Premium Short Stay. Long Stay then charges £32 for each additional day, while Short Stay and Premium Short Stay charge £70 and £87.50 respectively for each additional day.

The final Gatwick parking cost depends on:

Your departure terminal.
Arrival and departure dates.
Exact entry and exit times.
Length of stay.
Product availability.
How early you book.
Flexible or non-flexible booking terms.
Whether you need a shuttle.
Whether you retain or hand over your keys.
Any late-return or amendment charges.

Pre-book prices are not fixed public tariffs. Enter the same dates and times for every option before comparing the totals.

Gatwick roll-up parking charges

Short Stay parking prices

Duration	Short Stay charge
Up to 30 minutes	£8
31–60 minutes	£14
1–2 hours	£18
2–3 hours	£21.50
3–4 hours	£26
4–5 hours	£31.50
5–6 hours	£40.50
6–12 hours	£60
12–24 hours	£70
Each subsequent day	£70

Premium Short Stay prices

Duration	Premium Short Stay charge
Up to 30 minutes	£12
31–60 minutes	£19
1–2 hours	£22
2–3 hours	£26
3–4 hours	£33
4–5 hours	£41
5–6 hours	£56
6–12 hours	£74.50
12–24 hours	£87.50
Each subsequent day	£87.50

Long Stay parking prices

Duration	Long Stay charge
Up to two hours	Free
2–24 hours	£38
Each subsequent day	£32

These are turn-up prices rather than guaranteed pre-book rates. Gatwick recommends booking in advance for stays over 24 hours and during busy travel periods.

Which Gatwick parking option is cheapest?

Long Stay is normally the cheapest official Gatwick parking category for a multi-day trip. Its drive-up rate is £38 for the first day and £32 for each subsequent day, and both terminals have their own Long Stay car parks.

Long Stay may be the best starting point when:

You are parking for several days.
You want to keep your keys.
You can manage luggage on a shuttle.
You are not in a rush to reach check-in.
You are comfortable parking farther from the terminal.

It may offer less practical value when travelling with several small children, bulky luggage or a passenger who cannot comfortably board a transfer bus.

A lower headline price should therefore be weighed against transfer time, luggage handling and accessibility needs.

Gatwick Long Stay parking prices and transfers

Official Long Stay costs:

First two hours: Free
2–24 hours: £38
Each additional day: £32

Long Stay car parks serve both North and South Terminal. Gatwick says buses normally run every 10–12 minutes throughout the day and night. The journey is approximately 5–10 minutes to South Terminal and around 10–12 minutes to North Terminal.

Advantages of Gatwick Long Stay

Lowest published official daily roll-up rate.
Available for both terminals.
You park the vehicle yourself.
You keep your keys.
Free shuttle included.
First two hours are free for drop-off or collection.
Family parking bays are positioned near some shuttle stops.

Disadvantages of Gatwick Long Stay

You must wait for and board a bus.
Luggage must be moved onto and off the shuttle.
The full journey can take longer than the advertised bus time.
Buses may be busier during peak periods.
It is less convenient than walking directly into the terminal.

The two-hour free period can also be used when collecting or dropping off passengers. You can review how to use it in the guide to the free waiting zone at Gatwick Airport.

Gatwick Short Stay parking prices

Short Stay is available next to both terminals and is approximately four minutes on foot from the terminal building. Gatwick recommends it for short visits, collections and travellers who want to park themselves close to check-in.

At North Terminal, Short Stay is located in Car Parks 5 and 6. At South Terminal, it is in Car Parks 1, 2 and 3.

When Short Stay makes sense

Short Stay may be appropriate when:

You are collecting an arriving passenger.
Your trip lasts only one or two days.
You want to keep your keys.
You do not want to use a shuttle.
You need a short walk to check-in.
Your return time may be uncertain.

The £70 drive-up daily tariff can become expensive during a longer holiday. Obtain a pre-book quote and compare it with Long Stay, Mid Stay and Meet and Greet before deciding.

Short Stay vehicle restrictions

North Terminal Car Park 5 accepts vehicles up to 1.8 metres high, while Car Park 6 has a limit of 2.1 metres. South Terminal Short Stay has a published height limit of two metres. Standard parking spaces are approximately 2.4 by 4.8 metres.

Drivers with vans, roof boxes, adapted vehicles or tall SUVs should check the relevant car park before travelling.

Gatwick Premium Short Stay prices

Premium Short Stay provides same-level terminal access and is available at both North and South Terminal. Gatwick describes it as approximately a two-minute walk, with wider bays and direct covered access.

Its current roll-up rates include:

£12 for up to 30 minutes.
£22 for one to two hours.
£74.50 for six to 12 hours.
£87.50 for 12–24 hours.
£87.50 for each additional day.

Premium Short Stay is most appropriate when the shortest possible self-parking route matters more than the price.

It may suit:

Business travellers.
Passengers with reduced mobility.
Families with several bags.
Travellers who want to retain their keys.
People taking a short trip.
Drivers who prefer same-level terminal access.

Gatwick Mid Stay parking

Mid Stay is a pre-book-only parking product located at North Terminal. It provides a covered walk of less than six minutes, and customers park their own vehicles and keep their keys.

Unlike Short Stay and Long Stay, Gatwick does not currently publish a fixed public roll-up tariff for Mid Stay. A live quote is required for the traveller’s specific dates.

Mid Stay advantages

No shuttle transfer.
Six-minute covered walk.
You keep your keys.
Suitable for short breaks or longer holidays.
Pre-booked ANPR entry.
Vehicle height limit of 2.4 metres.

Mid Stay disadvantages

North Terminal only.
Must be booked before arrival.
No fixed price for every date.
No electric-vehicle charging points are currently listed.
Passengers flying from South Terminal would need an inter-terminal transfer.

Gatwick’s free inter-terminal shuttle operates every few minutes, 24 hours a day, and the journey between North and South takes around two minutes. However, booking a car park serving the correct terminal is still more convenient.

Premium Mid Stay parking

Premium Mid Stay is also available only at North Terminal. It is located on the same level as the terminal and provides an approximately two-minute covered walk. Customers keep their keys, but the product must be pre-booked.

It is likely to suit travellers who want:

A shorter walk than standard Mid Stay.
Same-level North Terminal access.
Self-parking.
No shuttle journey.
A wider or more convenient terminal route.

Because prices are dynamic, compare Premium Mid Stay with Premium Short Stay and Valet for the same dates.

Gatwick Meet and Greet and Valet parking prices

Gatwick’s official equivalent of Meet and Greet is marketed as Valet Parking. It is available at both North and South Terminal and provides an approximately two-minute covered walk. Customers hand over their keys, and Gatwick’s staff park the vehicle.

The airport does not display one fixed Valet price that applies to every booking. A live quote is required based on the terminal, dates, times and availability.

Before making a decision, compare Gatwick Meet and Greet airport parking.

North Terminal Valet

Drivers follow signs for the North Terminal Short Stay car parks and then the Valet zone. On return, the official collection office is on the ground floor of Car Park 6, with vehicles normally positioned on the ground or first floor.

The published vehicle-height limit for North Terminal Valet is 2.1 metres.

South Terminal Valet

Drivers follow signs for South Terminal Short Stay and then the designated Valet area. The collection office is on the second floor of the Red Car Park, with returned vehicles positioned on the first or second floor.

The published vehicle-height limit is two metres.

Is Gatwick Meet and Greet worth it?

Meet and Greet may justify a higher price when:

You are travelling with young children.
You have several heavy suitcases.
A passenger has reduced mobility.
You are departing very early.
You are returning late at night.
You want to avoid a shuttle bus.
Saving terminal-transfer time has genuine value.

Long Stay may provide better value for a traveller with one small case, plenty of time and no difficulty using the shuttle.

Read the guide explaining when to arrive for Gatwick Airport Meet and Greet before finalising your journey plan.

Meet and Greet versus Drop and Go

Meet and Greet and Drop and Go both usually involve handing over your keys, but the arrival process differs.

With Meet and Greet, the handover normally takes place close to the terminal or in a designated terminal car park. With a Drop and Go-style service, drivers may leave the vehicle at a reception farther away and continue on foot or by shuttle.

Consideration	Meet and Greet	Drop and Go-style parking
Vehicle handover	Close to terminal or designated reception	Usually at a separate reception
Terminal transfer	Often short walk	May involve walking or shuttle
Key handover	Usually yes	Usually yes
Main benefit	Convenience	Potentially lower price
Main drawback	May cost more	Longer transfer process
Best for	Families, heavy luggage and business travel	Travellers balancing cost and convenience

The precise process depends on the operator. Review Meet and Greet versus Drop and Go airport parking before comparing services.

North Terminal parking compared

North Terminal option	Terminal journey	Key handover	Price type
Long Stay North	Around 10–12 minutes by shuttle	No	Published roll-up tariff or live quote
Short Stay	Around four minutes on foot	No	Published tariff or live quote
Premium Short Stay	Around two minutes, same-level access	No	Published tariff or live quote
Mid Stay	Less than six minutes, covered walk	No	Pre-book quote
Premium Mid Stay	Around two minutes, same-level access	No	Pre-book quote
Valet	Around two minutes, covered walk	Yes	Pre-book quote

North Terminal offers the widest range because Mid Stay and Premium Mid Stay are North-only products.

Best North Terminal option by situation

Lowest-price starting point: Long Stay North.
Walkable without the premium tariff: Mid Stay.
Shortest self-parking route: Premium Mid Stay or Premium Short Stay.
Keep your keys: Long Stay, Short Stay or Mid Stay.
Avoid parking the vehicle yourself: Valet.
Passenger collection: Short Stay or the free Long Stay period.

South Terminal parking compared

South Terminal option	Terminal journey	Key handover	Price type
Long Stay South	Around 5–10 minutes by shuttle	No	Published roll-up tariff or live quote
Short Stay	Around four minutes on foot	No	Published tariff or live quote
Premium Short Stay	Around two minutes, same-level access	No	Published tariff or live quote
Valet	Around two minutes, covered walk	Yes	Pre-book quote

South Terminal does not currently have the same Mid Stay products listed for North Terminal. Travellers wanting a walkable South Terminal option should compare Short Stay, Premium Short Stay and Valet.

Best South Terminal option by situation

Lowest-price starting point: Long Stay South.
Keep your keys and walk: Short Stay.
Same-level or closest self-parking: Premium Short Stay.
Avoid searching for a space: Valet.
Short passenger collection: Short Stay.
Free collection or drop-off: Long Stay for up to two hours.

Are North and South Terminal parking prices different?

Gatwick’s published roll-up prices for Long Stay, Short Stay and Premium Short Stay are currently the same at North and South Terminal. However, the available products differ because Mid Stay and Premium Mid Stay are North Terminal-only.

Pre-book prices can still differ according to:

Demand at each terminal.
Available capacity.
Length of stay.
Entry and exit times.
Booking date.
Product type.

Always select the correct terminal before comparing live prices.

What happens if you book parking at the wrong terminal?

Gatwick’s free inter-terminal shuttle runs every few minutes, 24 hours a day, with a journey time of around two minutes. This can help when a passenger arrives at the wrong terminal, but it does not make every parking product interchangeable.

A booking may only be valid for the car park named in the confirmation. Check:

The terminal shown by your airline.
The car park name.
The correct entrance directions.
The vehicle registration.
The return terminal.
Whether an amendment is needed.

Do not enter a different car park simply because it appears closer. You could be charged the roll-up rate.

Gatwick Airport drop-off charges

Gatwick charges £10 for the first 10 minutes in the designated North and South Terminal drop-off zones. Each additional minute costs £1, with a maximum daily charge of £30 and maximum stay of 30 minutes.

The zones are barrierless. Drivers must pay online, by telephone or through AutoPay by midnight on the day after the visit.

How to avoid the Gatwick drop-off charge

Use the appropriate Long Stay car park for up to two hours free and take the free shuttle to the terminal. This may be suitable when the passenger can manage the transfer and has allowed additional time.

Blue Badge drop-off exemption

Blue Badge holders can use Gatwick’s drop-off zones without paying when the vehicle is registered through the airport’s exemption system. The exemption should be arranged in advance, including when the passenger is travelling by taxi.

Gatwick pick-up charges

Gatwick recommends Short Stay for collecting passengers because arrival times can be affected by passport control and baggage delivery. Standard Short Stay tariffs apply.

Long Stay can be used free for up to two hours, with a shuttle connecting the terminal and car park. This may be the better option when the driver is willing to wait away from arrivals.

Do not enter the paid area until the passenger has landed, collected their luggage and confirmed that they are ready.

Can you book Gatwick parking at short notice?

Gatwick says Long Stay, Mid Stay and Short Stay can generally be booked as late as one hour before arrival, subject to availability. Official Valet Parking must normally be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Booking earlier is still advisable during:

School holidays.
Bank holiday weekends.
Christmas and New Year.
Easter.
Peak summer dates.
Major sporting or public events.

Availability and prices may change as the travel date approaches.

Cancellation and amendment rules

Direct flexible bookings can normally be changed or cancelled up to 24 hours before the booked arrival time. Gatwick also advertises free amendments up to that deadline for eligible official bookings.

Special-offer and non-flex products may not permit cancellation or amendment. Third-party reservations are governed by the booking company’s own terms.

Before paying, check:

Cancellation deadline.
Whether a refund is available.
Amendment charges.
Vehicle-registration changes.
Terminal changes.
Late-arrival procedure.
Early-return procedure.
Missed-flight terms.

What happens if your return flight is delayed?

Gatwick applies daily overstay fees when a vehicle remains beyond the pre-booked period. The airport currently lists:

Parking product	Published overstay charge
Short Stay	£50 per additional day
Premium Parking	£60 per additional day
Long Stay	£15 per additional day
Gatwick Holiday Parking	£15 per additional day
Valet Parking	£30 per additional day
Mid Stay	£60 per additional day
Premium Mid Stay	£80 per additional day

These charges apply when returning later than originally booked. Where possible, amend the booking before the booked exit time and follow the provider’s flight-delay instructions.

Independent providers may have different fees and procedures.

Electric-vehicle parking at Gatwick

Official Valet customers can add EV charging when booking, subject to availability and an additional fee. Gatwick provides a two-hour charge using a Type 2 22kW charger, delivering up to 44kWh. The vehicle must have at least 20% battery remaining, and scheduled charging settings may need to be disabled.

Gatwick states that Mid Stay and Premium Mid Stay do not currently have EV charging points.

EV drivers should confirm:

Connector compatibility.
Battery percentage requirement.
Charging duration.
Additional fee.
Whether charging is guaranteed.
Vehicle access instructions.
Whether keys and security codes are required.

Parking for Blue Badge holders

Blue Badge spaces are available in Gatwick’s Long Stay, Mid Stay, Short Stay and Premium parking facilities. Accessible shuttle buses serve Long Stay, and help points are available in the car parks and terminal areas.

Gatwick lists:

32 Blue Badge bays in North Long Stay.
25 in South Long Stay.
Blue Badge spaces across North and South Short Stay.
Same-level Premium options at both terminals.
Accessible bays in North Mid Stay.

Spaces remain subject to availability. Passengers who require airport assistance should book it through their airline or travel agent, preferably at least 48 hours before travel.

Official versus independent Gatwick parking

Official parking is sold and operated through Gatwick Airport’s own parking service. Independent operators are separate businesses and may provide Park and Ride, Meet and Greet or off-airport parking.

One category is not automatically best for every customer.

Official parking may suit you when:

You prefer to contract directly with Gatwick.
You want clearly identified on-airport facilities.
You want official airport directions.
You value proximity to the terminal.
You want to manage the booking through Gatwick.

Independent parking may suit you when:

The live quote is more competitive.
The handover process is convenient.
The cancellation terms fit your plans.
The storage arrangements are clearly explained.
The provider has suitable operating hours.

Do not assume a company is airport-operated because it uses “Gatwick”, “airport” or “Meet and Greet” in its name.

Gatwick Meet and Greet provider-verification checklist

Before handing over your vehicle, check:

Full legal company name
Companies House registration
Registered address
Working customer-service number
Exact handover point
Whether the provider is permitted to operate there
Vehicle-storage location or description
Key-storage process
Driver-insurance information
Evidence supporting any accreditation claim
Recent independent customer feedback
Opening hours
Flight-delay procedure
Late-return charges
Cancellation deadline
Vehicle-height or size restrictions
EV handling requirements
Damage-reporting procedure
Complaints procedure

Photograph the vehicle, mileage, fuel level or battery percentage and existing damage before handing over the keys.

How to compare Gatwick parking prices properly

Confirm the terminal. Check your airline and flight details.
Use exact entry and exit times. Parking is priced according to duration, not just dates.
Compare identical stays. Use the same times for every quotation.
Check the terminal journey. Add shuttle waiting and luggage-loading time.
Confirm key handover. Valet and Meet and Greet normally require keys.
Read the cancellation terms. A flexible booking may be worth a higher price.
Check overstay fees. Delayed returns can change the total cost.
Review vehicle restrictions. Height limits vary.
Verify independent providers. Check company and storage information.
Save your confirmation. Keep directions and contact details accessible offline.

Best Gatwick parking option by traveller type

Traveller or situation	Recommended starting point	Reason
Lowest-cost priority	Long Stay	Lowest published official daily tariff
North Terminal short break	Mid Stay	Six-minute covered walk
South Terminal short break	Short Stay	Walkable and self-parking
Family with several bags	Valet or Meet and Greet	Avoids shuttle luggage handling
Business traveller	Premium or Valet	Short terminal route
Wants to keep keys	Long Stay, Mid Stay or Short Stay	Self-parking
Passenger collection	Short Stay	Close to arrivals
Free collection or drop-off	Long Stay	First two hours free
Reduced mobility	Premium, Valet or accessible parking	Shorter or same-level access
Electric vehicle requiring charge	Pre-booked Valet charging	Charging add-on available
Tall vehicle	Check Mid Stay or Car Park 6 limits	Some Short Stay car parks have lower limits

Common Gatwick parking mistakes

Comparing a drive-up tariff with a pre-book price

A drive-up rate and a discounted live quotation are not directly comparable.

Booking the wrong terminal

North and South products differ. Mid Stay is North-only.

Entering the drop-off zone accidentally

Entry creates a £10 minimum charge, even for a brief visit.

Forgetting the payment deadline

The drop-off fee must be paid by midnight the following day.

Underestimating Long Stay transfer time

The quoted journey does not include waiting, loading luggage or walking to check-in.

Turning up at Mid Stay without a booking

Mid Stay is pre-book only.

Assuming every Meet and Greet company is official

Independent providers are separate businesses.

Ignoring overstay charges

Late-return fees vary significantly by parking product.

Failing to check vehicle height

North Car Park 5 has a lower limit than Car Park 6.

Entering a different car park from the confirmation

The booking may not be recognised, resulting in a roll-up charge.

How we compared the options

This comparison was completed on 6 July 2026.

Official Gatwick sources were checked for:

Roll-up parking prices.
North and South Terminal products.
Long Stay transfer times.
Short Stay locations.
Mid Stay availability.
Premium parking access.
Valet procedures.
Drop-off charges.
Free parking periods.
Cancellation and amendment rules.
Overstay charges.
Accessibility.
EV charging.
Booking deadlines.

Research limitations

Pre-book Gatwick parking prices are dynamic. Mid Stay, Premium Mid Stay and Valet do not have one fixed price applying to every date.

The published tables therefore use official drive-up prices where available. Meet and Greet and pre-booked products must be compared through live quotations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel Gatwick parking?

Eligible flexible bookings made directly through Gatwick can normally be cancelled up to 24 hours before arrival. Non-flexible, promotional and third-party bookings may follow different rules.

Can I amend my vehicle registration?

Direct official bookings can normally be amended through the booking-management system before the amendment deadline. Correct the registration before arrival so the ANPR system can recognise the vehicle.

What happens if ANPR does not recognise my vehicle?

Use the assistance button at the entrance and provide the booking details. Do not assume that entering through another lane or taking an unrequested ticket will link automatically to the reservation.

What happens if my flight lands late?

An overstay fee may apply for each additional day. Amend the booking where possible and contact the provider if the delay changes the collection time.

Can I charge an electric vehicle while parked?

Official Valet Parking offers a pre-bookable two-hour charging add-on using Type 2 22kW chargers. Mid Stay and Premium Mid Stay do not currently list charging facilities.

Can I park an oversized vehicle?

Vehicle limits depend on the car park. For example, North Short Stay Car Park 5 has a 1.8-metre limit, Car Park 6 allows up to 2.1 metres, and Mid Stay permits vehicles up to 2.4 metres.

Can Blue Badge holders use the drop-off zone free?

Yes, provided the vehicle is registered through Gatwick’s Blue Badge exemption process. Registration also applies when the passenger is arriving by taxi.

Where should I wait for an arriving passenger?

Use Short Stay when you need to remain near arrivals, or Long Stay for up to two hours free when you are comfortable using the shuttle. Do not wait in the terminal drop-off zone.

Final recommendation

Start with Long Stay when finding the lowest official Gatwick parking price is the main priority.

For North Terminal, compare Long Stay with Mid Stay if avoiding a shuttle is important. For South Terminal, compare Long Stay with Short Stay because standard Mid Stay is not available there.

Choose Valet or Meet and Greet when terminal convenience, children, heavy luggage or reduced mobility make a shuttle impractical. Choose Premium Short Stay when you want to park yourself, keep your keys and use same-level terminal access.

Before booking:

Compare identical dates and times.
Confirm North or South Terminal.
Check whether you retain your keys.
Include transfer and waiting time.
Read cancellation and late-return terms.
Verify independent operators.
Save your confirmation and directions.

Compare Gatwick Meet and Greet airport parking using your departure terminal, entry time and return details. Review the handover point, vehicle-storage arrangements, cancellation policy and delayed-return procedure before booking.

Gatwick Parking Prices and Charges: North and South Terminal Options Compared