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A Gatwick parking and hotel package combines a night in an airport hotel with parking for the duration of your trip, usually with a shuttle to the terminal. They can be good value for early flights, long trips and families who want a stress-free start, but they are not always the cheapest option. This guide explains how they work, what to check and how to decide.
Prices, terms and shuttle times change often, so confirm everything with the hotel or the booking provider before you pay.
How does a stay and park deal work?
You book a hotel room for the night before you fly, and the package includes parking at or near the hotel for a set number of days. On the day of your stay you check in, leave your car in the allocated area, and the following morning use a shuttle or transfer to the airport. When you return, you take a shuttle back to the hotel car park and collect your car.
- Many packages are priced per room, with a set number of parking days included.
- Extra parking days are often available for an additional charge.
- Some packages include breakfast, while others do not.
- Shuttle services may run on a timetable or on request, so check frequency.
- Some deals require you to book in advance and are not available at the door.
How long can I leave my car?
The length of parking included varies by package, from a week to two weeks or more. If you are going away longer, you may need to pay extra or choose a different product. Always check the maximum stay and what happens if your return is delayed. It is worth asking about charges for overstaying and whether you can extend your booking.
Which hotels offer shuttles?
Gatwick has a range of hotels in the surrounding area, some within the airport complex and others a short drive away. Many offer a shuttle bus, but frequency, operating hours and whether it is included in the price differ. Check:
- The operating hours of the shuttle, especially for very early or very late flights.
- The distance and journey time from the hotel to your terminal.
- Whether the shuttle serves both the North and South Terminals.
- Whether you need to pre-book a seat.
- How the hotel handles late arrivals.
For a closer look at one popular option, see our guide to Travelodge near Gatwick stay and park, and our overview of the Hilton London Gatwick.
Are Gatwick parking and hotel packages worth it?
They tend to make most sense in particular situations:
- You have an early morning flight and do not want to drive through the night.
- You are travelling with young children and want a calmer start to the trip.
- You live a long way from Gatwick and want to break the journey.
- You have a late arrival back and want a short onward drive in the morning.
- You value the convenience of a single booking for room and parking.
They may be less attractive if you live close to Gatwick, if you can be dropped off, or if you can find cheaper parking and travel on the day. Compare the total package price with booking parking and a hotel separately, and consider the cost of drop off charges and public transport options such as the Gatwick Express and other trains.
How to compare Gatwick stay and park options
Build a like-for-like comparison:
- The total price including parking days and any extra nights.
- The distance from the hotel to the terminal and the shuttle details.
- Cancellation and amendment terms.
- Whether breakfast is included.
- Car security and insurance, such as gated parking or CCTV.
- Reviews from recent guests, particularly for shuttle reliability.
Tips for a smooth stay and park trip
- Book as early as you can for peak dates such as school holidays.
- Allow plenty of time on the morning of your flight.
- Keep your booking confirmation and shuttle contact numbers handy.
- Take photos of your car when you park it.
- Do not leave valuables in the vehicle.
- Arrive back with enough time to wait for the return shuttle.
Alternatives to a package
You might book airport parking separately, use a meet and greet service, ask a friend or family member to drop you off, or travel by train. If you are coming from Brighton or Sussex, the train is often the simplest route. Our holidays from Gatwick page covers more of these options, and our weekend breaks from Brighton guide shows how easy it is to fly from Gatwick for a short trip.
Related guides
If you need a hire car on return, see our car hire guide. If you are comparing airports, our guides to Stansted parking, Luton parking and Heathrow Terminal 3 parking may help.
Who stay and park deals suit best
A stay and park package tends to work best for early morning departures, particularly if you live a fair distance from the airport and would otherwise have to leave home in the middle of the night. It also suits people who like to start a holiday relaxed, with a proper night in a bed before flying, rather than racing to the terminal.
It is less compelling for a late afternoon flight from somewhere close by, where a normal parking booking and a morning at home will be cheaper and simpler. Think about your own start time and your journey before assuming a package is the better value.
Questions worth asking before you pay
- How many nights of parking are included, and what happens if you stay longer?
- Is the transfer to the terminal included, and how often does it run?
- What time must you leave the room, and can you leave the car overnight?
- Is breakfast included, and is it available early enough for your plans?
- What are the cancellation and change rules if your flight moves?
How to keep the cost down
Compare package prices against booking a room and parking separately for the same dates. Look at sale periods and midweek nights, which can be cheaper than weekends. Remember to include the cost of any evening meal, since a room near the airport may have limited places to eat.
For broader trip planning, see our holidays from Gatwick page and the cheap holidays guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I park at Gatwick for a week with a hotel stay?
Many packages are designed for stays of around a week or more, but limits vary, so check the details of your chosen deal.
Do I need to book in advance?
Usually yes. Packages are often cheaper online and can sell out at busy times.
Is the shuttle included?
Often it is, but not always. Confirm the shuttle is included and check the timetable.
What if my flight is very early?
Check that the shuttle runs at the time you need before you book, or ask the hotel for an early departure option.
Can I stay on the way back instead?
Some packages allow you to use the room on your return night. Confirm this when booking.
Is it better to park at the airport directly?
Airport car parks are convenient but can be expensive. Compare options carefully and book ahead.
Do hotels offer family rooms?
Many do, but numbers are limited, so book early if you need space for several people.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is the shuttle included in the price and how often does it run?
- Can I park for the full length of my trip, including the day I return?
- What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
- Is parking guaranteed, or do I need to arrive by a certain time?
- Are there any extra fees for late returns, longer stays or extra vehicles?
- Can I change the dates if my travel plans move?
Having these answers in writing, or at least in your booking confirmation, can save a lot of hassle if something goes wrong. Keep a screenshot of the confirmation on your phone in case of poor signal near the airport.
Example timings for an early flight
As a rough illustration, someone with a very early departure might arrive at the hotel the previous afternoon or evening, check in, have a meal and an early night, then take a shuttle before dawn. That removes the stress of driving at night and the risk of delays on the road. The trade-off is the cost of the room, so it is worth working out whether the convenience justifies it.
Everyone’s situation differs, so use the checklists in this guide to compare your options and choose the one that fits your plans, your budget and your tolerance for early starts.
Is a stay and park package good for families?
It can be, because you avoid a very early start with tired children. Check that the room can sleep your whole group and that the shuttle can take pushchairs and luggage.
Can I extend my parking if my trip runs longer?
Often you can, but the arrangements and extra charges depend on the provider. Ask before you book so there are no surprises when you return.