Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Parking for Gatwick’s North Terminal comes in several forms: official on-airport car parks, off-airport car parks with a shuttle and meet and greet services. The right choice depends on how close you want to be, how long you are away and how much you want to spend. Prices and availability change regularly and vary by date, so always check the official Gatwick website and compare the total cost before you book.
This guide explains the main options, the typical walking and shuttle arrangements, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Which car parks serve the north terminal?
Gatwick offers a range of official car parks, including those marked as close to each terminal, plus longer stay options that use a transfer service. In addition, there are many independent car parks near the airport that run their own shuttles. The terminal each car park serves is shown on the official airport website, and independent operators list this in their booking details.
- Official airport car parks, which are generally closest but often more expensive.
- Long stay car parks that use a shuttle bus to reach the terminal.
- Off-airport car parks run by independent companies, with a transfer to the terminal.
- Meet and greet services, where a driver collects your car at the terminal.
- Hotel parking packages, as covered in our guide to Gatwick parking and hotel packages.
How far is the walk to the terminal?
Distances vary a lot between car parks. Some official car parks are within a short walk of the terminal, while others require a shuttle or a longer walk. The airport website gives walking times and shuttle details for each option. If you have heavy bags, small children or limited mobility, it is worth paying for a closer option or a service with door-to-door assistance.
Is there a shuttle?
Most longer-stay and off-airport car parks provide a shuttle. Check how often it runs, how long the journey takes, and whether there are gaps overnight. Pay attention to the return process too, since waiting for a shuttle after a long flight can add time to your journey home.
How much does parking at the north terminal cost?
There is no single price. Costs depend on how long you stay, how early you book, the season and which type of car park you choose. Booking in advance is nearly always cheaper than turning up on the day, and prices can rise sharply at peak times such as school holidays. Use the official website and a few comparison sites to find the total price for your dates, and watch for booking fees or extras.
How to save money on Gatwick parking
- Book as early as possible, particularly for school holidays.
- Compare official and independent options for the same dates.
- Consider a hotel and parking package if you have an early flight.
- Ask a friend or family member to drop you off, but check the drop off charge first.
- Look at the train, especially from Brighton and Sussex, using our guide to Gatwick train options.
- Read the terms for cancellation, amendments and late return fees.
Things to check before you book
- Which terminal the car park serves and the transfer arrangements.
- Maximum stay and charges if you return late.
- Security, such as CCTV, fencing and staffing.
- Opening hours of the car park and shuttle.
- Accessibility, including help for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Whether the price includes all fees.
Meet and greet at Gatwick
Meet and greet services involve handing your car keys to a driver at or near the terminal, who parks it for you and returns it when you land. This can be convenient, particularly with children or luggage, but can cost more and relies on timings. Check the operator’s reviews and terms and be clear about meeting points.
Getting to Gatwick without parking
From Brighton, East Sussex and London, the train is often the most practical way to reach Gatwick, with the station connected directly to both terminals. Taxis and coach services are also available. For more on planning a trip, see our holidays from Gatwick page and our weekend breaks from Brighton guide.
Other airports
If you are comparing airports, see our parking guides for Stansted, Luton and Heathrow Terminal 3.
Planning your trip
Parking is only one part of the journey. If you need a hire car at your destination, see our car hire guide, and remember to arrange cover with our travel insurance guide.
How to choose between the options
The right choice usually comes down to three things: how much you want to spend, how much walking you are happy to do, and how long you will be away. A short trip rarely justifies paying extra for the closest spaces, while a long trip makes a lower daily rate far more important. Work out the total cost for your actual dates rather than comparing headline daily prices, because the gap between options can change a lot over a week or a fortnight.
If you are travelling with children or lots of luggage
Shorter walks and shuttle frequency matter more when you are juggling pushchairs, car seats and large cases. In that case it can be worth paying a little more for a closer option or for a service where someone else handles the car. Check the terms for any extra charges.
If you are leaving very early or returning very late
Check whether the shuttle and any reception desks run around the clock, and what happens if your flight lands after midnight. Many airport car parks operate all day and night, but the details vary, so confirm them on the official booking page before you commit.
A simple checklist for the day of travel
- Keep your booking confirmation on your phone and, if you can, a printed copy as backup.
- Note your car park name and space number or take a photo of where you parked.
- Check your gate and terminal on the day, as plans can change.
- Allow extra time in school holidays and on bank holiday weekends.
- Keep your keys and parking confirmation somewhere easy to reach on your return.
If you are weighing up the whole trip, our holidays from Gatwick guide covers the wider picture, from choosing a destination to getting to the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Is North Terminal parking different from South Terminal?
Each terminal is served by particular car parks and transfer services, so choose the right one for your flight. Check the airport website.
Can I switch terminals after booking?
Some car parks serve both terminals, but check the terms or contact the operator.
How early should I arrive?
Allow extra time to park, take the shuttle and go through security, particularly in school holidays.
Is it safe to leave my car at Gatwick?
Official car parks and many independent ones have security measures. Check reviews and the security features before booking.
Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled?
Policies differ, so read the cancellation terms before you book.
Are there spaces for disabled drivers?
Yes, but facilities vary, so check the airport website and request assistance in advance.
What if my flight lands late at night?
Check the car park’s and shuttle’s operating hours and any late return arrangements.
Planning your journey step by step
- Decide how long you will be away and which terminal your airline uses.
- Check the official airport website for the car parks serving that terminal.
- Compare the total cost of official, off-airport and meet and greet options.
- Book as early as you can and keep the confirmation.
- Plan your journey to the airport with a margin for traffic.
- Allow time for the shuttle or walk, check-in and security.
Mistakes to avoid
One of the most common mistakes is turning up without a booking and paying the highest price. Another is choosing a car park that serves the wrong terminal, which can add stress and time. Others include underestimating the transfer time, forgetting the return shuttle timetable, and leaving valuables in plain sight in the car.
Reading the booking terms for cancellation and late return charges is also well worth a few minutes, especially if your plans could change.
If you are coming from Sussex
If you live in Brighton or elsewhere in Sussex, compare the cost of parking with the train or a taxi, especially for short trips. For many travellers, the train from Brighton to Gatwick is quick and avoids parking altogether. Our Brighton and Sussex breaks guide and our day trips from Brighton page offer more ideas for getting around the area.
Is it worth pre-booking compared with turning up?
Pre-booking is usually the safer and often cheaper route, because gate prices can be higher and spaces can sell out at busy times. Always check the current terms on the official site.
What should I do if I cannot find my car on my return?
Use the photo or note you made on arrival, and ask airport staff or the car park operator for help. This is much easier if you recorded your car park zone and row before you left.