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The best way to get a good price on Gatwick airport parking is to book early, compare the official Gatwick parking options with trusted third party providers, and only use discount codes that you have checked are genuine and valid for your dates. A code can help, but a well timed booking and the right product usually save more than a code on its own.
Parking prices, offers and codes change often and can expire without notice, so treat this as general guidance. Always check the official Gatwick Airport website and the terms of any offer before paying.
Do codes work on official parking?
Sometimes, but it depends on the product and the offer. Codes are often limited to certain car parks, travel dates or booking windows, and they may not stack with other discounts. Some codes apply only to a specific provider or to new customers, while others are advertised as a percentage off or a fixed amount off.
Before you rely on a code, check:
- Which car park or product it applies to, for example short stay, long stay or a meet and greet service.
- The dates you must book by and the dates you must travel.
- Whether there is a minimum stay or minimum spend.
- Whether it can be combined with an existing early booking discount.
- Whether the code is a genuine one issued by the provider, rather than an expired or copied code.
Be cautious with websites that list long lists of codes that do not work. If a code fails at checkout, it may have expired or may not apply to your product. Never pay a third party for a code, and never share card details outside the official checkout.
When is parking cheapest?
There is no single cheapest date, but several patterns usually hold.
- Booking early: prices commonly rise as dates get closer, especially in school holidays.
- Travelling outside peak periods: parking for school holidays, bank holidays and the summer is often dearer than quieter weeks.
- Shorter stays: daily rates can differ by car park, so compare the total price for your trip length, not just the daily rate.
- Further away car parks: options with a shuttle bus can be cheaper than those closest to the terminal, but add journey time.
Check prices on a few different days when you start planning, because prices can move. If your dates are flexible, a small change in the days you travel can change the total.
Is booking early better?
In most cases, yes. Early booking gives you more choice of car parks and a better chance of a lower price, and it avoids the risk that popular products sell out. It also lets you plan your journey calmly. The exceptions are when your plans are uncertain, or if you may need to change dates. Check the change and cancellation terms, because some cheaper rates are not flexible.
Booking early does not guarantee the lowest price, so keep checking until you are ready to buy. If the price falls and your booking allows changes, you may be able to rebook. See the terms to find out.
Ways to cut the cost of Gatwick parking
- Compare the main options. Look at official parking, off airport parking with a shuttle and meet and greet services. Compare the total price, not just the headline daily rate.
- Check the real distance. A cheaper car park further away can mean a longer shuttle and more time before your flight.
- Read recent reviews. Look at how reliable the shuttle is and how easy the return journey is.
- Look at stay and park deals. If you have an early flight, a hotel with parking can be good value. See our guide to Travelodge near Gatwick stay and park packages.
- Consider other ways to get there. If parking is expensive for your dates, a train may be cheaper. See our guide to Gatwick Express vs Southern vs Thameslink.
- Avoid unnecessary fees. If someone is dropping you off, check our guide to the Gatwick drop off charge.
Types of parking at Gatwick
- Official airport car parks: run by the airport, usually close to the terminals, with different options by distance and length of stay.
- Off airport car parks: run by third parties, often with a shuttle bus, and sometimes cheaper. Check the shuttle times and reviews.
- Meet and greet: a driver meets you at or near the terminal and parks your car for you. It is convenient but can cost more.
- Hotel and parking packages: useful for early flights or long trips, and sometimes better value than paying separately.
Think about your priorities. If you have young children or heavy luggage, convenience may be worth paying for. If you are travelling light and have time, a cheaper off airport option may suit you.
How much time should you allow?
Parking is often where a smooth airport morning goes wrong. If you drive to an official car park, allow time for traffic on the approach roads, finding a space, and walking or taking a transfer to the terminal. If you use an off airport car park, add the shuttle wait and ride, which can be quick at quiet times but slower when many travellers arrive together. Many people aim to leave extra time at busy periods such as school holidays and early morning departures. Check your airline guidance on when bag drop closes, because arriving late can mean missing the flight even if you are in the car park.
Should you pay more for convenience?
It depends on who you are travelling with and how long your trip is. For a short break with hand luggage, a cheaper option with a short shuttle may be fine. For a long trip with young children, older relatives or lots of bags, paying a little more for a car park close to the terminal or a meet and greet service can be worth it. Think about the whole journey, including your return, when you may be tired and arriving at an unsociable hour. A cheap option that adds a long wait on the way home may feel less like a bargain.
Look beyond the headline price
When comparing, look at the total you pay at the end of checkout rather than the advertised daily rate. Some providers add booking fees, card fees or charges for extras such as insurance or text alerts. Others include everything in one price. Add up each option so you can compare like with like, and note any charges for overstaying, because arriving back late from a delayed flight can cost extra if the terms are strict.
Avoiding scams and fake codes
- Book through the official airport website or a well known provider.
- Check the website address carefully before entering payment details.
- Be wary of social media posts or emails offering very large discounts.
- Keep your booking confirmation and any receipt.
- If something looks unclear, contact the provider using details from the official website.
Planning the rest of your Gatwick trip
Parking is only one part of the journey. If you want to relax before your flight, see our guide to Gatwick airport lounges, and for wider planning, see our holidays from Gatwick guide. If you are comparing airports, you might also read our guides to Stansted parking, Luton parking and Heathrow Terminal 3 parking. Remember to arrange travel insurance before you go, and consider our car hire guide if you need a car at the other end.
A quick checklist before you book
- Pick the car park type that suits your trip.
- Compare the total price for your exact dates.
- Check the terms of any code and the validity dates.
- Read recent reviews for shuttle times and customer service.
- Check the cancellation and change terms.
- Save your booking details and directions.
- Allow extra time on the day for traffic and the shuttle.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free parking option at Gatwick?
Not for parking your car for a holiday. Short pick up and drop off areas may have fees, so check the official guidance.
Can I use more than one discount code?
Usually not. Most offers cannot be combined, so check the terms.
Is off airport parking safe?
Many providers are reputable, but quality varies. Read recent reviews and check security features.
How early should I arrive?
Allow time to park, take the shuttle if needed and get through bag drop and security. Follow the guidance from your airline.
Can I change my parking dates?
Sometimes, but terms vary. Check before booking, especially for cheaper non-flexible rates.
Which is cheaper, parking or a taxi?
For short trips, a taxi or train can be cheaper. For longer trips, compare the total cost.
Final thoughts
Gatwick parking does not have to cost more than it should. Book early where you can, compare the real total price, use only genuine codes and check the terms. A little planning usually saves more than hunting for a code, and it makes the start of your trip far less stressful.