Airport parking can be confusing, even more so at a bustling hub such as gatwick airport, which serves over 40 million passengers annually. However, gatwick airport has made great strides in creating a variety of parking options to accommodate passengers who are traveling on different budgets and with different types of travel plans, whether it be short-term parking (Drop offs, pickups), or longer term parking (vacation). In addition to parking options offered by the airport itself, there are also several third-party parking vendors who provide additional meet & greet services. We’ll explain the various options and the pros and cons associated with each one.
On-airport parking options provided directly by gatwick airport
Gatwick airport offers several parking options that are owned and managed directly by the airport. While the quality may vary, parking within the airport boundaries ensures easy access to your gate.
Short stay parking
If you are going to be at the airport for a limited amount of time (less than a day), you should use the short stay parking areas. There is a separate short stay car park located at each end of the airport.
* North Terminal Short Stay: this is a multi-story car park that is immediately adjacent to the North Terminal building. It is ideal for dropping off or picking up passengers since you can literally walk to check in or to the arrival area.
* South Terminal Short Stay: also immediately adjacent to the South Terminal building. This car park is equally convenient and offers a short, covered walkway to the terminal.
Both of these car Parks are billed hourly, so if you plan to spend extended periods of time at the airport, the fees could add up rapidly. The primary function of these car Parks is for short-term parking (less than 1 day).
Long stay parking
For travelers that will be at the airport for several days or a week, long stay parking is a significantly more affordable alternative than parking in the short stay car Parks. Like short stay, both long stay car Parks are operated by gatwick airport.
* North Terminal Long Stay: this is another multi-story car park that is connected to the North Terminal via shuttle bus. The buses typically run continuously, approximately every 10-15 minutes throughout the day and night. The ride is about 5 minutes.
* south terminal long stay: a similar arrangement exists at the South Terminal. A complimentary shuttle bus runs from this long stay car park to the South Terminal. The shuttle bus runs at intervals and the ride time is similar to that of the North Terminal Long Stay car park.
Booking long stay parking in advance through the airport website may help ensure you receive a lower rate than purchasing on-site. Both long stay car Parks include standard Security elements such as closed circuit tv cameras and frequent patrols by airport personnel.
Meet & greet Valet Parking
For those seeking maximum convenience, gatwick offers Valet Parking (previously known as Premium Meet & Greet) at both terminals. Through this service, you drive directly to a designated Drop-off point at the airport, hand your keys to a trained attendant and he/she will park your vehicle for you in a secure, airport-owned car park. Upon your return, your vehicle will be returned to a predetermined pickup Location.
This type of service is ideal for travelers who possess heavy luggage, families with small children or anyone desiring to save precious time. While Valet Parking is generally the highest-priced official option, many users believe the convenience outweighs the expense. Additionally, Valet Parking can greatly reduce your overall travel time as well as minimize stress during busy travel periods.
Premium Parking
Premium Parking at gatwick represents a combination of convenience and self-parking. When you purchase premium parking, you receive a dedicated parking space in either of the short stay car Parks. The major advantage of premium parking is that your space will likely be located on a higher floor than standard short stay spaces or closer to the terminal entrance. Therefore, you still park your own vehicle, however, you are provided with a priority space for added convenience.
While premium parking is more desirable than standard short stay in regards to accessibility and ease of entry during peak hours, it is generally more expensive.
Private off-airport parking companies
In addition to official airport-run options, numerous independent third-party companies offer their own meet & greet services at discounted rates. Be sure to research the company thoroughly before choosing an off-airport option.
Park and ride services
Several third-party companies provide park and ride services. These services involve driving to an off-airport lot, parking your vehicle, and taking their shuttle bus to the airport terminal. Depending upon the distance of the off-airport lot from the airport terminal, the shuttle bus ride can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes or more.
When evaluating third-party options:
* frequency of shuttles: are buses running frequently enough?
* travel time: is the actual travel time reasonable given the expected wait time for shuttle buses?
* Security measures: what safety measures does the vendor employ (video surveillance, fencing around lots, patrol presence)?
Third-party review websites can assist you in assessing reliability and customer service from independent providers.
Independent third party meet & greet services
Like Valet Parking offered by gatwick airport, independent third-party companies offer their own meet & greet service. Independent meet & greet services involve dropping your vehicle off near the terminal, handing your keys to an attendant and having him/her park it in their secured lot away from the airport terminal.
Key distinctions among meet & greet services typically revolve around:
* vehicle Drop-off/pickup locations: make certain you are dropped off and picked up at approved locations and not just along a side street.
* storing vehicles: at what off-airport Location(s) will your vehicle be stored? Reliable companies will detail this information in advance.
* liability coverage: to what extent is liability coverage provided for your vehicle while it is under control of an independent provider?
To protect yourself against unscrupulous operators, always make reservations through established comparison websites or directly with providers that demonstrate clear evidence of certification and customer support capabilities.
Drop-off and pickup areas
At gatwick airport there are specific regulations governing Drop-off and pickup operations. The goal behind implementing Drop-off and pickup regulations is to alleviate traffic congestion and improve Security.
Designated terminal Drop-off points
For a brief Drop-off experience, both terminals have designated terminal Drop-off points located immediately outside each terminal. Although these Zones are convenient and readily accessible for immediate Drop-offs, there are significant drawbacks. First and foremost, there is an initial minimum charge of £5 per ten minute increments thereafter. For example, if you remain parked in these Zones beyond ten minutes; the charges increase dramatically. Alternatively, you can utilize the free long stay car Parks for up to two hours and take a complimentary shuttle bus to/from the terminals.
Short-term parking for pickup operations
For pickup operations utilizing your own vehicle; we recommend using one of the short-term car Parks. Since you will need to enter the terminal anyway; this eliminates potential issues with time constraints imposed by Drop-off Zones.
Long-term free Drop-off/pickup option
If you wish to Drop-off or Pick-up without paying any direct fees; you can use one of the free long-term car Parks at gatwick airport. These free long term car Parks offer 2 hours of free parking after which you can take a free shuttle bus to/from your respective terminals.
Can I just turn up and park at Gatwick?
Yes, you can turn up and park, particularly at the Short Stay and Long Stay car parks. However, booking in advance usually secures a better price and guarantees a space, especially during busy periods.
Is there free parking at Gatwick for pick-up?
Yes, the Long Stay Car Parks at both North and South Terminals offer 2 hours of free parking. From there, you can use the free shuttle bus to the terminal to meet or pick up passengers.