How much does Gatwick Airport parking cost?

Airport parking at Gatwick (LGW) varies by type and how far in advance you book. Park & Ride options typically cost £3–8 per day when booked in advance. Meet & Greet and on-airport parking cost more. Use Departo to compare current prices across all providers.

What types of parking are available at Gatwick Airport?

Parking at Gatwick Airport includes Park & Ride (you park off-site and take a shuttle to the terminal), Meet & Greet (a driver takes your car when you arrive at the terminal), and on-airport multi-storey or surface car parks. Departo compares all types in one search.

How do I get from London to Gatwick Airport?

Public transport, taxi and pre-booked transfers are all available from London to Gatwick Airport. Check the Getting There section on the Gatwick Airport page on Departo for specific transport options, journey times and costs.

Is there an airport lounge at Gatwick?

Yes — Gatwick Airport has paid-access lounges available via day pass. You do not need a business class ticket or premium credit card. Use Departo to compare lounge options and prices.

Can I book a hotel near Gatwick Airport?

Yes — several hotels are available near Gatwick Airport, including options with parking included (Park & Stay packages). Departo compares all available hotels so you can find the best deal.

Should I book Gatwick Airport parking in advance?

Yes — always book in advance. Airport parking prices at Gatwick are dynamic and rise as your travel date approaches. Booking 3–4 weeks ahead can save 40–60% compared to booking on the day.

Gatwick Airport Parking, Hotels & Lounges — Compare & Save

Gatwick Airport Parking

Compare Park & Ride, Meet & Greet and on-airport car parks side by side. One search — all the major providers. Find your price, then book direct with them.

💡 Parking tip: Gatwick has extensive on-airport parking — Short Stay, Long Stay and Business Parking at both terminals. Long Stay is the best value on-airport option, with a free shuttle. Off-airport operators (BCP, SkyParkSecure, Maple Manor) are often cheaper still, particularly for stays of a week or more. JetParks is the budget option on-airport. Always pre-book — walk-up prices at Gatwick can be eye-watering.

Gatwick Airport Hotels

Stay the night before and wake up five minutes from the terminal. Compare hotels with parking, breakfast and shuttle options. Find the best deal, then book direct.

💡 Hotel tip: Several hotels are directly connected to or a short walk from the terminals. The Sofitel London Gatwick is connected to the South Terminal. The Hampton by Hilton is directly above the North Terminal. Park & Stay packages frequently offer the best combined value.

Gatwick Airport Lounges

Day passes for every lounge at Gatwick. Food, drinks, Wi-Fi and a quiet space before your flight. Compare prices and facilities, then book direct.

💡 Lounge tip: No1 Lounge operates in both North and South Terminals. Escape Lounge is available in the South Terminal. Day passes from £28–40. Worth pre-booking as walk-in availability is limited during peak periods.

About London Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick is the UK's second busiest airport and the world's busiest single-runway airport. Located 28 miles south of central London in West Sussex, it serves over 200 destinations across Europe, North America, the Caribbean and beyond. Two terminals — North and South — are connected by a transit system and between them serve over 40 million passengers per year.

Terminals

▶North Terminal (easyJet, TUI, Wizz Air, some BA)

▶South Terminal (British Airways, Norwegian, Vueling, Virgin Atlantic)

⚠️ North and South Terminals are connected by a free shuttle train running 24 hours. Allow 10 minutes for the transfer. Check which terminal your airline uses — they are far apart.

History

Gatwick began life as a small aerodrome in 1936 and was rebuilt as a major airport in 1958, becoming the first airport in the world with a direct rail link to a city centre. It was used extensively for package holiday flights from the 1960s onwards and grew steadily through the late 20th century. A planning agreement signed in 1979 prevents construction of a second runway until 2019 at the earliest — a second runway has been approved in principle but remains politically contested. VINCI Airports took a controlling stake in 2022.

Fast facts

Busiest single runway

In the world — Guinness World Records recognised

Check-in advice

2.5 hours before departure recommended

Security

Generally faster than Heathrow. Fast Track available.

Shops & dining

Good retail and food selection airside in both terminals

Wi-Fi

Free throughout

Peak times

Summer school holidays and bank holidays — arrive earlier

📍 Nearby: Crawley town centre is 3 miles away. Brighton is 25 miles south. Central London 28 miles north via M23/M25.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travelling with children: Gatwick has family security lanes in both terminals. Baby changing rooms, feeding areas and children's play zones are available airside. The free North-South shuttle train is buggy-friendly. Meet & Greet is available at both terminals and worth considering with young children — it removes the shuttle transfer entirely.

Getting to Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Express

Direct to London Victoria in 30 minutes. Runs every 15 minutes.

Thameslink

To London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon, St Pancras. Cheaper than Gatwick Express.

Southern Rail

To Victoria and London Bridge. Slower but cheapest rail option.

National Express

Coach services to destinations across the UK.

Taxi

Pre-book for better rates. Central London approx £60–90 depending on traffic.

Airport info

IATA code LGW

City Crawley

Passengers 40.9 million (2023)

Runways 1 runway

Terminals 2

Founded 1936

Official website →

Why use Departo?

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Save time

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Parking, hotels and lounges at Gatwick — all compared together.

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