Parking Overview
London Gatwick Long-Term (Long Stay) Parking is the airport’s main on-site option for travellers leaving a car for several days or longer. It’s available for both the North Terminal and South Terminal, with dedicated Long Stay areas and a free transfer to the terminals.
This facility is best for week-long trips and budget-focused on-site parking—especially if you book ahead. Expect a straightforward park-and-ride experience: you park in an open-air lot, keep your keys, then take the shuttle to the terminal. It’s generally reliable and well-signposted, but allow a little extra time versus Short Stay or Valet.
Pricing
- Free parking for 0–2 hours in Long Stay (useful for pick-up/drop-off as an alternative to forecourt charges).
- Drive-up/on-gate pricing: around £38 for 2–24 hours, then £32 per additional day (prices can change seasonally).
- Pre-booked pricing: often cheaper via the official Gatwick site (research commonly shows deals from roughly £9/day depending on dates and demand).
- Weekly cost: varies heavily by season; as a guide, on-gate pricing can exceed £200+ for a week, while pre-booking can be substantially lower.
How it compares: Long Stay is typically cheaper than Short Stay/Premium Short Stay (best for walking access but higher daily costs). It’s usually more expensive than the cheapest off-site park & ride providers (sometimes £4–£6/day pre-booked), but Long Stay keeps you on airport property with frequent transfers.
Discounts: the biggest saving is booking online in advance; some third-party agents may offer promotional rates and flexible cancellation. Payment is typically by card/contactless for online bookings and on exit; keep your booking confirmation handy for ANPR-linked entry/exit.
Getting to Your Terminal
Long Stay uses a free shuttle transfer rather than a walk. Official guidance is typically around a 10–12 minute transfer, and for Long Stay North specifically you’ll often see about a 10-minute bus ride.
- Frequency: commonly every 10–15 minutes, operating 24/7.
- Reliability: generally good, but build in extra buffer at peak times (early mornings, school holidays).
- Weather: parking is open-air, and you’ll be exposed while walking to the shuttle stop; keep rain gear accessible.
Features & Security
- Covered/uncovered: typically uncovered outdoor parking.
- Security: on-site airport parking is generally well-lit with monitored access and patrols; expect barrier/ANPR-controlled entry.
- EV charging: not generally offered in Long Stay; Gatwick’s EV charging is known to be available in Short Stay areas (first-come, first-served).
- Extras: car wash/detailing is more commonly associated with Valet/meet-and-greet services than Long Stay.
- Accessibility: shuttle buses are designed for airport use; allow extra time if you need assistance or space for mobility aids.
Booking Tips
- Reserve online for the best rates and smoother entry (ANPR recognition is common on official facilities).
- Book early for peak periods (summer holidays, Christmas/New Year, half term), when on-site lots can sell out.
- Check cancellation terms at purchase—official and third-party sellers vary from flexible to non-refundable.
- If Long Stay is full or expensive, compare off-site park & ride (often the cheapest) or consider Mid Stay (North Terminal) if available and pre-bookable, or Valet/Premium if you prioritise speed over cost.
- For quick pick-ups, consider using the free 2-hour Long Stay option (then shuttle) to avoid higher forecourt charges, but watch the clock to avoid overstay fees.