
Gatwick North Terminal Parking – Rates, Options and Booking Tips
Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal serves millions of passengers each year, making reliable parking a critical component of the travel experience. Whether you need a brief drop-off, an extended holiday stay, or quick access to check-in desks, the North Terminal offers multiple parking configurations designed to accommodate different trip durations and budgets. This guide breaks down every available option, current pricing structures, and practical tips to help you park efficiently without unwelcome surprises on your bill.
Understanding the distinction between short stay and long stay facilities is essential for both cost management and convenience. The airport’s official parking pages and authorized third-party providers publish rates that can vary significantly depending on how far in advance you book and whether you pay on the day or secure your space ahead of time. For those navigating the North Terminal for the first time, the postcode area RH6 0PJ covers the airport grounds, with Car Parks 5 and 6 serving as the primary short stay destinations directly adjacent to the terminal building.
Gatwick North Terminal Short Stay Parking
Short stay parking at Gatwick’s North Terminal is positioned in Car Parks 5 and 6, multi-storey structures that sit immediately next to the terminal for passengers requiring fast access to check-in and arrivals areas. These facilities cater primarily to trips lasting between a few minutes and a couple of days, with the closest spaces situated on the same level as the departure halls. Drivers entering these car parks should follow signage from the M23 motorway at junctions 9 and 10, directing traffic toward the North Terminal forecourt and parking zones.
Short Stay Parking Options Overview
Key Things to Know About Short Stay Parking
- Car Parks 5 and 6 are multi-storey facilities located directly adjacent to the North Terminal, connected by covered walkways
- Premium spaces on the departure level command higher rates but eliminate the need to use lifts or stairs
- Official roll-up rates apply to drivers who pay on the day without pre-booking
- Pre-booking through the official Gatwick website or authorized third parties typically offers meaningful savings
- Blue Badge holders may qualify for discounted or free parking in designated bays, subject to availability and verification
- Prices escalate substantially after the first 30 minutes, so timing your exit matters for your wallet
Official Short Stay Rates (Roll-Up, Car Parks 5 & 6)
| Duration | Standard Rate | Premium Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 minutes | £8.00 | £12.00 |
| 31 to 60 minutes | £14.00 | £19.00 |
| 1 to 2 hours | £18.00 | £22.00 |
| 2 to 3 hours | £21.50 | £26.00 |
| 3 to 4 hours | £26.00 | £33.00 |
| 4 to 5 hours | £31.50 | £41.00 |
| 5 to 6 hours | £40.50 | £56.00 |
| 6 to 12 hours | £60.00 | £74.50 |
| 12 to 24 hours | £70.00 | £87.50 |
| Each additional day | £70.00 | £87.50 |
Rates shown reflect official roll-up pricing published on Gatwick’s parking pages. Some third-party sources report slightly lower figures that may reflect earlier rate periods or promotional pricing no longer active. Third-party providers such as Purple Parking advertise pre-booked rates as low as £68 per week for short stay options, though availability and specific dates affect what deals are accessible at any given time.
Gatwick North Terminal Long Stay Parking
Long stay parking at Gatwick’s North Terminal suits passengers embarking on extended trips where parking costs can quickly accumulate at short stay facilities. Rather than paying premium hourly rates, long stay customers leave their vehicles in outlying lots served by free shuttle buses that connect to the North Terminal approximately every 10 to 15 minutes throughout most of the day.
How Long Stay Parking Works
The long stay operation serving the North Terminal offers a compelling cost structure for trips exceeding two days. The first two hours are free, which benefits travelers who may need to drop off passengers or conduct brief errands before leaving their vehicle. After the free period, a flat rate of £38 covers stays of up to 24 hours, with each additional day charged at £32. This makes long stay parking considerably more economical than accumulating short stay charges over a week-long holiday.
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | Free |
| 2 to 24 hours | £38.00 |
| Each additional day | £32.00 |
Shuttle Transfer Details
Shuttle buses depart frequently from the long stay car parks, completing the journey to the North Terminal in roughly 10 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Passengers should factor this transfer time into their travel plans, particularly for early morning flights where additional buffer time provides peace of mind. The shuttle service is included in the parking fee, with no separate ticket required for the bus journey.
Comparing prices across multiple providers before committing can yield significant savings, especially for longer durations. Sites like Holiday Extras aggregate offers from various official and unofficial operators serving the Gatwick North Terminal.
Gatwick North Terminal Parking Drop Off and Pick Up
Drivers who only need brief access to the North Terminal for dropping off travelers or collecting arrivals can use the same short stay facilities or dedicated forecourt zones positioned directly outside the terminal building. Charges begin from £8 for visits up to 30 minutes, making these zones practical for quick collections without committing to a full parking session.
Postcode and Directions
The North Terminal parking area falls within the postcode sector RH6 0PJ, which covers the broader Gatwick Airport grounds. Drivers using satellite navigation should enter the main airport address and follow brown signage directing traffic to the North Terminal and Car Parks 5 and 6. Access from the M23 motorway is clearly signposted at junctions 9 and 10, with the approach roads feeding directly into the terminal forecourt and parking entry barriers.
Blue Badge Holder Access
Blue Badge holders may be eligible for reduced rates or free parking in designated accessible bays within the short stay car parks. Eligibility verification typically occurs at the payment kiosk or barrier, where badge holders present their documentation to staff. Spaces are limited and subject to availability, so arriving during off-peak periods improves the likelihood of finding a suitable bay close to the terminal entrance.
No free drop-off period exists beyond the initial minutes at barrier-controlled entry points. Drivers who exceed their prepaid duration face penalty charges that can quickly surpass the base rate, so it is advisable to estimate generously when purchasing your parking ticket.
Gatwick North Terminal Parking Rates, Promo Codes, and Discounts
While no specific promotional codes appear in publicly available listings, Gatwick and its partner providers regularly offer discounts tied to advance online booking. Securing your parking space before your travel date typically unlocks lower per-day rates compared to roll-up pricing paid at the barrier on the day of your trip.
Where to Find Discounts
- Book directly through the official Gatwick parking portal for guaranteed authenticity and flexible amendments
- Third-party aggregators such as Purple Parking and Holiday Extras frequently advertise discounted rates below official pricing, particularly for extended stays
- Seasonal promotions around school holidays and summer travel periods tend to feature the most aggressive discounting
- Prices fluctuate based on demand, so comparing at least two or three sources before committing helps ensure the best available deal
Discount Comparison Snapshot
| Provider | Pre-Booked Short Stay Example | Savings vs Roll-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Official Gatwick | Varies by date and availability | Typically 10-20% below gate rate |
| Purple Parking | From £68 per week reported | Significant for extended durations |
| Holiday Extras | Multiple tiers available | Competitive across short and long stay |
Published rates can change without notice, and discrepancies exist between sources reporting what appear to be older pricing structures. Relying on the official Gatwick parking pages provides the most current and authoritative figures, while third-party quotes should be verified at the time of booking.
Comparing Gatwick North Terminal Parking Options
Choosing between short stay, long stay, and third-party alternatives depends primarily on trip duration, budget priorities, and how much convenience matters relative to cost savings. Official airport parking provides straightforward booking, guaranteed space availability, and proximity to the terminal, while third-party operators frequently undercut official rates but may involve transfer logistics or less predictable service standards.
For passengers staying at nearby accommodation before an early morning flight, options like Premier Inn Gatwick North offer the advantage of walking distance to the terminal, eliminating both parking costs and transfer wait times entirely. This approach works particularly well for travelers with heavy luggage or mobility considerations.
What Is Established and What Remains Unclear
Established Facts
- Car Parks 5 and 6 serve as the primary short stay facilities adjacent to the North Terminal
- Official roll-up rates are published on Gatwick’s parking pages and represent the most authoritative pricing reference
- Long Stay offers first 2 hours free, then £38 for stays up to 24 hours
- Shuttle transfers to North Terminal take approximately 10 minutes
- Blue Badge holders may qualify for discounted or free parking in designated bays
Information That Varies
- Specific promo code availability changes seasonally and is not consistently published
- Third-party rates fluctuate based on demand, availability, and booking timing
- Peak period pricing can exceed published standard rates significantly
- Exact shuttle frequency depends on time of day and operational conditions
Sources and Official References
Gatwick Airport officially publishes parking information through its website, with direct rate tables and booking functionality available at gatwickairport.com/parking.
— Official Gatwick Airport Parking Pages
Third-party parking providers including Purple Parking and Holiday Extras aggregate deals from multiple operators serving the Gatwick North Terminal, offering comparison tools and pre-booked savings.
— Parking Aggregator Services
Summary
Parking at Gatwick’s North Terminal breaks down into distinct categories matching different traveler needs. Short stay facilities in Car Parks 5 and 6 provide seamless terminal access for visits up to a couple of days, while long stay options with complimentary shuttle transfers serve extended trips more economically. Drop-off and pick-up zones accommodate brief collections starting from £8 for 30 minutes. Advance booking through official channels or reputable third-party aggregators consistently delivers better rates than pay-on-day pricing, though promotional codes remain elusive in current public listings. For those seeking the most convenient experience, nearby hotels like Premier Inn Gatwick North eliminate parking concerns entirely. Understanding the postcode area RH6 0PJ and following M23 junction 9/10 signage ensures straightforward navigation to all North Terminal parking zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What postcode covers Gatwick North Terminal parking?
The North Terminal parking area falls within the RH6 0PJ postcode sector, though specific car park entries do not have individual postcodes. Drivers should follow M23 junction 9/10 signage toward the North Terminal and Car Parks 5 and 6.
Are promo codes available for Gatwick North Terminal parking?
No specific promotional codes appear in current public listings. Savings are more reliably achieved through advance online booking rather than relying on discount codes.
How much is short stay parking at Gatwick North Terminal?
Official roll-up rates start at £8 for up to 30 minutes in standard short stay areas, rising to £70 for 24 hours. Premium spaces on the departure level cost more, while pre-booking can secure lower rates.
Can I get free parking at Gatwick North Terminal?
Blue Badge holders may qualify for free or discounted parking in designated accessible bays within short stay car parks, subject to verification and availability. Long stay parking offers the first two hours free for all users.
How far is long stay parking from the North Terminal?
Long stay facilities are located away from the terminal building, with shuttle buses completing the transfer to the North Terminal in approximately 10 minutes.
Is drop-off parking free at Gatwick North Terminal?
No free drop-off period exists beyond initial barrier entry minutes. Drivers using drop-off zones are charged from £8 for 30 minutes, with fees escalating quickly for extended stays.
Which car parks serve the Gatwick North Terminal?
Car Parks 5 and 6 are the primary short stay facilities directly adjacent to the North Terminal. Long stay parking uses separate outlying lots connected by shuttle services.