Gatwick Pick Up & Drop Off
Whether you're collecting a friend from their travels, or dropping off a family member, let us help you get the most out of your parking at Gatwick Airport.
There are three options for you to choose from: Express Pick Up, Short Stay and Long Stay.
Quick summary
- Cheapest: If you can handle a short transfer, Long Stay is free for up to 2 hours and is usually the best-value way to pick up.
- Best for convenience: Short Stay / Premium Short Stay if you want to be close to the terminals and keep walking to a minimum.
- When to use Long Stay: If flights might be delayed, you're early, or you expect a longer wait — it's less stressful than looping the forecourt.
Tip: If you're only dropping off, keep it quick on the forecourt. If you're picking up, aim for Long Stay (value) or Short Stay (speed).
Compare our parking options (booking-style)
These are the two most popular "book ahead" options if you'd rather skip the on-the-day hassle. Tap through to see prices and packages in the booking engine.
Purple Parking (Park & Ride)
Good-value off-airport parking with transfers included.
- Transfers included (typical 10–20 mins depending on product)
- Often one of the lowest-cost options when booked ahead
- Ideal if you don't need to be at the terminal door
Holiday Extras (recommended picks)
Solid all-rounders with flexible options.
- Mix of Park & Ride and on-airport style options (depending on dates)
- Useful if you want a balance of price and convenience
- Book ahead to avoid walk-up pricing
Free Pick Up at Long Stay
If you're looking to save your pennies and don't mind parking a bit further away from the terminals, Gatwick's free Long Stay pick up option could be the one for you. You can head to any of the Long Stay car parks in either terminal and park for free for up to 2 hours.
To get from Long Stay to the terminals, there is a bus transfer of around 5 minutes that runs every 10 - 15 minutes (times can vary by terminal and time of day).
What to do when you arrive
When you arrive at the Long Stay Car Parks, you can:
- Park in a Free Pick Up bay and wait in your car. Your passenger(s) can take the airport shuttle/bus to the relevant stop for Long Stay.
- Park normally and catch the bus to the terminal to meet them — handy if you're collecting someone who needs assistance or has lots of luggage.
Getting To Long Stay
North Terminal
Postcode: RH6 0RN
- Leave the M23 at Junction 9 and follow the signs for Gatwick Airport.
- When you get to the first roundabout, follow the North Terminal signs.
- Take the third exit at the next roundabout towards the Long Stay Car Park.
- On your right, go past the petrol station before leaving at the third exit on the next roundabout.
- Keep going on for about a mile to the next roundabout, and turn right.
South Terminal
Postcode: RH6 0LL
- Leave the M3 at Junction 9 and follow the signs to Gatwick Airport.
- Take the second tuning on the left, and follow the signs to the Long Stay Car Park.
- Stay on the road on the right until you see the entrance barriers ahead.
When you arrive at Long Stay, follow signs to the correct area and check any instructions at the barrier/signage. If ANPR is active, your registration may be read automatically.
Express Pick Up
A handy option, there are Express Pick Up areas located at both terminals in the Short Stay car parks. You will find the Express Pick Up areas on Level 0 of the South Terminal and on Level 1 / Car Park 6 in the North Terminal.
Important: This is for quick pick up and drop off only — you cannot leave your vehicle unattended. Charges are typically in line with the Short Stay tariff, so if you expect delays, consider Long Stay instead.
Drop Off Areas
Located outside the North and South Terminals are the drop off forecourts. These are extremely convenient as your passengers can hop out and walk straight through to departures.
It's best to keep it quick — waiting is not permitted and the forecourt isn't ideal for pick ups. If you need more time (kids, luggage, flight delays), Short Stay or Long Stay will be less stressful.
Short Stay Car Park
Situated close by to the terminals, the Short Stay car park is under 5 minutes away from the check-in desk. This is ideal for families travelling with children or with lots of luggage.
Quick rule of thumb: If you'll be in and out, Short Stay is convenient. If you might be waiting around, Long Stay is usually better value.
Getting To Short Stay
North Terminal
Postcode: RH6 0PJ
- Leave the M23 at Junction 9, following the signs for Gatwick Airport. Go ahead at the first roundabout (J9a) following the North Terminal signs.
- Take the first exit on the next roundabout for North Terminal.
- Keep left, and you will see the entrance barriers to the Short Stay Car Parks ahead.
South Terminal
Postcode: RH6 0LL
- If you're coming from Brighton or London, leave the M23 at Junction 9 and follow the signs for Gatwick Airport at the roundabout.
- Turn left at the first roundabout (J9a) and follow the South Terminal signs.
- Following the signs to the Short Stay Car Park, move to the right hand lane and you will see the entrance barriers ahead.
If you're parking in the North Terminal, drive to Car Park 5. If you're parking in the South Terminal, head to Car Park 1, 2, or 3. When you arrive at the car park, your vehicle's number plate may be scanned. Then, take your ticket and park up.
Gatwick Pick Up & Drop Off FAQs
If you're happy to use the shuttle, the Long Stay car park is usually the cheapest pick up option because you can park for free for up to 2 hours. Your passenger can take the airport bus/shuttle to Long Stay and you can avoid higher "close to terminal" charges.
Free pick up is available in the Long Stay car parks (North and South Terminal areas). The usual approach is to park in a designated pick up bay (where available) and have your passenger take the shuttle/bus from the terminal to Long Stay. Always follow on-site signage for the correct zone and rules.
Generally, no. The terminal forecourts are designed for quick drop offs, and waiting isn't allowed. If you think you'll need more time (delays, lots of luggage, travelling with children), use Short Stay or Long Stay instead so you're not forced into awkward laps of the airport road system.
Express Pick Up is intended for very quick collections and drop offs in dedicated areas of the Short Stay car parks. You typically can't leave your car unattended in Express Pick Up. Short Stay is better if you need to park up and go into the terminal to meet someone.
If you want the simplest "park and meet them inside" option, Short Stay is usually the go-to. Premium Short Stay is generally the more expensive choice, but can be worth it if you're prioritising convenience and proximity (especially when time is tight).
Yes. If you'd rather lock in a deal and have more choice, it's usually best to book parking in advance. Use the search engine on this page to compare options and prices for your dates — it can work out cheaper than turning up and paying walk-up rates.
Occasionally — it's the "nuclear option", but it can help. If you've got a very early flight, a long drive, or you're juggling kids/luggage and want to remove stress, a hotel stay the night before with parking can be a practical fallback. For most standard pick ups and drop offs, though, Long Stay (value) or Short Stay (convenience) will be the better fit.