Parking options at Gatwick airport

I fly quite often for business and these days it seems like every time I go to the airport they’ve introduced another regulation or restriction. There is so much going on at the airport that gives me a headache, I was glad when I discovered that I could use the internet to make parking faster and easier. Although parking at Gatwick is usually rather expensive, you can save a little by arranging things in advance online. I’ve tried every parking service available at Gatwick International Airport and picked up more than a few tips along the way.

One thing that you should know is that whatever claims they may make, most parking companies offer relatively similar levels of security. Your car will be in good hands wherever you leave it and your check-in will most likely be smooth, straightforward and professional. The most important things to consider when choosing where to park are budget and whether you will be using North Terminal or South Terminal.

If money is no object, the fastest and easiest thing to do is call Chauffeured Parking Service (CPS) or PAS. Both companies will meet you at the airport and park your car for you. When you return from your trip, they will meet you with your car. It’s the most hassle-free way to park, especially considering you don’t do any parking at all!

For speed and ease, Courtlands is the closest car park to the airport. The shuttle takes 4 minutes to reach the South Terminal and 7 minutes to arrive at the North Terminal. The North Terminal shuttle runs from November to February only, so check the calendar before you make a booking.

APH, BCP and Cophall Farm Parking are all about 10 to 15 minutes drive from the airport depending on which terminal you need to reach. With fairly similar check-in procedures, you can count on arriving at the airport about 30 minutes after the time you pull up to the car park. All three car parks are fairly standard, although the BCP staff seem friendlier to me and usually put a smile on my face.

For accessing the North Terminal, Holiday Parking and NCP Flightpath North are both about 10 minutes drive away. NCP has more frequent shuttles and a faster check-in procedure so I prefer parking there.

Parking Express and Summer Special provide service to the South Terminal only, although once at the terminal, you can take a monorail to the North Terminal. The trip to the South Terminal only takes 6 or 7 minutes, with Parking Express having more frequent shuttles.

You should count on between 30 to 45 minutes to check-in wherever you park, but you should find that the more often you use a place, the faster your check-in will get as you won’t need to waste time familiarising yourself with all the check-in and pick-up procedures.

When I’m making my parking arrangements, I usually use one of the websites below. It shouldn’t take longer than 5 minutes to book your parking online and it saves a lot of hassle on the day you travel.

Andy flies out of Gatwick often on his travel writing trips and recommends
Booking online for Airport parking at Gatwick

The comfort of Gatwick airport lounges