Planning a trip through London Gatwick often brings a flurry of questions, especially when it comes to getting there and getting around. One of the most common queries revolves around parking – how long can you stay, and how do you actually get to your terminal?
For those heading to the Long Stay car parks, good news: the shuttle buses are a constant companion, running 24/7, all year round. The journey to the South Terminal is a swift 5 to 10 minutes, while the North Terminal takes a little longer at 10 to 12 minutes. These buses typically arrive every 10-12 minutes, though during busy periods, you might need to be patient and wait for the next one. It’s always wise to factor in a little extra time when planning your arrival, just in case.
If you're just dropping someone off or picking them up, the Short Stay car parks offer flexibility. You can park for up to 30 minutes for £7 in either terminal's Short Stay car park. Beyond that, the 'roll-up' rate applies if you haven't pre-booked. For longer stays, booking in advance is definitely the way to go to secure the best rates.
Similarly, for the Long Stay car parks, you can park for up to 2 hours for free if you're picking up or dropping off. Again, if you plan to stay longer, pre-booking online is highly recommended for better pricing.
Thinking about booking your parking? Gatwick allows you to book up to a year in advance, so there's plenty of time to plan and snag those early bird deals.
For passengers with reduced mobility, Gatwick is designed with accessibility in mind. Blue Badge spaces are available in the car parks on a first-come, first-served basis, and additional assistance can be arranged. Dedicated drop-off bays are located on both terminal forecourts, and the Special Assistance reception opens daily from 04:00, staffed by trained personnel ready to help you navigate the airport, from security to boarding.
Connecting to another flight? If you've already got your boarding pass for your next flight, allow at least 60 minutes for connections within the same terminal. If you're moving between terminals, that window needs to be at least 90 minutes. However, always double-check with your airline, as they might have different minimum connection time requirements.
And for those wondering about the car park barriers, it's all automated thanks to Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). If you've pre-booked, just drive up to the barrier, and it should lift automatically after recognizing your plate. If not, or if you haven't pre-booked, you'll take a ticket. It’s a system designed for smooth entry and exit, but there’s always a button for assistance if needed.
