Save Big: Free Parking at Gatwick Airport 2026

 

 

Save Big: Free Parking at Gatwick Airport 2026

Yes, there is free parking at Gatwick Airport, but it's strictly limited. If you're looking for free parking for a holiday, you'll need to know the rules and consider much cheaper, secure alternatives.

At comparetheairportparking.com, we don't just list prices—we give you the insider knowledge to make the smartest choice for your trip and your wallet. This definitive guide breaks down every free and cheap parking option at Gatwick.

 

Not All Free Parking is the Same at Gatwick

Choose the right option based on your needs:

· Just a Quick Visit? Use the Gatwick Long Stay car parks. You get a generous 2-hour free window—ideal for meeting someone at arrivals. A free shuttle takes you the rest of the way.
· A Blue Badge Holder? You can use the prime Terminal Drop-Off zones for free. Secure your 30 minutes of free parking by registering your vehicle on Gatwick's site before you travel.
· Need More Time on a Budget? Look to Horley Town Centre. While not always free, it's your cheapest legal option, especially on Sundays and Bank Holidays. A short train ride gets you to the airport in minutes.

1. Official Gatwick Airport Free Parking

Gatwick Long Stay Car Parks: 2 Hours Free

This is the best option for a standard free stop at Gatwick.

· Where: Both the North and South Terminal Long Stay car parks.
· How it works: You get the first 2 hours completely free. This is ideal for picking up or dropping off passengers without the stress of the expensive forecourts.
· The Catch: If you overstay by even a minute, you'll be charged the full 24-hour rate (currently £30+). The clock starts when you enter the car park.
· Getting to the Terminal: A free, frequent shuttle bus runs to both terminals (approx. 10-15 minutes).

Terminal Drop-Off Zones: Free for Blue Badge Holders

Blue Badge holders can use the closest drop-off zones for free.

· Where: The roads directly outside the North and South terminals.
· How it works: 30 minutes free parking. This is a huge benefit as the standard charge for 10 minutes is £5.
· The Critical Rule: You MUST register your vehicle on the official Gatwick Airport website in advance. You can do this from three months before your travel date up until midnight the day before.

?? Smarter Alternative: The 2-hour free period at the Long Stay is often easier for Blue Badge holders, as it has dedicated bays and less time pressure.

 

2. Cheap & Almost-Free Parking Near Gatwick (Horley)

For stays longer than 2 hours, the best value shifts to the town of Horley, located just one train stop from the airport.

Victoria Road & Central Car Park, Horley

These council-run car parks are a well-kept secret for budget parking.

· The "Free" Part: Parking is free outside of 8 am - 6 pm, and all day on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
· The "Cheap" Part: Even during charged hours, the daily maximum is only £5.00.
· The Journey: It's a 5-10 minute walk to Horley station, then a 2-4 minute train to Gatwick (cost from £2.20 single).

Why this beats Gatwick's own parking:
Even if you pay£5 for a full day's parking and £4.40 for a return train ticket for two people, your total cost is £9.40. Compare that to Gatwick's Long Stay at £30+ per day, and the savings are massive.

 

3. The Cheapest Secure Parking for Your Holiday

Let's be honest: free airport parking for a 1 or 2-week holiday doesn't exist. But the next best thing is pre-booking a secure, off-airport car park.

When you book via comparetheairportparking.com, you can save up to 70% compared to Gatwick's drive-up prices. Our approved car parks offer security features like CCTV, fencing, and regular patrols—something you'll never get with free parking.

Our Top Picks for Cheap Gatwick Parking

· Purple Parking (Park & Ride)
  · Transfer: ~10 minutes
  · Why we love it: Fantastic balance of low cost and quick service.
· Cophall Parking (Park & Ride)
  · Transfer: ~15 minutes
  · Why we love it: Great value and highly rated by our customers.
· APH Parking (Park & Ride)
  · Transfer: ~10-12 minutes
  · Why we love it: A top-tier, secure option with very frequent shuttles.
· I Love Meet & Greet (Meet & Greet)
  · Transfer: At the terminal (0 minutes)
  · Why we love it: Maximum convenience—perfect for a stress-free start to your holiday.

?? Compare ALL Cheap Gatwick Parking Deals Now

 

?? The Risks of "Free" Residential Street Parking

You might be tempted to hunt for free on-street parking in neighbourhoods near Gatwick. We strongly advise against this.

· Permit Zones: Most roads close to the airport are Resident Permit Zones only. Parking without a permit will result in a hefty Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
· Security Risk: Your car will be left unattended, unsecured, and vulnerable for days or weeks.
· Inconvenience for Locals: It creates a real problem for residents and can lead to animosity.
· The Walk: You'll likely be far from a station, requiring an expensive taxi or a long walk with your luggage.

Peace of mind is worth a few pounds per day. Booking a budget, secured car park is the safest and most reliable option.

 

The Verdict: Save Money Without The Risk

While free parking at Gatwick is possible for very short stops, it's not a viable option for travellers going on holiday. The risks and stress of residential parking, combined with the high cost of Gatwick's own long-stay rates, make it a poor choice.

The winning strategy is simple: Use the official free options for quick trips, and for any holiday, pre-book a low-cost, secured car park via comparetheairportparking.com.

We guarantee you'll get the best price, a reserved space, and the peace of mind to start your holiday right.

?? Ready to Find Your Perfect Parking Spot?
Click here to compare the cheapest and best-rated parking at Gatwick Airport and save up to 70%!