What Is Considered Short Stay Parking at Gatwick Airport? Complete Guide

John Doe | 01/13/2026

What Is Considered Short Stay Parking at Gatwick Airport? Complete Guide

Travelling from Gatwick Airport can be stressful if you’re unsure where to park. A common question we hear is: what is considered short stay parking at Gatwick Airport? Many assume “short stay” means parking for a limited time, but in reality, it refers to the proximity of the car park to the airport terminals, not how long you leave your vehicle.

At comparetheairportparking.com, we make it simple to find secure, convenient, and affordable parking options—whether you’re dropping off a friend, picking up a passenger, or heading away on holiday.

Understanding Short Stay Parking at Gatwick

Short stay parking is ideal for travellers who want quick and easy access to the terminal. Located within walking distance, these car parks allow passengers to reach departures in just a few minutes, without the need for shuttle buses.

Key features of Gatwick short stay parking include:

Close proximity to North and South Terminals
Walkable access for all passengers
Perfect for quick drop-offs, pickups, or short trips

It’s important to note that there is no maximum duration for parking in short stay car parks. You can leave your car for several hours or even days if necessary.

Gatwick Short Stay Car Park Locations

North Terminal Short Stay

?? Address: Departures Road, Horley, Gatwick, RH6 0PJ
The North Terminal short stay car park is ideal for passengers using this terminal. It offers safe, reliable, and convenient parking for both short visits and longer stays.

South Terminal Short Stay

?? Address: Westway, Horley, Gatwick, RH6 0LL
The South Terminal short stay is equally convenient, providing quick access for travellers and those picking up passengers. Both North and South Terminal options are official airport-operated car parks, ensuring high security and peace of mind.

Meet & Greet Parking: A Convenient Alternative

For many travellers, Meet & Greet parking is a smarter option than standard short stay. With this service, you drive straight to the terminal, hand your keys to a professional valet, and start your journey stress-free.

Benefits of Meet & Greet include:

Walk directly into the terminal—no shuttle required
Often more convenient than standard short stay
Free cancellation or amendments if your travel plans change

Trusted providers such as Purple Parking, Holiday Extras, and Airparks operate at Gatwick. You can compare providers and services on comparetheairportparking.com to choose the best fit for your needs.

Tips for Hassle-Free Gatwick Parking

Book in advance: Reserving online helps secure your space and reduces stress.
Compare multiple providers: Use comparetheairportparking.com to view and compare all available options.
Consider Meet & Greet: Ideal for passengers who value convenience and speed.
Check hotel packages: Many Gatwick hotels include short stay parking with an overnight stay.

Picking Up or Dropping Off Passengers

Short stay car parks are the most convenient for collecting or dropping off passengers. For very quick visits, the Express Pick Up areas allow you to park for a short duration just minutes from the terminals.

For longer waits, Gatwick’s Long Stay car parks provide shuttle services to the terminals and are suitable if you need extra time to meet arriving passengers.

Why Short Stay Parking Makes Sense

Short stay parking at Gatwick is perfect for anyone who prioritizes speed, convenience, and security. Whether dropping off family or heading on a short trip, it offers peace of mind knowing your vehicle is located close to the terminal.

Booking through comparetheairportparking.com allows you to explore all options, compare services, and reserve your space in advance, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.

Final Thoughts

So, what is classed as short stay parking at Gatwick Airport? Simply put, it’s any car park within walking distance of the terminals, regardless of how long you leave your vehicle. By planning ahead and exploring alternatives like Meet & Greet, you can enjoy secure, convenient, and stress-free parking.

For reliable Gatwick parking, visit comparetheairportparking.com to find the best options and make your travel experience seamless from start to finish.