Drop Off & Pick Up Charges Gatwick Airport
Compare Gatwick Drop Off & Pick Up Charges
Explore the simplest options for dropping off or picking up passengers from Gatwick Airport
What's the best way to drop off or pick up someone from Gatwick Airport, you ask? You can avoid unexpected charges by using the Long Stay car park, which offers up to 2 hours of FREE drop-off and pick-up parking with a complimentary shuttle bus. Transfers typically take around 7-12 minutes to the South Terminal and 10-15 minutes to Gatwick's North Terminal. Or, if you're short on time and would prefer to drop off right by the terminal, the designated terminal drop-off zones are available, but a £10 charge applies for stays of up to 10 minutes.
| Gatwick Drop Off & Pick Up Options | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Option | Pick up | Drop off | |
| Gatwick Long Stay Car Park | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Gatwick Airport Terminal Drop Off | ✕ | ✓ | |
| Gatwick Short Stay Car Park | ✓ | ✓ | |
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Gatwick Airport Drop Off & Pick Up Options
Please see below a detailed description of the options available for dropping off and picking up passengers at Gatwick Airport.
Gatwick Drop Off and Pick Up Charges Explained
| Location | Duration | Price* | Distance from the Terminal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Long Stay Car Park (FREE option) | Up to 2 hours | FREE | 7-12 minute transfer (South) / 10-15 minute transfer (North) |
| Gatwick Airport Terminal Drop Off | Up to 10 minutes Each additional minute (up to 30 mins) |
£10.00 £1.00 Max charge ~£25.00 |
2-minute walk |
| Gatwick Short Stay Car Park | Up to 30 mins 31-60 mins 1-2 hours |
£7.00 £10.00 £15.50 |
4-5 minute walk |
Gatwick Long Stay
If you're looking to save money on parking, Gatwick's Long Stay (Park & Ride) car parks offer up to 2 hours of FREE parking, making them a convenient option for picking up or dropping off passengers. A free shuttle bus runs regularly to transfer passengers to both the North and South Terminals, so you won't need to wait long before heading on your way. Transfer times are typically around 10-15 minutes to the North Terminal and 7-12 minutes to the South Terminal, depending on traffic and shuttle frequency.
Blue Badge parking is available within Gatwick's Long Stay car parks, with designated spaces provided close to the shuttle bus stops.
Gatwick Airport Terminal Drop Off
The most convenient way to drop off passengers at Gatwick Airport is via the designated Drop-Off Zones. These are located on the forecourt outside both the North and South Terminals, just a short walk from check-in and departures, allowing passengers plenty of time to unload luggage and head inside. The forecourts are barrier-free, so you can simply drive in, pull into a designated bay, drop off your friends or family and drive out. A drop-off charge of £10.00 applies per visit for up to 10 minutes. Payment can be made by setting up an AutoPay Account, paying online or by phone.
Blue Badge holders are exempt from the drop-off charge, provided their vehicle is registered in advance. Vehicles can be registered via NCP.
Gatwick Short Stay
If you'd like a little extra time to say goodbye or help passengers get settled, the Gatwick Short Stay Car Park is a convenient option. Prices typically start from £7.50 for up to 30 minutes, and the car park is located within around a 5-minute walk of both terminals via a covered walkway.
Blue Badge parking is available at this car park.
Gatwick Airport Parking with Purple Parking
Need to park at Gatwick for longer? Book your Gatwick airport parking in advance with Purple Parking and enjoy up to 80% off vs the on-the-gate price!
By choosing Purple Parking, you're not just securing a space for your vehicle, but also getting fantastic savings with secure parking from trusted providers. Whether it's a family holiday or a solo trip, we have the parking solution to suit you - at great value for money.
Have a look at the table below to see how much a day's parking is at our cheapest car parks across North and South terminal, so you can see if it is worth pre-booking your space, rather than risking the climbing rates of arriving on the day.
| Gatwick Airport Parking Prices | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| LGW Car Park | 1 Day's Parking | Transfers | |
| Cophall Parking Gatwick LTD - All Terminals | £4.21 | 10-15 minutes | |
| Airparks Park and Ride - All Terminals | £4.24 | 10-12 minutes | |
| APH Park & Ride - All Terminals | £4.36 | 15 minutes | |
| Holiday Extras Park & Ride - All Terminals | £5.12 | 10 minutes | |
| Purple Parking - All Terminals | £5.37 | 10-15 minutes | |
How do I pay my Gatwick drop off fee?
There are several ways to pay the Gatwick drop-off charge, depending on which option you use. If you're using the official on-airport terminal drop-off zone, you can either set up an AutoPay account, pay online, or pay over the phone. The terminal drop-off zones are barrier-free and monitored using number plate recognition, so payment is made separately rather than on site. If you choose to use the Short Stay car park to pick up or drop off passengers, simply take a ticket at the entry barrier and pay at the machines or on exit. Dropping off or picking up at Gatwick's Long Stay (Park & Ride) car parks is FREE for up to 2 hours, with passengers using the complimentary shuttle bus to travel to and from the terminal.
Gatwick Drop Off & Pick Up Charges FAQs
Can I drop off a passenger at Gatwick Airport for free?Yes, you can drop off (or pick up) passengers for free by using Gatwick's Long Stay (Park & Ride) car parks, which offer up to 2 hours FREE parking. The Long Stay car parks are around a 10-15 minute shuttle ride from the North Terminal and a 7-12 minute shuttle ride from the South Terminal, and the shuttle bus is free.
How long do I have to pay the drop-off charge at Gatwick Airport?
A £10 charge applies when using Gatwick's designated terminal Drop-Off Zones at the North and South Terminals (for up to 10 minutes). This must be paid by midnight the day after you use the zone. If you pay late or do not pay, you may receive a Parking Charge Notice.
Where is Gatwick Drop-Off located at the North Terminal?
You can drop off at the following options at Gatwick's North Terminal. Please check individual rates.
- Gatwick North Drop Off Zone, North Terminal, Forecourt, Gatwick RH6 0JW
- Gatwick Short Stay, North Terminal, Departures Rd, Horley, Gatwick RH6 0PJ
- Gatwick Long Stay (Park & Ride), North Terminal, Larkins Rd, Horley, Gatwick RH6 0SG
Where is Gatwick Drop-Off located at the South Terminal?
You can drop off at the following options at Gatwick's South Terminal. Varied charges apply.
- Gatwick South Drop Off Zone, South Terminal, Forecourt, Gatwick RH6 0LL
- Gatwick Short Stay, South Terminal, Horley, Gatwick RH6 0LL
- Gatwick Long Stay (Park & Ride), South Terminal, Horley, Gatwick RH6 0NY
Do I have to pay to drop off at Gatwick Airport?
Yes. If you use the designated terminal Drop-Off Zones at Gatwick's North or South Terminal, a drop-off charge applies per visit (for up to 10 minutes). If you want to avoid the terminal drop-off charge, you can use the Long Stay (Park & Ride) car parks, which offer up to 2 hours of free parking with a free shuttle bus to the terminals.
Can I pick someone up from Gatwick Airport for free?
Yes. For a free pick-up option, use Gatwick's Long Stay (Park & Ride) car parks, where you can park for up to 2 hours free of charge and take the complimentary shuttle bus to the North or South Terminal. If you'd like the closest option, Short Stay is available next to the terminals, but charges apply.
How much is the Gatwick terminal drop-off charge?
Gatwick charges £10 per visit to use the designated terminal Drop-Off Zones at the North and South Terminals (for up to 10 minutes). Charges and terms can change, so it's always worth checking the latest information before you travel.
EV Charging at Gatwick Airport
Charging is only available at Gatwick's Short Stay Car Parks with eight 22kW spaces available. However, it is not possible to book these in advance and it is first come, first serve.
How do I pay the Gatwick drop-off charge?
You can pay the Gatwick terminal drop-off charge by setting up an AutoPay account, paying online, or paying by phone. The Drop-Off Zones are barrier-free and monitored using number plate recognition, so payment is made separately rather than at a barrier.
When do I need to pay the Gatwick drop-off charge?
The terminal drop-off charge must be paid by midnight the day after you use the Drop-Off Zone. If you do not pay, or pay late, you may receive a Parking Charge Notice.
Is there a time limit in the Gatwick Drop-Off Zones?
Yes. The terminal Drop-Off Zones are designed for short stays. The standard charge covers up to 10 minutes, and longer stays may incur additional charges. If you need more time, it's usually better to use the Short Stay car parks.
Can I wait in the Gatwick Drop-Off Zone?
The Drop-Off Zones are intended for dropping off only and are not designed for waiting. If you need to wait for arriving passengers, Short Stay parking is the closest option, or you can use the Long Stay (Park & Ride) free option and travel to the terminal by shuttle bus.
What's the best car park for picking up at Gatwick?
For the closest pick-up option, use the Short Stay car parks at the North or South Terminal, which are within a short walk of arrivals. For the best value, use the Long Stay (Park & Ride) car parks, which offer up to 2 hours free parking with a free shuttle bus to the terminal.
Is Blue Badge parking free at Gatwick Drop-Off?
Blue Badge holders may be eligible for an exemption from the terminal drop-off charge, but vehicles normally need to be registered in advance through Gatwick's official process. Blue Badge spaces are also available in Gatwick's car parks, including Short Stay and Long Stay (Park & Ride).
How do I avoid the Gatwick drop-off charge?
To avoid the terminal drop-off charge, use Gatwick's Long Stay (Park & Ride) car parks. You can park for up to 2 hours free of charge and take the complimentary shuttle bus to the North or South Terminal.
Where is the Long Stay (Park & Ride) car park at Gatwick?
Gatwick's Long Stay (Park & Ride) car parks are located off-airport and connected to both terminals by free shuttle bus. Transfer times are typically around 10-15 minutes to the North Terminal and 7-12 minutes to the South Terminal, depending on traffic and shuttle frequency.
*Prices on this page are correct at time of writing and are subject to change.
