Is Gatwick Airport Short Stay Car Park Free? The Honest Answer Every Driver Needs

Is Gatwick Airport Short Stay Car Park Free? The Honest Answer Every Driver Needs

If you are planning a journey through London Gatwick and wondering “Is Gatwick Airport Short Stay car park free?”, you are not alone. This is one of the most searched parking questions among Gatwick passengers, especially those dropping off or collecting friends and family.

In this guide, we provide a clear, up-to-date, and honest explanation, while also showing smarter and cheaper alternatives that many travellers overlook. Our goal is to help you make the best parking decision without confusion or unnecessary costs.

This guide is brought to you by comparetheairportparking.com, where drivers compare trusted airport parking options and save money with confidence.

Is Gatwick Airport Short Stay Car Park Free?

No, Gatwick Airport Short Stay car parks are not free.

Short Stay parking at Gatwick is a paid service, designed primarily for passengers who need quick access to the terminal for drop-offs, pick-ups, or short visits. Charges apply from the moment you enter the car park, and even short stays incur a fee.

While the Short Stay car park is extremely convenient due to its location near both terminals, it is not suitable for free parking, even for brief stops.

Why Do People Think Gatwick Short Stay Might Be Free?

Many drivers assume airport short-stay parking includes a complimentary grace period. At Gatwick, this misunderstanding usually comes from:

• Confusion with Long Stay car parks, which offer limited free parking

• Mixing up drop-off zones with Short Stay parking

• Assumptions based on policies at other UK airports

Unfortunately, Gatwick’s Short Stay parking does not offer any free allowance.

What Is Gatwick Short Stay Parking Best For?

Ideal Situations for Short Stay Parking

Gatwick Short Stay parking is best suited for:

• Picking up passengers who may take time to exit the terminal

• Dropping off travellers who need assistance

• Short terminal visits lasting under a few hours

• Business travellers prioritising speed and proximity

The key benefit is location, not cost. You pay for convenience.

Is There Any Free Parking at Gatwick Airport?

Yes — but not in the Short Stay car park.

 Free Parking Options at Gatwick Airport

Long Stay Car Park – Free for Two Hours

Gatwick offers up to two hours of free parking in its official Long Stay car parks. This is ideal if you are:

• Picking up passengers

• Willing to use the free shuttle bus to the terminal

• Looking to avoid drop-off or short-stay charges

This is currently the only official free parking option at Gatwick.

How Does Short Stay Compare to Other Parking Types?

 Short Stay vs Long Stay vs Off-Airport Parking

For longer stays, off-airport parking often provides the best value — especially when booked in advance.

How to Save Money When Parking at Gatwick

Smart Tips to Avoid Overpaying

Here are proven ways to reduce your parking costs:

• Avoid Short Stay unless absolutely necessary

• Use Long Stay for free pick-ups

• Pre-book parking instead of paying drive-up rates

• Compare off-airport parking providers

This is where comparetheairportparking.com becomes essential.

Why Use comparetheairportparking.com?

At comparetheairportparking.com, we help travellers:

• Compare multiple Gatwick parking providers in one place

• Find secure, trusted, and vetted parking options

• Save money compared to official on-airport prices

• Choose parking based on location, transfer time, and convenience

Instead of guessing or overpaying at the barrier, you can plan ahead and park smarter.

Final Verdict: Is Gatwick Airport Short Stay Car Park Free?

To summarise clearly:

• Is Gatwick Airport Short Stay car park free? → No

• Short Stay parking is paid from entry

• Free parking is available only in Long Stay car parks (for a limited time)

• Comparing options in advance can save you time and money

Before heading to Gatwick, always compare your parking choices on comparetheairportparking.com to ensure you get the best value without unnecessary stress.