North versus South: the first decision
Gatwick Short Stay is designed around a walking connection to the terminal. Before comparing a tariff, establish which terminal your passenger or airline uses. A space near the other terminal is not the same convenience.
| Feature | North Terminal | South Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Official Short Stay car parks | Car Parks 5 and 6 | Car Parks 1, 2 and 3 |
| Described terminal connection | Approximately four-minute covered walk | Approximately four-minute covered walk |
| Premium alternative | Designated premium area with convenient access | Designated premium area with convenient access |
| Useful for | North collections and terminal-near stays | South collections and terminal-near stays |
| Critical routing check | Product entrance and height limit | Product entrance and height limit |
How Short Stay works
You park, keep the keys and walk to the terminal. For a collection, that means you can meet someone inside instead of coordinating an immediate kerbside stop. For a booked trip, it avoids the bus leg of a shuttle-based product.
The advertised walk does not include circling for a space, unloading, finding the lift or waiting inside arrivals. Allow a realistic margin, especially with young children, several bags or reduced mobility.
Short Stay is a product name, not a guarantee that it is the cheapest option for every short trip. Compare the total for the exact times you intend to use.
North Short Stay: Car Parks 5 and 6
Both serve North Terminal, but their vehicle limits are not identical. Gatwick’s guide currently lists a 1.8-metre limit for Car Park 5 and a 2.1-metre limit for Car Park 6. Reconfirm before using either with a roof box or tall vehicle.
The official directions label the North Short Stay destination RH6 0PJ. Treat the road signs and product-specific map as the final routing reference rather than assuming every North car park shares an entrance.
For convenient same-level access, compare the Premium product described by the airport. Do not enter a restricted premium area on an ordinary booking without checking entitlement.
South Short Stay: Car Parks 1, 2 and 3
South uses a different set of car parks and approaches. The official Short Stay directions label South RH6 0LL; the map may show another address label. Save the current entrance map and follow South Short Stay signs.
If the trip includes an onward train journey or a terminal change, work out the whole pedestrian route rather than judging the stay by proximity to the departure hall alone.
Confirm the height limit and accessibility route for the actual selected facility. A generic photograph of a multi-storey does not establish that your vehicle fits.
Pick-up: how long should you allow?
Landing is only one stage of the passenger’s arrival. Immigration, bags, assistance and walking can all add waiting. Ask the passenger to contact you after they understand their likely exit time.
| Collection situation | Sensible comparison |
|---|---|
| Passenger ready, meeting inside | Correct-terminal Short Stay |
| Uncertain wait after landing | Short Stay total versus a permitted Long Stay collection |
| Passenger needs assistance | Confirm collection point and support before travelling |
| Several family members and bags | Allow time to reach the bay together safely |
Do not wait in a drop-off lane expecting Short Stay conditions to apply. Terminal drop-off has its own rules and payment requirements.
Prices: avoid a misleading headline
This guide does not publish an unverified universal hourly tariff. Recheck Gatwick’s current Short Stay prices for the terminal and duration you need. A pre-booked stay and a drive-up visit can have different pricing and conditions.
For a thirty-minute collection, consider the risk of crossing a charging band. For a weekend away, compare a full booked stay against Mid Stay and Long Stay rather than multiplying the first short-visit band.
When Long Stay or Mid Stay is a better comparison
Long Stay uses a shuttle and may suit longer stays where transfer time is acceptable. Gatwick currently describes a two-hour free Long Stay collection concession, subject to conditions. The passenger must still reach the car park, so include bus time in the plan.
Mid Stay is now listed at both terminals as a pre-booked walking product. It is not a generic pay-on-arrival waiting area. Use the separate North or South directions and compare the longer walk with the actual price difference.
Accessibility and Blue Badge parking
The official guide lists Blue Badge spaces and describes premium same-level access options. Check the specific route, lifts and vehicle restrictions with the airport if these affect your journey.
A Blue Badge does not automatically make every parking stay free or reserve a bay. Check the applicable tariff and assistance process, especially if the badge holder will take the badge abroad.
Practical Short Stay checklist
- Confirm the correct terminal.
- Check the actual car park and height restriction.
- Save its entrance map, not just “Gatwick Airport”.
- Check a current tariff or booked total.
- Allow for the passenger’s post-landing journey.
- Keep the return or exit payment instructions available.
Gatwick Short Stay FAQs
Can I walk to either terminal from Short Stay?
Use the car park serving your own terminal. Both sets have described covered walks; choosing the wrong one can add an inter-terminal journey.
Are North and South Short Stay the same car parks?
No. North uses 5 and 6; South uses 1, 2 and 3.
Is there a free thirty-minute Short Stay offer?
Do not assume so. Check current tariffs; the separate Long Stay short-visit concession is not a Short Stay entitlement.
Is Premium a valet service?
Not simply by virtue of the name. Read whether the product is self-parking or involves a handover.
Can I use Mid Stay without booking?
The official Mid Stay information describes it as pre-booked. Follow those conditions rather than treating it as overflow Short Stay.
How do I compare a weekend stay?
Use identical entry and return times for Short Stay, Mid Stay and Long Stay, including transfer costs and cancellation conditions.
Compare parking for this journey
Compare Gatwick airport parking for your own dates, terminal and return time. Check the final total, cancellation terms and transfer arrangements before booking.
Sources and information checks
Prices, opening arrangements and operational notices can change. Check these official sources and your booking instructions before travelling. No price or availability is guaranteed by this guide.