North vs South Terminal Parking at Gatwick Airport – Which Is Better? | Blog

Let's be real for a while. Not many people consider which terminal they want parking for. They simply type in something like "cheap parking Gatwick airport," click the cheapest rate, and go.

And then travel day hits. Oh no, they’re at the wrong terminal! Bags in hand. Time ticking. The shuttle seems to be taking forever. Stress kicks in. Yeah. Not ideal. That's why Gatwick North vs South parking is more important than you might think. It’s not all about the money. It's about distance, time and the overall perceived smoothness of your journey before you step on the plane.

Let's get the facts right. No confusion. Just real clarity.

Firstly: Gatwick Airport has two terminals (and it matters)

So here’s the deal. There are two terminals at Gatwick Airport. North Terminal and South Terminal. But they are not connected. Different airlines use different terminals. So, your flight will always leave from a particular terminal. Not both. No last minute change. And parking? It's also connected with these.

So when you choose Gatwick North terminal parking, it means parking at North Terminal. Gatwick South terminal parking is the same. And if you choose the wrong one, you'll have to change terminals. There is a shuttle, sure. But it adds time. And really, nobody likes to take an extra step when they're dealing with bags and time.

What's it like at Gatwick North Terminal Parking?

Let's start with the North Terminal. If you have an outbound flight, it's easier to park at Gatwick North terminal. You park. You walk in. Done. There are different parking types here too.

The closest are short stay. It's pretty much next door to check-in. If you need to get in and out.

Long term parking is cheaper but a little further away. Often has a shuttle. Still easy, just not immediate. Or there’s meet and greet. The simplest of all. You leave your car at the airport, some dudes park it, and you go in. The big advantage here? Convenience. Everything feels direct. But it is, it is slightly more expensive than off-site. That’s the trade-off.

Gatwick South Terminal Parking - The Differences

Now the South Terminal. This is the busier one. More airlines. More passengers. More movement.

Gatwick South terminal parking offers the same options. It has short-term, long-term, meet and greet and off-site.

But here's the thing folks notice. With more people, more parking is needed. This can change price and supply. The short stay parking is nearby. In fact, too close. You’re in the terminal in no time.

Long-term parking is yet again cheaper, and with shuttles. And there are cheaper options further away if you can carpool. So, in terms of facilities, the two are the same. It's more related to volume and traffic.

The Big Difference: Location

So this is the crux of the decision. When you park at the terminal you take your flight from, it's all smooth. Less walking. No transfers. No confusion. If you don't… then you'll have to take the shuttle.

But it’s not so bad. It runs frequently. Takes around 2 minutes. But you have to wait, walk, lift your bags. So when you hear people talk about parking at the station, this is what they mean.

Do you want it all or an additional step? Because every little bit is like an hour when you're in a hurry.

Cost Comparison - North vs South Terminal Parking

Let’s talk money. That's always a consideration.

Typically the prices are comparable. But they might be different depending on the time of year, demand, and when you book. Cheap parking deals at Gatwick airport can be found at one terminal and not the other. It’s not fixed.Which is why a Gatwick parking comparison is important.

Early booking is key. Last-minute bookings? Usually more expensive. So much more so during busy times. The cheapest is usually off-site parking. But again, it comes with a shuttle. So the question becomes… are you saving money or creating a hassle?

Which One Is Better? North or South?

People want a definitive answer. But the answer is it depends. If you are flying from Gatwick North terminal, then Gatwick North vs South terminal parking is a no-brainer. North wins. Same for South. Because parking in the right place always saves time and stress. But if you have flexibility, or are considering other options: Do you want the cheapest option? Or the easiest one? Because the "best parking Gatwick airport" isn't necessarily the cheap one. It’s the one you prefer.

Gatwick Airport Off Site Parking

Don't forget off-site parking. It’s popular for a reason. These are car parks a little distance from an airport. You leave your car and get in the shuttle bus to the airport.

You get some of the cheapest rates here. If you are looking for parking at Gatwick terminals but want to save some money, this is your best option. The trade-off? Time. You have to account for extra time for the shuttle. Sometimes it’s quick. Sometimes there's a wait. So, it's a trade-off of what's important to you.

Mistakes People Make (And Regret)

People rush this decision. And it shows. First is that they don't check their terminal. That leads to unnecessary transfers. Another is only sticking to price. Inexpensive is nice, but not anxious.

And people don't always take time into consideration. They don't account for shuttle buses, or walking times. Small mistakes. But they can make travelling more stressful.

How A2Z Airport Parking Can Help

Rather than make an educated guess, websites such as A2Z Airport Parking can help.

You can see Gatwick terminal parking options side-by-side. Prices, locations, services. It saves time. And makes it easier to make a decision. Because let's face it, no one wants to spend 2 hours thinking about parking.

Things to Think About Before Booking

Before you book, take a moment. Check your terminal. That’s step one. Then think about your travel style. Are you okay with a shuttle? Or go to the door? Consider your timing. Early flight? Late return? That can change your choice. And last, shop around. Don't always go with the first option. It's worth taking some time over this.

Make the Right Choice Before You Travel

So the answer is this. Gatwick North vs South terminal parking is not about which is "best". It's about which one is better for you. Your terminal. Your budget. Your comfort level. If you get those right, it's all good. And if you want help, then just use A2Z Airport Parking to shop around and book. Because you don't want to worry about parking on your trip. Sort it early. Travel easy. 

FAQs

• Which is the better parking for Gatwick North or South terminal?

 Depends on which terminal you fly from. It's better to park at your terminal.

• Can I park at one terminal and go to another?

 Yes, but it takes time to go to the shuttle.

• Which terminal is cheaper for parking?

 Prices vary. North, sometimes South. It depends on demand and booking time.

• Is it worth parking off-site?

 Yes, if you like to save money and take a shuttle.

• How long is the shuttle to long stay parking?

 It's typically a 5-10 minute shuttle trip.

• Do you offer meet and greet at both terminals?

 Yes, meet and greet is available at North and South.

• When should I book Gatwick parking?

 Ideally, a couple of weeks before, particularly in peak periods.

• Can I switch parking terminals?

 It depends on the provider. Some might allow you to change, some might charge.