Is Gatwick long stay free for 2 hours?

We recommend that you use the Short Stay car parks for picking up passengers as this tends to take longer. Alternatively you can drop off, pick up and park for free for up to two hours in our Long Stay car parks.



Yes, London Gatwick (LGW) offers two hours of free parking in its Official Long Stay car parks at both the North and South Terminals. This is a very popular "hack" for picking up or dropping off passengers without paying the high fees of the Short Stay car parks or the "Drop-Off" charge. To utilize this, simply follow the signs for "Long Stay," take a ticket at the barrier, and as long as you exit within two hours, you can leave without paying. A free shuttle bus runs every 10–12 minutes between the Long Stay car parks and the terminals, taking about 5–10 minutes to reach the doors. This makes it an ideal option if you want to walk your friends to the check-in desk or if their flight is slightly delayed. However, if you exceed the two-hour limit by even a few minutes, you will be charged the full daily rate, which in 2026 is approximately £38 per day, so it is vital to keep a close watch on the clock.

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Drop-off and pick-up We recommend that you use the Short Stay car parks for picking up passengers as this tends to take longer. Alternatively you can drop off, pick up and park for free for up to two hours in our Long Stay car parks.

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Walk straight through to the terminal with official Short Stay parking at London Gatwick. Roll-up prices start from £5.00 or book online for cheaper exclusive offers. London Gatwick's Short Stay parking is a great option for those looking for convenience.

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Is there an option to drop off and pick up for free at London Gatwick? Anyone who does not wish to pay the forecourt charge will be able to drop off or pick up passengers in the airport's long-stay car parks with two hours free parking and a free shuttle bus to the terminals.

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Is there an option to drop off and pick up for free at London Gatwick? Anyone who does not wish to pay the forecourt charge will be able to drop off or pick up passengers in the airport's long-stay car parks with two hours free parking and a free shuttle bus to the terminals.

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There is a minimum £5 charge for this. If you're picking someone up, you can park in the Short Stay car park, this will be charged at the standard roll-up price for the Short Stay car park.

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Picking up passengers at London Gatwick Our Short Stay car parks are located just minutes away from the terminal. You can park up, meet your friends or family, and help them transport their luggage back to the car. As these are areas designed for quick pick-ups, unattended vehicles aren't permitted.

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If you're on a tight budget and looking for the best price, an off-airport Park and Ride is the best route to cheap parking at Gatwick. These car parks are not within the airport grounds and will require a short transfer provided by the car park.

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Are you allowed to sleep at Gatwick airport? There are no rules currently in place forbidding sleeping at Gatwick airport pre flight. You should have no trouble finding somewhere to rest for a few hours.

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However, for same-level access to the terminal, we recommend using the Premium Short Stay areas on Level 3 of Car Park 5 in North Terminal and Level 2 of Car Park 3 in South Terminal. When you return from your trip, simply return to your car, proceed to the exit barrier, insert your ticket and the barrier will open.

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The most popular airlines from Gatwick include easyjet, British Airways, Norwegian Air, Thomas Cook, TUI and Ryanair. TUI and easyjet flights come in and out of the North Terminal, while British Airways, Norwegian Air, Thomas Cook and Ryanair all use the South Terminal.

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Frequented by travellers who are only away for a brief period of time,usually less than a week, short stay airport parking is popular with those travelling on business or for weekend breaks.

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There are several strategies for picking someone up at the airport.
  • Cell phone waiting lot. ...
  • Pick them up at departures rather than arrivals, since that's often less crowded. ...
  • Park and go inside the terminal this is more expensive (parking cost) and more time-consuming, but it's a more intimate gesture.


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For same-level access to the terminal, Blue Badge holders can take advantage of discounted rates on Premium Parking in the South Terminal when parking for under four hours. When you arrive, press the 'Assistance' button at the entry barriers.

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