Parking at Gatwick North Terminal

The Complete Guide to Parking at Gatwick North Terminal

Gatwick North Terminal handles a huge volume of flights, driven largely by easyJet’s extensive European and domestic network. Whether you are heading to Malaga for a week’s holiday, catching a TUI flight to the Canaries, or flying Norse Atlantic to New York JFK, sorting your parking before you leave home saves both money and stress on the day.

Choosing the Right Parking Option

Meet & greet parking is the quickest and most convenient way to park at North Terminal. You drive to the Departures forecourt, hand your keys to a professional driver, and walk straight into the building. There is no shuttle bus, no searching for a space, and no dragging luggage across a car park. For families with young children or anyone travelling with a lot of bags, it is hard to beat. Prices start from around £8 per day when booked in advance.

Long stay parking is the budget option. You drive to a secure off-airport car park, leave your vehicle, and ride a shuttle bus to North Terminal. The shuttle journey typically takes 8-12 minutes depending on the provider and traffic. Prices start from roughly £5 per day for advance bookings, making this the cheapest way to park at Gatwick North Terminal for holidays of a week or longer.

For electric vehicle drivers, EV charging parking is a smart choice. Leave your car at a facility with dedicated charging bays, and it will be topped up while you are away. You fly home knowing your car is fully charged and ready for the drive back — no need to stop at a motorway services on the way. Several providers near North Terminal now offer this service.

Driving Directions to North Terminal

If you are driving from London or the Home Counties, take the M23 southbound. You will pass Junction 9 (South Terminal) first — continue on to Junction 10, which is signposted for North Terminal. The approach road leads directly to the terminal roundabout, from where you can reach the drop-off forecourt, short-stay car parks and long-stay parking.

Coming from the west via the M25, join the M23 southbound at Junction 7 of the M25 (the M23 interchange). From the south, the A23 northbound joins the airport approach roads — follow signs for North Terminal as the road splits near the airport. The route from Brighton via the A23 takes approximately 30 minutes outside of rush hour.

The Inter-Terminal Shuttle

If you arrive at the wrong terminal or need to transfer between North and South, a free inter-terminal shuttle train runs every 3-4 minutes throughout the day and night. The journey takes roughly 2 minutes. The shuttle station at North Terminal is located inside the terminal building at ground level, clearly signposted from both Arrivals and Departures. This means that even if your parking provider is better positioned for South Terminal, you can still reach North Terminal quickly and easily.

The North Terminal Drop-Off Zone

The Departures forecourt at North Terminal is on the upper level, accessed via the approach road from the terminal roundabout. There is currently a free drop-off period of 15 minutes, after which charges apply. This is where meet & greet drivers will meet you. The area is well-lit, covered by CCTV and monitored by airport staff. Your driver will confirm your booking details, do a quick condition check, and drive the car to the secure storage compound while you head inside.

Tips for easyJet Passengers

easyJet operates from North Terminal, and it is one of the busiest parts of the airport during peak hours and school holiday periods. If you are flying easyJet, allow extra time at security — queues can be lengthy during mornings and early afternoons. Bag drop is located on the ground floor, with self-service kiosks and staffed desks available. If you have booked Speedy Boarding or easyJet Plus, there are dedicated lanes. Meet & greet parking works particularly well for easyJet passengers because it cuts out the shuttle bus time, letting you arrive at the terminal later and still make your flight comfortably.

Tips for Holiday Travellers

If you are flying with TUI or another holiday airline from North Terminal, you may well be travelling with larger cases, beach gear and possibly children. Long stay parking is popular for budget-conscious family holidays, but the shuttle bus with lots of luggage can be a hassle. Meet & greet is worth the small extra cost if you want a smooth start to your trip — pull up to the terminal, unload everything, and walk in. North Terminal has a good selection of shops, restaurants and a play area for children after security.

Distances & Walking Times

From the North Terminal forecourt to the check-in area is roughly a 2-minute walk through the main entrance. Security screening is on the first floor, accessible by escalator or lift. The walk from security to the furthest gate is about 8-10 minutes. If you are using long stay parking, add 8-12 minutes for the shuttle bus plus a short walk from the bus stop into the terminal. With meet & greet, you can realistically be airside within 25-30 minutes of pulling up to the forecourt on a normal day.

Whichever option you choose, booking in advance is essential. North Terminal parking fills up fast during school holidays, half-terms and bank holiday weekends. Early booking not only guarantees you a space but also locks in the lowest available price — on-the-day rates at the airport can be two to three times higher than advance online prices.