How Much To Park At Gatwick Short Stay

So, there I was, cruising along the M23, radio blaring, sun roof open, feeling like I was in a music video. Then, reality hit. I was approaching Gatwick, and my stress levels started to rise. Not because of the flight, but because of the dreaded question: "How much is this parking going to cost me?"

Short Stay, Big Price?

I mean, I get it. Gatwick's not exactly a small, quiet airport. It's a bustling hub, and parking spaces are like gold dust. But when you're already forking out for a flight, the last thing you want is a nasty surprise at the car park.

So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty. How much does short stay parking at Gatwick actually cost?

Meet the Gatwick Parking Scene

First things first, Gatwick's got a few parking options for you. There's the Short Stay (up to 6 hours), the Mid Stay (6 to 12 hours), and the Long Stay (over 12 hours). We're here for the Short Stay, so let's focus on that.

Now, prices vary depending on how long you're planning to stay. But let's say you're there for a few hours. As of writing, it's around £4.90 per hour. So, if you're there for, say, 3 hours, you're looking at about £14.70. Not exactly pocket change, but then again, it's Gatwick.

But wait! Before you start calculating, remember, these are off-peak prices. If you're parking during peak times (which, let's face it, is usually when we're flying), it's going to be a bit more. We're talking around £6 per hour. So, that 3-hour stay could set you back about £18.

Can I Pre-Book? Should I Pre-Book?

You might be thinking, "Can I pre-book? Will it be cheaper?" The answer is yes, you can pre-book, and yes, it usually is cheaper. Gatwick offers a discount if you book online in advance. We're talking up to 60% off, which can make a big difference.

Gatwick Airport Parking - Free Cancellation | APH

For example, that 3-hour stay during peak times could drop to around £7.20 if you pre-book. That's a saving of over £10! Not bad, huh?

But What About the Other Options?

If you're thinking, "That's still a bit steep for me," don't worry, there are other options. Gatwick's got a few off-airport car parks that are usually cheaper. They're a bit further out, but they often run shuttle services to the terminal.

Some of these, like Airparks and Meteor, can be as cheap as £3.50 per day. That's a big difference, especially if you're parking for a longer stay.

So, What's the Verdict?

Look, Gatwick's short stay parking isn't cheap. But then again, it's a major airport, and convenience comes at a price. If you're looking to save, pre-booking is your friend. And if you're willing to travel a bit further, those off-airport car parks can be a real money-saver.

At the end of the day, it's all about finding the balance between cost and convenience. And hey, at least now you know what you're getting into before you hit that M23. Happy travels!