Heathrow vs Gatwick Parking: Price & Convenience

Flying from London and choosing between Heathrow and Gatwick? Here is how the two compare on parking price, convenience and the extra charges.

Which is cheaper for parking?

Both Heathrow and Gatwick are busy London hubs where parking commands a premium over regional airports, but off-airport Park & Ride at either starts from competitive rates when pre-booked, from around £5 per day at the cheapest. Prices vary by dates, so comparing both for your exact trip is the only way to know which is cheaper for you.

ULEZ: a key difference

Here is a crucial difference: Heathrow is inside the London ULEZ, so non-compliant cars pay £12.50 per day to drive there, while Gatwick is outside the ULEZ with no emissions charge. For an older petrol or diesel car, that makes Gatwick cheaper to reach, or means parking outside the zone at Heathrow.

Drop-off charges compared

On drop-off, Gatwick is dearer: £10 for up to 10 minutes (then £1 per minute), versus Heathrow's £7 for a 10-minute maximum. Both are ANPR-enforced with penalties for non-payment. For either, the free Long Stay alternative or pre-booked parking avoids the forecourt charge entirely.

Convenience and transfers

Both airports offer on-airport parking, off-airport Park & Ride with free shuttles, and Meet & Greet. Gatwick has two terminals (North and South), Heathrow four, so confirm your terminal when booking at either. Meet & Greet is the most convenient at both, dropping you at the terminal door.

Our verdict

For a non-compliant car, Gatwick avoids the ULEZ, an edge over Heathrow. On drop-off, Heathrow is cheaper; on parking, it varies by date. The honest answer is to compare both for your exact trip and apply BCP30 for up to 30% off. Off-airport Park & Ride is the best value at either.