When comparing parking prices between Heathrow and Gatwick airports, several factors come into play, such as the type of parking you choose (on-site, off-site, short-term, or long-term), and how far in advance you book. However, generally speaking, Gatwick Airport tends to offer slightly cheaper parking options compared to Heathrow.

Here’s a detailed comparison:

1. Long-Term Parking

• Gatwick Airport: Long-term parking at Gatwick is typically more affordable, especially if you book in advance. Gatwick also has a variety of park-and-ride services, which offer lower rates. Prices for a week’s stay can start from around £50 with early booking.
• Heathrow Airport: Long-term parking at Heathrow is more expensive, due to the high demand and larger volume of passengers. A week’s parking at Heathrow can start from £70 or more. However, off-site parking with shuttle services might offer better deals.

2. Short-Term Parking

• Gatwick Airport: For short-term parking, Gatwick offers competitive rates, particularly in its North and South terminals. A day’s parking in short-term lots can cost between £25–£30.
• Heathrow Airport: Short-term parking at Heathrow is known to be more expensive, especially close to the terminal. A day’s parking can range from £35–£45 depending on the location and time of booking.

3. Meet and Greet Services

• Gatwick Airport: Meet and greet services are usually more affordable at Gatwick, starting from around £60 for a week, making it an attractive option for convenience.
• Heathrow Airport: The same service at Heathrow generally starts from £80 or more for a week, due to higher operational costs and demand.

4. Off-Site Parking

• Both airports offer off-site parking, which tends to be the cheapest option overall. At Gatwick, off-site parking often starts lower, with shuttle services to terminals included in the cost. Heathrow’s off-site parking, while still offering savings, is usually priced a bit higher than Gatwick’s options.

5. Location and Demand

• Heathrow serves a larger number of international passengers and flights, which increases demand and drives up parking prices. Gatwick, while busy, doesn’t handle quite as much traffic, which can help keep parking prices lower.

Conclusion

In general, Gatwick Airport parking is often cheaper than Heathrow’s, particularly for long-term stays or when using park-and-ride services. However, both airports offer a range of parking options, and you can find deals at either location by booking in advance or exploring off-site parking alternatives. If cost is a priority, booking as early as possible and comparing different services will help you find the best deal.

Tips for Saving on Parking

• Book in advance: Whether you're flying from Heathrow or Gatwick, booking your parking early can save you a significant amount of money.
• Compare options: Look into both on-site and off-site parking to find the best price.
• Use discount codes: Many parking services offer promo codes or loyalty discounts, so it's worth checking before booking.