The South Terminal at Gatwick is perhaps the more popular of the two terminals and as such has better options for parking. If you’re looking to stay long term, you have the privilege of choosing between Long Stay South Terminal, Long Stay Plus Gatwick and Summer Special Parking Gatwick. The Long Stay South Terminal is the standard terminal for the majority of passengers at Gatwick, but is especially good for those going away for a few days – transfers here are quick and regular to the South Terminal, and the prices aren’t too bad. Long Stay Plus Gatwick offers a valet service for those wishing to turn up outside the South Terminal, unload their luggage and get settled and checked in at the desks; friendly staff will park your car and help you inside with your luggage should you require it. Finally, Summer Special Gatwick is a car park that can easily be used by the majority of travellers via Gatwick but is designed for those going on holiday (at any time of the year, not just summer as the name suggests!) as it is quite a distance away from the South Terminal and the transfer coach only arrives every 20 minutes and is a 10 minute journey to the terminal.

Short stay car parking is available at the South Terminal by a car park operated by NCP (National Car Parks), you can simply turn up and pay by the hour depending on how long you are staying. A typical 2 hour stay here would cost £6.20.

The first thing that anybody should do upon arrival at an airport is head straight to a car hire centre. There are so many people who end up coming unstuck on their holiday because they think they can get by using public transport when in actual fact this is the complete opposite thing you should do. Why would anybody want to cram themselves onto a bus or train every time that they want to go somewhere when they could have access to a car? By refusing to hire a car you have to plan every part of your holiday around public transport. This restricts dramatically the activities you can do, where you can go and how long you can stay for; at a time when every aspect of our lives at home is controlled by a lack of time a holiday should really be something that you are completely in control of.

So instead of choosing the wrong option, it is essential that you hire a car. Imagine the freedom that can be exercised if you are in complete control of your journey; you don’t have to run away from a museum or turn down the chance of a show because of the need to catch a train. Most of the attractions in London are designed to be able to accommodate cars so why would you refuse to accept a hire car? All you are doing is making things much more difficult for yourself and jeopardising your chance at having a relaxing holiday.