Gatwick Airport Pick-Up Point: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

You’ve landed. Your luggage is off the belt. And your phone just buzzed, your driver is outside.

But outside where?

If you’ve ever stood at Gatwick arrivals wondering whether to turn left or right, you’re not alone. Picking up passengers at Gatwick is genuinely confusing the first time. There’s a North Terminal and a South Terminal, each with its own rules, zones, and pricing. Go to the wrong one and you could waste 20 minutes, pick up a fine, or worse, circle the airport burning fuel while your passenger waits in the cold.

This guide cuts through all of it. You’ll know exactly where to go, how much it costs, and how to make the whole thing stress-free, whether you’re picking up a family member, a colleague, or an airport transfer customer.

Quick Answer
North Terminal: Short Stay Car Park 6, Level 4. South Terminal: Short Stay Car Park 3, Level 0. Free option: Long Stay Car Park (up to 2 hours free, shuttle bus to terminal). Not sure which terminal? Keep reading.

North vs South: Which Terminal Are You Heading To?

This is the first and biggest thing to get right.

Gatwick has two completely separate terminals: North and South. They’re connected by a shuttle train, but if you drive to the wrong one, you’re looking at a 10–15 minute detour and potentially another parking charge.

So before you set off, ask your passenger one simple question: Which terminal does your flight arrive at?

Not sure? Here’s a quick way to check:

Check the Booking Confirmation: Most airline booking emails and boarding passes state the terminal explicitly. It’s usually in the top section.

Check Gatwick’s Live Flights Page: gatwickairport.com has a live arrivals board. Search by flight number to find the terminal and gate in real time.

Common Mistake
The North and South Terminals look similar from the motorway signs. Drivers often follow “Gatwick Airport” signs without specifying the terminal and end up at the wrong one. Always look for “North Terminal” or “South Terminal” signage specifically.

Official Pick-Up Points at Gatwick (Exact Locations)

Here’s the key rule: you cannot collect passengers from the terminal forecourt. The drop-off areas outside the terminals look tempting, but stopping there to wait is not permitted and will earn you a fine.

The official pick-up points are the Short Stay Car Parks. They’re a short walk from the terminal exits close enough to help with luggage.

North Terminal Pick-Up

Short Stay Car Park 6, Level 4

Postcode for navigation: RH6 0PJ

From the M23, exit at Junction 9 and follow airport signs. At the first roundabout (J9a), go straight ahead following signs for the North Terminal. Take the first exit at the next roundabout and keep left, the Short Stay Car Park entrance barriers will be directly ahead.

South Terminal Pick-Up

Short Stay Car Park 3, Level 0 (Express Pick-Up Area)

Postcode for navigation: RH6 0LL

From the M23, exit at Junction 9 and at the first roundabout (J9a), filter left following South Terminal signs. Follow signs to the Short Stay Car Park, move into the right-hand lane, and the entrance barriers will be directly ahead.

Pro Tip: What to tell your passenger
Ask them to follow the “Short Stay Car Park” signs as they leave arrivals. At the South Terminal, they should look for the orange Car Park 3 signage. At the North, they should head for Car Park 6 on Level 4. It takes most passengers 3–5 minutes to walk from arrivals to the pick-up bay.

Gatwick Pick-Up Prices: What You’ll Actually Pay

Let’s talk money. Pick-up charges at Gatwick are based on how long you stay and where you park. Here’s the full breakdown:

Prices are updated by Gatwick Airport and may change. Always check the official Gatwick Airport website for the latest rates before your visit.