Gatwick Hotels and Parking North Terminal
Flying from Gatwick’s North Terminal? An airport hotel could be your ticket to a stress-free start. Instead of battling early-morning traffic, many UK travellers and frequent flyers choose to stay overnight at a Gatwick North Terminal hotel with parking. These Gatwick North Terminal hotels and parking packages let you sleep just minutes from the terminal and keep your car secure while you’re away, often for less money (and hassle) than separate hotel and parking bookings. In this guide, we’ll cover the best options, from the closest hotels to Gatwick North Terminal and family-friendly stays to best value hotel + parking deals and the different parking package options (on-site, off-site, meet & greet) available.
At APH, we’ve sourced the best hotel and parking packages available near the North Terminal at Gatwick. We provide plenty of choices, for budget-savvy travellers, business travellers, and families.
Hotel Distance to Airport Parking Options
More Information 15 Minutes 7 £99.00
More Information 10 Minutes 8 £109.71
More Information 10 Minutes 8 £148.00
More Information On-Airport 5 £217.41
More Information On-Airport 5 £227.36
More Information 10 Minutes 7 £138.29
More Information 5 Minutes 7 £113.00
Closest Hotels to Gatwick North Terminal
If maximizing convenience is your priority, two hotels can’t be beaten for proximity: Sofitel London Gatwick and Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport. Both are on-airport at the North Terminal, meaning you can walk straight to check-in within minutes. In fact, the Sofitel is directly connected via a covered walkway to North Terminal, and the Hampton by Hilton is also linked by a covered bridge, ideal if you’re flying easyJet or any North Terminal airline. No shuttles or transfers are required from either of these hotels.
Despite being steps from the terminal, you won’t sacrifice comfort. Sofitel London Gatwick is a 4-star luxury hotel offering multiple restaurants and bars, 24-hour reception and concierge service, plus flight information screens to keep an eye on your departures. Rooms are modern, air-conditioned and soundproof, with 24-hour room service available for a good night’s rest. Families are welcome too, the Sofitel provides high chairs, kids’ menus and even family rooms for up to five people. Parking can be arranged on-site at the Sofitel’s own car park (you simply leave your car at the hotel for the trip) or via secure off-site or meet & greet services – more on those options later.
Hampton by Hilton Gatwick Airport is another extremely convenient choice, located inside the North Terminal complex. You’re just a short covered walk from the airline check-in desks, and if you happen to be flying from the South Terminal instead, the free 24-hour inter-terminal shuttle (monorail) can zip you there in two minutes. The Hampton offers a clean, comfortable stay with perks like a free hot breakfast starting from 4:00 am, perfect for early flights. There’s an on-site restaurant (with 24-hour menu service for late-night arrivals) and a coffee shop/bar for evening relaxation. Guests can also use the hotel’s fitness centre and even laundry facilities to freshen up before or after a long flight. While the Hampton doesn’t have its own long-stay car park, APH’s off-site Park & Ride lot is just 10–12 minutes away by shuttle, running every 15 minutes, to handle your parking needs.
Expect to pay a premium for these ultra-close hotels, but many find the convenience worth it. As a guideline, recent package prices (hotel + 1 week parking) were around £235 at the Hampton and £303 at the Sofitel. These prices can vary by season, but generally on-airport hotels are the priciest options. If being within walking distance of Gatwick North Terminal is a must for you, Sofitel and Hampton by Hilton are the top choices.
Best Hotels for Families near Gatwick North Terminal
Traveling with kids? Several Gatwick North Terminal hotels cater especially well to families, with larger rooms, child-friendly menus, and amenities to keep everyone happy. Here are the top family-friendly picks:
Holiday Inn Gatwick - Worth (Crawley): Located about 10 minutes from the North Terminal by car or shuttle, this 4-star hotel is highly rated by APH customers and perfect for families. It offers spacious family rooms (including unique configurations that can sleep up to 5), and even provides travel cots on request. Parents will love that kids under 13 eat free at the on-site restaurant (one free child meal per paying adult), a Holiday Inn signature perk that makes dinner and breakfast much more affordable. The hotel’s bright new dining venue, Meadow Restaurant & Bar, has a kids’ menu and high chairs available. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout, so teens can stay entertained, and there’s an arrangement for guests to use a nearby health club with a pool, a nice bonus for families wanting a swim before the flight. If you book a Hotel + Parking package at Holiday Inn Worth, you’ll typically park at the secure off-site APH car park (about a 6-minute drive away) and take a 10-12 minute shuttle to the terminal. This hotel’s combination of value, comfort, and kid-friendly policy (children eat free and stay entertained) makes it a top pick for families.
Crowne Plaza London Gatwick (Langley Drive, Crawley): About 10 minutes’ drive from Gatwick, the Crowne Plaza is an upscale hotel that balances business and family amenities well. Families will find rooms that accommodate up to 4 people, plus handy touches like an adapted children’s menu in the restaurant and plenty of high chairs. The hotel features an on-site gym, a lounge bar, and even business facilities, so it’s suitable if you need to catch up on work or want a drink after the kids are asleep. Disabled facilities are extensive (with accessible family rooms available), which can put parents’ minds at ease if anyone in the family has special requirements. In the morning, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast (served from 6:30 am, though note it’s typically an extra charge of around £18.95). If you’ve booked a room-only deal, getting to the North Terminal is easy via a short taxi ride (the front desk can arrange one). For those with parking packages, Crowne Plaza offers both Park & Ride and Meet & Greet options in partnership with APH, meaning you can either use the off-site secured car park with a shuttle, or opt to leave your car with a valet at the terminal. With its combination of comfort and family conveniences, Crowne Plaza Gatwick is a reliable choice for all ages.
Sandman Signature London Gatwick (Crawley): If you want a touch of luxury that also caters to kids, the Sandman Signature (about 4.7 miles from the airport) is a great option. It’s roughly a 10-minute drive from North Terminal, and the hotel stands out for having an indoor swimming pool – a big hit with children (and adults who fancy a pre-flight dip). The Sandman is a stylish 4-star property with spacious rooms and a modern vibe. Families with young children are looked after with high chairs in the on-site restaurant and a dedicated kids’ menu, so even picky eaters can find something they like. Parents can unwind at the hotel’s bar or lounge area, and there’s a fitness centre if you need to burn off any pre-flight energy. When booking a package here, you have flexible parking choices: the Sandman offers both an off-site secured parking package and a meet & greet service. For example, you could choose to park at an APH secure lot and take a short shuttle, or use a meet & greet where you drop the car at the terminal and it’s parked for you (the hotel/APH can arrange this). This convenience, combined with the pool and family amenities, makes the Sandman Signature a strong contender for families who want a relaxing yet kid-friendly stay.
Of course, the Sofitel and Hampton by Hilton (detailed earlier as the closest hotels) are also family-friendly in their own ways, especially for convenience. The Sofitel offers family rooms up to five people and children’s dining options, while the Hampton includes a free breakfast for all guests (helpful for feeding the whole family before an early flight). However, due to their on-airport location, these tend to be pricier. For larger families or those on a tighter budget, the off-airport hotels like Holiday Inn Worth, Crowne Plaza, and Sandman often provide more space and perks for kids at a better value.
Best Value Packages (Hotel + Parking Deals)
Looking to save money? Gatwick North Terminal has several excellent-value hotel and parking packages that can significantly cut costs compared to booking separately. Here are some of the best value Gatwick North hotel and parking deals to consider:
Holiday Inn Gatwick, Worth: This hotel frequently tops the list for budget-friendly packages. For example, an overnight stay with 1 week of parking can be as low as £100 in off-peak months, an outstanding deal when you consider it covers your hotel and 7 days of parking. At that price, you’re essentially paying not much more than the cost of parking alone at Gatwick for a week, but you get a comfortable 4-star hotel night included. The parking in this package is typically at APH’s secure off-site car park, with free shuttle transfers (10–12 minutes) to the North Terminal. Even during busier travel periods, the Holiday Inn Worth package tends to remain one of the cheapest. The hotel’s high quality (recently refurbished, with modern rooms and good family facilities) combined with APH’s efficient shuttle service, makes this a best value pick for travellers watching their budget.
Elite Venue Selection Felbridge Hotel (Crowne Plaza Felbridge): Another favourite for value is the Felbridge Hotel, about 15 minutes from Gatwick. This is a luxury 4-star spa hotel in East Grinstead that often has low room rates if you don’t mind the slightly longer drive. For instance, room-only prices can be as low as ~£70 for a night, which is a bargain for a hotel of this standard. If you need parking, APH offers a package that was recently around £141 for one night + a week’s parking, still very affordable for a 4-star experience. The Felbridge (formerly branded as Crowne Plaza Felbridge) features the Chakra Spa with a sauna, steam room, pool, and fitness centre, plus on-site dining and a bar. It’s an ideal “budget luxury” option: you get a resort-like stay (great if you want to relax with some spa treatment before your flight) at a price that’s comparable to much more basic hotels. The trade-off is the 15-minute taxi or drive to the terminal, but for many, the savings and comfort are worth it. If you book the Felbridge with parking, the package usually includes parking at the hotel overnight plus 7 days in APH’s Park & Ride (you’ll drive to the APH lot in the morning). This setup is easy and still saves you money over closer hotels.
Ibis Styles London Gatwick Airport: The Ibis Styles is a newer 3-star option that offers vibrant, modern design on a budget. It’s located about a 6-minute drive from Gatwick, near Crawley. Packages here start around £157 for one night with a week’s parking, making it a mid-range budget choice. What you get is a clean, comfortable room (with triple-glazed windows to keep noise down) and perks like a continental breakfast from 4:00 am (and hot breakfast a bit later) to fuel up early. The hotel has a lively lobby bar and even a small gym, which is great value for the price. Parking packages with Ibis Styles usually partner with APH Park & Ride or a meet & greet service, meaning you either use the off-site shuttle (about 10 minutes to the terminal) or drop your car with a valet at Gatwick for convenience. This flexibility is nice to have in a budget hotel. Overall, Ibis Styles Gatwick is a solid cheap and cheerful option for travellers who want a lower price without sacrificing comfort or a convenient parking solution.
Sandman Signature Gatwick: Mentioned earlier for its family appeal, the Sandman is also a strong value-for-money pick in the mid-price range. We’ve seen packages around £140–£150 for a night + 7 days parking. Considering the Sandman provides 4-star amenities (pool, gym, etc.), paying roughly £144 for hotel and parking is a great deal. If you’re looking for a bit more luxury than the Holiday Inn or Ibis but still want to keep costs reasonable, the Sandman’s deals often hit that sweet spot.
Tip: Prices fluctuate with seasons and promotions. Generally, off-airport hotels like Holiday Inn Worth, Felbridge, Ibis, Sandman and Crowne Plaza have the best prices for Gatwick North packages, especially if you book in advance. On-airport hotels (Sofitel, Hampton) charge more for the convenience. If budget is a concern, consider whether a short 10–15 minute shuttle or taxi ride is worth the significant savings, often it is. By comparing packages on APH’s website, you can find deals tailored to your dates. Many travellers are pleasantly surprised that a Gatwick hotel and parking (North Terminal) package can actually save them money versus just paying for parking and a very early morning taxi drive to the airport.
Hotel & Parking Options - On-site vs Off-site vs Meet & Greet
When booking a Gatwick North Terminal hotel with parking, you’ll typically have a few different parking options. It’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs for convenience and cost. Here’s a quick rundown of the three main types of hotel + parking arrangements and what they mean:
On-Site Hotel Parking: This means parking at the hotel for the duration of your trip. You drive to the hotel, park in their car park (often you’ll just leave your car there for the whole holiday), stay overnight, and then simply walk or take a short transfer to the terminal on departure day. The benefit is you don’t have to move your car again once you’ve arrived at the hotel – it stays put. However, not all Gatwick hotels offer long-term on-site parking packages; capacity can be limited. One example is the Sofitel London Gatwick’s “Non-Flex” parking package, where you park at the Sofitel’s own car park and then walk through the covered walkway to North Terminal check-in. If you book an on-site parking package at Sofitel, note that they may ask you to leave your car keys with reception (so they can move your vehicle within the hotel’s secure garage if needed during your trip). Some off-airport hotels like the Felbridge and Sandman Signature also allow on-site parking as part of a package – you park at the hotel overnight and for the week, then typically take a taxi or transfer to the airport. On-site parking is all about convenience, but it can be a bit pricier and is subject to the hotel’s parking availability.
Off-Site Secured Parking (Park & Ride): This popular option pairs your hotel stay with parking at a separate off-airport car park, in this case, usually the APH Gatwick Parking Centre. How it works: you drive to the hotel, park there just for the night (most hotels let you leave your car overnight for free or a small fee), then in the morning of your flight, you drive to the designated secure parking lot and park your car for the week. APH’s own park & ride lot for Gatwick is a state-of-the-art secured facility with 24/7 staff, CCTV, barriers, etc., located about 10–15 minutes from the terminals. After parking, you and your luggage hop on a free shuttle bus straight to the North Terminal (transfers run every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day). On return, the shuttle brings you back to the lot to collect your car. Many Gatwick North hotel packages use this model. For example, if you book Holiday Inn Gatwick Worth with parking, you’ll leave the car at the APH park & ride after checking out, it’s a quick 6-10 minute drive from the hotel to the parking, and then a 10-12 minute bus to North Terminal. Crowne Plaza London Gatwick packages similarly have you use the APH lot (about 9 minutes from the hotel) and then a 10-12 minute transfer to the airport. The upside of off-site parking is often cost savings – these packages can be cheaper than on-site parking, and the lots are highly secure. The only downside is the extra step of the shuttle ride, but with frequent 24-hour service, it’s generally smooth. Off-site park & ride is ideal if you don’t mind arriving at the airport 15 minutes earlier to account for the shuttle, and want the best price and security for your car.
Meet & Greet Parking: If you want the ultimate convenience, consider a meet & greet (valet) add-on with your hotel. Meet & greet means on the day of your flight, you drive directly to the terminal drop-off area, hand your keys to a professional driver, and they will park your car for you in a secure location while you head straight into check-in. When you return from your trip, the car is brought back to the terminal for you to collect, no buses, no searching for your vehicle. Several Gatwick North Terminal hotels can be booked with meet & greet parking through services like APH Meet & Greet or I Love Meet & Greet. For instance, if you’re staying at the Sofitel, you could choose the meet & greet package where on the morning of departure you drive 2 minutes to the North Terminal entrance, meet the “I Love Meet & Greet” team, and they handle parking your car securely while you walk straight into the terminal. This is extremely handy if you have a lot of luggage or children, as it eliminates the shuttle process entirely. Another example: APH’s own Meet & Greet service can be paired with hotels like the Ibis Styles – you drive a short distance to Gatwick, call the APH valet team, and they’ll meet you at the curb. Meet & greet packages tend to be a bit more expensive due to the valet convenience (often £30–£50 more than a park & ride package), but they can be worth it for a seamless experience. It’s essentially “chauffeur” parking for your car. Just be sure to follow the instructions for the meet & greet, usually you’ll need to call the valet dispatch when you’re 10-20 minutes from the airport to arrange the handover.
Which option to choose? If you want zero transfers, go for on-site hotel parking (if available) or meet & greet. If you prefer the lowest cost and don’t mind a short shuttle ride, off-site park & ride is the way to go. All three options are secure and convenient in their own ways, APH only partners with vetted car parks and valet services, so your car will be in good hands whether it’s at the hotel, in the APH lot, or with a meet & greet team. When you get a quote on APH’s site, you can usually compare these parking options for each hotel. For example, the Sofitel offers hotel parking, park & ride, or meet & greet, allowing you to choose how you want to balance cost vs. convenience.
FAQs
Which hotels are actually at Gatwick North Terminal (within walking distance)?The Sofitel London Gatwick and Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport are located at the North Terminal itself. Both are connected via indoor walkways to the terminal, so you can reach check-in counters in a few minutes on foot. These are the only hotels directly on-site at the North Terminal.
Can I stay at a Gatwick North Terminal hotel if I’m flying from the South Terminal?
Yes! Even if your flight departs from South Terminal, you can absolutely book a North Terminal hotel. The terminals are linked by a fast free monorail shuttle that runs 24/7 and takes only about 2 minutes to go from North to South.
What is the cheapest Gatwick North hotel and parking package?
Deals change over time, but as of now one of the cheapest packages is usually the Holiday Inn Gatwick – Worth with APH parking. Another affordable option is the Elite Venue Selection Felbridge Hotel, with competitive rates for overnight stays and parking.
How do I get from my hotel to the North Terminal, especially if it’s not on-airport?
If you booked an on-airport hotel like Sofitel or Hampton, you simply walk to the terminal. For off-airport hotels with Park & Ride packages, you'll drive to the APH parking lot and use their shuttle service to the terminal. If using a Meet & Greet package, you'll drive directly to the terminal to hand over your car to a valet driver.
Is it better to book a Gatwick hotel and parking together, or separately?
In most cases, booking as a combined package is better for both convenience and price. Bundled deals typically offer savings compared to booking hotel and parking separately.
How far in advance should I book my Gatwick North Terminal hotel and parking?
It's recommended to book as early as possible to get the best prices and availability, especially during peak travel periods.
By considering the above options and tips, you can tailor your Gatwick North Terminal hotel and parking choice to exactly what you need, whether that’s walking-distance convenience, family-friendly features, or budget-saving deals. With a bit of planning, your overnight stay before flying can turn from a potential hassle into a smooth, enjoyable part of your travel experience. Bon voyage, and enjoy your trip knowing both you and your car will have a safe and comfortable place to rest!
