Need Gatwick info please

I am flying to the US via Gatwick this month. I have flown OUT of Gatwick before but never in and I am trying to decide what my transport options are. I'd love any insight from those of you who frequent it.

I need to be there by 8AM on Friday. Options are:

*friend has offered to drive me (but I am not sure I want to put him out)
*take the train (fine but bad for return)
*drive myself and park in long term parking

All of those are doable but the outward part is not my worry.

I return the following Tuesday at 7:30AM. I am going to have a minimum of 2 big suitcases plus my carry-on. A third suitcase is not out of the question as my family is celebrating Christmas early and I might be loaded down with stuff.

If the person who is willing to drop me is out of town the day I get back (possible), I have to decide if driving myself is a better option than paying for a minicab back to my house. I found a quote for long term (offsite) parking at Gatwick for around £55 and a quote for a minicab back to my house for £54.

Anyone have any experience with parking at Gatwick and how easy it is to navigate it? I know for instance at LAX there are parking service shuttle pick up sites right outside of arrivals. If I am going to be stuck trying to manover a luggage cart a long way I may just go the minicab route but if I do that, I have to ask my friend to take me.

There is a part of me that wants to be independent and not have to rely on help but hard to make that call w/o knowing what I face when I get home, tired and loaded down with stuff.

Any opinions welcomed.

I haven't flown into Gatwick myself although DH has.  But Courtney why are you even considering driving and parking?  Just book the cab for your way home!!  You are going to have lots of stuff to carry and will be by yourself - there's really no question in my mind at all.  And either take the train there or get your friend to drive you.  Don't be silly girl!!!

Don't be silly girl!!!

  You know me. I hate to ask people to do things for me.

Yes, I will second that!! Book a cab!!

That's my plan when I return.... sooooooo worth eliminating the agony and few pennies you will save!!

You know me. I hate to ask people to do things for me.

So then take the train there sweetie!  Then you're still being independent but also sensible about getting home.   

8am?!? I'd say either get your friend or a cab.... don't forget you have to be there early!

I am a freak when it comes to getting to the airport on time especially when relying on public transportation.

LOL. Hadn't thought of that option. You guys are right methinks. I just needed someone to give me the push. 


My outbound flight is not till 11 so I am aiming for 8AM so I have plenty of time.

8am?!? I'd say either get your friend or a cab.... don't forget you have to be there early!

I am a freak when it comes to getting to the airport on time especially when relying on public transportation.

I agree - personally I'd be getting my friend to take me, especially if he already offered.  But hey - Courtney may feel differently...


Oops just saw Courtney's reply!

I dunno. He did offer twice, even after I told him the time so maybe I should just say yes.

Say yes then. 

My outbound flight is not till 11 so I am aiming for 8AM so I have plenty of time.

oh then, that's not so bad even if you have to take the train! The train dumps you right in the middle of the airport and you just have to find which terminal North or South and there you go!

I dunno. He did offer twice, even after I told him the time so maybe I should just say yes.

OMG girl what are you on about today???  JUST SAY YES PLEASE!!!

LOL. I don't know what I am thinking. Just having a moment I guess. Thanks to both of you for setting me straight. I needed it! 

Thanks for the train info as well, just in case.

We always use APH offsite parking.  It costs us between £49-£55 pounds each time.  We calculated the costs of renting a car from the airport, taking a cab, taking the train then underground, and offsite parking was the least expensive way to do it.  We both don't like dragging our 2 huges suitcases on and off trains either.  We like the idea of being able to get back to our own car asap too.  Plus this way, it ensures that we are having our car looked after for the period of time we are gone and nothing happens to it.  We just booked APH for next week and it was £49 for 11 days. 

Hiya Courtney!

I always try to avoid G(sh)atwick as much as possible, but every now and again we have to use that airport. From your description and the other posters giving you a prod, I'd agree with the getting yer matey to drop you off there.

for the return, I'd second getting a taxi. Even though it'll 'cost' it'll just be easier for you seeing as you have yer little independant streak going on! - practically it'll mean of course you'll have to wrestle around with your luggage whilst your still Airside and all the way through customs and then onto the taxi ranks but as soon as you find a car you can get the guy to pickup all your luggage and you can relax all the way home - hopefully the M25 won't be a car park!

Next time, arrange all yer travel through Heathrow - just so much easier for us West Londonners innit !

Dennis! West London & Slough UK!

We use offsite parking too.