Coach and Minibus Hire in the United Kingdom

From Gatwick arrivals to wherever you're staying

Gatwick is refreshingly straightforward for groups: one coach park, one permit and a driver who can collect you from either terminal. What happens between the baggage belt and the forecourt is where the time goes, so that's where a little planning pays off.

North or South, it's the same coach park

Any charter or group vehicle with more than eight seats that's picking people up has to go through the coach park, which you'll find off the ring road by South Terminal. That includes the 12- or 16-seat minibus you might book for a family gathering, not only the big coaches.

The driver's permit covers up to three hours in the coach park and works for both terminals. The vehicle doesn't leave the coach park until you're on the forecourt with your luggage, so send a message as soon as the last bag appears and give everyone a minute to regroup.

Passenger van interior
Passenger van interior

Dropping you off for the flight home

Setting down right by the terminal buildings is charged at Gatwick, and a charter vehicle pays the standard rate like everyone else. Both terminals keep their drop-off zone downstairs, on the forecourt's lower level; at North Terminal, look for it tucked in beside the hotel, next to the multi-storey.

A Blue Badge holder can be exempt from that charge once the vehicle is registered. If someone in your party has a badge, mention it when you book so the operator can look into it.

The terminals

  • South Terminal
  • North Terminal

Good to know at London Gatwick Airport

  • Blue Badge holders are exempt from the drop-off charge once their vehicle is registered.
  • The drop-off zones are on the lower level of the forecourt at both terminals; at North Terminal the zone is between the hotel and the multi-storey car park.
  • Gatwick charges for dropping off at or just outside the terminal buildings; charter operators setting down at the terminals pay the standard drop-off charge, which has a maximum stay and must be paid by midnight the following day.

How far is London?

Central London is around 30 miles north, roughly 70 minutes to Trafalgar Square in light traffic and longer at busy times. Not every group is heading into town, though, and the same vehicle can just as easily take you to a country hotel or a wedding venue in the south-east.

Your questions

How long can the driver wait if our flight is delayed?

The coach park permit allows up to three hours, which covers most delays. Include your flight number in the booking so the operator can follow your arrival time.

There are only nine of us. Do we still use the coach park?

If your vehicle has more than eight seats, yes. That rule is the airport's, and it applies whatever the size of the minibus.

How do we know which terminal we'll land at?

Your airline sets it and it's printed on your booking. It makes no difference to the pickup, because the same permit lets the driver collect from North or South.

Is the drop-off charge included in our quote?

Ask for it to be spelled out. It is paid by midnight the day after the visit, and the quote should say who pays it.

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