Cophall Park & Ride

Cophall Park & Ride: Gatwick Airport parking with transfer service

Cophall Park & Ride is a park and ride car park for Gatwick Airport travellers, located on Effingham Road, Copthorne (West Sussex). The company operates under Maple Parking Limited and has over three decades of experience in the sector. It presents itself as an approved operator by Gatwick Airport itself.

Security and site accreditations

The site has barrier-controlled entry and exit, CCTV surveillance, perimeter fencing, regular security patrols and staff present 24 hours a day. The company states that the car park has been assessed by Sussex Police and holds the Park Mark award for safer parking, as well as the Trading Standards 'Buy With Confidence' accreditation.

Transfers to the South Terminal

The transfer service operates on demand 24 hours a day, with no fixed timetable. The vehicles are eight-seater minibuses and the journey to Gatwick South Terminal takes approximately ten minutes. On arrival, customers park, go to reception and board the next minibus. On return, they must call the free phone number on the key receipt so that a minibus can collect them from the same point where they were dropped off.

Stay options

The company offers plans tailored to different types of trip:

• Long stay: designed for extended holidays or lengthy work trips, with flexible durations from a couple of weeks up to a year. It allows booking in advance and locking in the rate.
• Families: the process consists of parking, checking in and boarding the minibus; drivers help with luggage and pushchairs.
• Business travel: for frequent Gatwick travellers, with quick check-in and efficient transfers. Flexible contracts are offered for those who travel regularly.
• Short breaks and short stays: rates for one- or two-day stays, paying only for the days used and booking online.

How the service works

The process begins with an online booking, where the drop-off and collection dates for the vehicle are selected. The car park is next to junction 10 of the M23, about ten minutes south of Gatwick. On arrival, customers go to the reception bays and hand in their keys at reception; the team parks the vehicle on site. They then board the next minibus to the South Terminal. On return, after collecting their luggage, they call the free phone number on the key receipt and a minibus transfers them back to the car park, where the car is ready.

Accepted vehicles and accessibility

Standard vehicles are accepted, including electric and hybrid ones. The company retains all car keys, including those for electric vehicles. Long wheelbase vans over 5.3 metres and motorbikes are not accepted. The entire site is on ground level, with no stairs, and has a wheelchair-friendly reception area and disabled toilet facilities. Wheelchairs can be transported on the minibus, although passengers must be able to board the vehicle by their own means.

Bookings, changes and customer service

Cancellations and modifications are handled by email, stating the car registration or booking reference. Enquiry phone lines are open on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00. The company also offers a free membership with exclusive discounts. On Trustpilot it has over 2,800 reviews with a four-star rating.

Location and contact

Effingham Road, Copthorne, West Sussex RH10 3HZ · Phone: 01342 712779 · Email: reservations@cophallparking.co.uk