A Complete guide to Gatwick Airport (LGW)

It might not be the first London airport one thinks of, but Gatwick Airport (LGW) is one of the UK’s busiest international airports and a major gateway to London and the South East, welcoming millions of international passengers every year.

Located about 30 miles south of central London, Gatwick combines a straightforward two-terminal layout with extensive transport connections, hotels, lounges, restaurants, and other passenger facilities. While it’s generally an easy airport to navigate, knowing what to expect before you arrive can make the experience decidedly smoother.

Whether you’re flying from the North or South Terminal, arriving from London or elsewhere in the South East, or planning your onward journey, our Gatwick Airport guide covers everything you need to know for a successful trip through LGW.

Gatwick Airport at a glance

• Location: Crawley, West Sussex, approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of central London

• Airport code: LGW

• Terminals: Two terminals (North Terminal and South Terminal), connected by a free 24-hour inter-terminal monorail shuttle

• Top airlines: EasyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air, TUI Airways, and Norse Atlantic Airways

• Passenger volume: Second-busiest airport in the United Kingdom, serving over 40 million passengers annually

• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout both terminals via Gatwick Free Wi-Fi (requires simple registration)

• Distance to central London: Around 30 miles north; driving time is typically 60 to 90 minutes, traffic dependent

• Executive transfer options: Pre-booked private chauffeur service directly from your arrival terminal to central London, offering flight tracking and 60 minutes of complimentary wait time

Gatwick has just two passenger terminals, North and South, making its overall layout relatively straightforward. Airlines operate from one terminal or the other, so the most important thing to check before arriving is which terminal your flight uses. The two buildings are separate but connected by a free automated shuttle, making it easy to move between them if necessary.

Airlines flying out of Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick operates across two main terminals, linked by a free 24-hour shuttle that takes roughly two minutes.

North Terminal

easyJet serves as the primary carrier for this terminal. TUI departures with TOM flight numbers also fly out of the North Terminal.

South Terminal

British Airways, Wizz Air, Vueling, Ryanair, and Jet2 all operate from this location. TUI flights with BY flight numbers depart from here as well.

Getting to London Gatwick Airport

Choosing the right mode of ground transportation depends on your destination if leaving Gatwick, how much luggage you're carrying, and whether you value speed or door-to-door comfort. Here’s how you can travel to and from the airport.

Private chauffeur transfer

Pre-booking a private London airport transfer is one of the most seamless and comfortable ways to travel between Gatwick and central London. After a long flight, navigating busy railway platforms or carrying heavy luggage through Underground stations is far from ideal.

With a pre-booked London chauffeur service, your driver tracks your flight status in real time, meets you inside the arrivals hall with a personalized greeting, and assists with your bags before guiding you to your vehicle. Driving times between central London and Gatwick typically range from 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions. If you need flexible transportation for a series of meetings or a multi-stop itinerary across the capital, a dedicated London car service can provide added flexibility.

Train services

Gatwick has one of the best-connected airport railway stations in the UK, attached directly to the South Terminal. If you arrive at the North Terminal, you can take the free inter-terminal shuttle to reach the station.

• Gatwick Express: A non-stop direct service running between the airport and London Victoria Station, taking around 30 minutes. Services run regularly throughout the day.

• Southern Railway: Operates regular services to London Victoria via Clapham Junction and East Croydon, as well as routes south towards Brighton and other destinations.

• Thameslink: Connects Gatwick directly to key central London stations including London Bridge, London Blackfriars, Farringdon, and St Pancras International, with services continuing further north.

• Great Western Railway: Offers direct train connections between Gatwick and Reading, providing useful onward connections towards destinations west of London.

For journeys between Gatwick and London, contactless payment and Oyster can be used on eligible rail services, allowing you to tap in and out without buying a paper ticket. For journeys beyond the London contactless area, check ticket requirements for your specific route.

Driving and car parking

If you choose to drive, Gatwick is easily accessible from the M23 at Junction 9, with connections to the M25 and wider motorway network. You can view current options and book parking in advance through the Gatwick Airport official parking portal.

• Short stay parking: Located close to both North and South Terminals, making it convenient for shorter stays and meeting arriving passengers.

• Long stay parking: Located further from the terminal buildings, with complimentary shuttle buses connecting the car parks with the terminals.

• Valet and premium parking: Gatwick offers convenient parking options designed to reduce the time spent getting from your car to the terminal.

• Robotic parking: Gatwick has introduced automated robotic parking, where passengers leave their vehicle in a designated cabin and an autonomous robot transports it to a secure parking space. This removes the need to search for a space or remember where you've parked.

Coaches and local buses

Coaches and local buses serve both terminals, with designated pick-up and drop-off points around the terminal buildings.

• National Express: Runs direct coach services linking Gatwick with London Victoria Coach Station, Heathrow Airport, and destinations across the UK. Journey times vary considerably depending on traffic.

• FlixBus: Provides long-distance coach connections between Gatwick and a range of UK destinations.

• Metrobus: Operates local bus routes connecting Gatwick with nearby towns and communities including Horley, Crawley, Redhill, and Horsham.

Gatwick Airport lounges

Both airline lounges and independent lounges provide a break from the bustle of the terminals at Gatwick. You can find lounges in both the North and South Terminals. Check out our full guide to all the airport lounges at Gatwick for more detailed descriptions.

North Terminal lounges

Gatwick No1 lounge

The No1 Lounge at Gatwick offers free admission to premium passengers on Icelandair and to Priority Pass members, and is also open to other same-day passengers for a small fee. In this lounge, a library area provides space for you to get some work done before you fly, while a hot and cold buffet and full-service bar make sure you don't go hungry. The lounge also features security access directly to the gates for premium passengers.

Gatwick No1 Clubroom

The No1 Clubroom is a private lounge that offers ample opportunity for privacy with partitioned rooms that let you escape the airport crowds. In addition to Gatwick No1 Lounge amenities, this adults-only clubroom also offers a fine dining menu with waiter service.

My Lounge Gatwick North

Priority Pass members and American Express Gold cardholders (and higher) enjoy access to My Lounge, which is open for a small fee to anyone with a same-day boarding pass. When the Gatwick No1 Lounge is full, passengers are often sent to this lounge.

Gamers should find themselves at home here as the lounge features a dedicated gaming area with PlayStations and computers available. A TV room is also available, and the loft design of the lounge ensures everyone can find somewhere comfortable to relax. A hot and cold buffet is replenished throughout opening hours.

South Terminal

Gatwick No1 Lounge

This twin to the North Terminal's No1 lounge is open to Star Alliance Gold and Skyteam Elite Plus members with same-day boarding passes. The Gatwick No1 lounge in the South Terminal, which has recently been renovated, offers all the amenities of the North Terminal lounge, plus a waiter-service bistro and great views of the tarmac. A children's playroom and a mini-cinema make this lounge particularly family-friendly.

Gatwick No1 Clubroom

The No1 Clubroom in the South Terminal is almost identical to its North Terminal counterpart. No children are admitted at this lounge, which is open to Priority Pass members or to any adult same-day travelers for a fee.

My Lounge Gatwick South

My Lounge offers access to premium passengers on Norwegian as well as to Priority Pass members, and it's also accessible to anyone wishing to pay the entrance fee. Like its North Terminal counterpart, this lounge has a more casual style, with a gaming room and a self-service bar. A mini kitchen is also available for those wishing to pull together a meal. The lounge also features the only outdoor terrace of all of Gatwick's lounges.

Regus Express Gatwick

Members of the Regus co-working facilities can enjoy access to the Regus business lounge, with 11 reservable meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art tech, as well as private workspaces with printers and copiers at your disposal. This lounge also hosts shower facilities so you can freshen up before your meeting, and it's located outside security, making it an ideal spot to head if you need to connect with clients during a layover at Gatwick.

British Airways lounges

British Airways sponsors two lounges in Gatwick's South Terminal. The Club Lounge is open to business-class passengers on British Airways or other oneworld airlines, while first-class passengers on these airlines can head to the First Lounge.

In the Club Lounge, you can take advantage of shower suites, a full-service bar, and a hot and cold buffet. A business center is also available so you can complete some work before you fly. The First Lounge offers similar amenities plus waiter-service fine dining with a chef-driven menu.

Gatwick Airport on-site hotels

If you have an extended layover or your flight out of Gatwick is delayed, you don't have to go far to find a comfortable bed. Gatwick Airport is home to several hotels that will help you get your rest before heading onwards.

YotelAir

If your layover is just a few hours long, but you need an extended nap or some privacy to work, you're in luck: YotelAir in Gatwick Airport offers innovative cabins in the South Terminal with places to sleep, a private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi  – tea and coffee are included. Minimum booking is four hours.

Hilton London Gatwick

The Hilton London Gatwick is connected to the South Terminal by a covered walkway and to the North Terminal by monorail. Four restaurants and bars make it easy to grab a bite, and extensive meeting facilities allow you to set up meetings with clients and colleagues and still catch your flight. Family rooms are available if you're traveling with children, who eat for free in the hotel's restaurants.

Sofitel London Gatwick

The Sofitel London Gatwick is the only hotel immediately adjacent to Gatwick's North Terminal, with the South Terminal easily accessible by monorail. Luxurious bedding and 24/7 room service let you rejuvenate after your flight, and a fitness center, business center, and concierge help you prepare for the rest of your journey. Four different restaurants and bars bring a little bit of Paris charm to London.

Gatwick Airport shops

Both Gatwick terminals offer a wide range of shops, covering everything from duty-free beauty and spirits to fashion, electronics and last-minute gifts. Most of the main shopping areas are located after security, so there’s plenty to browse after you’ve cleared the formalities.

North Terminal shops

• World Duty Free: Browse fragrances, cosmetics, skincare, confectionery, spirits, and travel-exclusive products.

• Fashion and accessories: The North Terminal has a selection of fashion, footwear, eyewear, and accessory stores, including both British and international brands.

• Tech and travel essentials: Pick up headphones, chargers, adapters, and other electronics at InMotion, while WHSmith covers books, magazines, snacks, and everyday travel necessities.

• Watches and jewelry: You’ll also find stores selling watches, jewelry, sunglasses, and accessories if you’re looking for a last-minute gift or something for yourself.

South Terminal shops

• World Duty Free: The South Terminal’s duty-free offering covers fragrances, cosmetics, skincare, confectionery, spirits, and travel-exclusive gifts.

• Fashion and accessories: A mix of high-street and premium brands provides plenty of choice for clothing, footwear, and accessories before departure.

• Books, electronics, and travel essentials: WHSmith and InMotion are useful stops for reading material, chargers, adapters, headphones, snacks, and anything you may have forgotten to pack.

• Beauty and wellness: Beauty and skincare products are widely available, with options ranging from everyday essentials to premium cosmetics and fragrances.

Dining at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick offers a variety of dining options across both terminals, from quick grab-and-go spots to sit-down restaurants and family-friendly pubs. Whether flying out of the North or South Terminal, you'll have plenty of choices for a meal past security.

North Terminal dining

The North Terminal features a strong selection of classic British favorites, international cuisine, and casual cafes. Highlights include The Red Lion (a classic Wetherspoon pub for traditional breakfasts and pub fare), Wagamama for pan-Asian noodles and ramen, and Tortilla for California-style burritos. For quick coffee and baked goods, options like PRET A MANGER and Starbucks are conveniently located throughout the departure lounge.

South Terminal dining

The South Terminal provides an equally varied dining lineup tailored to diverse tastes and quick turnarounds. Popular sit-down spots include The Flying Horse, Giraffe for global family-friendly dishes, and Nando's for flame-grilled peri-peri chicken. Travelers looking for a quick bite can grab fresh sandwiches and salads at PRET A MANGER or pick up provisions from M&S Simply Food.

Insider tips for navigating Gatwick

Navigating Gatwick becomes even simpler when you have some insider details. Here’s what you need to know to make your journey through North Terminal and South Terminal as effortless as possible.

• Smoking policies: Gatwick operates a strict no-smoking policy indoors. There are no designated smoking areas, including for e-cigarettes or vapes, anywhere past security in either the North Terminal or the South Terminal. If you're a smoker, you'll need to use the designated smoking zones located outside the terminal buildings before checking in and clearing security. Be sure to factor this into your arrival time, as you can't step outside once you have gone through passport control.

• Fast-track security: For a smoother departure, purchase Premium Security access in advance. It's often complimentary with premium tickets, but buying it independently allows you to bypass the standard queues, saving significant time during busy morning hours.

• Navigating the terminals: If you arrive at the wrong terminal, the inter-terminal shuttle runs all day and night and takes just two minutes. However, the walk to the shuttle station can take up to ten minutes depending on where you are in the terminal, so do not leave it until the last minute.

• Finding quiet spaces: For the quietest pre-flight experience, look into the Clubrooms lounges available in both terminals. Unlike the busier standard lounges, they offer table service, extensive dining menus, and a strict smart-casual dress code, making them ideal if you're looking to catch up on emails or relax away from th

  

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Heading out

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