Gatwick Airport Complete Guide 2025: Terminals, Transport & Insider Tips

Overview: Gatwick Airport at a Glance

London Gatwick Airport (IATA: LGW) is the UK's second-busiest airport, handling over 46 million passengers annually. Located 45km south of Central London in West Sussex, Gatwick is served by two terminals — North Terminal and South Terminal — connected by a free automated monorail that runs 24 hours a day.

North Terminal vs South Terminal — Which Is Yours?

The single most important thing to know before arriving at Gatwick is which terminal your flight uses. Getting it wrong means a 10-minute monorail ride and unnecessary stress. Here's the definitive breakdown:

South Terminal

South Terminal is the larger and busier of the two terminals. It handles the majority of Gatwick's traffic. The following airlines use South Terminal:

• British Airways — all BA routes from Gatwick
• easyJet — the majority of easyJet routes (some use North)
• Virgin Atlantic — long-haul leisure routes
• TUI — most package holiday flights
• Vueling
• Norwegian Air
• Condor
• Jet2 — most Jet2 routes
• Most charter and leisure airlines

North Terminal

North Terminal is smaller and generally quicker to navigate. Airlines using North Terminal include:

• easyJet — selected routes (check your boarding pass)
• Wizz Air — all Wizz Air routes
• Ryanair
• Flybe
• Several other low-cost European carriers

Getting from Gatwick to London

There are four main ways to travel between Gatwick and Central London. Here's how they compare:

Option	Journey Time	Cost (one way)	Door-to-door?	Best For
Private Transfer	50–75 mins	From £55	✅ Yes	Families, groups, business, luggage
Gatwick Express	30 mins to Victoria	£19–£38	❌ Victoria only	Solo travellers, light luggage
Thameslink Train	40–55 mins	£11–£22	❌ Multiple stops	Budget travellers
National Express	80–120 mins	From £6	❌ Coach stops	Budget, no time pressure

For most travellers with luggage — and particularly for families, groups of 2 or more, and business travellers — a fixed-price private transfer is the best value option when total door-to-door cost and convenience are considered.

Where to Meet Your Driver at Gatwick

When you book a private transfer with us, your driver will meet you inside the arrivals hall of your specific terminal with a name board showing your name clearly. You do not need to go to any taxi rank or stand outside.

• South Terminal: Arrivals hall immediately after baggage reclaim and customs exit, ground floor.
• North Terminal: Just outside the arrivals gate area, past customs. Your driver will be clearly visible with a name board.

We track your flight in real-time. If your flight is delayed — even by several hours — your driver will be there when you land, at no extra charge.

Gatwick Airport Facilities

Both terminals offer a comprehensive range of facilities including restaurants, shops, currency exchange, left luggage and lounges. Key things to know:

• No1 Gatwick Lounge (South Terminal, airside) — the best lounge option at Gatwick, bookable independently
• Gatwick Airport Hotel (South Terminal) — directly connected via covered walkway
• Left luggage — available at both terminals
• Currency exchange — Travelex and ICE at both terminals (always get a better rate before you travel)
• Accessible services — full wheelchair assistance available at both terminals, book via your airline in advance

How Early Should You Arrive at Gatwick?

Gatwick recommend the following minimum arrival times before departure:

• Short-haul European flights: 2 hours before departure
• Long-haul international flights: 3 hours before departure
• Peak summer / school holidays: Add 30–45 minutes extra

Security queues at Gatwick can be unpredictable during school holiday periods and summer. We always recommend building in a comfortable buffer — and booking your transfer to arrive at least 30 minutes before your minimum recommended check-in time.

Insider Tips for Gatwick

• 🚪 Fast Track Security: Available at both terminals and often worth the modest upgrade fee during busy periods
• 📱 Download your airline's app: Boarding passes on your phone and real-time gate information save time and stress
• 🧳 Bag drop the night before: easyJet and British Airways offer bag drop the evening before some early departures
• 🚗 Pre-book your transfer: Taxis at Gatwick arrivals rank can be expensive and unpredictable. A pre-booked fixed-price transfer with meet & greet is always the better choice
• 💱 Don't exchange currency at the airport: Rates at Gatwick are poor. Use a Wise or Revolut card instead