Quick Information:
- IATA/ICAO Code: LGW / EGKK
- Location: Approximately 45 km south of central London (West Sussex county) and the city of Brighton
- Number of active terminals: 2 (North Terminal, South Terminal)
- Open: 24 hours a day
- Transport: Train lines (Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Southern), buses (National Express), taxi, Uber
- Parking: Short-term and long-term parking available at both terminals
- Wi-Fi: Free network in the airport premises "Free Gatwick Wi-Fi Vinci Airports" (up to 50 Mbps)
- Web: www.gatwickairport.com
Are you traveling to the UK? If you have bought flight tickets to London at a great price, it is very likely that your destination will be Gatwick Airport, which offers high-quality services and excellent accessibility. In this guide, you will find all the essential information you need as a traveler – from transport from the airport and baggage check-in to tips on how to spend your time before departure.
Table of Contents:
- Basic information about London Gatwick Airport
- Geographical data and infrastructure of London Gatwick Airport
- How to get from Gatwick Airport and transport to the center of London
- From arrival at the airport to boarding the plane: step by step
- Services and waiting for a flight
- Comfort for passengers with children and specific needs
- Accommodation at the airport and in the surroundings
- Tips for the end
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Basic information about London Gatwick Airport
Gatwick is the second busiest international transport hub in the UK. It takes on part of the huge load of Heathrow Airport, significantly relieving air traffic over London. Thanks to its strategic location and good accessibility, it supports British tourism and international trade.
- Important transport hub for international and domestic travel: It connects the capital with the rest of the country, Europe, and long-haul destinations (USA, Asia, Africa). Both traditional airlines and low-cost carriers operate here.
- Tourism: As a gateway to London, it provides direct connections for millions of tourists and business people arriving from abroad to the city center. It is also an important starting point for those traveling to Brighton and the south coast of England.
- Economic contribution: It offers jobs for tens of thousands of people, supports regional development and services around the airport, which makes it a pillar of the local economy.
London Gatwick Airport in numbers and context
- Gatwick is a master of efficiency. Although it has only one main runway, it handles more than 40 million passengers annually.
- The airport has 2 terminals, from where you can set off on business trips or vacations practically anywhere in the world – to more than 225 destinations.
Geographical data and infrastructure of London Gatwick Airport
Passengers are handled in 2 main buildings:
- North Terminal: RH6 0PJ
- South Terminal: RH6 0NP
Both buildings handle international flights (within the Schengen area and beyond). Dozens of different airlines from all over the world operate here, with the majority being low-cost carriers. The vast majority of traffic consists of short-haul flights within Europe and to North Africa. However, the number of long-haul flights to the USA, the Caribbean, Asia, or the Middle East is growing.
The terminals are connected by a free automatic train (monorail), which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and runs every 2–3 minutes. Thanks to this transport service, you can manage the journey between terminals in 2 minutes.
Key airlines and operations
- EasyJet – a local low-cost airline, serves almost half of all passengers at the airport, offers domestic and international flights, and has its base in the North Terminal.
- British Airways – the British national carrier has its second-largest base here. It operates flights through its subsidiary BA EuroFlyer (for flights in Europe) and long-haul flights (e.g., to the Caribbean), based in the South Terminal.
- Wizz Air – the low-cost carrier has a base in the South Terminal and operates regular direct flights to and from Prague (PRG).
On long-haul routes, there is a strong presence of:
- Emirates and Qatar Airways (regular daily flights to the Middle East with connecting flights to Asia/Australia).
- Norse Atlantic Airways and JetBlue (affordable flights to the USA).
The airport is a major hub for charter and holiday flights of British travel agencies in cooperation with TUI Airways.
Tip: Are you traveling only with carry-on luggage? Do not be unpleasantly surprised and check the allowed carry-on dimensions for the airline you are flying with in time, before you start packing. You will avoid complications and additional fees. Don't forget to check the contents of your backpack or carry-on luggage as well.
History, interesting facts, sustainability, and innovation
- The history dates back to the 1930s, when the area functioned as a small flying club.
- An interesting feature is the unique glass pedestrian bridge in the North Terminal, which leads directly over the aircraft taxiway.
- The airport invests in reducing its carbon footprint, supporting electromobility, and minimizing waste with the goal of becoming carbon neutral in the future.
Did you know that... The airport was officially opened in 1958 by Queen Elizabeth II and was one of the first airports in the world with a direct rail connection to the terminal.
How to get from Gatwick Airport and transport to the center of London
Thanks to excellent infrastructure, you have several options available, whether you prefer speed or are looking for a cheaper variant. Transport from and to the airport is provided by trains, buses, and private carriers, so everyone will find a suitable solution.
Distance and time
The airport is located approximately 45 km south of central London. The length of the journey to the center ranges from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the chosen means of transport.
Public transport
- Trains: Directly under the South Terminal, there is a train station. The Gatwick Express high-speed trains will take you to the center (London Victoria station) in approximately 30 minutes. A cheaper alternative is the Thameslink or Southern trains, which offer a direct connection to London Bridge or St Pancras stations, managing the journey to the center in 35–45 minutes.
- Buses: Journeys by National Express bus are very affordable, run regularly from the airport, and connect it with other transport hubs and London airports Luton and Heathrow.
Individual transport
- Taxi: You can use classic taxi vehicles directly in front of the terminals. The ride costs at least 65 pounds.
- Uber: You can order an Uber via the app, with pick-up points clearly marked at the airport.
Parking
If you are leaving your car at the airport, you can use several parking options. Parking prices vary according to the type of parking lot and the length of stay (charged by the day). It is always cheaper after registration. Parking information may change, so we recommend checking current information on the official website before your trip.
- Short Stay: Parking directly at the terminals, expensive.
- Long Stay: A cheaper variant, requires a transfer from the parking lot to the terminal by a free bus (approx. 20 minutes), online booking in advance. Parking up to 2 hours is usually free.
- Valet Parking: You hand over the car to the staff directly at the terminal and they will bring it back to you upon arrival. A paid premium service.
From arrival at the airport to boarding the plane: step by step
Despite a very clear information system supplemented by signs, moving around a large airport can be stressful at first. To ensure your transfer goes without problems and complications, we have prepared a short guide that will take you through the process from entering the departure hall to settling into the plane.
Arrival and orientation: Find out in time which terminal (North or South) your airline departs from. A free automatic train runs between the terminals.
Check-in: Find the airline counter or use self-service kiosks to print your boarding pass (or baggage tag).
Baggage Drop: If you have oversized luggage or checked baggage, label it and drop it off at the appropriate places (belts).
Security check: Prepare liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag and take electronics out of your carry-on luggage. New 3D scanners are not installed everywhere.
Passport control: For flights outside the UK, you will pass through electronic gates (e-gates) or a classic check by an officer.
Waiting and shopping: You are now in the duty-free zone, where you can relax while waiting for your flight. However, do not forget to monitor arrival and departure times on the screens, as well as other current information and announcements.
Transfer to the departure gate: The journey can take 15–20 minutes in busy terminals, so set off in time.
Boarding the plane: Have your tickets and passport ready for the final check before boarding.
Tip: At a busy airport, it will be safer to keep your documents and valuables with you in a practical travel waist bag, instead of having them in a backpack on your back.
Services and waiting for a flight
- Transit potential: The airport is not primarily designed as a transit hub. Most passengers start or end their journey here.
- Lounges: In both terminals, you will find premium lounges (e.g., No1 Lounges, Clubrooms), where you can buy entry or use airline loyalty cards.
- Gastronomy: You can satisfy your hunger in many restaurants and fast-food chains. There are also establishments offering sandwiches, fresh juices, quality coffee, as well as classic British and international cuisine.
- Shopping: After passing the check, you will reach a huge duty-free zone, where you can buy souvenirs, clothing (Hugo Boss, Reiss, JD Sports), books (WHSmith), fashion accessories, premium alcohol, toys (LEGO), small electronics, and travel accessories (InMotion).
- Basic equipment: Free and fast Wi-Fi, ATMs, exchange offices, Boots pharmacies, and also a luggage storage service are available in both terminals.
- Culture and art: While walking through the airport, you can admire small art installations and modern British design, which enlivens the transit areas.
Comfort for passengers with children and specific needs
Gatwick Airport is fully prepared to accommodate all passengers with reduced mobility, as well as families with small children who need special care and equipment.
- Playgrounds and family areas: In the transit zone, there are Kids Zones prepared for the entertainment of the little ones. You will also find quiet rooms for changing and feeding babies.
- Persons with reduced mobility: The entire space is accessible to persons with disabilities. If you need assistance with boarding and disembarking, contact the airline at least 48 hours in advance.
Accommodation at the airport and in the surroundings
If you are waiting for a morning flight or if there is a delay in night flights, an ideal choice is to use a hotel near the airport. Many hotels are directly connected to the terminal buildings.
- Premier Inn Gatwick Airport (North Terminal): Excellent price/quality ratio. Located directly opposite the terminal entrance.
- Hampton by Hilton Gatwick (North Terminal): Mid-range, modern, breakfast is usually included. Directly connected to the terminal.
- BLOC Hotel Gatwick (South Terminal): A very popular modern "micro-hotel" concept. Located directly inside the South Terminal building (next to the security check). The rooms are small but very hi-tech.
- YOTELAIR Gatwick (South Terminal): A hotel with Japanese-style cabins directly in the transit zone/arrival hall. Ideal for a short rest (can also be booked for a few hours).
In the surroundings:
- Courtyard by Marriott Gatwick: Located on the edge of the airport, you can walk to the South Terminal (approx. 10–15 min), but with luggage, it is better to use the shuttle.
- Holiday Inn London - Gatwick Airport: Classic standard, close to the airport, reliable shuttle transport.
- Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central: A cheaper variant for undemanding travelers.
Tips for the end
- Download the official London Gatwick Airport app (free download for Android and iOS (Apple) systems), where you will find interactive airport maps and see the flight schedule updated in real-time.
- Buy tickets for the Gatwick Express or Thameslink in advance on the internet or in the app – you will avoid queues at the machines and often get them at a better price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get from Gatwick to London Luton Airport or Heathrow Airport?
The best choice is the National Express bus. Count on a reserve of at least 2–3 hours for the transfer.
Is there night transport at Gatwick?
Yes, the airport is open 24/7. Thameslink and Southern trains also run at night (at longer intervals), taxi and Uber are available non-stop.
When do I have to arrive at the airport?
It is always busy in the terminals. Arrive at least 2 hours before departure, and even earlier for flights outside Europe.
