Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport general information
Flying from London Gatwick Airport? Our guide covers essential passenger information for the North and South Terminals, including check-in, security, shops, restaurants, WiFi, accessibility, family facilities and transport connections.
Find useful information to help you plan your journey and enjoy a smoother start to your trip.
Which terminal
London Gatwick Airport has two passenger terminals: North Terminal and South Terminal.
Your departure terminal depends on your airline and flight, so check your booking confirmation or Gatwick Airport's official airline and terminal directory before travelling.
The terminals are connected by a free inter-terminal shuttle, which operates 24 hours a day and takes approximately two minutes.
Gatwick Airport railway station is located at South Terminal. Passengers travelling from North Terminal can use the free shuttle to reach the station.
Gatwick Airport parking
If you're driving to Gatwick Airport, APH offers a choice of parking options for both North and South Terminals.
Compare Park & Ride, Meet & Greet and other available parking services based on location, transfer arrangements, security features and price.
Family-owned since 1980, APH helps travellers find convenient airport parking options.
Visit our dedicated Gatwick Airport parking page to compare availability and book online.
View airport parkingGatwick Airport hotel and parking packages
Staying near Gatwick Airport before an early flight can make your departure day more convenient.
APH offers hotel and parking packages that combine an overnight stay with parking for the duration of your trip.
Compare available hotels, parking arrangements and transfer options on our dedicated Gatwick Airport hotel and parking page.
View airport hotels & parkingGatwick Airport hotels
Gatwick Airport has a wide selection of nearby hotels, including properties within walking distance of the terminals and others offering transport connections.
An overnight stay may be useful for passengers with early departures, late arrivals or longer journeys to the airport.
Visit our dedicated Gatwick Airport hotels page to compare available accommodation.
View airport hotelsAll about Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located in West Sussex, approximately 30 miles south of central London and close to Crawley.
The airport is one of the UK's busiest international airports, providing domestic, European and long-haul flights to destinations around the world.
Gatwick operates from two passenger terminals, North Terminal and South Terminal, which are connected by a free 24-hour shuttle service.
Both terminals provide check-in facilities, security screening, shops, restaurants, cafés, free WiFi, accessible services and family facilities.
The airport also has its own railway station at South Terminal, providing direct connections to London, Brighton and other destinations.
Our guide brings together useful information about Gatwick Airport's terminals, facilities and transport connections to help you prepare for your journey.
For passengers travelling by car, Gatwick Airport offers a wide range of parking solutions including short-stay, long-stay, meet and greet, valet parking and hotel-with-parking packages. Whether you’re travelling for business, a family holiday or a weekend getaway, there are parking options available to suit all budgets and travel styles.
Getting There
London Gatwick Airport is located approximately 30 miles south of central London and can be reached by train, car, bus, coach and taxi.
By train: Gatwick Airport railway station is located at South Terminal, with direct services to destinations including London Victoria, London Bridge, Brighton, Reading and Cambridge. Gatwick Express also connects the airport with London Victoria.
By car: Gatwick Airport is accessible from the M23 motorway via Junction 9, with connections to the M25 and surrounding road network.
By bus and coach: Local buses and long-distance coaches connect Gatwick with nearby towns, London and other destinations across the UK.
By taxi: Taxis and private hire vehicles provide transport between Gatwick Airport and surrounding destinations.
Between terminals: A free shuttle operates between North and South Terminals 24 hours a day, with a journey time of approximately two minutes.
Check current transport timetables and traffic conditions before travelling.
Traffic information
Traffic congestion can affect roads approaching Gatwick Airport, particularly the M23, M25 and surrounding local roads.
Delays may be more likely during peak commuting hours, school holidays and busy travel periods.
Before travelling, check live traffic information, planned roadworks and any motorway closures.
Allow additional journey time to reach your departure terminal, especially if you have an early flight or need to check in luggage.
Check-in information
Check-in times at Gatwick Airport vary depending on your airline, destination and whether you're travelling with checked luggage.
As a general guide, allow around two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul departures, unless your airline advises otherwise.
Check your airline's recommended arrival time, online check-in arrangements and baggage drop-off deadlines before travelling.
Confirm whether your flight departs from North or South Terminal before arriving at the airport.
Mobile check-in information
Many airlines operating from Gatwick Airport offer online or mobile check-in, allowing passengers to complete the process before arriving at the terminal.
Depending on your airline, you may be able to select seats, download a digital boarding pass and access your booking through a mobile app.
If you're travelling with checked luggage, you'll still need to follow your airline's baggage drop-off instructions.
Online check-in opening times and deadlines vary by airline.
Check your airline's latest requirements and confirm your departure terminal before travelling.
Destinations
Gatwick Airport offers flights to a wide range of destinations across the UK, Europe and selected long-haul destinations.
Popular routes include European city breaks, Mediterranean holiday destinations and international connections to North America, the Middle East and beyond.
Airlines and flight schedules vary throughout the year, with additional seasonal services operating during popular holiday periods.
Visit Gatwick Airport's official destination directory for the latest routes, airlines and flight schedules.
Disabled Passenger Details
London Gatwick provides Assisted Travel services for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities and additional accessibility requirements.
Passengers requiring assistance should contact their airline or travel provider at least 48 hours before departure, where possible.
Assistance may include help with check-in, security screening, moving through the terminal and boarding the aircraft.
Both terminals provide accessible facilities, dedicated assistance areas and support for passengers with hidden disabilities.
The airport also offers hidden disability lanyards and detailed accessibility guides developed with AccessAble.
For more information, visit Gatwick Airport's official Assisted Travel pages before travelling.
Fast-Track security lane
London Gatwick offers Fast Track Security at both North and South Terminals.
Passengers with a valid booking can use a dedicated security lane, which may help reduce waiting times during busy periods.
Fast Track can be booked online in advance, subject to availability.
All passengers using Fast Track must still complete the airport's standard security screening procedures.
Check Gatwick Airport's official website for current prices, opening hours and booking arrangements before travelling.
Pushchairs and Child Seats
Passengers travelling with babies and young children can take pushchairs and child car seats through Gatwick Airport security, subject to their airline's baggage and boarding policies.
Pushchairs can generally be used until the departure gate, where they are placed in the aircraft hold before boarding.
After arrival, pushchairs are normally returned through baggage reclaim rather than at the aircraft door.
Passengers should confirm their airline's arrangements for pushchairs, child seats and other baby equipment before travelling.
Family Assisted Lanes
London Gatwick provides dedicated family and assistance security lanes in both terminals.
These lanes are designed to give passengers travelling with young children, pushchairs or additional accessibility needs more time and support when passing through security.
Families should follow signs for the Assisted Travel and family lanes after check-in.
The lanes have wider access points to accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs, with trained staff available to provide additional assistance.
All passengers must complete the required security screening procedures.
Shopping
Gatwick Airport offers a wide selection of shops across North and South Terminals, including duty-free, fashion, beauty, electronics, gifts and travel essentials.
Retailers include World Duty Free, WHSmith, Boots, Hamleys and a range of fashion and accessories brands.
Passengers can purchase books, snacks, toiletries, travel accessories, fragrances and gifts before departure.
World Duty Free also offers a Reserve & Collect service, allowing passengers to reserve selected products online and collect them at the airport.
Store locations and opening hours vary between terminals.
Check Gatwick Airport's official shopping directory for the latest information before travelling.
Top Tip
Take advantage of their "Reserve and Collect" service when shopping at Gatwick Airport. You can reserve items online before your flight and pick them up at the airport, saving time and hassle.
Where to Eat
Gatwick Airport offers a wide selection of cafés, restaurants, bars and takeaway outlets across North and South Terminals.
North Terminal options include The Breakfast Club, Shake Shack, Wagamama and BrewDog.
South Terminal offers restaurants and cafés including Nando's, PizzaExpress, Wagamama and Pret A Manger.
Whether you're looking for breakfast before an early flight, a quick coffee or a sit-down meal, both terminals offer food and drink options before departure.
Opening hours and restaurant availability vary by terminal and flight schedules.
Check Gatwick Airport's official restaurant directory for the latest information before travelling.
We've compiled a guide to the best places to eat at Gatwick Airport here.
Area for Kids
London Gatwick provides dedicated Kids Zones in both North and South Terminals to help entertain younger passengers before departure.
The play areas offer space for children to enjoy interactive and educational activities while waiting for their flights.
Families can also use baby changing facilities, dedicated family security lanes and restaurants offering children's menus.
Check the airport's terminal maps or family travel information for the latest Kids Zone locations and availability.
Wi-Fi access
London Gatwick provides free, unlimited WiFi throughout North and South Terminals.
To connect, select the Free Gatwick Wi-Fi Vinci Airports network on your device and choose the Free Superfast Wi-Fi option.
Enter a valid email address to start your session.
The free service offers speeds of up to 50Mbps, allowing passengers to check flight information, access digital boarding passes and stay connected before departure.
Faster WiFi options are also available for passengers who require additional connection speed.
Mobile Devices
Gatwick Airport provides free mobile device charging facilities in both North and South Terminals.
Charging points are available before and after security, including selected seating areas and departure lounges.
Many airport restaurants and bars also provide power sockets or USB charging points for customers.
Passengers should bring a suitable charging cable or portable power bank and check their airline's rules for carrying spare lithium batteries.
Consult Gatwick Airport's terminal maps for the latest charging point locations.
Baby Changing
Gatwick Airport provides baby changing and feeding facilities throughout North and South Terminals.
Dedicated baby care rooms are available in check-in areas, departure areas and arrivals, with facilities clearly marked by baby care signs.
Some terminal toilets also provide fold-down baby changing tables.
Families travelling with infants can request help warming baby bottles at airport restaurants.
Check the airport's terminal maps or ask staff for the nearest available baby changing facilities.
Luggage Trolleys
Luggage trolleys are available throughout Gatwick Airport's North and South Terminals to help passengers transport their bags.
Trolleys operate using a refundable coin deposit system. Passengers need a £1 or €1 coin, which is returned when the trolley is taken back to a designated collection point.
Trolleys can also be taken on the free inter-terminal shuttle between North and South Terminals.
Follow airport signage to find the nearest trolley collection point.
Luggage Lockers
Gatwick Airport offers left luggage and baggage storage services through Excess Baggage Company.
Storage facilities are available in North and South Terminals, allowing passengers to leave bags securely for a short period or an extended stay.
The service may be useful during long layovers, early hotel check-outs or trips into London.
Storage prices, opening hours and booking arrangements vary.
Check Gatwick Airport's official left luggage information before travelling.
Pharmacies
Gatwick Airport provides pharmacy and healthcare retail facilities in both North and South Terminals.
Boots stores are available before and after security, offering a selection of medicines, toiletries, skincare products and travel essentials.
The airport also provides access to pharmacy services, although the availability of prescriptions and specific medicines may vary by location.
Passengers requiring essential medication should arrange this before travelling rather than relying on airport stock.
Check Gatwick Airport's official shopping directory for current pharmacy locations, services and opening hours.
Airport map
Horley, Gatwick, West Sussex, RH6 0NP