London Gatwick Airport stands as one of the main gateways to southern England, located near Crawley in West Sussex, just outside the town of Horley. As the second busiest airport in the UK, it plays a key role in connecting London with destinations across the globe. With two busy terminals and flights operating worldwide, Gatwick is constantly alive with travelers arriving, departing, and passing through.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about London Gatwick Airport, from its terminals and facilities to transport options and travel tips. So keep reading and navigate your journey with ease.
Before stepping into the major airport in Gatwick, it is essential to get familiar with the basic information. The table below has it all!
| Airport Name | London Gatwick Airport |
| Address | Horley, Gatwick RH6 0NP, United Kingdom |
| IATA Code | LGW |
| Terminals | 2 (North and South) |
| Gates | 115 |
| Hub for | British Airways |
| Operating base for | BA EuroFlyereasyJet UKJet2.comNorse Atlantic UKTUI AirwaysVuelingWizz Air UK |
| Coordinates | 51°08′53″N 0°11′25″W |
If you are wondering how to contact LGW Airport for help with finding check-in counters, clearing security, and spotting a relaxing place to unwind, your search ends here! The table below has the relevant correspondence to reach out to the trained officials.
| LGW Airport Contact Number | +44 344 892 0322 |
| Official Website | https://www.gatwickairport.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/gatwickairport | |
| https://twitter.com/gatwick_airport | |
| TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@london.gatwick |
| https://www.instagram.com/gatwickairport/ |
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) has two terminals, North and South. They are linked by a free shuttle train that runs all day and night and takes about two minutes. Since you can’t walk between the terminals, it is important to check which one your airline uses before you travel.
Innumerable well-known airlines operate at LGW Terminals. You must check the boarding passes or the table below to know which terminal your airline is at London Gatwick Airport.
| Airline | Code(s) | Terminal |
| Aegean Airlines | A3 | South Terminal |
| Air Arabia Maroc | 3O | North Terminal |
| Air Baltic | BT | South Terminal |
| Air China | CA | North Terminal |
| Air Europa | UX | South Terminal |
| Air France | AF | South Terminal |
| Air India | AI | South Terminal |
| Air Mauritius | MK | North Terminal |
| Air Peace | P4 | South Terminal |
| Air Transat | TS | North Terminal |
| Animawings | A2 | North Terminal |
| Ascend Airways | SYG, YD | South Terminal |
| Atlantic Airways | RC | South Terminal |
| Aurigny | GR | South Terminal |
| Azerbaijan Airlines | J2 | North Terminal |
| Azores Airlines | AZ | South Terminal |
| British Airways | BA | South Terminal |
| China Eastern | MU | North Terminal |
| China Southern | CZ | South Terminal |
| Condor | DE | South Terminal |
| Corendon Airlines | XC | South Terminal |
| Croatia Airlines | OU | South Terminal |
| easyJet | EZY, EJU, EZS | North Terminal |
| Emirates | EK | North Terminal |
| Enter Air | E4 | South Terminal |
| Ethiopian Airlines | ET | North Terminal |
| Eurowings | EW | North Terminal |
| FlyErbil | HW | North Terminal |
| Freebird | FH | North Terminal |
| Gulf Air | GF | North Terminal |
| Iberia Express | I2 | South Terminal |
| Icelandair | FI | North Terminal |
| Jet2 | LS | South Terminal |
| JetBlue | B6 | North Terminal |
| KM Malta Airlines | KM | South Terminal |
| Kenya Airways | KQ | South Terminal |
| Mavi Gok Airlines | 4M | South Terminal |
| Norse Atlantic | N0, Z0 | South Terminal |
| Norwegian | DH, DY, D8 | South Terminal |
| Nouvelair | BJ | South Terminal |
| Qanot Sharq | HH | North Terminal |
| Qatar Airways | QR | North Terminal |
| Royal Air Maroc | AT | North Terminal |
| Ryanair | FR | South Terminal |
| Singapore Airlines | SQ | North Terminal |
| Sky Alps | BQ | South Terminal |
| Sky Express | GQ | South Terminal |
| SunExpress | XQ | South Terminal |
| SWISS | LX | North Terminal |
| TAP Portugal | TP | South Terminal |
| Titan Airways | ZT | South Terminal |
| TUI | TOM, BY | Both Terminals |
| Tunisair | TU | South Terminal |
| Turkish Airlines | TK | South Terminal |
| Turkmenistan Airlines | T5 | South Terminal |
| Uganda Airlines | UR | South Terminal |
| Uzbekistan Airways | HY | North Terminal |
| Vueling | VY | South Terminal |
| WestJet | WS | North Terminal |
| Wizz Air | W4, W6, W9 | South Terminal |
Checking in at London Gatwick is simple, and you will find several options to suit your travel style. Some airlines may also offer early check-in the day before, which can save time.
After checking in, it is best to head straight to security and then into the departure lounge. Once you are through, you can relax or spend time exploring the shops and restaurants while waiting for your flight.
Security at London Gatwick is usually quick, with average wait times around 15-22 minutes. However, during peak hours (typically 5-8 AM and 4-7 PM), it can take up to 30 minutes or more, so it is always smart to allow extra time.
London Gatwick Airport North Terminal and South Terminal are filled with essential, modern amenities, so your waiting hours become enjoyable and comfortable.
If you need help at London Gatwick, you can book assisted travel through your airline or travel agent. This is useful if you need support with walking, boarding the plane, getting through the airport, or travelling with a wheelchair, medical equipment, or an assistance dog. Try to book at least 48 hours before your flight so everything is ready. If you don’t book in advance, you might have to wait or face delays on the day.
Fast Track Security at the airport lets you use a dedicated lane instead of the regular queue, helping you get through security more quickly. It is available at both the North and South Terminals and is useful during busy travel times when queues can be longer. Prices start from around £6 per person, and it can be booked online, usually cheaper than paying on the day. The service runs daily from early morning until around 20:00–20:45. And, children under 2 can go free with a paying adult.
At London Gatwick, ChangeGroup offers easy currency exchange with over 60 currencies available. You can order your travel money online before arriving and collect it at the airport, or buy directly at one of their 15 branches across the North and South Terminals. There’s 0% commission on online orders, and you can also sell leftover currency after your trip for good rates.
For convenience, you can pre-order online and pick up your money just before security, with dedicated collection points in both terminals open daily from 05:00 to 22:00.
| Terminal | Location | Opening Hours | Purpose |
| North Terminal | Before security, Level 2, opposite security area | 05:00 – 22:00 (daily) | Collect pre-paid online currency orders |
| South Terminal | Before security, Level 3, opposite security area | 05:00 – 22:00 (daily) | Collect pre-ordered travel money |
LGW Airport has around 70 ATMs across both terminals, located before and after security. You can use all major UK bank cards for free, while credit cards are also accepted, though your bank may charge a fee. If you are carrying €10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it to UK customs when travelling between Great Britain and countries outside the UK.
You will find multi-faith chapels and prayer rooms in both the North and South Terminals. They are open 24 hours a day for prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection. These spaces are open to people of all faiths and include religious books and prayer mats.
You can also find regular services, including Christian services and weekly Buddhist services (usually on Mondays at 12 pm and on important religious dates), with sessions lasting around 25 minutes. Additionally, details are displayed on noticeboards and the chaplaincy website.
All the flyers can easily stay connected while waiting for their flights. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. If you prefer to switch off, you will also find free magazines and newspapers available on the way to the gates and in several restaurants.
This is ideal for checking emails, browsing social media, or streaming content while in the terminal.
If you need faster internet, Gatwick also offers 100mbps superfast Wi-Fi for larger downloads or heavy use. You can access it by:
Running out of battery while travelling is never ideal, which is why London Gatwick provides plenty of free charging points across both terminals. You’ll find them before and after security, with locations clearly shown on airport maps so they’re easy to track down when you need them.
On top of that, most restaurants around the airport also make charging simple, with power sockets and USB ports available in seating areas or at the bar. So whether you’re grabbing a meal or just waiting for your flight, you can keep your phone or tablet powered without much effort.
If you need to store your bags for a few hours or a few days, London Gatwick offers secure luggage storage through the Excess Baggage Company in both terminals. There are no self-service lockers at the airport, so all storage is handled through staffed facilities located before security. Along with storage, they also offer services like bag wrapping, baggage shipping, weighing, courier services, and travel accessories.
| Duration | Price |
| Up to 3 hours | £10 |
| Up to 24 hours | £15 |
| Up to 48 hours | £27.50 |
| Up to 72 hours | £40 |
| After 72 hours | £12.50 per day |
| After 7 days | £10 per day |
| Terminal | Location | Opening Hours |
| North Terminal | Before security, Level 1, next to Costa Coffee | 04:00 – 22:00 |
| South Terminal | Before security, Level 2, behind check-in zone E | 04:00 – 22:00 |
London Gatwick offers a private terminal experience away from the main airport. Everything from check-in, security, customs, and baggage is handled for you inside the private lounge, giving a fast and seamless journey. You also get private transport to and from your aircraft, just a few minutes from the main terminal, along with complete privacy for you and your travel group. The service is available for both arrivals and departures and is designed for a fully premium, stress-free experience. You can easily book it directly through their official team, as it is an exclusive, pre-arranged service.
London Gatwick offers 7 on-airport hotels, giving you plenty of comfortable options to rest and relax during layovers or before an early flight. All hotels are located within or very close to the terminals, so you can reach check-in and security within minutes.
| Hotel | Terminal | Distance to Security | Key Features |
| BLOC Hotel | South Terminal | 1-minute covered walk | Runway views, ultra-close access, parking bundles |
| Courtyard by Marriott | South Terminal | 15-minute walk | Restaurant, fitness center, outdoor terrace |
| Hampton by Hilton | North Terminal | 2-minute walk | Fitness center, quick terminal access |
| Hilton | South Terminal | 10-minute walk | Business facilities, restaurants, gym |
| Premier Inn | North Terminal | 5-minute walk | Costa coffee, bar, express check-in |
| Sofitel | North Terminal | 5-minute walk | Luxury rooms, meeting spaces, parking options |
| YOTEL | South Terminal | 5-minute walk | Transit cabins, flexible short stays |
If you lose something at London Gatwick, it is recorded on the lost property system at lostproperty.org. Items are usually added within 24 to 48 hours, and they are kept for up to three months. You will need to give a clear description of your item, and if it is found, you will be contacted with a reference number so you can collect it or have it posted to you. A fee is charged to cover handling and storage.
If you left something on the aircraft, you should contact your airline directly. For lost or delayed checked baggage, your airline is also the main point of contact and will help you further.
| LGW Lost and Found | lostproperty.org. |
Travelling through London Gatwick Airport with toddlers is made as easy as possible, with many options designed for families. You will also find support for baby food and essentials, plus pushchair-friendly access across the airport, so moving through each step of the journey feels more manageable.
Families travelling with young children or pushchairs can use dedicated security lanes, which are designed to give more space and reduce stress during the screening process. After check-in, simply follow the signs for Assisted Travel and family lanes. All belongings, including children’s toys, must still go through security screening, so it helps to explain the process to children beforehand so they know what to expect.
Baby changing and nursing facilities are available across both terminals in key locations such as check-in areas, routes to departure gates, transfer zones, and arrivals. These rooms are clearly signposted with baby care symbols and offer private, clean, and comfortable spaces for feeding, changing, and caring for babies. In addition, some male and female toilets are equipped with fold-down changing tables for added convenience.
The North Terminal features dedicated Kids’ zones that are completely free to use. These areas keep children entertained with fun, interactive, and educational activities while they wait for their flight. They are especially useful for helping younger travelers relax and stay engaged before boarding.
Across both LGW terminals, many restaurants are set up with families in mind. You will find kids’ menus, highchairs, and relaxed seating areas that make dining easier with children. Several outlets also offer bottle warming services, and many have charging points near seating areas so devices can stay powered while you eat and wait.
Boots and Well Pharmacy stores inside the airport sell essential items such as nappies, wipes, baby food, and formula milk. Baby milk can also be pre-ordered online and collected after security, or purchased in-store on the day if needed.
Parking at Gatwick also includes family-friendly options. Valet parking is especially useful for families, allowing you to drop your car directly at the terminal and collect it easily on your return. Long-stay car parks also offer family-friendly bays located near bus stops.
Passengers will find a range of airport lounges where they can relax before their flight. The access usually includes up to three hours before departure and comes with comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, free Wi-Fi, and a quiet space away from the busy terminal. Some lounges also offer runway views, kids’ areas, meeting rooms, and even live sports in certain locations.
| Lounge | Terminal | What’s Included | Special Features | Price (from) |
| No1 Lounge | North & South | Complimentary food & drinks, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating | Runway views, bar, library-style seating, sports TV | £38 per adult |
| My Lounge | North & South | Hot & cold snacks, self-service bar, Wi-Fi | Relaxed atmosphere, runway views, outdoor terrace (South only) | £34 per adult |
| Plaza Premium Lounge | North | Buffet food, drinks, Wi-Fi | Kids’ zone, family-friendly space, runway views | £40 per adult |
| Plaza Express | North | Buffet food, drinks, Wi-Fi | Casual setting, kids’ zone, relaxed seating | £28 per adult |
| Club Aspire | South | Buffet food, drinks, Wi-Fi | Quiet zones, runway views | £36 per adult |
| Clubrooms | North & South | À la carte dining, drinks, Wi-Fi | Waiter service, business/quiet zones, premium experience | £44 per adult |
| Arrive & Refresh | North | Private room, en-suite shower, towels, breakfast, and access to hotel facilities | _ | £109 per stay |
London Gatwick Airport has a range of official on-airport parking options to suit different types of trips, whether you are stopping for a short visit or heading away for a longer holiday. All parking is secure, located close to the terminals, and includes flexible choices like walking access, shuttle transfers, or valet service. Booking in advance can save you up to 60% while also guaranteeing a space.
| Terminal | Parking Type | Access Time / Details |
| North Terminal | Short Stay | 4-minute walk |
| Mid Stay | 6-minute walk | |
| Long Stay | 10–12 min shuttle | |
| Valet Parking | 2-minute walk | |
| Premium Short Stay | 2-minute walk, same level | |
| Premium Mid Stay | 2-minute walk, same level | |
| South Terminal | Short Stay | 4-minute walk |
| Long Stay | 10–12 min shuttle | |
| Valet Parking | 2-minute walk | |
| Premium Short Stay | (2-minute walk, same level) |
Best for quick visits or drop-offs, Short Stay car parks are the closest to the terminals. You can walk to the terminal in about 4 minutes, and you keep your keys. Prices start from around £7 for up to 30 minutes. Premium Short Stay options are also available, offering same-level access and extra-wide bays, just a 2-minute walk away.
Ideal for short trips of a few days, Mid Stay offers barrier-free entry and a covered walkway to the terminal. It’s about a 6-minute walk, and you keep your keys. A Premium Mid Stay option is also available (North Terminal), with same-level access and a 2-minute walk.
This is the most cost-effective option for longer trips. It includes a free shuttle bus to the terminal, taking about 10-12 minutes, with buses running every 7-12 minutes. You keep your keys, and the first 2 hours are free, followed by around £38 for the first day and £32 for additional days.
It is the easiest option if you want a smooth, quick start. You simply drop your car at the terminal, and staff park it for you. On return, your car is ready and waiting. It is just a 2-minute walk to the terminal, with no need for shuttle buses, and it’s the only official on-airport valet service.
You will also find some extra features at the LGW parking:
Family bays are available in Long Stay car parks, located close to bus stops to make transfers easier when travelling with children.
Accessible parking spaces are available in all car parks at both terminals. These include:
Parking is available near the train station, ideal for regular travelers commuting to London or Brighton. Options include:-
Finding something good to eat before your flight is easy with a wide range of restaurants, cafés, and bars available across both terminals.
| Restaurant | Location | Area | Opening Times |
| Bar on the Balcony | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| The Beehive | South Terminal | Before security | 04:00–23:00 |
| Big Smoke | South Terminal | After security | 03:00–Last flight |
| Black Sheep Coffee | South Terminal | Before security | 24/7 |
| Black Sheep Coffee | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| The Breakfast Club | North Terminal | After security | 03:30–Last flight |
| BrewDog | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Caffè Nero | South Terminal | Before security | 24/7 |
| The Flying Horse | South Terminal | After security | 03:00–Last flight |
| GAIL’s | South Terminal | After security | 04:00–21:00 |
| Giraffe | South Terminal | Before security | 04:00–23:00 |
| Greggs | South Terminal | Arrivals | 24/7 |
| itsu | South Terminal | After security | 04:00–21:00 |
| Joe & The Juice | South Terminal | After security | 04:00–21:00 |
| Juniper & Co | North Terminal | After security | 03:30–Last flight |
| Krispy Kreme | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Nando’s | South Terminal | After security | 04:00–21:00 |
| PizzaExpress | South Terminal | After security | 04:00–21:00 |
| Pret a Manger | Both Terminals | Arrivals / After security | 24/7 |
| Pure | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| The Red Lion | North Terminal | After security | 03:30–Last flight |
| Shake Shack | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Sonoma | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| South Downs Bar | South Terminal | After security | 04:00–21:00 |
| Starbucks | Both Terminals | Before & After security | 24/7 |
| Sussex House | North Terminal | Before security | 04:00–23:00 |
| Tortilla | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| wagamama | Both Terminals | After security | Varies (04:00–21:00) |
| Wondertree | South Terminal | After security | 03:00–Last flight |
From fashion and beauty to electronics, travel essentials, and luxury brands, the airport offers a wide range of shops to make your journey more convenient and enjoyable.
| Shop | Location | Area | Opening Times |
| Accessorize | Both Terminals | After security | North: 04:00–20:30 / South: 04:00–21:00 |
| Aerospa | South Terminal | After security | 04:00–21:00 |
| Bobbi Brown | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Boots | Both Terminals | Before & After security | Varies by location |
| BOSS | Both Terminals | After security | North: 04:00–20:30 / South: 04:00–21:00 |
| Change Group | Both Terminals | Before & After security | Before: 24/7 / After varies |
| Collection | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Discover London | South Terminal | After security | South: 04:00–21:00 / North: 04:00–20:30 |
| Dune London | Both Terminals | After security | North: 04:00–20:30 / South: 04:00–21:00 |
| Excess Baggage Company | Both Terminals | Before security | 04:00–21:00 |
| Harrods | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Havaianas | Both Terminals | After security | North: 04:00–23:00 / South: 04:00–21:00 |
| InMotion | Both Terminals | After security | North: 04:00–20:30 / South: 04:00–21:00 |
| JD Sports | Both Terminals | After security | North: 04:00–20:30 / South: 04:00–21:00 |
| Jo Malone London | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Ladurée | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| LEGO | Both Terminals | After security | North: 04:00–20:30 / South: 04:00–21:00 |
| M&S Simply Food | Both Terminals | Arrivals | 24/7 |
| Monsoon | Both Terminals | After security | North: 04:00–20:30 / South: 04:00–21:00 |
| Oakley | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Pandora | South Terminal | After security | 04:00–21:00 |
| Ray-Ban | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Reiss | Both Terminals | After security | North: 04:00–20:30 / South: 04:00–21:00 |
| Rituals | South Terminal | After security | 04:00–21:00 |
| Roarsome | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Sknfed | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Sunglass Hut | Both Terminals | After security | North: 04:00–20:30 / South: 04:00–21:00 |
| Superdry | Both Terminals | After security | North: 04:00–20:30 / South: 04:00–21:00 |
| Venchi | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Well Pharmacy | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| White Stuff | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| Whittard of Chelsea | North Terminal | After security | 04:00–20:30 |
| WHSmith | Both Terminals | Before & After security | Varies by location |
| World Duty Free | Both Terminals | After security | North: 02:00–Last flight / South: 03:00–Last flight |
| World of Whiskies | South Terminal | After security | 04:00–21:00 |
Shopping before your flight just got easier with World Duty Free’s Reserve & Collect service at London Gatwick. You can browse top international brands online, reserve your items in advance, and collect them at the airport without any rush or stress.
You can enjoy savings, exclusive travel deals, and a smoother shopping experience so you can relax before your journey instead of worrying about last-minute shopping.
World Duty Free offers a wide selection of products, including:-
Getting to and from the London Gatwick Airport is simple and well-connected, with multiple options including trains, coaches, taxis, buses, and driving. Whether you are coming from London or nearby cities, you can choose the transport that best suits your time and budget.
The airport has one of the best rail connections in the UK, with frequent trains running to and from London and many other cities. The train station is located at the LGW South Terminal and is just a short walk from both terminals via a free shuttle service.
| Service | Route | Time | Frequency |
| Gatwick Express | London Victoria – Non-stop | ~30 minutes | Twice hourly |
| Southern | London, Brighton & South Coast | Varies | Frequent |
| Thameslink | Central London, Bedford, Cambridge | 30–120 minutes | Frequent |
| Great Western Railway | Reading – Gatwick | ~90 minutes | Every 30 mins |
Coach and bus services run regularly, connecting the airport with over 100 UK cities. Services operate day and night, making travel flexible and affordable.
You can also travel by:
| Service | Key Routes |
| FlixBus | London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Cambridge, Nottingham |
| The Airline (Oxford) | Direct service to Oxford |
| Metrobus | Local towns around Gatwick (24/7 services) |
Taxis and private hire services are available 24/7 at the LGW Airport.
| Destination | Time |
| Brighton | 45 mins |
| Crawley | 15 mins |
| Croydon | 45 mins |
| London (Central) | 1 hr 45 mins |
| Reading | 1 hr 15 mins |
| Horsham | 30 mins |
The airport is directly connected to the M23 (Junction 9) and A23, with the M25 just 10 minutes away.
The key details about shuttle service at LGW are:-
LGW is connected via National Cycle Route 21, making cycling and walking possible for nearby travellers.
Note:- Cyclists must use designated parking areas and secure their bikes properly. Bikes are left at the owner’s risk.
London Gatwick Airport is easy to get around once you know the layout, with clear connections between the North and South Terminals. The easy-to-read airport map helps you quickly find terminals, transport options, parking areas, and key services. Whether you’re arriving or departing, it makes navigation straightforward and saves time. So, just check the LGW map before you travel to plan your route with ease.
Lastly!
This guide has provided you with all the key information about London Gatwick Airport to help make your journey easier and more comfortable. If you still feel unsure or need any extra help, you can always get in touch with the official team using the provided LGW contact information.
FAQs
Smoking and vaping are only allowed in designated outdoor areas outside the LGW terminals. After security, there are no smoking facilities, except an outdoor terrace at My Lounge in the South Terminal.
The airport is open 24/7. Shops and services have their own opening hours, but food and drinks are available at all times.
Your ticket or booking confirmation shows your terminal. Airport signs also clearly guide you on arrival.
No, you can’t walk between terminals. A free 2-minute shuttle train connects the North and South Terminals.