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London Gatwick Airport

Find out about the airport's location, transportation options, terminals, airlines and more.

An aerial view of London Gatwick Airport

About London Gatwick International Airport

London Gatwick International Airport (IATA: LGW) is a major international airport in Crawley, United Kingdom. Gatwick Airport is the second busiest international passenger traffic airport in the UK, after London Heathrow Airport. London Gatwick is a hub for British Airways and Norwegian Air Shuttle.

The airport is the second busiest airport in the world to only operate one runway. In 2018, Gatwick Airport saw passenger use of 46 million. The airport is located 29.5 miles (47,5 km) south of Central London.

A shuttle bus waiting outside an airport

Transportation

After landing at London Gatwick Airport, you'll want to explore your transfer options so you can reach your destination smoothly.

Public Transportation
There are budget-friendly trains like the Gatwick Express that can quickly take you into central London, or opt for Southern trains for a slower but cheaper alternative into the city. If you're trying to reach other cities/towns, National Express coaches offer direct connections.

Taxis
Taxis are readily available outside both North and South Terminals, however, they may be expensive as London Gatwick Airport isn't a short drive to the city centre. Consider flat rates for specific destinations or metered fares for others.

Rental Cars
Some popular car rental companies like Hertz and Avis are available on-site and off-site. If you're renting a car, consider parking costs at your destination.

Hotel Shuttles
Many hotels offer complimentary shuttles to and from LGW - check with your hotel for more details and schedules.

Private Car Services
If you'd prefer to travel in luxury and privacy, it's best to pre-arrange a private car service that can offer a more personalised experience. This is the most expensive option but is very convenient as it is a direct door-to-door service.

Luggage on a baggage claim conveyer belt

Security and Baggage Claim

Security Procedures

The security procedures at Gatwick Airport follow standard UK regulations. You can expect X-ray screening, baggage checks and potential pat-downs. We recommend packing efficiently, removing prohibited items, wearing easily removable shoes and clothing, and downloading the UK Border Force app for real-time wait times and helpful tips.

If you'd like tips on how to get through airport security smoothly, check out our blog - Guide to Airport Security.

Baggage Claim

Both North and South Terminals use modern baggage claim systems and clear signage. Check your boarding pass for your specific carousel number and terminal location. Claim halls are located on Level 0 in both terminals.

North Terminal - carousels A-G and J-N are located in Hall A; carousel H is in Hall B.
South Terminal - carousels 1-13 are located in Hall 1; carousels 14-20 are located in Hall 2.

Terminals and Amenities

London Gatwick Airport has 2 terminals - North and South.

North Terminal

  • This terminal primarily serves easyJet flights, with some other airlines like Wizz Air and Norwegian Air.
  • It's a modern and spacious terminal with natural light and open areas.
  • The selection of shops inside the terminal includes high-street brands, convenience stores, duty-free shops and souvenir shops.
  • There are a wide variety of grab-and-go cafes as well as sit-down restaurants.
  • Family facilities are available including baby changing rooms, children's play areas and dedicated feeding rooms.

South Terminal

  • This terminal serves a mix of airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Norwegian.
  • It's larger and busier than the North Terminal, with a mix of modern and traditional architecture.
  • There are over 50 shops, including designer brands like Burberry and Hugo Boss, alongside duty-free options.
  • The South Terminal has an extensive selection of restaurants including Wagamama, Nandos and Costa Coffee.
  • Family facilities are available including baby changing rooms, children's play areas and dedicated feeding rooms, as well as additional services like a chapel and a pharmacy.

Lounges

The Escape Lounge

This lounge, in North Terminal, is located near Gate 10. It is a stylish lounge that offers a peaceful escape with comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, Wi-Fi and a dedicated children's play area. It's ideal for families or those seeking a quiet space to relax before their flight.

No1 Lounge

Also in North Terminal, this modern lounge provides a spacious and bright environment with plenty of seating options, a buffet selection of food and drinks, and dedicated workspaces. It's situated near Gate 55 and is perfect for business travellers or those wanting a more premium travel experience.

My Lounge

This cosy lounge, located near Gate 22 in South Terminal, offers a relaxing atmosphere with comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments and access to newspapers/magazines. It's a good option for budget-conscious travellers seeking a comfortable pre-flight relaxation spot.

No1 Traveller Lounge

You can find this lounge near Gate 50 in South Terminal. It is a luxurious lounge that caters to travellers looking for premium amenities such as comfortable armchairs, a spa, showers and a dedicated work area with computers and printers. It's perfect for anyone looking for an indulgent and relaxing pre-flight experience.

Club Aspire

Close to Gate 54 in South Terminal, this stylish lounge features a variety of seating options, a buffet selection of food and drinks, and dedicated workspaces. Business travellers will find this to be the ideal spot to unwind before their flight.

Did you know? You can add access to airport lounges when booking flights through Alternative Airlines! Take a look at our handy guide on how to add lounges to your booking right here.

North Terminal building at London Gatwick Airport

Airlines that fly to London Gatwick Airport

Hub airport for:
British Airways

Major airlines:
British Airways, easyJet, Norwegian Air, TUI Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

International airlines:
Air Canada, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Oman Air and Qatar Airways.

Regional airlines:
Aurigny Air, Eastern Airways, Loganair, TAP Portugal and Wizz Air.

Need a special service?

If you or a passenger on your booking require a special service to make the journey easier (such as wheelchair assistance or special medical equipment), we're here to help. Contact us today to discuss adding special services to your booking.

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London Gatwick Airport FAQs

Where is Gatwick Airport in London?

Gatwick Airport isn't actually located within London itself. It's situated in West Sussex - a county south of London. Although it's referred to as 'London Gatwick' due to its proximity to the city, it's technically not part of the Greater London area.

How far is London Gatwick Airport from London Heathrow Airport?

London Gatwick Airport is approximately 40 miles (64 km) away from London Heathrow Airport. Travel time can vary depending on traffic conditions, however, it typically takes 45-60 minutes by car.

How far away is London Gatwick Airport from London?

London Gatwick Airport is 29.5 miles (47.5 km) away from Central London.

How do I get from London Gatwick Airport to Southampton?

There are several options available if you're trying to reach Southampton from Gatwick Airport.

The quickest and most convenient option is by train. You can catch a train from Gatwick Airport Station that will take you directly to Southampton Central Station. It usually takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

Another option is by coach. National Express coaches offer regular services from Gatwick Airport to Southampton City Centre, taking around 2 hours.

The journey by car is around 1 hour 30 minutes via the M25 motorway, or you can also take a taxi, however, this is the most expensive option.

How do I get a taxi from London Gatwick Airport?

You can easily grab a taxi outside each terminal at London Gatwick Airport. You can either hail one or book one in advance through reputable providers like Gatwick Express Taxis or Addison Lee.

How do I get to Gatwick Airport from London by train?

There are 3 train services that connect London and Gatwick Airport - these are the Gatwick Express, Southern Trains and Thameslink.

Gatwick Express is the quickest option, taking only 30 minutes to get to London Victoria Station.

Southern Trains has a more frequent service to a broader variety of London stations, with travel times ranging around 40-60 minutes.

Thameslink provides a more scenic route through London, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the city centre.

How to transfer from London City Airport to Gatwick?

If you need to transfer from London City Airport to London Gatwick Airport, the best option is to take a taxi or pre-booked private car service, which takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. This can be very expensive though.

A cheaper alternative is to get a train or coach into Central London, then connect to another train or coach that will take you to Gatwick Airport, however, the journey is significantly longer.

Who owns London Gatwick Airport?

London Gatwick Airport isn't owned by a private organisation or individual but by a public company called Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL). This company is owned by a handful of investors including Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), AustralianSuper, California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS).