Last month, I nearly missed my flight because I got stuck in a monster queue at security. The week before, my cousin went to the wrong terminal and had to make a mad dash across the airport. Gatwick isn’t particularly complicated, but it does have its quirks.
After countless trips through this airport (and plenty of mistakes along the way), I’ve compiled everything you actually need to know – the stuff guidebooks gloss over, but locals would tell you over a pint.
Understanding Gatwick: The Basics
Gatwick sits about 45km (28 miles) south of Central London—close enough to be convenient, far enough to need a solid transport plan. It’s London’s second-largest airport, handling over 40 million passengers in 2023 across over 150 short-haul and 45 long-haul destinations.
The airport has two terminals—North and South—which are essentially separate airports connected by a free 2-minute shuttle. This is important to know because the train station is at the South Terminal, so if you’re heading to the North Terminal, you’ll need to factor in that shuttle ride.
Gatwick operates 24/7, 365 days a year, though security doesn’t open until 3:00 AM daily. Bear this in mind if you’ve got an early flight—you can be in the airport, but you won’t get through security until then.
Getting To and From Gatwick: Your Options Ranked
Let me break down your options from best to “only if you must”:
Trains: The Savvy Choice
The train is hands-down the most sensible way to get between London and Gatwick. The station is right inside the South Terminal, and there are several services to choose from:
Gatwick Express
- Non-stop service to London Victoria (30 minutes)
- £21.90 for a one-way ticket (cheaper if booked online)
- Trains every 15 minutes
- Most comfortable option with dedicated luggage space
Thameslink/Southern
- More affordable at £9-£12 (higher during peak hours)
- Connects to Victoria, London Bridge, St Pancras, and beyond
- Slightly slower with more stops
- Less luggage space and often more crowded
Top tip: Don’t bother buying a physical ticket—just use your contactless card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Tap in at the station when you board and tap out when you exit at your destination. It’s the same price as a regular ticket without the queue.
Coach Services: Budget-Friendly but Slow
National Express and Megabus both offer services from Gatwick to various London locations:
- Cheapest option at £8-£10 one-way
- Available 24/7 from both terminals
- Journey takes 2-2.5 hours (compared to 30-45 minutes by train)
- Coaches are comfortable with onboard toilets
The good news is that these coaches are reliable. The bad news? London traffic means journey times can be unpredictable, especially during rush hour.
Taxis: Convenient but Expensive
Official airport taxis operate from both terminals:
- Expect to pay £100+ to Central London
- Journey takes 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic
- Available 24/7 with no booking required
- Some drivers prefer cash
Uber and other rideshares operate at Gatwick, but be warned—drivers sometimes cancel when they see the distance to London. Pre-booking is strongly recommended.
Rental Cars: Think Twice
Unless you’re heading somewhere outside London, I’d avoid renting a car. London has excellent public transport, limited parking, and congestion charges. All major rental companies have desks at both terminals if you decide this is your best option.
Navigating the Airport: A Terminal Guide
South Terminal
The South Terminal is home to the train station and most of the budget airlines. It’s slightly older but has been recently renovated. The layout is pretty straightforward—after security, you’ll find yourself in the main departure lounge with shops and restaurants surrounding a central seating area.
North Terminal
The North Terminal handles many of the long-haul flights and feels a bit more modern. After security, the departure area is larger and spread across two floors, with most restaurants on the upper level.
Getting between terminals is simple—just follow signs for the free shuttle train that runs every few minutes and takes about 2 minutes.
Security: Getting Through Quickly
Security at Gatwick can get busy, especially during morning peak times (5:00 AM-7:00 AM) and afternoon rush (2:00 PM-4:00 PM).
For a smoother experience:
- Have your boarding pass ready (paper or digital)
- Remove liquids (in containers of 100ml or less) and place them in a clear plastic bag
- Take laptops and tablets out of your bag
- Remove jackets, belts, and empty your pockets
Top tip: Fast Track Security costs £6 per person and can be worth every penny during busy periods. You can buy this at the airport or in advance online (better option, since availability at the airport may be limited during peak hours).
Parking at Gatwick: Know Your Options
If you’re driving to Gatwick, you’ve got several official parking options:
Short Stay – Closest to the terminals, ideal for brief visits or when someone is being picked up/dropped off.
Long Stay – More economical for trips over a few days, with shuttle buses to the terminals.
Valet Parking – Drop your car right outside the terminal and have it waiting when you return.
Pre-booking is essential for the best rates, with prices starting from around £9 per day. The on-the-day rates are substantially higher.
For drop-offs, you’ll pay £6 for up to 10 minutes at the terminal drop-off zones (with £1 per additional minute), but there’s a free option if you’re not in a rush—both terminals offer 2 hours free parking in their Long Stay car parks with a courtesy shuttle to the terminal.
Eating and Drinking: Fuel Up Before Flying
Gatwick has seriously upped its food game in recent years. Both terminals offer everything from grab-and-go sandwiches to sit-down meals. Here’s what to expect:
South Terminal highlights:
- Wetherspoons (for budget-friendly breakfast and pints)
- Nando’s
- Wagamama
- Grain Store Cafe (good for healthier options)
North Terminal highlights:
- Juniper&Co Bar & Kitchen
- Starbucks
- Shake Shack
- Sonoma (great for breakfast)
- Wondertree (family-friendly with views of the runway)
Most restaurants have children’s menus and highchairs available. While some places claim to serve quickly, I wouldn’t bank on the “15-minute guarantee” that some airports advertise—Gatwick doesn’t officially offer this.
Top tip: Prices are higher than the high street but lower than Heathrow. If you’re on a budget, there’s a Boots in both terminals where you can grab a meal deal.
Shopping: Duty-Free and More
Both terminals have a good range of shops, with the usual airport suspects:
- World Duty Free (alcohol, beauty, confectionery)
- Boots (for essentials and meal deals)
- WHSmith (books, magazines, snacks)
- Accessorize, Fat Face, Ted Baker (clothing and accessories)
- Hamleys and LEGO (toys)
The South Terminal generally has a wider selection, but both offer plenty of last-minute shopping opportunities.
Top tip: You can “Reserve & Collect” items online up to 30 days before travel, which guarantees availability and sometimes offers discounts up to 10%.
Wi-Fi and Charging: Stay Connected
Gatwick offers free, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout both terminals—no registration required. Just select “GATWICK AIRPORT FREE WIFI” and you’re good to go.
Power outlets and USB charging points are available in the seating areas, though they can be in high demand during busy periods. The newer seating areas near gates often have power built into the tables or seats.
Lounges: Escape the Crowds
If you value peace and comfort before your flight, Gatwick’s pay-per-use lounges are worth considering:
No. 1 Lounges (both terminals):
- Complimentary food and soft drinks
- Alcoholic drinks from the tended bar
- Quiet areas and runway views
- Free Wi-Fi and newspapers
Plaza Premium Lounge (North Terminal):
- Extensive food menu
- Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Shower facilities
Prices start from around £30 per person for three hours’ access, and it’s advisable to book in advance as they can reach capacity during peak times.
Luggage Storage and Services
Need to stash your bags? The Excess Baggage Company has facilities in both terminals:
- Secure luggage storage (from £6 per item for up to 2 hours)
- Bag wrapping services
- Courier services
- Lost property assistance
Both locations are open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Time-Saving Travel Hacks
After countless trips through Gatwick, I’ve picked up a few tricks:
- Gate announcements come late – Gatwick often doesn’t display gate numbers until 30-40 minutes before departure. Once announced, move promptly as some gates can be a 15-minute walk.
- Walk further down the platform for train services – The front and middle of trains are often packed, but there’s usually space at the rear.
- Bring a pen – For non-EU flights, you might need to fill out arrival cards. Having your own pen saves time.
- Use Citymapper or Google Maps for planning your onward journey from Gatwick – They’ll give you real-time updates on the fastest route into London.
- Don’t forget to tap out with your contactless card at your destination station, or you’ll be charged the maximum fare.
Special Assistance: Accessible Travel
Gatwick offers comprehensive support for passengers who need additional assistance:
- Request special assistance at least 48 hours before travel through your airline
- Dedicated check-in desks and security lanes
- Accessible toilets and changing places
- Induction loops for hearing aid users
- Special assistance seating areas
Blue Badge holders can use the Premium set-down areas for free at both terminals.
Layovers at Gatwick: Making the Most of Your Time
If you’re facing a layover at Gatwick, here’s what to do depending on your timeframe:
Short layover (under 3 hours): Stay in the airport. Both terminals have enough to keep you occupied with shopping, dining, and free Wi-Fi.
Medium layover (3-6 hours): Consider a lounge pass for comfort or explore both terminals.
Long layover (6+ hours): If you don’t need to clear immigration (or have the appropriate visa), you could visit nearby Horley (15 minutes by taxi) or even Brighton (30 minutes by train) for a more interesting wait.
Bear in mind that if you leave the airport, you’ll need to go through security again, which can take time during busy periods.
Parting Thoughts: What I Wish Someone Had Told Me
Gatwick isn’t London’s biggest or most glamorous airport, but it’s efficient, well-connected, and generally less stressful than Heathrow. The train connections are excellent, the amenities are good, and with a bit of planning, you can have a smooth experience.
The biggest potential pain points are security wait times during peak hours and the distance to central London, but with Fast Track options and express train services, even these are manageable.
And remember—Gatwick is an airport, not a destination. Plan smartly, give yourself enough time, and you’ll be on your way to or from London with minimal fuss.
Safe travels!