An Airport Guide to London Gatwick Airport (2025)

London Gatwick Airport is a busy, bustling airport that can be hard to navigate, so we share how to get to Gatwick, shops & restaurants in Gatwick and more.

It occurred to me that whenever we book a flight, I always find myself searching the internet for information on the Airport so that I can start planning and get excited about the trip.

I decided that I would write some Airport Guides to share our own experience at airports, share any tips and give you an idea of what restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops to expect.

So what better airport to start with than an Airport Guide to London Gatwick Airport.

I was brought up here and my parents still live approximately 7 minutes from this Airport. I spent my summers working as a check-in and gates lady, working ridiculous hours to save up for our first Asia trip.

If you are flying with children, don’t forget to read these top tips for flying with kids! 

An Airport Guide to London Gatwick Airport

Where is Gatwick Airport?

Located 30 minutes outside of London, London Gatwick is a hub of international flights jetting around the World. Predominantly serving Europe, Gatwick has increased its flights to America and Asia over the past few years and can often be a cheaper alternative to flying to Heathrow.

With a direct train into London taking between 30 – 45 minutes, Gatwick is arguably the most convenient and quickest way to get to London, ideal when planning your first trip to London. London Heathrow is its contender but with the train taking around an hour or more to get into the centre of London, I would recommend Gatwick.

Once you are in the capital, there are plenty of ways to get around London, with the underground being Thebes option.

Getting to Gatwick Airport

Getting to London Gatwick Airport is relatively simple from most areas in London and the South of England. Gatwick has direct trains to London Victoria, Farringdon Station, St Pancras International, and Luton Airport.

It also serves direct trains to seaside destinations like Brighton and Eastbourne as well as popular tourist spots Chichester and Portsmouth; all great day trips from London. If you are staying in London, you catch a train to London Victoria and then take the underground to the station that is nearest to your hotel.

I use the Transport for London website to get the fastest and cheapest routes from one place to another. Easy Bus also offers coach rides to and from London, costing as little as £2.

If you are heading to Edinburgh, you may choose to take the Caledonian Sleeper train for the experience!

Layout of Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick Airport is made up of two Terminals (North and South) with airlines flying from either/and making it a bit confusing!

Luckily, there is a short overground rail link that can take you from one terminal to the other in a few minutes but check your ticket to find your terminal.

North Terminal

• Home to major airlines, including easyJet, Emirates, and TUI Airways.
• Features a variety of shops, restaurants, and lounges, including No1 Lounge and Emirates Lounge.
• Offers efficient security and immigration facilities, with automated e-gates for eligible travelers.
• Connected to the South Terminal by a free, 24-hour automated shuttle that takes about two minutes.

South Terminal

• The original terminal at Gatwick, hosting airlines like British Airways, Vueling, and Wizz Air.
• Offers extensive shopping and dining choices, including duty-free stores, cafés, and restaurants.
• Houses premium lounges such as the Club Aspire Lounge and No1 Lounge.
• Serves as the primary terminal for long-haul flights and legacy carriers.

Both terminals provide essential amenities, including baggage services, family-friendly facilities, and accessibility support. Gatwick’s well-connected transport links make it easy to reach London and beyond.

Parking at Gatwick Airport

There are various parking options for those wanting to park their car at London Gatwick Airport.

Located next to the airport is a short stay car park for those picking up family and friends or further away is a long stay car park for those wanting to leave their car nearby. From the Gatwick long stay car park, there are shuttle buses available but this can take some time so arrive extra early.

You may wish to take out the hassle of packing up and getting the bus to the terminal by choosing a meet and greet service.

Premier Parking Gatwick allows you to drive to the closest point of the terminal, unload luggage and then a member of staff parks your car for you at a nearby secure car park for the duration of your trip.

Staying near Gatwick Airport

If you plan to stay the night at London Gatwick Airport, there are a selection of options for you.

Located on-site, you can stay at Yotel Air located in the South Terminal, an unusual hotel with cabins with private bathrooms, workstations, Monsoon showers free wifi, and free tea and coffee 24/7. You can book a night or just a few hours – perfect for a stopover!

Just a short walk from the North Terminal of London Gatwick Airport, is the Hampton By Hilton hotel (a place I found myself attending meetings and meet & greets whilst working for Swissport). These rooms offer more spacious and luxurious options.

The BLOC hotel is located in the South Terminal and offers views of the runway. This is the ideal place to stay when you have an early flight the next day and prides itself on its state-of-the-art technology with its customizable lighting, remote-powered blinds, and check-in/check-out machines. You can also save money at the airport bars and restaurants using the BLOC guest offers.

Within a 10-minute drive, you can also find a Travelodge, Premier Inn, Ibis (another former job of mine), and Holiday Inn that can get you to the airport via taxi for under £20 – this is a better choice for those traveling as a family.

Airlines and Terminals at Gatwick

There is a vast collection of airlines that use Gatwick but below are the main airlines and which terminals you can find them in. You can check the airport “which terminal?” page on their website to double check.

North Terminal:

• British Airways
• easyJet (operates from both North and South Terminals; verify your flight’s departure terminal with the airline)
• Emirates
• TUI Airways (flight numbers beginning with ‘TOM’ operate from North Terminal; those beginning with ‘BY’ operate from South Terminal)
• WestJet

South Terminal:

• Wizz Air
• Aer Lingus
• Norwegian Air Shuttle
• Ryanair
• Vueling

Security at Gatwick

To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey through London Gatwick Airport, it’s essential to be prepared for security screening. Pack liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 100ml or less, and place them in a clear, resealable plastic bag before reaching security.

Remove large electronics, such as laptops and tablets, from your hand luggage and place them in separate trays. Wear easily removable shoes and avoid excessive metal accessories to speed up the screening process.

Gatwick also offers family and assistance lanes for travelers needing extra support.

Always check airline baggage restrictions in advance and arrive early—at least two hours before short-haul flights and three hours for long-haul departures—to allow ample time for security checks.

When to arrive before your flight

Long Haul flights: Check-in opens 4 hours before your flight.

European flights: Check-in opens 3 hours before your flight.

UK and Ireland flights: Check-in opens 2 hours before your flight.

For some airlines, you may be able to check in the day before, online, or use the self-service check-in kiosks.

Shopping at London Gatwick Airport

My favorite part of airports – wandering around aimlessly looking at the shops, and London Gatwick Airport isn’t short of them! There are lots of different stores found in both terminals, with both terminals having large duty-free areas. These are just a few shops that can be found and the ones I like to check out before traveling:

Restaurants in London Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick Airport has a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from, across both terminals. Most restaurants open at around 5am at the airport, ideal for those early flights – I hate arriving at an airport around 6am to find nothing open! Anyway, here are my top picks:

North Terminal

• BrewDog: A haven for craft beer enthusiasts, BrewDog features 20 taps of craft beer alongside an all-day menu of favorites. The venue also includes a games zone and photobooth, making it an ideal spot to relax before your flight. 
• The Breakfast Club: Known for its hearty breakfast offerings, The Breakfast Club serves classic dishes and beverages, ensuring travelers start their journey on a satisfying note.
• Sonoma: Bringing a taste of California to Gatwick, Sonoma offers a relaxed atmosphere with a menu inspired by West Coast cuisine, perfect for those seeking a light meal or a refreshing drink.
• Giraffe: A family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of international dishes, Giraffe provides a vibrant atmosphere with options ranging from burgers to salads, catering to diverse palates.
• Pret A Manger: Ideal for travelers on the go, Pret A Manger offers freshly made sandwiches, salads, and organic coffee, ensuring a quick and healthy meal option.

South Terminal

• Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar: For a luxurious pre-flight experience, this seafood bar offers premium selections like oysters, lobster, and caviar, complemented by a fine selection of champagnes. 
• Nando’s: Famous for its flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, Nando’s provides a casual dining experience with a range of spicy dishes to suit various heat preferences.
• Wondertree: Offering a global menu with dishes inspired by various cuisines, Wondertree provides a vibrant setting, making it a great spot for families and groups.
• PizzaExpress: Specializing in Italian cuisine, PizzaExpress serves a variety of pizzas and pastas in a relaxed environment, perfect for those craving classic Italian flavors. 
• The Flying Horse: A traditional British pub offering a range of classic dishes and a selection of beers, providing a cozy atmosphere for travelers looking to unwind. 

Gatwick Airport Tips

• Know Your Terminal – London Gatwick Airport has two terminals (North and South), and your airline will determine which one you need. Check your ticket or the Gatwick website before arriving. A free monorail connects the terminals in about two minutes.

• The train station is located in the South Terminal of London Gatwick Airport, so if you land in the North then use the tram across to the South Terminal.

• Arrive Early – For international flights, aim to arrive three hours before departure, and for domestic or short-haul flights, two hours is usually sufficient.

• Security Preparation – Pack liquids under 100ml in a clear, resealable bag, and remove electronics like laptops and tablets from your carry-on before reaching security to speed up the process.

• Transport to London – The Gatwick Express train is the fastest way to central London, reaching London Victoria in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, Southern and Thameslink trains provide connections to multiple parts of the city, while coaches like National Express offer budget-friendly options.

• Currency & Payments – While card payments are widely accepted, it’s useful to have some British pounds (£GBP) for smaller purchases or emergencies. Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available in both terminals.

• Luggage Services – If you need to store luggage, Excess Baggage Company offers storage services at both terminals, useful if you have time to explore before checking in.

• Dining & Shopping – Gatwick has a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops. If you have time, you can enjoy duty-free shopping or grab a meal before boarding, but be aware that some restaurants can get busy during peak hours.

• Stay Connected – Gatwick offers free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. Charging stations are also available in many seating areas, but bringing a UK plug adapter (Type G) is helpful if you’re traveling from abroad.

• Airport Lounges – If you want a more relaxed experience, consider booking access to one of Gatwick’s lounges, such as No1 Lounge or Club Aspire, which offer food, drinks, and comfortable seating.

• Be Prepared for Immigration – If you’re arriving in the UK, ensure you have your passport and any required visasready. ePassport gates can speed up the process for eligible travelers.

• Traveling with children – Gatwick prides itself on being the first Family Friendly accredited airport and lives up to the name with kids zones, dedicated family security lanes, children menus across several restaurants, complimentary amenities such as buggies and pushchairs as well as a pre-order option for baby milk so you can feed once through security.

• Check-in online – Most airlines offer this now and it beats queuing for ages; especially if you are flying in the morning. If you check in online, you can take advantage of the short and fast-track bag drop line then head straight through security. Whilst working at Gatwick, it becomes a weekly habit for the computer systems to crash in the middle of the morning shift, causing ridiculously long lines!

• Traffic – The M25 and M23 can clog up with cars quickly during the summer months. Use an app such as RAC Traffic to check traffic updates and adjust your route accordingly. As someone who literally lived on the M23, any of the exits to Crawley can get you to Gatwick in just a few extra minutes and should be used if the traffic is slow.

• Boarding – As with most airports in the UK, boarding begins around 45 minutes before the time of your flight.

• Security – There are clear signs around the security area of what you can and can’t take in your hand luggage. The rules can change but generally, any liquids 100mls or under is fine to take in your hand luggage, anything over 100ml or any sharp objects need to go into your check-in luggage.

• Wifi – Gatwick Airport does offer 45 minutes of free WiFi with additional time available to purchase.

• Don’t be stupid – I shouldn’t really have to include this but I will just incase. There were far too many people that weren’t allowed to catch their flight because they had said the wrong thing or drank too much at the bar. London Gatwick, like most busy city airports, will not let people fly if they are any risk in the slightest.

• Budget food – For those on a budget, head to Marks and Spencers (available in both terminals). Sandwiches are more expensive than your typical supermarket in the UK but they are still the cheapest option for eating at the airport and the quality of food is fantastic. (Did I mention I also briefly worked at an M&S? Saving for travels = lots of jobs!)

• Staying the night? – If you have a long layover or choose to head to Gatwick the night before an early flight but can’t afford a hotel then go for it! Head to the South Terminal and take the escalator or lift to the second floor (follow the signs for security) where you’ll find a comfortable lounge area with a few reclining seats available and much more comfortable chairs than in the North Terminal. The South Terminal also has a lot of different cafes and shops that remain open throughout the night, meaning you don’t go hungry and have plenty of options.

• Backpacking London? – London on a budget can be a challenge, so make sure to read this complete guide to backpacking London to learn about where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in London without breaking the bank.

Things to Know Before You Go to the UK

London Gatwick Airport F.A.Q

Is Gatwick better than Heathrow?

In my opinion, yes, but I grew up around the corner. Heathrow is nearer to central London and you can just take the tube into the city. However, Gatwick has more budget friendly options and is generally less crowded. 

Is Gatwick easy to get to from London?

Gatwick is around a 20 minute journey from London using the Express train, while normal trains (which cost less) takes around 40 minutes. The train goes into London Victoria, which is well connected to plenty of great hotels, and the Underground station as well as main bus station in the city. 

Is London Gatwick a big airport?

Yes, it is the second largest airport in the UK and has two terminals sharing one runway. However, there have been talks of building a second runway in the future but this has not yet been confirmed as of 2025. 

How much is a taxi from Gatwick to London?

A taxi will cost you between £60-£120, depending on the time you travel. For example, from South Terminal to Chelsea FC Stadium in South London on a Thursday evening in February (when I am writing this post), the Uber app is quoting a price of £68.