London Gatwick Airport Guide

Item: London Gatwick
Rating: 5
Author: Loungeindex

Terminal Map

airline lounges

airport train

airport Hotel

London Gatwick Airport South Terminal

London's second airport, Gatwick Airport is just 30 miles (50km) south of the capital, and is a vast, modern airport, albeit with some rather old infrastructure. Always playing second fiddle to it's far larger cousin, Heathrow, to the north, it has some unusual characteristics. It is the busiest single-use runway airport in the world, it is known as the bucket and spade airport (for holiday makers - those on Business use Heathrow) and due to the holiday traffic, most passengers are British, flying out, unlike again at Heathrow. It was the world's first airport with airbridges. Don't miss the record-breaking bridge in the North Terminal, opened in 2005, linking Pier 6, which is the largest air passenger bridge in the world, spanning a taxiway, and at the time the only bridge over an airport, anywhere. The second-busiest airport by total passenger traffic in the United Kingdom, it is the eighth-busiest airport in the Europe, with 50 million passengers a year. In August, it seems like every single one is in the departure lounge. Travel through in November, and you can feel like the only one there. The airport is split over two totally separate terminals, the North Terminal and the South Terminal

Travel between North and South Terminals

The North and South Terminals are connected by a 0.75-mile (1.2 km), elevated, two-way automated people mover landside, which is free. They are not connected once past security.

London Gatwick Airport South Terminal

The South Terminal experience as a whole is now much improved, which much better shops. This is the terminal used by British Airways, and it is now a short walk from the train station.

London Gatwick Airport North Terminal

Take the free monorail from the South Terminal to get to the north, if you arrive by train.

First & Business Class lounges at London Gatwick Airport

Airport Pay in, First & Business Class lounges

London Gatwick Airport transport

London Gatwick to Heathrow Airport

Travelling from London Gatwick to Heathrow Airport isn't always easy, or quick. Allow at least three hours between flights, and there are no direct trains between Heathrow and Gatwick. The only direct public transport link is by road, on the National Express coach. This uses the M25 motorway, which can often be snarled up. The fare is around £35 one-way, per person.

London Gatwick Airport train

Gatwick Airport is one of the easier airports to catch a train to and from. The airport railway station, next to the South Terminal, with fast connection to Brighton and London (both Victoria and London Bridge stations). Gatwick Express runs every 15 minutes to London Victoria Station (journey time: 30 minutes; fares from £19.90 - 10% discount is available if booked online. Oyster cards can now be used on this service. Often, normal regular trains to Victoria take just as long, and are much cheaper.

London Gatwick Airport Trains

London Gatwick Airport shuttle bus services

The main coach station is located on the ground floor of the South Terminal, with most services operating from here. Principal routes also stop at the North Terminal. There are desks providing coach information and tickets in the arrivals concourses of both terminals. National Express operates services to central London from both terminals. The National Express Shuttle coach 25 connects to London Victoria Station and the journey time is approximately 1 hour.

London Gatwick Airport taxi services

Getting a taxi to and from London Gatwick Airport is usually trouble free. Taxis wait in ranks outside the terminal buildings. Fares into central London are around £100, and are therefore vastly more expensive than taking the train.

Car Hire at London Gatwick Airport

Major car hire operators are located in the Arrivals Halls. To save time and ensure you get the car you want, book your rental in advance. Rental car operators from London Gatwick Airport include: Europcar, Thrifty, Avis and Budget.

Car parking

London Gatwick Airport car parking is quite good. If you are driving to Gatwick Airport, just turn off the M23 onto the motorway spur road at junction 9A of the M23. The M25 is just 9 miles to the north. The airport has long- and short-stay car parks at the airport and off-site.

London Gatwick Airport Bars and Restaurants

There are loads of bars at Gatwick Airport. Weatherspoons operate a choice of three pubs, including the newly refurbished one in the South Terminal.


Weatherspoons Gatwick - The Flying Horse

Weatherspoons Bar - The Flying Horse

Open: 0300-2300 South Terminal, Airside
The Flying Horse, having first opened in May 2008, has now been rebuilt and extended, creating a brand-new larger pub. It has a fully open kitchen and feature cellar, so you can see what goes on behind the scenes. A friendly service and a laid back atmosphere offering tasty meals and a great selection of wines and beers.

The Beehive

Weatherspoons Bar - The Beehive

Open: 1100-2300 South Terminal, Landside
Also at Gatwick, The Beehive can be found in the South Terminal (before security). This Wetherspoon pub, apart from its typical menu, offers great views of arrivals. Enjoy a cold beer and burger pre security.


London Gatwick Weatherspoons Bar

Weatherspoons Bar - The Red Lion

Open: 0600-2300 North Terminal, airside
Be sure to visit The Red Lion (after security), in the international departures lounge. Classic pub snacks and drinks served in a relaxing, laid back atmosphere, perfect for families.


Gatwick Jamie Oliver's Bar

Gatwick Jamie Oliver's Bar

Open: 0400-2300 South Terminal, airside

Great quality feel-good food! Make sure to stop in before your flight to try a range of homely dishes as well as a great selection of american dishes.

The London Bar

The London Bar

Open: 0600-2300 South Terminal, airside


The Giraffe Bar

Giraffe Bar

Open: 0400-2100 South Terminal, airside

Offers perfect wake-up coffee and some great quick dishes if you're on the go, Or sit back and relax with a heart Full English!

London Gatwick airport LGW: London Gatwick Airport Guide - Terminal map, airport guide, lounges, bars, restaurants & reviews with images Airport review with maps by loungeindex
Loungeindex rating: 5 out of 10
London Gatwick Airport Code: LGW
ICAO Code:	EGKK	Timezone:	UTC+0 (DST+3)
Elevation:	203 ft (62 m)	Runways:	1 (2alt)
Latitude:	51.148	Longitude:	-0.190