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Airport Transportation

London Gatwick Airport

Also known as: Gatwick Airport, Gatwick, London Gatwick.

LGW · EGKK · London

Airport facts

Name
London Gatwick Airport
IATA code
LGW
ICAO code
EGKK
City
London
Country
England
Coordinates
51.1487, -0.1857
Time zone
Europe/London

About London Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is London's second-busiest airport, in England, United Kingdom. It sits near Crawley in West Sussex, about 30 miles south of central London, between London and the south coast at Brighton.

easyJet is the largest airline here, and British Airways, Wizz Air, TUI, Vueling, Jet2, Norse Atlantic, Ryanair and Norwegian add flights across Europe, to North Africa and the Middle East, and to the Caribbean and North America. Much of the traffic is leisure travel, with many holiday flights in summer.

The airport has two terminals, North and South, joined by a free automated shuttle train that runs landside, before security. Gatwick's own railway station is at the South Terminal. The main runway is supported by a second, northern runway that is normally used as a taxiway; in September 2025 the government approved plans to bring it into regular use.

From the airport, most travelers head into central London, south to Brighton and the Sussex coast, or across Surrey and Kent. Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Southern trains run to London.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Gatwick Airport Limited (majority owned by Vinci)

Runways

One main runway (08R/26L), plus a northern runway normally used as a taxiway

Passengers per year

About 43.2 million in 2024

Terminals

Two: North Terminal and South Terminal

Arrival tips for London Gatwick Airport

Check whether your flight lands at the North or the South Terminal before anyone comes to meet you. If you need the other terminal, or the railway station at the South Terminal, take the free shuttle train between them.

You clear UK passport control first. Many visitors can use the automatic eGates, while others queue at the staffed desks, and queues can build when several flights land together. Most visitors who do not need a visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. After baggage claim, use the green channel if you have nothing to declare or the red channel if you do.

In the arrivals hall, follow the signs for trains, coaches, buses or taxis. Trains leave from Gatwick station at the South Terminal: Gatwick Express runs non-stop to Victoria, Thameslink goes through London Bridge and St Pancras, and Southern serves Victoria and Brighton. Taxis wait outside both terminals, and pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.

The UK is on GMT in winter and BST (GMT+1) in summer, and uses pounds sterling.

Ground transportation

Trains are the quickest way into London; a taxi or pre-booked car suits luggage, groups and places off the rail lines.

  • Gatwick Express to Victoria

    Non-stop trains from the South Terminal station to London Victoria. Quick and simple, but pricier than the other trains.

  • Thameslink and Southern trains

    Thameslink runs to London Bridge, Blackfriars, St Pancras and beyond; Southern runs to Victoria, London Bridge and south to Brighton. Cheaper than the Express.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, the easiest option for families, groups and addresses away from the stations.

  • Taxi from Gatwick

    Taxis wait at the ranks outside both terminals. Handy for nearby towns, but expensive into central London.

  • National Express coach

    Coaches to Heathrow, Stansted and other cities across England. Cheap, but slower than the train.

  • Local buses

    Metrobus services run to Crawley, Horley, Redhill, Horsham and Caterham.

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Moving between terminals

  1. Inter-terminal shuttle train

    A free automated train runs between the North and South terminals on an elevated track of about 0.75 miles. It runs landside, so you take it before security.

Terminals

North Terminal

One of Gatwick's two terminals, home to easyJet's main operation and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. Linked to the South Terminal by the shuttle train.

South Terminal

The terminal with Gatwick's railway station, for Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Southern trains. It reopened in March 2022 after a closure from 2020.

Airlines and destinations

This directory lists the main airlines at Gatwick; check your booking for your terminal, North or South.

British Airways

European and long-haul leisure routes

Airline guide

easyJet

Cities and holiday destinations across Europe

Airline guide

Jet2

Holiday destinations in Europe

Airline guide

Norse Atlantic Airways

Long-haul routes to North America

Ryanair

European destinations

Airline guide

TUI Airways

Holiday destinations in Europe and long-haul

Airline guide

Vueling

Spain and other European destinations

Airline guide

Wizz Air

Central and Eastern Europe and beyond

Airline guide

Airport lounges

  • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, North Terminal

    For Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers and eligible members.

  • V Room, North Terminal

    Virgin Holidays' lounge for its long-haul holiday customers.

Parking

Short-stay car parks

Multi-storey car parks at both terminals, for pickups and short visits.

Long-stay car parks

On-airport long-stay parking with buses to the terminals; it often fills in summer, so booking ahead is wise.

Off-airport parking

Independent car parks nearby with shuttle buses, as local planning rules limit parking around the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Gatwick Airport from central London?

London Gatwick is about 30 miles south of central London, near Crawley in West Sussex. The Gatwick Express runs non-stop to London Victoria, and Thameslink and Southern trains also run into London from the station at the South Terminal.

How many terminals does Gatwick have?

Gatwick has two terminals, North and South. A free automated shuttle train links them on the landside, before security. The railway station is at the South Terminal, so passengers at the North Terminal take the shuttle to reach the trains.

How do I get from the North Terminal to the South Terminal at Gatwick?

Take the free inter-terminal shuttle train, which runs on an elevated track of about 0.75 miles between the two terminals. It runs landside, so take it before you go through security.

What is the best train from Gatwick to London?

The Gatwick Express is the quickest non-stop service to London Victoria. Thameslink trains run through London Bridge, Blackfriars and St Pancras, and Southern trains serve Victoria and London Bridge. Thameslink and Southern are usually cheaper than the Express.

Can I get from Gatwick to Brighton?

Yes. Brighton is south of Gatwick on the Sussex coast, and Southern and Thameslink trains run there from the station at the South Terminal. A taxi or pre-booked car is easier with heavy luggage or for addresses away from the station.

Do I need an ETA to fly into Gatwick?

Most visitors who do not need a visa for the UK, including travelers from the US and the EU, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they fly to Gatwick or any UK airport. Apply online before your trip. Visitors who need a visa apply for that instead.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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