Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport is the UK’s second busiest airport after Heathrow Airport with over 31 million passengers travelling through every year. No frills airlines such as easyJet and RyanAir fly regularly from Gatwick, as do charter airlines such as Thomson Fly and Thomas Cook. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and US Airways cover destinations which are further afield, making Gatwick a popular choice for family holidays, business trips and long haul journeys alike. More than 200 destinations can be reached from Gatwick, from domestic and European location to airports in in Africa, Asia and the USA. 

Getting to Gatwick Airport

By car

The airport is located 28 miles south of London. There are two terminals, north and south. Flight documentation and tickets will indicate which terminal a plane departs from. Be sure to check before you travel as the terminals are a short distance apart. If using a sat nav, programme in the following: 

North Terminal – RH6 0PJ

South Terminal – RH6 0NP

If approaching from the M23 exit at junction 9

If approaching from the M25 exit at Junction 7

Drop off points are clearly signed on the approach roads for both terminals, and are within designated areas on the terminal forecourts. Cars picking passengers up must use one of the short stay car parks.

In terms of Gatwick Airport Parking, there are several pre-bookable options. It is strongly advised that passengers pre-book, as this will cut the cost of parking fees by up to 50%. 

The most convenient parking option is Meet and Greet, available in North and South terminals. Book this service online, then simply drop your car off in one of the short stay car parks and walk straight to check-in. Your car will then be parked by a valet and will be brought back round to the short stay upon your return. At south terminal this service is located on level 2 of the RED short stay car park. At north terminal it is located on lever 3 of short stay car park 5. In both cases, follow signs for valet parking. 

Short Stay Car Parks are signposted on the approach roads, and are a few minute’s walk from the terminal buildings. Use these for stays of up to two days. One hour costs £5.60. Reduce costs by booking online. Car park 3 has a special tariff for cars picking passengers up. 

Long Stay Car Parks are suitable for stays over two days. 

South Terminal: Long Stay South Terminal car park is a self parking facility close to the terminal building. A courtesy coach takes 5 minutes to reach the terminal from this location. Coaches run every 10 minutes 24 hours a day. Alternatively, choose Long Stay Plus for stays over 5 days. If you chose this option, valet staff will park your car leaving you to make the 2-3 minute courtesy coach transfer to the terminal. On return, you can then pick up your keys from reception and your car will be waiting nearby. The price of £11.50 per day for either of these services can be greatly reduced by booking online. 

North Terminal: Gatwick Long Stay North is closest to the North Terminal and is a self-parking facility. Courtesy coaches run every 10 minutes 24 hours a day, taking 5 minutes to reach the terminal. Prices of £11.50 per day can be reduced by booking online. Summer Special Parking (open all year) is a valet service. Hand in your keys at reception and your car will be parked for you. This also costs £11.50 per day if not pre-booked. 

Another possibility is Long Stay Plus Return Valet. Parking your car upon arrival is still down to you, but a valet will bring your car directly to the terminal building when you return from your trip, adding the convenience of a speedy, no hassle exit. Book in advance for the lowest price.

Another option is to stay at an airport hotel before you travel. Some include a parking deal whereby you can combine parking and hotel costs. Compare the price of Gatwick Airport Hotels and view parking deals online. 

By Taxi

Airport Cars - Gatwick have booking offices in the north and south terminals. Journeys to central London take approximately one hour at a cost of £95. For other destinations, request a quote. These taxis can be pre-booked. 

By Train

The Gatwick Express runs directly to Gatwick Airport. This service runs from London Victoria every 15 minutes and takes 30 minutes, arriving into the station at South Terminal. For those departing from North Terminal there is a free shuttle from the south terminal station which takes approximately 5 minutes. 

First Capital Connect trains run to the airport station from Brighton, Bedford, East Croydon, London Bridge, St Pancras International and Luton. 

Southern trains run from East Croydon, Clapham Junction, Brighton, Eastbourne, Portsmouth and Southampton. 

First Great Western run from Redhill, Guilford and Reading. 

By Bus or Coach

Coaches and Buses travel directly to Gatwick from the following destinations: London, Brighton, Heathrow, Bristol, Birmingham, Oxford, Cambridge, Norwich. In total, around 400 destinations are connected to the airport, although transfers will need to be made in many instances. Plan your journey using coach company websites.

Easy Bus operates the service from London, departing from Earls Court or West Brompton and running directly to both the north and south terminals. This bus costs £2 and departs every 15 minutes at peak times taking approximately one hour. 

National Express coaches run to the airport from a variety of UK destinations and ticket desks are located in both Gatwick terminals. Check the National Express website for fares and timetables. 

Local buses also run frequently to both north and south terminals from Horley, Redhill, East Grinstead, Catterham and Horsham. 

Staying at Gatwick Airport

Passengers travel from all over the UK to fly from Gatwick due its range of airlines and destinations. Those doing so or with a very early flight may wish to stay at a Gatwick Airport Hotel. Options range from three to five star. 

Travelodge Gatwick Airport

One of the most trustworthy and economic Gatwick hotel options, the three star Travelodge Gatwick is just 1.8 miles from the airport. Parking packages can be booked as part of a hotel stay for extra convenience. Facilities include a restaurant and bar. A hotel shuttle bus runs to both terminals everyday from 03.20 until 00.20. This costs £3.20 per adult and takes approximately 10 minutes.

Gatwick Hilton

The four star Hilton has to be the most convenient Gatwick hotel option, situated within the airport grounds. The south terminal is reached via a covered walkway. North terminal is reached via a five minute, free shuttle transfer.  A gym, coffee shop, bars and restaurants are all part of the exceptional facilities. For ultimate convenience, a Meet and Greet parking deal is also available. Cars can then be left at the front of the hotel to be parked by a valet for the duration of your trip then brought back upon return. A covered walkway links the hotel with the airports’ station, should you arrive by train. 

Gatwick Airport Lounges

No. 1 Lounges are situated in the South and North terminals and are a great place to relax before a flight. Complimentary drinks, snacks, newspapers, wifi and internet access are all provided. Lounges can be accessed for three hours before a flight and children are very welcome. Book online to save on costs. 

Servisair Lounges are also located in both terminals offering complimentary drinks, snack, TV, newspapers, magazines and internet access. Note that children are not allowed in these lounges, but there is a separate Gatwick Family Lounge for those travelling with under 12s. 

Gatwick Airport Destinations and Airlines: