Gatwick Airport (LGW) Guide
Quick summary
Gatwick is London's second-busiest airport and the world's busiest single-runway airport, roughly 45km south of central London in West Sussex. It has two terminals — North and South — linked by a free automated shuttle transit, with the fast Gatwick Express train reaching London Victoria in about 30 minutes.
Terminals at LGW
Gatwick has two terminals, North and South, connected by a free, automated inter-terminal shuttle transit that takes only 2-3 minutes to run between them. The rail station sits at the South Terminal, so if you land at North Terminal you take the shuttle across to reach the trains. Both terminals handle a mix of short-haul and long-haul international flights (easyJet is the largest carrier at North; British Airways and others operate from both), so always check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as they are not walkable outdoors. Each terminal has its own security, check-in and drop-off zone.
LGW parking rates & options
| Long Stay — per day (booked ahead) | About £16-£20 per day |
| Mid Stay — per day (booked ahead) | About £20-£28 per day |
| Short Stay — per hour | About £5 for the first hour |
| Valet / Premium parking | About £30+ per day |
| Drop-off fee (both terminals) | £10 for up to 10 minutes |
| Drop-off — extra time | £1 per additional 10 min (60 min max) |
🚆 Getting to & from the airport
Rail is the fastest way into London. The Gatwick Express runs non-stop to London Victoria in about 30 minutes; Thameslink services run through central London (London Bridge, Blackfriars, St Pancras) and up to Bedford, while Southern serves Victoria and Clapham Junction. All trains depart from the station attached to the South Terminal. National Express and easyBus coaches serve Victoria Coach Station and other cities. Licensed taxis and rideshare (Uber, Bolt) use designated pickup zones — a taxi to central London runs roughly £100-£130 and takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. For most travellers the train beats road for both cost and time.
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🛋️ Lounges
Both terminals have paid lounges open to any passenger. No1 Lounge and My Lounge operate at the South Terminal, and Aspire and Clubrooms lounges are also available; the North Terminal has the No1 Lounge and British Airways lounges. Many accept Priority Pass, LoungeKey and pay-on-the-door bookings, and pre-booking online is usually cheaper than walking up.
📶 Wi-Fi
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals — connect to the "_Gatwick Free Wifi" network, open a browser and follow the short sign-in.
😴 Layovers & overnight
Gatwick is reasonable for a layover but is not a true 24-hour airport — landside areas quieten overnight and seating with power is limited once shops close. The best food and comfortable seating are in the departure lounges after security. For overnight stays, the Gatwick Sofitel is directly connected to the North Terminal by covered walkway, and a BLOC hotel sits within the South Terminal itself; both are the easiest onsite options. Remember the two terminals are only linked airside by the free shuttle, so factor that into tight connections.
Insider tips
- Book parking online in advance — Gatwick advertises savings of up to 60% versus turning up on the day.
- The drop-off fee is £10 for 10 minutes at both terminals; to avoid it, use the free long-stay car park and its shuttle bus, where drop-off is free.
- Confirm whether your flight is North or South Terminal before you set off — they are not walkable outdoors, only via the free internal shuttle.
- For central London, the Gatwick Express to Victoria is fastest, but Thameslink can be cheaper and drops you at more central stops like St Pancras.
- Blue Badge holders are exempt from the drop-off charge.
LGW airport — FAQ
How much is parking at Gatwick?
Long Stay is about £16-£20 per day when booked in advance, Mid Stay about £20-£28 per day, and Short Stay around £5 for the first hour. Valet and premium options start from about £30 per day. Booking online ahead of time can save up to 60% versus the drive-up rate.
How do I get to central London from Gatwick?
The Gatwick Express runs non-stop to London Victoria in about 30 minutes. Thameslink trains serve central stops such as London Bridge, Blackfriars and St Pancras, and are often cheaper. Trains depart from the South Terminal station. A taxi to central London costs roughly £100-£130 and takes 60-90 minutes.
Is Wi-Fi free at Gatwick?
Yes. Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available across both terminals. Connect to "_Gatwick Free Wifi", open a browser and complete the short sign-in.
How do I get between terminals at Gatwick?
A free, automated inter-terminal shuttle transit links the North and South Terminals in just 2-3 minutes. The two terminals are not walkable outdoors, so use the shuttle if your connection or the rail station requires the other terminal.
Is there a drop-off fee at Gatwick?
Yes. From January 2026 the drop-off charge at both terminals is £10 for up to 10 minutes, then £1 for each extra 10 minutes up to a 60-minute maximum. You can avoid it by using the free long-stay car park and its shuttle bus. Blue Badge holders are exempt.
Sources
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Gatwick Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often — always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.