London Gatwick Airport
Also known as: Gatwick Airport, Gatwick, London Gatwick.
Private transfer from LGWSee pricesSee pricesAbout 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.
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Book a transfer from LGWGatwick 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.
Moving between terminals
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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
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.