London Gatwick Airport
London, GB · 47.5 km (29.5 mi) south of central London
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Addison Lee Private car · Pre-booked 24/7 service; same-day bookings often available but subject to fleet availability | Roughly 60-90 min Gatwick–central London, depending on traffic and exact destination | Commonly quoted in the £80-140 range Gatwick–central London depending on vehicle class and time; fixed price agreed at booking |
| Bolt Rideshare · On-demand 24/7 but with noticeably fewer cars than Uber at some times of day | About 60-90 min Gatwick–central London depending on route and traffic | User reports generally in the £35-65 range Gatwick–central London, usually slightly under comparable Uber quotes at the same time |
| Gatwick Express Train · Every 15 minutes | 30-35 min | £19.90-23.50 one-way standard adult bought at station; cheaper advance and railcard discounts sometimes available |
| Great Western Railway to Reading Train · Around hourly at best during the day; some gaps at off-peak times and late at night | Roughly 75-90 min when using direct or semi-direct services | Varies widely; often around £20-35 one-way Gatwick–Reading depending on time and advance purchase |
Insider notes
For cheaper rail travel, use Southern or Thameslink instead of the Gatwick Express and save around £10 each way.
Allocate 10 extra minutes for the North Terminal’s automated people mover during peak times.
EasyJet and Wizz at LGW often enforce baggage size at the gate, so pay for extra baggage in advance.
Welcome
Flying through London Gatwick Airport often means navigating a space that feels like two distinct entities. In the North Terminal, there's a modern and organized vibe dominated by easyJet flights. Meanwhile, the South Terminal is a bustling blend of budget flyers and long-haul traffic, where rail links help ease the chaos. Frequent flyers often choose Gatwick over Heathrow for its budget-friendly options and efficient rail connections to central London and beyond. Independent lounges cater to leisure travelers, offering a respite in this busy hub.
At a glance
Handling over 41 million passengers a year, Gatwick is the second busiest airport in the UK after Heathrow. It features two terminals: the North Terminal and the South Terminal. Located approximately 47.5 km south of central London, Gatwick functions as a hub for easyJet and hosts a range of airlines including British Airways, Wizz Air, and Norwegian. The airport's two runways help manage the heavy flow of primarily leisure travelers.
Terminals & layout
The North Terminal is easyJet's domain, also serving airlines like Norwegian and WestJet. This terminal benefits from an efficient layout with better crowds and an automated people mover connecting it to the South Terminal in just a few minutes. By contrast, the South Terminal hosts British Airways, Wizz Air, and more, but is often described as more chaotic, especially during peak hours. Both terminals offer a range of facilities including dining and shopping options, but the South frequently runs short on seating space during busy periods.
Getting to and from the city
Gatwick's rail links make it a strong choice for connecting to central London. The Gatwick Express provides a direct service to Victoria Station in about 30-35 minutes for £19.90-£23.50 one-way, but savvy travelers often prefer cheaper Southern Railway or Thameslink service, costing around £10-£13 off-peak. Taxis and ride-sharing options like Uber and Bolt can cost between £35-£70 for a one-way trip to central London, taking about 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. National Express and Megabus also connect Gatwick to London and beyond, with fares starting around £8 when booked in advance.
Traveller essentials
Parking at Gatwick includes Long Stay options at £38/day per terminal, alongside various short-term and valet services. Security can be unpredictable, especially during peak travel times like summer holidays. Frequent travelers recommend arriving 2.5 to 3 hours early for international flights or purchasing Gatwick Premium Security for a quicker passage. Rail enthusiasts should check the National Rail Enquiries website before traveling, as engineering works can disrupt normal service.
Dining & shopping highlights
Diverse dining is available across Gatwick. In the North Terminal, check out Wagamama and Shake Shack. The South Terminal offers Jamie Oliver’s Diner and Nando’s. For shopping, World Duty Free, Boots, and Harrods are some key spots. Frequent travelers often save money by bringing their own meal deals from nearby supermarkets, using airport outlets mainly for coffee or snacks, as on-site dining can be pricey.
Lounges
Gatwick has a robust selection of lounges. The North Terminal hosts the Plaza Premium Lounge, while the South Terminal offers lounges like No1 Lounge, available for £40, and the British Airways Lounge. These provide a quieter way to wait for flights, something frequent travelers advise during peak travel times. Booking in advance for lounges can offer a pseudo-business-class experience, especially on weekday afternoons.
Insider tips
- Insider: For cheaper rail travel, use Southern or Thameslink instead of the Gatwick Express and save around £10 each way.
- Time: Allocate 10 extra minutes for the North Terminal’s automated people mover during peak times.
- Avoid: EasyJet and Wizz at LGW often enforce baggage size at the gate, so pay for extra baggage in advance.
- Quiet: North Terminal provides a hidden seating area near easyJet gates with available power outlets, ideal for quiet work.
- Local: Transportation to central London could be disrupted by weekend rail works; check National Rail Enquiries for updates.
- Money: Food prices inside Gatwick can be high; consider eating at nearby supermarkets to save.
- Time: For early flights from North Terminal, consider staying at the Sofitel Gatwick, directly connected to the terminal.