Terminal Overview
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) has two terminals, and South Terminal is the original one (opened in 1958) and typically the busier of the two. It’s especially strong on short-haul and European flying, plus a mix of leisure and select long-haul services. If you’re arriving by train, South Terminal is the most straightforward choice because it sits closest to the main railway station, making the walk from platform to check-in pleasantly quick compared with many major airports.
The terminal has benefited from upgrades over the years, including improvements tied to the Pier 1 area (expanding passenger space and modernising parts of the experience). In day-to-day use, South feels like a practical “get-you-moving” terminal: lots of flights, lots of choice airside, and clear pier-based gate organisation. Expect a lively atmosphere at peak holiday times—arrive early if you’re checking bags or travelling during school breaks.
Airlines & Destinations
- Common South Terminal airlines include British Airways, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Jet2, TAP Portugal, Croatia Airlines, China Southern, Kenya Airways, Aurigny, Atlantic Airways, Azores Airlines, Corendon Airlines, SunExpress, Sky Express, Titan Airways, and TUI (some flights).
- easyJet operates from both terminals, and TUI uses both terminals as well—always confirm your terminal on your booking or on Gatwick’s live flight tools before you travel.
Destination-wise, South Terminal is heavy on UK and Europe (think Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Malta, and key city routes), plus popular leisure links further afield depending on season. You’ll also see a handful of longer routes operated by select carriers.
Alliance-wise, you shouldn’t expect one dominant alliance here. British Airways is part of oneworld, while some airlines you may see are linked to SkyTeam or Star Alliance via their wider groups—but South Terminal overall is a mixed, airline-by-airline environment rather than an alliance hub.
Layout & Navigation
South Terminal is organised around three main gate piers. Pier 1 covers Gates 1–5 (jetbridges). Pier 2 covers Gate 10A and Gates 10–28 (mostly jetbridges; 10A is a special case). Pier 3 covers Gates 31–39 (jetbridges) and the 90–95 range, which are bus gates where you’ll take a coach to the aircraft stand.
You’ll clear security landside and then flow into the central airside shopping and dining area before branching off to your pier. As a rule of thumb, once you’re airside it’s usually 5–10 minutes to many Pier 1/Pier 2 gates, and closer to 10–15 minutes to the far end of Pier 3 depending on crowds and walking pace. If your boarding pass shows a gate in the 90–95 range, build in extra time for the bus process (walking to the bus gate, waiting, then the ride).
Connecting to the other terminal is easy but not airside: there’s no post-security link between terminals. Instead, use the free, landside automated people mover (shuttle train) that runs both directions between South and North Terminal. It’s about 0.75 miles (1.21 km) end to end and is designed for quick transfers before you go back through security at the other terminal.
Amenities & Services
South Terminal offers the basics you want for a smooth travel day: plenty of food and shopping both landside and airside, baby changing facilities, accessible routes and support services, and multiple lounges depending on your ticket and how you book access. Lounge options can change, so if a lounge is central to your plan, confirm availability and location on the day (especially if you’re departing from Pier 1 versus Pier 3).
- Lounges: Business and pay-in lounges are available in the terminal complex; some are positioned to be convenient for Pier access.
- Food & drink: You’ll find quick-service options for tight connections plus sit-down spots for longer waits, with the biggest concentration in the main airside area before the piers.
- Shopping: Expect travel essentials, duty free, and convenience retail clustered after security—useful if you forgot chargers, adapters, or toiletries.
- Business needs: Lounges are your best bet for a quieter place to work; otherwise look for seating areas away from the main retail spine.
- Family amenities: Baby changing and family-friendly dining are available; if travelling with a stroller, the pier layout is generally straightforward for step-free movement.
- Accessibility: The terminal is designed to be accessible with step-free routes, assistance services, and clear signage. If you need help, book special assistance in advance and arrive a bit earlier at busy periods.
Practical Tips
- For long layovers: Settle in the main airside zone just after security if you want the widest choice of food, shops, and seating. If your gate is on Pier 3, consider moving closer only once your gate is confirmed.
- Quietest spots: Walk a little way down your pier (especially away from the first cluster of gates) for calmer seating. Bus-gate areas can feel hectic right before boarding, so avoid them if you’re trying to rest.
- Power outlets: Your best odds are around café seating and in lounge areas. If you’re low on battery, top up before heading to remote/bus gates (90–95), where seating can be more utilitarian.
- WiFi: Gatwick provides airport WiFi; connect once you arrive and consider downloading entertainment before you disperse down the piers, where signal quality can vary by crowd levels.
- Terminal check: Because easyJet and TUI can operate from both terminals, don’t assume—confirm your terminal and gate on the day, then plan your shuttle-train move landside if needed.