Three-minute free shuttle between North and South at Gatwick

The inter-terminal shuttle at London Gatwick links North and South Terminals in a few minutes, costs £0, and runs on an automated track. It feels closer to a short metro ride than a bus, and frequent flyers rate it as smoother than Heathrow’s inter-terminal buses. The system runs landside only, so any connection that uses it means exiting and then re-clearing security at the other terminal.

Trains from London Victoria and London Bridge arrive into the South Terminal rail station, which is built into the same complex as the shuttle platforms. Follow signs for "North Terminal" from the station concourse; those signs take you up directly to the shuttle rather than back into the check-in hall. From shuttle door closing to arrival, you’re looking at roughly two to three minutes in motion.

The shuttle itself is free at all hours, with trains running every few minutes during the day between North and South. Reddit regulars mention that after about 23:00 and before 05:00 the wait can feel longer, even if the headway is still reasonably tight. If your flight leaves at 06:00, build in an extra 10–15 minutes for a slower late-night interval plus walking time.

All transfers on this shuttle are landside: you leave security at, say, North Terminal, ride the shuttle, then pass through security again in South Terminal. A FlyerTalk user connecting from easyJet in North to British Airways in South reports that the ride is “fine” but security queues on the South side can add 30–40 minutes at peak. Don’t plan a self-transfer with less than an hour between flights here.

During early morning departures, especially 05:30–08:00 low-cost banks, reviews mention cramped carriages and standing room only. Travellers with 23 kg checked bags note short but steep ramps and the occasional broken escalator at the shuttle stations. If you have a stroller or two large suitcases, allow five extra minutes for moving between platform and terminal level.

Airport workers on Reddit say they stand near the doors for the last 30 seconds of the ride so they’re first off and first into security. Frequent LGW users also stress checking your airline’s terminal in advance so you can head straight to North or South from the train or drop-off, instead of burning 10–15 minutes on an unnecessary shuttle round-trip. One final tip: after you arrive, follow the big "Departures" signs immediately; smaller side signs can send you toward Arrivals and add an extra corridor or two of walking.