London is like a mysterious city with a different story hidden in every corner. Big Ben, which has become a symbol of the city, and the Houses of Parliament right next to it are among the most visited places here. The banks of the River Thames are like a postcard picture. To feel the royal splendor, you should watch the changing of the guard in front of Buckingham Palace. If you want to take a walk steeped in history, the Tower of London and the nearby Tower Bridge should definitely be on your itinerary. The London Eye is especially beautiful at sunset. If you are interested in culture and art, you will lose track of time at the British Museum and the National Gallery. London is a city that masterfully blends the classic with the modern.
London Gatwick Airport is like this huge structure, located in a quiet corner in the south, away from the hustle and bustle of London. The airport is located in the West Sussex region of the United Kingdom, near Crawley. London Gatwick Airport is 48 km from central London. It is London’s second largest airport. You can easily reach the airport via the M23 motorway.
Don’t worry about the airport’s distance from the city center. You can easily reach London city center from the airport. Gatwick Airport railway station is adjacent to the South Terminal. This station connects to London via the Gatwick Express, Thameslink, and Southern lines. You can reach central London in approximately 30 minutes with the Gatwick Express. There are taxi and bus stops on the arrivals level of both terminals. Taxis here operate 24 hours a day. You can travel to London and other cities with National Express buses.
Gatwick Airport has two terminals: North Terminal and South Terminal. A shuttle is used for transportation between the terminals. The South Terminal is located directly above the train station. The North Terminal is 1.2 kilometers away from the South Terminal.
Interactive London Gatwick Airport Map
London Gatwick Airport Terminals
There are two passenger terminals at Gatwick Airport. A free monorail service is available between the two terminals. Both terminals have check-in counters, baggage claim areas, duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges. Be sure to check which terminal your flight is departing from, as there is no transfer between terminals after security.
South Terminal
The South Terminal has 39 gates. This terminal is directly connected to the train station. When you get off the train, you can walk to the check-in area. British Airways flights and many charter flights depart from this terminal. The terminal has duty-free shops, restaurants and cafes, banks and currency exchange offices, and full accessibility for disabled passengers. There are also baby care rooms and a pharmacy inside the terminal.
North Terminal
The North Terminal has 35 gates. The North Terminal is used by major airlines such as EasyJet, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates. Most international flights depart from this terminal. Inside the terminal, there are self-service check-in kiosks, extensive shopping areas, restaurants, and cafes.
Each terminal has shops, dining areas, currency exchange and SIM card sales points, children’s play areas, and baby care rooms. Both terminals also have waiting areas near the boarding gates and work corners with power outlets for those who want to work. There is a parking area in front of each terminal.
London Gatwick Airport Car Hire
If you want to explore the UK’s famous green countryside, the Seven Sisters cliffs, and the romantic Cotswolds villages instead of the hustle and bustle of London, you can rent a car as soon as you land at Gatwick Airport. You can explore the south of the UK by car from the airport. You can reach the beaches of Brighton and the breathtaking countryside of Surrey Hills in 20-30 minutes by car. You can also take day trips to historic Arundel Castle, Leeds Castle, and the Seven Sisters coastal cliffs. London city center is about an hour’s drive from the airport.
All car rental companies at Gatwick Airport are located within the airport. Car rental companies have offices in both the North and South Terminals. These companies are within walking distance of the terminal buildings. Major companies operating at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and National Car Rental. Sedan, SUV, minibus, sports car, and van options are available at each company.
Keep in mind that parking in London is expensive. Smaller vehicles offer both fuel and parking advantages. Check the vehicle for scratches and other damage before picking it up. Also, don’t forget to clarify the fuel policy. A credit card, passport, and driver’s license are required when renting a car.
London Gatwick Airport VIP Lounge
If you want to escape the noisy crowds before your flight and find some peace, I have good news for you. Especially if you have long layovers and your flight is delayed, waiting for your flight in the lounge area can be a lifesaver. Gatwick Airport has high-quality VIP Lounges in both terminals. The most popular lounge at the airport is the No1 Lounge chain, which has branches in both terminals.
In the North Terminal, there are No1 Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, My Lounge, Plaza Express, and Clubrooms Lounge. No1 Lounge offers a high-end service with its elegant atmosphere, fully stocked bar, and hot and cold food menu. Clubrooms provides travelers with the most exclusive lounge experience, featuring hot food service, premium wines, and à la carte meals.
In the South Terminal, there are No1 Lounge, My Lounge, Club Aspire, and Clubrooms Lounge. Club Aspire stands out with its business area, café-style seating areas, and runway view. This lounge also offers shower facilities. Access to all lounges is limited to a three-hour time slot. Complimentary drinks, food, and unlimited Wi-Fi are included.
Hotels near London Gatwick International Airport
There are hotels around both the North and South terminals at Gatwick Airport. The airport has accommodation options for everyone, from luxury hotels to budget chains. These hotels are directly connected to the airport via a covered walkway.
Inside the airport, there are two hotels in the pre-security area of the South Terminal. Bloc Hotel is located inside the South Terminal. This hotel has 245 rooms. Bloc Hotel is a 1-minute covered walk from the security checkpoint.
YOTEL is located inside the South Terminal. Here, there are two cabin options: double beds and single beds. YOTEL is an ideal place to stay for transit passengers with a minimum reservation time of four hours. These hotels are very close to the check-in counters.
There are five more hotels within walking distance of the terminals on the Gatwick Airport campus: Sofitel, Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, Premier Inn North, and Courtyard by Marriott. Sofitel is located near the North Terminal. This hotel offers a prestigious option with its luxury rooms. Premier Inn is a more budget-friendly accommodation. You can use the shuttle service that runs from both terminals to reach the hotels. You can also easily reach the hotels on foot from the terminals.
London Gatwick International Airport Location
London Gatwick International Airport Address: Horley, Gatwick RH6 0NP, United Kingdom.
London Gatwick International Airport IATA: LGW.
London Gatwick International Airport ICAO: EGKK.
Satellite view of London Gatwick Airport. Click to enlarge
London Gatwick Airport destination map (February 2026). Click to enlarge