London Gatwick (LGW) is the UK’s second busiest airport, split across two terminals, North and South, linked by a free shuttle train. The map below shows both terminals, the railway station under the South Terminal and the gate areas. Gatwick sits about 30 miles (48 km) south of central London, roughly 30 minutes away on the Gatwick Express.
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.
Getting into London is quick despite the distance. Gatwick Airport railway station sits directly under 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 and South, 1.2 kilometers apart. A free shuttle train links them 24 hours a day, with a ride of about two minutes; the South Terminal sits directly above the train station.
Interactive London Gatwick Airport Map
The map below places Gatwick beside the M23 in West Sussex, about 30 miles south of central London and just north of Crawley. Zoom in for the station entrance, hotel cluster and drop off roads around both terminals; the terminal map above covers the gates and check-in areas inside.
London Gatwick Airport Terminals
There are two passenger terminals at Gatwick Airport. A free shuttle train runs between the two terminals around the clock. 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 is Gatwick’s original and busier building, sitting directly above the railway station, so arriving by train leaves a short walk to check-in. British Airways operates all of its Gatwick flights from here, alongside Ryanair, Wizz Air, Vueling, Turkish Airlines and most TUI departures. Inside there are duty-free shops, restaurants and cafes, banks and currency exchange, baby care rooms and a pharmacy, with step-free access throughout.
North Terminal
The North Terminal is easyJet’s base; since March 2026 the airline has run all of its Gatwick flights from here. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Delta and JetBlue also use the North Terminal, giving it a long-haul lean. Inside 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
Gatwick is a convenient base for driving out of London rather than into it. Brighton’s seafront is roughly 40 minutes south on the M23, the Surrey Hills start about 20 minutes north, and Arundel Castle and the Seven Sisters cliffs make easy day trips. Central London is about an hour away by car.
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
Gatwick has paid-entry lounges in both terminals, open to any passenger with a same-day boarding pass regardless of airline or cabin class. Booking ahead is cheaper than paying at the door, and entry covers a set stay before your flight.
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. All of them are within walking distance of the terminals, and shuttle buses run from both for anyone with heavy luggage.
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.