London Gatwick Terminals – North & South Terminal Guide

inside london gatwick terminal airport south terminal and north terminal direction

Gatwick Airport Terminals

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) has two passenger terminals: the North Terminal and the South Terminal. Both terminals provide check-in, security, shops, restaurants, passenger facilities and access to road transport, while Gatwick’s railway station is connected directly to the South Terminal.

If you are travelling through Gatwick Airport, one of the most important things to check before leaving for the airport is which terminal your airline is using. Terminal assignments can change, so passengers should check their airline, booking confirmation or the official Gatwick flight information before travelling.

For the latest airline terminal information, passengers can use the official Gatwick Airport Which Terminal page.

Whether you are departing from Gatwick, arriving at London Gatwick Airport or arranging an airport transfer for a family, business traveller or group, knowing the correct terminal can make your journey considerably easier.

Gatwick Airport Terminals at a Glance

Terminal Main information
North Terminal Handles a wide range of international and European services and is home to airlines including easyJet, Emirates, Qatar Airways and other carriers.
South Terminal Handles domestic, European and international services and is used by airlines including British Airways, Jet2, Ryanair, Wizz Air and many others.
Rail station Gatwick Airport railway station is located at the South Terminal.
Inter-terminal connection A free shuttle connects the North and South Terminals in approximately two minutes.

Gatwick’s airline allocation is not permanent for every airline or flight. Some airlines can operate from different terminals depending on the flight number or operating arrangement, so always check the current information before travelling.

Gatwick North Terminal

The is one of the airport’s two main passenger terminals. It handles a substantial number of international and European flights.

Airlines currently associated with the North Terminal include carriers such as easyJet, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, JetBlue, WestJet, Air Transat and SWISS, although terminal allocations can change.

Rather than relying on an old airline list, passengers should check their specific flight on the official Gatwick website or with their airline before travelling.

North Terminal facilities

  • Check-in desks and self-service facilities
  • Security screening
  • Arrivals and departures facilities
  • Shops and duty-free shopping
  • Restaurants, cafés and bars
  • Airport lounges
  • Currency services and ATMs
  • Toilets and accessible facilities
  • Baby-changing and family facilities
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Passenger assistance services

Gatwick South Terminal

The is Gatwick’s other main passenger terminal and provides facilities for domestic, European and long-haul international passengers.

Airlines currently using the South Terminal include carriers such as British Airways, Ryanair, Jet2, Wizz Air, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways, among many others.

Airline terminal allocations can change, so passengers should confirm their terminal using their booking information and Gatwick’s current flight information before travelling.

South Terminal facilities

  • Airline check-in facilities
  • Self-service check-in and bag-drop facilities where available
  • Security screening
  • Duty-free and other retail shops
  • Restaurants, cafés and bars
  • Airport lounges
  • ATMs and currency services
  • Accessible passenger facilities
  • Family facilities
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Information and passenger assistance

Which Gatwick Terminal Does My Airline Use?

One of the most common questions asked by Gatwick passengers is: “Which terminal do I need?”

The answer depends on your airline and, in some cases, your specific flight. Gatwick publishes a current airline and terminal directory, so passengers should check this shortly before travelling rather than relying on an old website, previous journey or information from another passenger.

For example, the current Gatwick airline directory lists easyJet at the North Terminal, while British Airways operates from the South Terminal. TUI is an example of an airline where the flight number matters, with different flight-number prefixes associated with different terminals.

Best practice: check your boarding pass, airline app, booking confirmation and the official Gatwick terminal information before setting off.

North Terminal vs South Terminal: What Is the Difference?

For most passengers, both terminals provide the essential facilities needed for an airport journey. The most important difference is simply which terminal your flight uses.

Question North Terminal South Terminal
Airline allocation Depends on airline and flight Depends on airline and flight
Railway station No direct railway station Directly connected to Gatwick railway station
Inter-terminal transfer Free shuttle to South Terminal Free shuttle to North Terminal
Shops and restaurants Yes Yes
Lounges Yes Yes
Airport transfers Road access and designated pickup/drop-off facilities Road access and designated pickup/drop-off facilities

How to Transfer Between Gatwick North and South Terminals

Passengers who need to move between Gatwick’s North and South Terminals can use the airport’s free inter-terminal shuttle.

The journey takes approximately two minutes and the shuttle operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with services running frequently.

Clear signs in both terminals direct passengers towards the shuttle station.

This is particularly useful if you arrive at one terminal but need to continue your journey from the other. Passengers should allow additional time for walking, luggage and airport procedures when making a connection.

Where Is Gatwick Airport Railway Station?

Gatwick Airport railway station is located at the South Terminal.

Passengers arriving at the North Terminal who want to use the railway station should take the free inter-terminal shuttle to the South Terminal.

Rail services from Gatwick include Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink, with connections to London and destinations across the South East and beyond.

Thameslink provides connections including London Bridge, London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras International. Southern provides services towards London Victoria, Clapham Junction, Brighton and other destinations.

Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Southern Trains

Gatwick provides direct rail connections between the airport and London and other parts of southern England.

  • Gatwick Express: direct services between Gatwick and London Victoria.
  • Thameslink: services to destinations including London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras International.
  • Southern: services to London and destinations including Brighton, Eastbourne, Horsham and Portsmouth.

Journey times vary depending on the service and destination. Always check the current timetable before travelling, particularly during weekends, engineering works or periods of disruption.

Gatwick Airport Drop-Off

Passengers being driven to Gatwick can use the designated drop-off areas outside the North and South Terminals.

Gatwick currently operates paid terminal drop-off areas. The airport states that the current charge is £10 for up to 10 minutes, with additional charges applying for longer stays up to the maximum permitted period.

If you need more time to accompany a passenger into the terminal, the airport recommends using the relevant Short Stay car park rather than remaining in the terminal drop-off area.

For an airport transfer, always confirm whether your booking includes terminal drop-off charges, particularly when comparing quotes from different providers.

Gatwick Airport Pickup and Meeting Arriving Passengers

Passengers arriving at Gatwick should confirm their terminal before arranging collection. The North and South Terminals have separate road access and car parks.

Gatwick advises that passenger pickups should take place using the appropriate Short Stay car parks. Express pickup areas are also available at designated locations.

For private airport transfers, the easiest arrangement is normally to provide the driver with the passenger’s flight number, arrival terminal and mobile telephone number. This allows the transfer company to monitor the flight and coordinate the collection.

Gatwick Airport Meet and Greet Transfers

If you prefer not to navigate the airport car parks or search for your driver after a long flight, a meet and greet airport transfer can provide a more convenient alternative.

With a pre-booked private transfer, your journey can be arranged around your flight number and arrival terminal. Your driver can monitor the flight status and allow appropriate time for disembarkation, baggage collection and customs before meeting you.

For families, business travellers and passengers carrying several suitcases, a pre-booked private transfer can also remove the uncertainty associated with finding a taxi after arrival.

Travelling Between Gatwick and Heathrow Airport

Passengers sometimes need to transfer between London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, particularly when their itinerary involves separate flights from different London airports.

There are several public transport options, including coaches and rail combinations. However, passengers travelling with children, substantial luggage or a tight connection may prefer a direct private airport transfer.

A private vehicle provides a direct journey from the pickup point at Gatwick to the required Heathrow terminal without changing trains or handling luggage through multiple stations.

Gatwick Airport Facilities for Passengers

Both Gatwick terminals provide a broad range of passenger facilities. Depending on the terminal and location, these include:

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Toilets and accessible facilities
  • Baby-changing facilities
  • Family facilities
  • ATMs and banking services
  • Currency exchange
  • Restaurants and cafés
  • Shops and duty-free
  • Airport lounges
  • Passenger assistance
  • Information services
  • Charging facilities

Facilities, opening hours and individual retailers can change, so passengers should check the latest airport information when planning their journey.

Gatwick Airport for Families and Passengers Requiring Assistance

Families travelling through Gatwick should allow sufficient time for check-in, security, baggage and movement around the airport. Parents travelling with young children should also check the latest information about baby-changing facilities and family services before travelling.

Passengers requiring accessibility assistance should arrange support with their airline in advance wherever possible. Gatwick provides assistance services for passengers who require additional support during their airport journey.

Tips for Departing from Gatwick Airport

  • Check your terminal: Confirm North or South Terminal before leaving home.
  • Check your flight: Monitor the latest departure information before travelling.
  • Allow sufficient time: Follow your airline’s recommended airport arrival time.
  • Check your luggage allowance: Different airlines and fare types have different baggage rules.
  • Pre-book airport parking or transfers: This can make your journey more predictable.
  • Keep your boarding pass accessible: A mobile boarding pass can make the airport process easier where accepted.

Tips for Arriving at Gatwick Airport

  • Check your flight’s arrival terminal.
  • Keep your mobile phone switched on if you have arranged a private transfer.
  • Collect your luggage before leaving the arrivals area.
  • Follow the signs for taxis, buses, trains or your designated pickup point.
  • If you are being collected, confirm the meeting instructions before leaving the terminal.
  • If your flight is delayed, check with your transfer provider that your booking is being monitored.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gatwick Airport Terminals

How many terminals does Gatwick Airport have?

London Gatwick Airport has two passenger terminals: the North Terminal and the South Terminal.

How do I know which Gatwick terminal I need?

Check your airline booking, boarding pass, airline app and the latest Gatwick Airport airline terminal information. Terminal assignments can change.

Can I travel between Gatwick North and South Terminal?

Yes. Gatwick operates a free inter-terminal shuttle with a journey time of approximately two minutes. It operates 24 hours a day.

Is Gatwick train station at the North or South Terminal?

Gatwick Airport railway station is located at the South Terminal. Passengers at the North Terminal can use the free inter-terminal shuttle.

How long does it take to travel between Gatwick terminals?

The airport’s inter-terminal shuttle takes approximately two minutes, although passengers should allow additional time for walking and finding the shuttle station.

Can I be picked up directly outside Gatwick Airport?

Yes, but Gatwick has designated pickup and drop-off arrangements. Drivers collecting passengers should follow the airport’s current pickup instructions and use the appropriate Short Stay or designated pickup facilities.

Does Gatwick have a direct train to London?

Yes. Gatwick has direct rail services to London, including Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink services.

How early should I arrive at Gatwick Airport?

Your airline’s recommended arrival time should be the primary guide. Allow additional time if you are travelling with children, large amounts of luggage, require assistance or are travelling during busy periods.

Can I book a private transfer from Gatwick Airport?

Yes. A pre-booked private airport transfer can collect passengers from either Gatwick terminal and provide direct transport to London, Heathrow, hotels, homes and destinations throughout the UK.

Plan Your Gatwick Airport Journey

Gatwick Airport is straightforward to use once you know which terminal your airline operates from. The North and South Terminals are connected by a free shuttle, while the railway station is located at the South Terminal.

Before travelling, check your airline and flight information, confirm your terminal and allow sufficient time for check-in, security, baggage and any onward journey.

If you prefer a direct journey by private vehicle, Heathrow Gatwick Cars provides pre-booked airport transfers from Gatwick North and South Terminals to London, Heathrow Airport and destinations throughout the UK.

For airport collections, provide your flight number and arrival details so that the transfer can be planned around the actual flight status.

Related Gatwick Airport Information

Last updated: September 2026