Navigating Gatwick: Efficiently Connecting Your Flights

London Gatwick Airport, also known as Gatwick Airport (IATA: LGW, ICAO: EGKK), is the second-busiest airport in the United Kingdom, serving over 45 million passengers annually. It is located 47 kilometres from the centre of London. The airport has two terminals, North and South, which are approximately 1.2 kilometres apart and connected by a free shuttle service that operates 24/7.

Gatwick is unique among London's airports in that it serves both classic connecting flight passengers and a significant number of self-connecting passengers. The minimum recommended connection time is 60 minutes for same-terminal transfers and 90 minutes for transfers between terminals.

Self-connecting at Gatwick is facilitated by the GatwickConnects product, which allows passengers to check-in and drop off baggage for their next flight at a dedicated desk in the baggage reclaim area and use the premium security lane.

Passengers connecting from international flights to domestic flights within the UK or Ireland must go through immigration and customs and collect their luggage before checking in for their next flight.

Minimum connection times at Gatwick

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the second busiest airport in the United Kingdom, serving over 45 million passengers annually. The airport has two terminals, North and South, located approximately 1.2 km away from each other. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle service that operates 24/7, with a journey time of just two minutes.

When it comes to minimum connection times, Gatwick recommends allowing at least 60 minutes for same-terminal connections and at least 90 minutes for connections between the North and South terminals. These guidelines are in place to ensure you don't miss your onward connection, and it is always a good idea to check with your airline, as they may have different minimum connection time requirements.

If you are connecting to another flight and already hold a boarding pass for your next flight, the recommended connection time is at least 60 minutes if your next flight is in the same terminal. If your flights arrive and depart from different terminals, allow for at least 90 minutes. It is important to note that some airlines may have specific minimum connection time requirements, so it is crucial to check these requirements before booking your connecting flight.

If you have luggage to collect and need to go through immigration before checking in for your next flight, it is advisable to check with your airline for their minimum connection time requirements. Each airline may have different requirements, and it is essential to follow their guidelines to ensure a smooth and stress-free connection.

In addition to the connection times, it is important to consider the time required for various processes, such as disembarking, claiming baggage, going through passport control and customs, and checking in for your next flight. These processes can vary in duration depending on several factors, including the number of passengers and the efficiency of the airport systems.

When transferring between terminals at Gatwick, you can use the free shuttle service that operates between the North and South terminals. This shuttle can be accessed by exiting the baggage reclaim hall, and it will get you to your next terminal quickly and conveniently.

Airside connections

London Gatwick Airport has two terminals—North and South—located approximately 1.2 km away from each other. The terminals are connected by a shuttle service that operates 24/7, every few minutes, with a journey time of just two minutes.

If you are connecting to another flight at London Gatwick and already hold a boarding pass for your next flight, the airport recommends a minimum connection time of 60 minutes if your next flight is in the same terminal. If your flights arrive and depart from different terminals, allow at least 90 minutes. Your airline may have different minimum connection time requirements, so always check these before booking your connecting flight.

If you are a self-connecting passenger, travelling with hand luggage only, and hold a boarding pass for your onward flight, you can benefit from airside connections. Airside means that you can disembark from a flight and board another without passing through passport control or formally entering the UK.

However, airside connection is not possible when arriving from an international flight and continuing your journey on a domestic flight. In these cases, clearing immigration and customs is necessary. The shuttle between the North and South Terminals operates landside, so you must clear immigration before boarding.

If you have luggage to collect and need to clear immigration before checking in for another flight, check with your airline for their minimum connection time.

Self-connecting at Gatwick

The "GatwickConnects" service was launched to protect self-connecting passengers, who are otherwise left out of pocket if they miss their connecting flight. The service allows travellers to book self-connecting flights in one transaction and offers peace of mind that the airport will take care of them if things don’t go as planned.

If a passenger’s self-connecting journey is disrupted through no fault of their own, they can visit the GatwickConnects desk in the terminal and the airport will take responsibility for rebooking them onto an alternative flight, provided they booked via the GatwickConnects platform.

Gatwick Airport advises that passengers connecting to another flight at London Gatwick allow a connection time of at least 60 minutes if the next flight is in the same terminal. If the flights arrive and depart from different terminals, a connection time of at least 90 minutes is advised. Passengers should also check their airline's minimum connection time requirements before booking.

If passengers have luggage to collect and need to clear immigration before checking in for another flight, Gatwick Airport suggests checking with the airline for their minimum connection time.

The GatwickConnects option is available for a fee starting at £27.50 for a one-way journey. This includes benefits such as premium security access, a complimentary drink, and discount vouchers for lounge entry.

Overnight stays at Gatwick

Gatwick Airport remains open 24 hours a day, so if you're looking for a place to stay overnight before or after a flight, there are several hotels nearby.

The closest hotels to the airport are the Sofitel, the Hampton by Hilton, the Premier Inn North, and the Courtyard by Marriott, all of which are within walking distance of the North or South Terminal. The Hilton and the Courtyard by Marriott are connected to the South Terminal, while the Sofitel and the Hampton by Hilton are connected to the North Terminal via an exclusive indoor walkway. The Premier Inn North is just a minute's walk from the North Terminal.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Europa Gatwick Hotel is a practical, 3-star hotel with a pool, hot tub, sauna, and gym. The Russ Hill Hotel Gatwick is another affordable option, located just 10 minutes from the airport's terminals.

For those seeking a more luxurious stay, the Crowne Plaza Felbridge boasts an AA Rosette-winning restaurant and an on-site spa with a pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub, and gym. The Stanhill Court Hotel is a 4-star country manor nestled within 35 acres of stunning grounds, offering characterful, modern rooms.

If you're looking for a place to stay during a long layover or transit, the YOTELAIR London Gatwick is located in the South Terminal before security and passport control. This hotel offers adjustable SmartBeds, smart TVs, workstations, and super-fast WiFi.

Another option for an overnight stay before an early flight is the Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central, located just a mile from the airport.

These are just a few of the many accommodation options available near Gatwick Airport, each offering its own unique features and amenities to suit different preferences and budgets.

Transferring between London airports

London has six major airports, and there are various ways to transfer between them. Here is some information on transferring between London's airports:

Heathrow to Gatwick

The distance between Heathrow and Gatwick airports is approximately 42 miles (68km). National Express and Oxford Bus Company coaches run directly between the two airports throughout the day, seven days a week. The journey takes around 70-75 minutes.

Alternatively, you can travel between the two airports by train. Gatwick Express services run non-stop between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport every 30 minutes, with the journey taking 31 minutes. Southern Rail and Thameslink also operate services between the two stations, with slightly longer journey times.

Heathrow to Stansted

The distance between Heathrow and Stansted airports is approximately 60 miles (96km). National Express coaches run directly between the two airports, with a journey time of around 80 minutes.

You can also travel between the two airports by train. Stansted Express services run between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport every 30 minutes, with a journey time of 50 minutes.

Heathrow to London City

To get from Heathrow to London City Airport by public transport, you can take the Heathrow Express to Paddington, then the Elizabeth line to Woolwich, and finally the DLR to London City Airport. This journey will take around 71 minutes.

Heathrow to Luton

The distance between Heathrow and Luton airports is approximately 34 miles (55km). National Express coaches run directly between the two airports, with a journey time of around 55 minutes.

You can also travel between the two airports by train. East Midlands Railway and Thameslink operate services between London St Pancras and Luton Airport Parkway, with journey times starting from 22 minutes.

Gatwick to London City

The Gatwick Express runs between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria, with a journey time of 31 minutes. From Victoria, you can get to London City Airport by Tube in around 30 minutes.

Stansted to London City

The Stansted Express runs between Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street in 47 minutes. From Liverpool Street, you can get to London City Airport by Tube in around 20 minutes.

Luton to London City

To get from Luton Airport to London City Airport by public transport, you can take a train to London St Pancras, then the Tube to London City Airport. This journey will take around 70 minutes.

Gatwick to Stansted/Luton

To get from Gatwick to Stansted or Luton airports, you can take a National Express coach, which runs directly between the airports.

Transfer Tips

When transferring between London airports, always allow plenty of time for your journey. In addition to the journey time, you'll need to factor in things like passport control, baggage reclaim, waiting for buses, check-in, airport security, and possible delays.

It's also important to check the status of your chosen transport service before travelling, as services may be subject to change or delay.

Additionally, if you are transferring between different terminals within the same airport, Gatwick Airport offers a free inter-terminal shuttle service that runs every few minutes, 24 hours a day.

Frequently asked questions