Owais Crawford
Spending the night at an airport is never ideal, but sometimes it's necessary. If you're wondering whether you can stay overnight at Gatwick Airport, the answer is yes, but be aware that it won't be the most comfortable or safest option. While there are no rules forbidding sleeping at the airport, Gatwick is strict about those staying longer than 24 hours. The airport is open 24 hours on the landside for both the North and South Terminals, but security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet zones, or rest zones, and the floor can be cold. However, there are informal spots with padded seating available. If you do decide to stay overnight, the South Terminal is recommended, with comfortable seats and a lounge area with charging points. To make your stay more manageable, bring essentials like an eye mask, earplugs, a woolly hat, and a light sleeping bag. Gatwick offers 24-hour food options, shops, showers, and well-maintained restrooms. Alternatively, there are hotels connected to both terminals, such as YOTELAIR, Hotel Hilton, and Premier Inn, which can provide a more comfortable night's rest before your travels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Staying Overnight | Gatwick Airport is open 24 hours and sleeping there overnight is allowed. However, the airport is strict about those sleeping for longer than a few hours. |
| Sleeping Conditions | The airport does not offer dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Informal spots with padded seating are available. The South Terminal is generally more comfortable and better lit, with more food and drink options. |
| Amenities | Gatwick Airport offers 24-hour food options, showers for a fee, restrooms, shops, and mobile charging points. |
| Alternatives | There are hotels connected to or near both the North and South Terminals, including YOTELAIR, Hotel Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, Premier Inn, Sofitel London Gatwick, and Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in Gatwick Airport vs. a hotel
Spending the night at Gatwick Airport is possible, but it may not be the most comfortable option. The airport is open 24 hours, but security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules. The airport has shops and 24-hour food options, as well as shower facilities for a fee. However, sleeping in the airport means dealing with constant noise, bright lights, and potentially uncomfortable seating or floors.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are hotels inside the airport that offer day rooms and overnight stays. The YotelAir in the South Terminal offers day rooms that can be booked for short-term stays of four hours or more. The Bloc Hotel, also located in the South Terminal, is a budget hotel with actual beds and showers. Several nearby hotels also offer airport transportation for a fee.
Alternatively, you can book a hotel near the airport and take a shuttle or train to get there. Websites like Tripadvisor offer a list of hotels near Gatwick Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity. This option may be more expensive, but it can provide a better night's sleep, especially if you have something important to do the next day.
- Choose the right spot: The South Terminal is generally recommended over the North Terminal due to better facilities and seating options.
- Pack the essentials: Bring an eye mask and earplugs to block out the lights and announcements and make it easier to sleep.
- Entertainment: Have a plan for entertainment, such as downloaded movies or shows, books, or magazines to pass the time.
- Make use of amenities: Gatwick Airport has shops and 24-hour food options, as well as shower facilities, to help you freshen up before your flight.
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Tips for sleeping in the airport
Spending the night at Gatwick Airport may not be a luxurious experience, but it is manageable with some preparation. Here are some tips to help you get through the night:
Choose the Right Terminal
Gatwick Airport has two terminals, North and South, connected by a free monorail that runs 24/7. The South Terminal is generally considered the better option for spending the night, as it offers more comfortable seating and amenities. The North Terminal is described as draughty and poorly lit, with limited seating and food options.
Find a Comfortable Spot
While the airport has benches and seats, they may not be the most comfortable for sleeping. Explore the airport to find a quiet corner with comfortable chairs, especially near the security area. Upstairs in the South Terminal lounge, you can find cosy seats and even charging points.
Pack the Essentials
Bring items that will enhance your comfort, such as a travel blanket or jacket, as it can get chilly. An eye mask and earplugs are also recommended to block out the lights and frequent announcements. Don't forget to carry a portable charger, as outlets may be limited and in high demand.
Utilise Airport Amenities
Gatwick Airport offers various amenities to make your stay more bearable. You can browse the shops, grab a bite at 24-hour food outlets, or indulge in duty-free shopping. If you need to freshen up, there are shower facilities available for a fee, and well-maintained restrooms.
Consider Entertainment Options
Make sure you have a plan to keep yourself entertained during the long hours. Download movies or shows in advance, as Wi-Fi connectivity may be unreliable. Alternatively, bring a good book or magazine to pass the time.
Prioritise Your Safety
Sleeping in any airport comes with certain risks, so take necessary precautions. Know the location of the security office, look for video cameras near your chosen sleeping spot, and ask security personnel for advice on the safest areas. Keep your valuables secure, and be prepared to show your ID and travel tickets if asked by security guards.
While spending the night at Gatwick Airport may not be ideal, following these tips can help make your experience more tolerable until your morning flight.
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Recommended hotels near Gatwick Airport
London's Gatwick Airport is one of the busiest hubs in the world, and many travellers find themselves spending a night there. There are a variety of hotels to choose from, both on and off the airport campus.
The BLOC hotel is the closest hotel in the world to an airport security gate, with the reception being located directly opposite the entrance to the South Terminal security. The Hilton London Gatwick Airport is also located at the South Terminal and has been recommended for its convenience. The Gatwick Manor Premier Inn is a 10-15 minute drive from the airport and has been praised for its family-friendly facilities, including a small children's play area in the park opposite.
Other hotels within walking distance of the South Terminal include the Courtyard London Gatwick Airport, the Holiday Inn London Gatwick Airport, and the Sofitel London Gatwick Hotel.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, Marriott has several highly-rated hotels near Gatwick Airport, including a 4* luxury boutique hotel in Kensington with cosy rooms, Italian dining, a lounge bar, and event spaces.
For those seeking a hotel with a good roast dinner, The Gatwick Manor Premier Inn has been recommended for its roast, and there is also a Toby Carvery nearby.
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How to get to Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is located south of London. There are several ways to get to the airport from the city, including:
Train
The Gatwick Express is a non-stop train service between the airport and Victoria Station in central London. Trains depart twice an hour and take around 30 minutes. Thameslink also offers train services from Gatwick Airport to several London stations, including London Victoria, London Bridge, and London Blackfriars. These trains depart several times per hour and connect to London Luton Airport. Southern offers regular train services from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria via East Croydon and Clapham Junction. The journey from London to Gatwick Airport by train is quicker than from any other London airport, taking less than half an hour.
Coach
National Express operates daily services between Gatwick Airport and Victoria Coach Station, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours. Coaches depart from the lower level outside International Arrivals at Gatwick Airport's North Terminal. Easybus also offers coach services between London and Gatwick Airport.
Taxi
Gatwick Cars is the airport's official taxi provider, offering fare quotes online and at kiosks in both the North and South terminals.
Car
Gatwick Airport offers a range of parking options, including short-stay, long-stay, premium, and valet parking.
While it is possible to stay overnight at Gatwick Airport, it may not be the most comfortable option. The South Terminal is generally recommended as it offers more comfortable seating and amenities compared to the North Terminal. However, if you prefer more comfort and privacy, there are hotels located in both terminals, and the wider Gatwick area also offers a range of accommodation options with airport transfers.
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What to do during a layover at Gatwick Airport
Spending a night at Gatwick Airport is possible, but it may not be the most comfortable experience. If you're wondering what to do during a layover at Gatwick Airport, here are some tips to make your stay more manageable:
Choose the Right Terminal
Gatwick Airport has two terminals, North and South, connected by an automated people mover. The South Terminal is generally considered a better option for spending the night, with more comfortable seating and amenities. The North Terminal can be draughty and poorly lit, with limited food and drink options.
Find a Comfortable Spot
The airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, but there are informal spots with padded seating available. Look for quiet corners near security or head upstairs to the lounge area in the South Terminal, where you may find more comfortable seats and charging points for your gadgets.
Prepare for the Conditions
The airport can be noisy, with frequent announcements and bright lights. Consider bringing eye masks and earplugs to help block out the noise and light. The floor can also be cold, so a light sleeping bag or a coat to snuggle up under can make a difference.
Entertainment
Having a plan for entertainment is essential to pass the time. Gatwick Airport offers shops and 24-hour food options, so you can explore and browse without the usual crowds. You can also watch movies or shows, but be sure to download them beforehand as the Wi-Fi can be unreliable. Alternatively, a good book or magazine can make the time fly by.
Freshen Up
Gatwick offers shower facilities for a fee, located in the North Terminal. There are also well-maintained restrooms where you can freshen up before your next flight. You can grab a coffee or a light breakfast from places like Pret A Manger or Costa Coffee, which are open 24 hours.
Consider a Hotel
If you prefer more comfort and privacy, there are hotels connected to or nearby both terminals, such as YOTELAIR, Hotel Hilton, and Premier Inn. These options provide a better night's sleep, especially if you have something important the next day.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can stay overnight at Gatwick Airport. However, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If you are planning to stay for more than 24 hours, it is recommended that you book a hotel.
Gatwick Airport offers shower facilities for a fee, well-maintained restrooms, and 24/7 food options such as Pret A Manger and Costa Coffee. The South Terminal has comfortable seats in the lounge area, along with charging points for gadgets. The North Terminal has a wider range of shops and restaurants.
Yes, there are several hotels located near Gatwick Airport, including:
- YOTELAIR
- Hotel Hilton London Gatwick Airport
- Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport
- Premier Inn London Gatwick North Terminal Hotel
- Sofitel London Gatwick
- Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central
- Bloc Hotel in the South Terminal
