Roberta Aguirre
Gatwick Airport is a large international airport located in West Sussex, South East England. It is the second-busiest airport in the United Kingdom by total passenger traffic and serves as a major hub for flights entering and exiting Europe. The airport is known for its diverse range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, as well as its convenient transport connections to London and other nearby destinations. With varying layover durations, passengers often wonder if they can leave the airport premises during their transit. This paragraph will explore the possibilities and considerations for passengers wishing to make the most of their layover time at Gatwick Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving Gatwick airport by train | Trains run every 30 minutes between Gatwick Airport's South Terminal and London Victoria station daily from 5.41 am to 11.10 pm. The journey time is 34 minutes. Oyster cards and contactless payment cards are accepted on trains. |
| Leaving Gatwick airport by coach | National Express runs regular daily services between Gatwick Airport and Victoria Coach Station starting at 3:35 am and operating until 11:30 pm. The journey time is approximately 2 hours. |
| Leaving Gatwick airport by taxi | Gatwick Cars is Gatwick Airport's official taxi provider. |
| Leaving Gatwick airport during a layover | Travellers are permitted to leave the airport during a layover, as long as they have all their documents, including their boarding passes, and they get back in time for their next flight. |
| Leaving liquids in hand luggage | Containers must hold no more than 100ml. Containers no longer need to be placed in a clear plastic bag and can be left inside cabin luggage when passing through security. |
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What You'll Learn
You can leave the airport during a layover
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover at Gatwick Airport. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you have all your necessary documents, including your passport and boarding passes for your onward flight. If you have checked baggage, you may need to pick it up and re-check it for your next flight, so be sure to confirm this with your airline. You will also need to go through security again when you return to the airport, so make sure you leave enough time before your next flight.
The length of your layover will determine how much time you have to leave the airport. If you have a shorter layover, such as 2 hours, you may not have time to leave the airport and may need to stick to the facilities within the terminal. However, if you have a longer layover, such as 7.5 hours or more, you may have time to venture out and explore the surrounding area or even London, which is about an hour's drive from Gatwick Airport.
If you decide to leave the airport, there are several transportation options available. The Gatwick Express train departs from the South Terminal and takes about 30-35 minutes to reach London Victoria Station. You can also take the Thameslink train, which is slower, or opt for buses or taxis. Keep in mind that trains, buses, and taxis may have additional costs, so be sure to factor that into your budget.
When returning to the airport, make sure you leave with plenty of time to spare, especially if it's a Sunday or holiday. You don't want to risk missing your next flight!
During your time outside the airport, you can explore the nearby town of Brighton, which is about 28 minutes away by train and offers seaside attractions and restaurants. If you prefer to stay closer to the airport, there are also entertainment options available, such as the Cineworld cinema, just 10 minutes away, or the Nirvana Spa, which offers various facilities for relaxation.
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Border control and customs
When landing at Gatwick Airport, passengers who are "in transit" should follow the Transportation Connections signs, while those “Arriving in the U.K.” should follow the signs to Passport Control. It is recommended to familiarise yourself with the airport layout in advance, especially if you have a tight connection, as knowing your way around can save valuable time.
The time required to clear border control and customs at Gatwick Airport can vary. Some travellers have reported exiting the airport within 30 minutes with only hand luggage. However, it is important to consider factors such as the number of arriving flights and the availability of passport control officers. In some cases, you may experience delays due to these factors.
To streamline your exit from the airport, it is advisable to have your documents ready, including your passport and boarding pass. Additionally, be mindful of any liquids in your hand luggage, as they must be in containers holding no more than 100ml. Gatwick Airport has implemented advanced security screening technology, allowing liquids to remain inside your cabin luggage during screening.
After clearing border control and customs, you have the option to either remain within the airport or temporarily leave and visit nearby locations, such as London. However, ensure that you return in time for check-in and boarding for your onward flight and have all the necessary documents, including your boarding pass.
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Transport to London
London Gatwick Airport is located about 30 miles south of London's city centre, near Crawley. The airport has its own train station, located in the South Terminal, which is a short walk from arrivals. If you arrive at the North Terminal, you can use the free shuttle service to get to the station.
The Gatwick Express is a non-stop train service to London Victoria Station in West London. Trains run every 30 minutes, with the fastest service taking 29 minutes. Tickets can be purchased for as little as £14 when booked in advance. Oyster cards and contactless payment cards are accepted on these trains.
Thameslink also runs trains from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria, London Bridge, London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon, and St Pancras International, leaving several times an hour. Thameslink is spacious and offers connections to several tube lines, including the Jubilee, Northern, District, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines. Tickets are not required for Thameslink, as a contactless card can be used instead, which will cap at the maximum daily or weekly fare.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, National Express runs daily coach services between Gatwick Airport and Victoria Coach Station from 3:35 am to 11:30 pm. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. Coaches arrive and depart from the lower level outside International Arrivals at Gatwick Airport's North Terminal.
Gatwick Cars is the airport's official taxi provider.
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Payment methods in London
London offers a variety of payment methods for travellers, ensuring convenience and flexibility. Here are some of the commonly used payment methods in London, especially when it comes to transportation:
Oyster Cards
Oyster Cards are a widely used payment method for London's transportation system. They are accepted on trains between Gatwick Airport and London, including the Gatwick Express, Thameslink, and Southern trains. Oyster Cards offer a "pay as you go" feature, allowing users to pay for their travel without the need to buy tickets in advance. You can add money to your Oyster Card at stations, online, at local newsagents, or through the TfL Go app. It is recommended to buy a Visitor Oyster Card in advance if you plan to use the London Underground for easy journeys.
Contactless Payment Cards
Contactless payment cards are also accepted on trains to and from Gatwick Airport. Many cards issued outside the UK can be used for contactless payments, but overseas charges may apply. Prepaid cards may also be accepted. Contactless payments have gained popularity in the UK, with an increase from 7% in 2016 to 32% of transactions in 2021.
Mobile Payments
Mobile payments offer a convenient way to pay for your travel in London. You can use devices such as phones, watches, key fobs, stickers, or wristbands to make contactless payments. However, ensure that your device has enough battery to avoid paying the maximum fare or receiving a penalty. Mobile payments are treated the same as contactless card payments.
Debit and Credit Cards
In general, card payments are the most common payment method in the UK, with 57% of transactions being made by card. Debit cards are the most frequently used, with 48% of purchases, and 97% of UK residents having at least one debit card for daily spending. Credit cards are also popular, with 3.4 billion credit card purchases made annually. Mastercard and Visa are the most popular options for online transactions.
Digital Wallets
Digital wallets, such as Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay, are gaining popularity in the UK, especially among young adults. In 2021, about a third of UK adults made at least one digital wallet payment, and 70% of digital wallet consumers use this payment method at least once a month.
London provides a range of payment options to cater to the diverse needs of travellers and residents. Whether it's using Oyster Cards, contactless cards, mobile payments, or traditional debit and credit cards, you can easily navigate the city's transportation system and make payments for various services.
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Parking at Gatwick
On-site parking
Official Gatwick Airport parking is available for both long and short stays. The long-stay car parks are well-lit, security fenced, and regularly patrolled by airport security staff. They have also been awarded ParkMark Safer Parking approval. Blue Badge bays are available for Blue Badge holders in all car parks, with 32 bays in the North Terminal long-stay car park and 95 in the South Terminal long-stay car park.
For those who prefer to drive directly to the terminal, there is a Meet & Greet service where trusted partners will park your car in a secure compound. This option is also suitable for long stays.
Off-site parking
There are several off-site car parks located a short distance from the airport, such as APH Self Park, APH Park & Ride, and Airparks Park & Ride. These car parks offer regular free shuttle services to the airport terminals, which take around 10-12 minutes. Off-site parking is usually the cheapest option, but it is recommended to choose a car park that carries the police-approved Park Mark Safer Parking Award for added peace of mind.
Pricing
The cost of parking at Gatwick Airport can vary depending on the duration of your stay and the car park you choose. Prices for off-site parking start from £33.29 for 7 days when booked in advance with Holiday Extras. On-site parking prices are currently unavailable, but there is a range of options to suit different budgets.
Other considerations
When driving to Gatwick Airport, it is important to allow enough time to find the correct car park and terminal, especially during peak travel seasons. The airport also operates a vehicle monitoring and enforcement operation, with an enforcement charge of £100 for stopping or parking in designated red route areas.
For those with early flights or longer journeys to the airport, it may be worth considering a hotel and parking package, which can often be better value than booking accommodation and parking separately.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover as long as you have the necessary documentation and you make it back in time for your next flight.
It is recommended that you allow a minimum connection time of 60 minutes for same-terminal transfers and 90 minutes for transfers between different terminals. However, the time you need will also depend on other factors such as whether your flight is delayed, how quickly your luggage is offloaded, and whether you need to reclaim your luggage.
You can take the Victoria Express train from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Station in London. There are fast and slow trains, with the Gatwick Express being the fastest but also the most expensive.
