Gatwick's Hustle And Bustle: A Busy Airport's Story

London Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in the United Kingdom, serving over 46 million passengers annually and offering flights to over 200 destinations worldwide. The airport is a hub for airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air, and TUI Airways, and it features two terminals, the North Terminal and the South Terminal, which are connected by a free shuttle bus service. London Gatwick is easily accessible from Central London via the Gatwick Express train, which reaches London Victoria Station in 30 minutes, and offers a range of parking and accommodation options for travellers.

Transport options to and from the airport

London Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in London, so it is important to plan your journey to and from the airport in advance. The airport is easily accessible from London and the southeast by both private and public transport. Here are some transport options to consider:

Train

Gatwick Airport has its own train station, which is attached to the South Terminal. A free shuttle service connects the South Terminal to the North Terminal. The Gatwick Express is a non-stop train service to and from Central London, with trains running every 30 minutes from 5:41 am to 11:10 pm. The journey time is approximately 34 minutes, and Visitor Oyster Cards are accepted for payment. Thameslink and Southern also offer regular train services to and from London Victoria Station, with connections to other London stations and Luton Airport. Booking train tickets in advance can save you money, and you can use websites like thetrainline.com to find the cheapest ticket options.

Coach

National Express operates coaches to and from Gatwick Airport, with services running day and night. Coaches arrive and depart from the lower level outside International Arrivals at the North Terminal. Tickets start at £7.50 one-way, and the journey time is approximately 2 hours.

Taxi

Gatwick Cars is the airport's official taxi provider, with kiosks at both the North and South Terminals. It is recommended to book taxis in advance, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

Car

If you plan to drive to the airport, it is recommended to book parking in advance. Gatwick Airport offers various parking options, including short-stay, long-stay, premium, and valet parking.

Bus

EasyBus provides bus services to and from Central London, operating from 4 am to 1 am. However, it is important to note that they have luggage restrictions, and large items like skis and non-folding pushchairs are prohibited.

Parking availability and pricing

London Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in London, so finding parking may be challenging. The airport offers a range of parking options, including both internal and external facilities. Internal parking includes multi-storey car parks and surface lots within the airport premises or near the terminals. These are managed by the airport or private operators. External parking is available off-site but is still within easy reach of the airport, often offering shuttle transfers to and from the terminals.

Gatwick Airport provides both short-term and long-term parking areas within the airport premises or close to the terminal buildings. The on-site parking facilities cater to various needs, whether for a few hours or longer durations. The airport offers multi-storey car parks and surface parking lots, with options for self-parking and valet services. Advanced booking is recommended to secure a space, especially during peak seasons.

Short-stay parking at Gatwick Airport costs £3.80 for 30 minutes and £45 for a day. Premium Short Stay Parking is £4.90 for 30 minutes and £55 for a day. Long Stay parking is £7.50 for 30-60 minutes and £25 for a day. The airport also offers valet parking, or 'Meet and Greet', with prices starting from £4.59 per day.

There are also external parking options available, often operated by private companies, offering long-term parking and additional amenities like valet services. These external parking options provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for those seeking parking outside the airport grounds. Prices for external parking vary, and advanced booking is recommended to secure a space and potentially save on costs.

Peak times and busy periods

London Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in the United Kingdom, serving over 46 million passengers annually. The airport is a hub for airlines such as TUI Airways, Norwegian Air UK, British Airways, easyJet, and Wizz Air. easyJet is the largest carrier at Gatwick, with 16 million passengers per year, accounting for 45% of the airport's total passenger traffic in 2013.

During the summer, London Gatwick experiences its busiest period, with higher passenger traffic and flight movements. The summer of 2022 is expected to be the busiest season since 2019. The busiest day for passengers is predicted to be Sunday, August 11, while the busiest day for flights is expected to be Sunday, September 1, with 905 air traffic movements.

To manage the peak summer season, Gatwick Airport advises passengers to plan their travel to the airport in advance, including booking parking ahead of time. The airport also suggests checking for roadworks and rail service updates. Passengers are reminded to follow standard security procedures, such as carrying liquids in containers up to 100ml and placing them in 1-litre clear plastic bags.

In terms of transportation to and from the airport, Gatwick Express provides a fast and efficient train service to London Victoria Station, taking approximately 30 minutes. Thameslink and Southern also offer train services to various stations in London, including London Bridge, London Blackfriars, and St Pancras International. For those travelling on a budget, Southern trains provide a cheaper alternative to Gatwick Express and take only a bit longer to reach Central London.

Gatwick Airport also has a range of parking options, including short-stay, long-stay, premium, and valet parking. The airport recommends booking parking in advance, as finding parking on-site can be challenging during peak times.

Terminal facilities and amenities

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) has two terminals: North and South. The facilities and amenities are kept to a minimum, but travellers can still find some shops and restaurants open 24 hours a day. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport, although it has been described as slow and inconsistent. There are also first-class lounges, some of which have showers. Both terminals offer accessible routes, along with baby changing and feeding facilities.

The North Terminal has 31 gates with jet bridges, including three that can support an Airbus A380. It also has a second aircraft pier with 11 pier-served aircraft stands. The South Terminal is somewhat quieter than the North Terminal, but the seating and sleeping options are similar in both.

Art exhibitions from local artists are displayed throughout the airport, including a unique mosaic celebrating Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee, created with 5,500 pictures of people from Sussex, Kent, and Surrey.

London Gatwick Airport offers four World Duty-Free shops, three of which operate 24 hours a day. A large variety of retail stores are also available, including Boots Drugstore, which has two outlets that are open 24 hours a day. ATMs and currency exchange services are available throughout the terminals.

There are several lounges available for passengers to relax in before their flight, as well as prayer rooms. The airport also has charging stations, baggage storage facilities, and information desks with customer service representatives.

Accommodation options

London Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in London. It is prepared to welcome passengers during the peak summer season, which is expected to be the busiest period since 2019. The busiest day for passengers is anticipated to be on Sunday, 11 August, and the busiest day for flights is expected to be on Sunday, 1 September, with 905 air traffic movements.

London Gatwick Airport offers a variety of accommodation options for travellers. The airport has hotels located in both the North and South Terminals, providing convenience and easy access to the airport campus. These on-airport hotels include the BLOC hotel, which is notably close to the security gate, and the Courtyard by Marriott, which offers an on-site restaurant and a fitness centre. Booking through the Gatwick Airport website may provide offers on joint bookings for hotels and parking.

In addition to the on-airport hotels, there are numerous off-airport accommodation choices in the wider Gatwick area. These options include hotels such as the Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel and the Radisson RED London Gatwick Airport. The latter is praised for its personalised service and convenience, with the town centre and dining options within walking distance.

For those seeking accommodation within a close radius of the airport, there are 18 hotels within a mile of Gatwick Airport. The Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport North Terminal is approximately 0.5 miles away, while The Corner House Hotel is about 1 mile away. These hotels offer reasonable rates and convenience, making them attractive options for travellers.

When planning your stay, it is advisable to consider the peak travel seasons and book your accommodation accordingly to ensure availability and potentially better rates.

Frequently asked questions