Sachin Walls
London Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport, has two terminals: North and South. The South Terminal, which opened in 1956, was one of the world's first airports with an enclosed pier-based terminal, allowing passengers to walk to waiting areas near the aircraft. The airport has a range of facilities, including a conference and business centre, multi-faith prayer rooms, and various parking options. It is advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance, allowing enough time for parking and security checks. Security wait times can be tracked using resources such as Qsensor, which provides data on average wait times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of terminals | 2 (North and South) |
| Security wait times | Typically under 15 minutes |
| Check-in | Closes 60 minutes before long-haul flights and 45 minutes before short-haul flights |
| Boarding | Passengers must be at the gate at least 20 minutes before departure |
| Car parking | Short-stay, Mid-stay, and Long-stay options are available |
| Ground transportation | Direct rail, bus, and coach services to over 100 cities and towns |
| Additional amenities | Conference and business centre, multi-faith prayer rooms, duty-free shopping, and various dining options |
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What You'll Learn
Security wait times
London Gatwick Airport is the UK's second busiest airport, serving over 40 million passengers in 2023. It features two terminals: North and South. The South Terminal has 32 gates with jet bridges and 7 remote gates. The North Terminal is home to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and easyJet.
Gatwick Airport recommends that passengers pass through security at least 35 minutes before their flight departure. Passengers must then be at the boarding gate at least 20 minutes before departure. To save time, passengers can check in online and download their boarding pass to their mobile device 24 hours before departure.
To optimise your time and make your experience less stressful, you can check the live and historical security wait times for London Gatwick Airport on Qsensor. Qsensor also provides tips to help you navigate the airport. For example, it is recommended that you book Fast Track to skip the security queue and go through a dedicated, faster lane. You can also check if your airline offers baggage collection from your doorstep, allowing you to travel to the airport luggage-free and head straight to security.
When passing through security, it is important to follow the guidelines. Place all liquids, creams, gels, pastes, sprays, and aerosols in a single transparent, resealable bag. Remove large electronics, coats, jackets, belts, and possibly shoes for X-ray screening. It is best to pack food and powders in hold luggage to avoid delays. Hand luggage should be minimal, within size limits, and not contain prohibited items.
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Car parking options
London Gatwick Airport offers a variety of car parking options to suit different traveller needs and budgets. Official London Gatwick Airport parking is available on-site, offering convenience and proximity to the terminals. This option includes the Long Stay car parks, which are well-lit, security-fenced, and regularly patrolled by airport security staff. They are ideal for travellers going on longer trips or all-inclusive holidays, providing excellent value and security. The Long Stay car parks are easily accessible from the M23, with clear signage directing drivers to the North or South Terminal car parks.
For those seeking budget-friendly alternatives, off-site car parks like Purple Parking, APH, and Cophall Parking offer Park and Ride services with frequent transfer buses to the airport. These options are located near the airport and provide affordable prices throughout the year. Additionally, travellers can consider combining airport parking with a hotel stay, with packages starting at competitive rates for one night and eight days of parking.
Meet and Greet services, such as ACE Meet and Greet and I Love Meet and Greet, offer a hassle-free experience. Travellers can simply drive to their terminal, meet their insured driver, and head straight to check-in while their car is safely parked. This option eliminates the need to catch a transfer, providing added convenience.
Gatwick Airport also caters to specific needs, including Blue Badge bays exclusively reserved for Blue Badge holders in both the North and South Terminal car parks. Furthermore, electric vehicle charging points are available at various locations, including Gatwick Short Stay Car Parks, Holiday Inn Hotel, and Crowne Plaza Hotel.
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Picking someone up
If you are picking someone up from London Gatwick Airport, you can park in either the North or South Terminal Short Stay car park for up to 30 minutes for £7. If you wish to park for longer than 30 minutes, it is recommended to pre-book your parking in advance to enjoy the best rates. The cost of parking varies by car park and the date of travel.
The airport's free shuttle buses operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, between the Long Stay car park and the terminal building. It takes around 5 to 10 minutes to reach the South Terminal and 10 to 20 minutes to reach the North Terminal. During peak periods, the buses may be busy, so it is important to factor in this time when planning your arrival.
If you are dropping off passengers, you can also pull up to the entry or exit barrier, where the system will scan your number plate and lift the barrier. If your registration is not recognised after 15 seconds, press the button for a ticket, and the barrier will rise.
Gatwick Airport has two terminals: North and South. British Airways flights operate through the South Terminal, and the railway station is directly accessible from this terminal. Rail information and ticket desks can be found in the arrivals area of the South Terminal.
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Gate waiting areas
London Gatwick Airport is the UK's second busiest airport, serving over 40 million passengers in 2023. The airport has two terminals: North and South. British Airways flights operate through the South Terminal, which has 32 gates with jetbridges and 7 remote gates. Pier 1 has gates 1-5, Pier 2 has gates 10A and 10-28, and Pier 3 has gates 31-39 and 90-95 (bus gates). The South Terminal is directly accessible from Gatwick railway station, and the National Express operates a network of services to and from the airport daily.
When travelling through London Gatwick Airport, it is important to allow enough time to pass through security and reach the gate. Passengers are advised to pass through security at least 35 minutes before their flight departs and be at the boarding gate at least 20 minutes before departure. The British Airways app provides gate notifications and can help travellers navigate the airport efficiently.
For those driving to the airport, there are several parking options available, including Short Stay, Mid Stay, and Long Stay car parks. The Mid Stay car park has ANPR in place but is barrierless, allowing for a seamless entry and exit. The Long Stay car park is connected to the terminals by a free shuttle bus service, which runs every 12 minutes on average.
When picking someone up from the airport, the Short Stay car park allows parking for up to 30 minutes for a fee of £7. Staying for a full day without pre-booking can be costly, so it is recommended to book in advance for the best rates.
London Gatwick Airport offers a variety of amenities, including exceptional food and drink options, a conference and business centre, and multi-faith prayer and counselling rooms in each terminal. With its convenient location just south of London, the airport provides easy access to over 120 train stations and a network of bus and coach connections.
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Travel connections
Gatwick Airport is located south of London. Travellers can take the Gatwick Express, a nonstop train service between the airport and Victoria station in central London. Southern and Thameslink also offer train services from Gatwick Airport to several London stations. The airport's official taxi provider is Gatwick Cars, which offers fare quotes online and has kiosks at both the North and South terminals. National Express operates a network of services each day to and from Gatwick Airport, with coaches from Victoria Coach Station taking about one and a half to two hours.
If you are travelling to Gatwick Airport from Heathrow, Geneva, Zurich, or Vienna, you can use the baggage collection service. This allows your baggage to be collected from your doorstep, securely transported to the airport, and checked in for your flight. This service allows you to travel to the airport luggage-free and proceed directly to security.
Once you arrive at the airport, you can take the free inter-terminal shuttle service to get between the North and South Terminals. The shuttle station is located close to the train station in the South Terminal. Rail information and ticket desks can be found in the arrivals area of the South Terminal.
If you are arriving at Gatwick Airport for a connecting flight, you must pass through UK border control (also known as a "landside" transit). If you are arriving from an international destination and are connecting onwards on a separate ticket, you will need to go through immigration. If your hold luggage is not "through checked", you must pass through passport control and collect your luggage from Baggage Reclaim before checking in for your next flight.
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Frequently asked questions
The best place to wait at Gatwick Airport depends on what you require. The airport has a range of lounges, restaurants, cafes, and shops. If you are waiting for a flight, you may want to wait at the gate, which you can find on the information screens. If you are waiting for an arriving passenger, you can wait at the arrivals area in the relevant terminal.
The Mid Stay car park has ANPR in place but is barrierless, so it is a short walk to the terminal. The Long Stay car park is a 10-minute bus transfer from the South Terminal and a 20-minute bus transfer from the North Terminal.
You can park in the North or South Terminal Short Stay car park for up to 30 minutes for £7. Parking for a full day without pre-booking will cost £60. The cost of parking varies by car park and your date of travel.
Gatwick Airport offers a variety of food and drink options, duty-free shopping, and a range of other shops. The airport also has a conference and business centre, multi-faith prayer and counselling rooms, and on-site and off-site hotels.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 35 minutes before your flight departs to pass through security. You should also allow enough time to park your car and get to the terminal. Check-in closes 60 minutes before long-haul flights depart and 45 minutes before short-haul flights.
