The Ultimate Guide to London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Overview of London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the UK’s second-busiest airport and a major hub for both short-haul and long-haul flights. Located 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of Central London, LGW serves as a key gateway for leisure and business travelers. Known for its efficient operations and extensive connectivity, Gatwick is a hub for low-cost carriers like easyJet and a base for major international airlines.

• Location: Crawley, West Sussex, England

• IATA Code: LGW

• ICAO Code: EGKK

• Opened: 1933

• Annual Passenger Traffic: Over 46 million (pre-pandemic levels)

• Terminals: 2 (North Terminal and South Terminal)

History of London Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport has a rich history that dates back to the early 1930s. Originally used as a private aerodrome, it gained its first commercial license in 1933. The airport underwent significant development during World War II, serving as an RAF base. After the war, it was transformed into a commercial airport, reopening in 1958 with the world’s first circular terminal building, "The Beehive."

Over the decades, Gatwick has expanded to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and demand. The construction of the South Terminal in the 1950s and the North Terminal in the 1980s marked key milestones in its development. Today, LGW is a hub for both full-service and low-cost carriers, offering flights to over 200 destinations worldwide.

Terminals at London Gatwick Airport

1. North Terminal

• Overview:

  • Handles long-haul and European flights, as well as services by airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Emirates.

  • Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide a seamless travel experience.

• Key Features:

  • Modern check-in areas with self-service kiosks.

  • Premium lounges, including the No1 Lounge, Clubrooms, and Emirates Lounge.

  • Wide range of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining.

• Airlines Operating:

  • British Airways, Emirates, TUI, Virgin Atlantic, and others.

• Shopping Highlights:

  • Luxury brands such as Harrods, Hugo Boss, and Michael Kors.

  • Duty-free shopping for cosmetics, alcohol, and electronics.

2. South Terminal

• Overview:

  • Primarily serves short-haul flights and is the main base for easyJet.

  • Features family-friendly facilities and quick access to public transportation.

• Key Features:

  • Comfortable seating areas and charging stations throughout.

  • A variety of dining options, including Nando’s, Pret A Manger, and YO! Sushi.

  • Enhanced security screening for faster processing times.

• Airlines Operating:

  • easyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian, Wizz Air, and more.

• Shopping Highlights:

  • Popular high-street brands like Boots, WHSmith, and FatFace.

  • Travel essentials and last-minute gifts available at convenience stores.

Transportation Options to and from LGW

1. Train (Gatwick Express and Other Services)

• Details:

  • Gatwick Express provides a direct link to London Victoria Station, running every 15 minutes.

  • Southern and Thameslink trains connect LGW to multiple destinations, including London Bridge, St Pancras, and Brighton.

• Travel Time:

  • Gatwick Express: ~30 minutes to London Victoria.

  • Thameslink: ~35 minutes to London Bridge.

• Cost: Starting at £19.90 (one-way).

• Advantages:

  • Reliable and efficient with minimal delays.

  • Convenient for business and leisure travelers connecting to Central London or other major hubs.

2. Coach Services

• Providers:

  • National Express and Megabus operate services to London, Oxford, Bristol, and other UK cities.

• Travel Time:

  • ~1.5 hours to London Victoria (traffic-dependent).

  • Longer distances may vary based on the route.

• Cost: Starting at £7 (one-way).

• Advantages:

  • Affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.

  • Comfortable seating and onboard amenities, including Wi-Fi.

3. Taxi and Rideshare

• Taxi:

  • Travel time: ~60-90 minutes to Central London (traffic-dependent).

  • Cost: £80-£100.

  • Available 24/7 with regulated fares.

• Rideshare:

  • Uber, Bolt, and other apps operate at designated pickup zones outside both terminals.

  • Competitive pricing compared to traditional taxis.

4. Car Rentals

• Providers:

  • Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Enterprise.

• Pickup/Drop-off: Located in both terminals.

  • Ideal for travelers exploring the UK’s countryside or nearby cities.

5. Parking Options

• Short-Term Parking:

  • Located close to terminals for quick drop-offs and pickups.

  • Cost: Starting at £4 for 30 minutes.

• Long-Term Parking:

  • Budget-friendly option with free shuttle services to terminals.

  • Cost: Starting at £25/day.

• Valet Parking:

  • Premium service with drop-off zones directly outside the terminals.

  • Includes car cleaning and security monitoring.

Dining and Shopping Options

Dining at LGW

• North Terminal:

  • The Nicholas Culpeper: A gastropub offering craft cocktails and traditional British dishes.

  • Café Nero: Perfect for coffee and pastries before your flight.

  • Wagamama: Asian-inspired dishes with quick service for travelers in a hurry.

• South Terminal:

  • Giraffe: Family-friendly dining with global cuisine.

  • Joe & The Juice: Freshly made juices, smoothies, and sandwiches.

  • Jamie's Italian: Casual Italian dining by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Shopping at LGW

• Duty-Free:

  • Competitive prices on alcohol, fragrances, cosmetics, and electronics.

• Luxury Brands:

  • Harrods and Lacoste for high-end shopping experiences.

• Essentials:

  • WHSmith for books, magazines, and snacks.

  • Boots for travel-sized toiletries and health products.

Lounges at London Gatwick Airport

1. No1 Lounge (North and South Terminals)

• Access: Pay-per-use, Priority Pass, or premium ticket holders.

• Features:

  • Comfortable seating areas, complimentary food and beverages, and free Wi-Fi.

  • Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed pre-flight experience.

2. Clubrooms (North and South Terminals)

• Access: Premium pay-per-use lounge with advance booking available.

• Features:

  • À la carte dining, champagne service, and private spaces for business travelers.

3. My Lounge (North Terminal)

• Access: Open to all passengers for a fee or with Priority Pass.

• Features:

  • Casual atmosphere with self-serve snacks, beverages, and entertainment options.

Nearby Hotels

1. Sofitel London Gatwick

• Distance: Connected to the North Terminal via a covered walkway.

• Features:

  • Luxury accommodations, fine dining restaurants, and a well-equipped fitness center.

2. Hilton London Gatwick

• Distance: Connected to the South Terminal by a covered walkway.

• Features:

  • Modern rooms, business facilities, and multiple dining options.

3. Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport

• Distance: A short shuttle ride from both terminals.

• Features:

  • Affordable and family-friendly rooms with 24-hour check-in.

Top Tips for Travelers at Gatwick Airport

1. Arrive Early: Allow at least 2 hours for domestic/European flights and 3 hours for long-haul flights.

2. Use Online Check-In: Avoid queues by checking in online and using self-service kiosks.

3. Explore Duty-Free: Take advantage of competitive prices on cosmetics and spirits.

4. Download the Gatwick Airport App: Real-time flight updates and