The Complete Gatwick Airport Travel Guide 2025

London Gatwick Airport is one of the most important travel hubs in the United Kingdom, and for millions of passengers every year it is the starting or finishing point of a journey that might take them anywhere from Barcelona to Barbados. Yet despite its size and significance, a surprisingly large number of passengers arrive at Gatwick without a clear picture of how the airport works, which terminal they need to be in, what the arrival and departure process actually involves, or the best way to get there and back.

This guide covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your journey through Gatwick. Whether you are flying for the first time or catching your twentieth business trip of the year, having a clear picture of the airport process in advance makes the entire experience calmer, faster, and more predictable.

For pre-arranged, fixed-price transfers to and from Gatwick, passengers can book a licensed London airport minicab transfer with LTR Minicab before they travel.

Quick Navigation

• About Gatwick Airport
• Where Can You Fly from Gatwick?
• North Terminal vs South Terminal
• Before You Fly: Preparation Checklist
• Arriving at Gatwick: Step by Step
• Departing from Gatwick: What to Expect
• Getting To and From Gatwick
• Families, Groups and Long-Haul Tips
• Why Book with LTR Minicab
• Frequently Asked Questions

About London Gatwick Airport

Gatwick sits approximately 28 miles south of Central London in Crawley, West Sussex, and is officially coded LGW by the International Air Transport Association. It is the UK's second busiest airport and one of the most intensively used single-runway airports in the world. Despite operating on a single runway, Gatwick handles an extraordinary volume of traffic — over 260,000 aircraft movements per year, serving tens of millions of passengers across more than 220 destinations in 90 countries.

On an average day the airport processes around 376 arriving flights, which works out to roughly one arrival every four minutes. That rhythm is constant, operating through early morning departures before dawn and overnight arrivals in the small hours, every day of the year.

Major carriers operating from Gatwick include easyJet, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, TUI, Jet2, Norse Atlantic, and a range of international airlines on long-haul routes. This combination of low-cost and full-service airlines means the airport caters for every type of passenger, from solo budget travellers to large corporate groups travelling in executive vehicles.

Where Can You Fly from Gatwick?

Gatwick's route network is one of the most diverse of any airport outside of Heathrow. The bulk of its traffic is made up of short-haul routes across Europe and within the United Kingdom, but the airport also maintains a robust long-haul programme reaching into North America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and beyond.

Short-Haul: Europe and the UK

Spain is consistently Gatwick's busiest destination country. On peak summer weekends, multiple daily flights operate to Málaga, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Alicante alone. Holiday routes to Greece, Portugal, Turkey, and Italy operate throughout the summer season, with year-round scheduled services supplemented by charter flights during peak periods.

Long-Haul: International Destinations

Gatwick serves over 50 long-haul destinations, which surprises many passengers who assume Heathrow is the only London airport with serious international reach. For travel to the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, Gatwick frequently offers competitive options with airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Norse Atlantic, and TUI.

North Terminal vs South Terminal: Know Before You Go

This is the single most important practical fact any Gatwick passenger needs to know. Gatwick has two terminals, the North Terminal and the South Terminal, and they are not adjacent to one another. They are connected by a free automated shuttle train called the Gatwick Transit, which operates 24 hours a day and takes approximately three minutes between stops.

The reason this matters so much is that passengers regularly arrive at one terminal when their flight departs from the other. While the Transit is fast and free, adding a shuttle journey on top of an already tight airport schedule causes unnecessary stress. Always confirm which terminal your airline uses before you travel.

Before You Fly: Preparation Makes Everything Easier

Good travel starts well before you arrive at the airport. The steps below address the most common sources of stress and delay, and each one can be resolved in advance with a few minutes of attention before your departure day.

• 1
  Complete online check-in

  Most airlines serving Gatwick open online check-in between 24 and 48 hours before departure. Completing it in advance removes a significant queue from your morning, often lets you choose your seat without paying extra, and means your only job at the airport is dropping your hold bag and going through security.

• 2
  Check your travel documents

  Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date for most destinations outside the UK. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality and destination. Check these early and carry physical copies of all essential documents — do not rely solely on your phone, which can run out of battery or lose signal at exactly the wrong moment.

• 3
  Understand your baggage allowance

  Allowances vary enormously between airlines and fare types. A budget carrier may charge separately for hold baggage, a cabin bag, and a personal item, while a long-haul full-service ticket may include 23kg of checked luggage as standard. Read the rules when you book and pack accordingly to avoid airport surcharges on the day.

• 4
  Book your airport transfer in advance

  For early morning or late-night flights, this step is essential rather than optional. A confirmed fixed-price minicab from LTR Minicab means a named driver, the right vehicle, and a guaranteed pickup time regardless of the hour. Booking the night before is the minimum — booking several days ahead is better for early departures and busy travel dates.

• 5
  Prepare for security screening

  Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, all placed in a single transparent resealable bag per passenger. Laptops and large electronics go in a separate tray. Wear shoes that come off easily. Have your boarding pass and ID in your hand before you reach the security queue, not at the bottom of your carry-on bag.

Arriving at Gatwick: Step by Step

Whether you have just landed from New York, Barcelona, or Barbados, the arrival process at Gatwick follows a predictable sequence. Knowing what comes at each stage means you move through it efficiently rather than stopping to work out what to do next.

• 1
  Landing and disembarkation

  After landing, the aircraft taxis to a stand. Follow the arrivals signs from the aircraft gate. Both terminals are well signposted throughout. If you need to transfer between terminals, follow the signs for the Gatwick Transit before heading to passport control.

• 2
  UK Border Control

  UK and EU passport holders can use eGates for automated passport control, which significantly reduces wait times. Non-EU travellers use staffed desks. Have your passport open at the photo page and, if applicable, your visa or biometric residence permit ready before reaching the desk.

• 3
  Baggage reclaim

  Follow signs to baggage reclaim after passport control. Screens in the hall show which carousel is assigned to your flight. Typical wait times range from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the aircraft size and ground handling speed. Keep your boarding pass handy as staff occasionally check it against your luggage tag.

• 4
  Customs

  Exit through the green channel if you have nothing to declare, or the red channel if you are bringing goods above UK allowance thresholds. Allowances cover alcohol, tobacco, and other goods. HMRC officers conduct checks on both channels. Knowing the limits before you travel avoids surprises on arrival.

• 5
  Meeting your driver in arrivals

  Your LTR Minicab driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a name board showing your name. Because we track every flight in real time, your driver knows exactly when you landed. If your flight arrives early or late, your driver adjusts automatically — there is nothing you need to do to communicate a delay on your end.

Departing from Gatwick: What to Expect

Departures require more active management than arrivals because the timeline is in your hands. Missing a flight due to poor time planning is both stressful and expensive. The guidance below is based on realistic Gatwick conditions rather than best-case scenarios.

• 1
  Drop-off at the terminal

  LTR Minicab drivers know the designated drop-off zones for both terminals and will pull up at the most convenient point for your check-in hall entrance. You step out, collect your bags, and walk directly to check-in without needing to navigate from a car park or shuttle bus.

• 2
  Bag drop or check-in

  If you completed online check-in, head directly to the bag drop desks, which move considerably faster than full check-in queues. If you have not yet checked in, join your airline's queue and allow extra time during busy periods. Bag drop desks typically close 40 minutes before departure.

• 3
  Security screening

  Security is the biggest variable in your departure experience. During busy morning periods, when dozens of flights depart within a short window, queues can extend to 40 or even 60 minutes. Prepare your tray before reaching the front — shoes off, belt off, jacket off, electronics out, liquids bag out — and you will move through significantly faster.

• 4
  Airside shops and dining

  Once through security, you enter the airside area, which is considerably larger than most travellers expect at first visit. Both terminals have a range of shops, restaurants, and bars. Wagamama, Pret a Manger, and various pub and casual dining options are all available. Allow time to eat before your gate is called — busy airside cafes often have 20-minute queues of their own.

• 5
  Gate departure

  Gatwick announces gates 45 to 60 minutes before departure. Some gates are a short walk from the main departure area; others require a transit bus ride. Go to your gate as soon as it is announced on the screens. Do not assume you have time for another coffee once the gate appears — boarding can begin immediately after the announcement.

Getting To and From Gatwick: Your Options

The question of how to reach Gatwick is one every London passenger faces. The airport is served by several distinct transport options, each with its own trade-offs on cost, convenience, reliability, and how well it works for different types of traveller.

Tips for Families, Groups, and Long-Haul Travellers

Not every Gatwick journey looks the same. A solo business traveller on a 7am easyJet flight to Barcelona has very different needs from a family of five catching a long-haul Virgin Atlantic service to Orlando. Here is some guidance tailored to the most common traveller types.

Travelling with children

Gatwick has dedicated family lanes at security in both terminals, which can reduce wait times significantly during peak periods. Families with young children are usually offered priority boarding on most airlines. Pack a change of clothes, snacks, and entertainment in your carry-on. Give yourself a minimum of 30 extra minutes at every stage of the departure process compared to what you would allow travelling alone.

Large groups

Groups of eight or more face compounding logistical challenges through an airport. Check-in takes longer, security is harder to coordinate, and transport becomes expensive and complicated when split across multiple separate vehicles. Designate a group lead who holds all booking references. A single MPV8 is typically more cost-effective than two saloons and far easier to keep together from door to gate.

Long-haul travellers

Long-haul departures from Gatwick involve a more thorough check-in and security process than short-haul flights. Arrive at least three hours before your flight and eat a proper meal in the terminal before boarding. Airline catering on a ten-hour flight has improved considerably in recent years, but a meal eaten on the ground, at a table, without turbulence, is simply better in every way.

Business travellers

Both terminals offer lounge access via airline memberships, credit card benefits, and pay-on-entry options. For a long-haul business trip, the lounge investment is worthwhile for reliable Wi-Fi and a quiet environment before a demanding flight. On the ground transport side, reliability matters above everything else for business passengers. Confirm your transfer the evening before and save your driver's direct number in your phone.

Why Book Your Gatwick Transfer with LTR Minicab

LTR Minicab Ltd is a TfL-licensed private hire company based near Heathrow Airport Terminal 5. We operate a fleet of over 300 vehicles covering Gatwick and all other London airports, as well as destinations across the whole of the UK. Every driver holds a current DBS check and a valid TfL private hire licence, and every airport booking includes flight tracking and meet and greet as standard.

We serve thousands of passengers per month across all six London airports. Our ratings on Google and Trustpilot reflect the consistency of service we provide journey after journey. When you are travelling internationally, the transfer to and from the airport should be the last thing on your mind. With LTR Minicab, it genuinely is.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Gatwick from Central London?

Gatwick is approximately 28 miles south of Central London. Transfer times by road range from around 45 minutes in light traffic to over 90 minutes during peak congestion on the M23 or M25. The Gatwick Express train takes approximately 30 minutes to Victoria in good conditions.

Which terminal does easyJet use at Gatwick?

easyJet operates primarily from the South Terminal at Gatwick. However, terminal allocations can change, so always verify this on your specific booking confirmation or directly with easyJet before travelling. Do not rely on which terminal you used on a previous trip.

What is the Gatwick Transit?

The Gatwick Transit is a free automated shuttle train that runs 24 hours a day between the South Terminal and the North Terminal. The journey takes approximately three minutes. It is the link between the two terminals and is the only way to travel between them within the airport landside and airside areas.

What time should I arrive at Gatwick for a 6am flight?

For a 6am short-haul departure you should aim to arrive at the terminal no later than 4am. Security queues build quickly during morning peak departure periods, and bag drop desks typically close 40 minutes before scheduled departure. If you are travelling with children or heavy luggage, factor in additional time on top of this.

Does LTR Minicab track flights for Gatwick pickups?

Yes. All LTR Minicab airport pickups include real-time flight tracking as standard. If your flight lands early or late, your driver's arrival adjusts automatically. You do not need to contact us to report a delay — we are already aware of it.

Can LTR Minicab transfer a group of eight from Gatwick to London?

Yes. Our MPV8 vehicle accommodates up to eight passengers with their luggage in a single vehicle. For groups larger than eight, we can coordinate multiple vehicles to travel together. Note group size and any specific luggage requirements at the time of booking.

Is parking available at Gatwick Airport?

Yes. Gatwick offers short-stay, long-stay, and off-site parking options for both terminals, all bookable in advance online at considerably lower rates than turning up without a reservation. For trips of three days or more, a pre-booked minicab transfer is often more cost-effective than long-stay parking when fuel and total parking costs are compared.

Can I book a Gatwick transfer for a very early morning departure?

Yes. LTR Minicab operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Early morning departures including pickups at 2am, 3am, and 4am are handled as standard bookings. Your driver is confirmed in advance, and your booking is tracked and managed through to the moment you are dropped at the terminal.

Book your Gatwick transfer with confidence

Getting to and from Gatwick should be the simplest part of your journey. A prebooked, fixed-price transfer means a named driver, a confirmed vehicle, and a guaranteed pickup time — whether you are leaving for a two-week Caribbean holiday or arriving back at midnight after a transatlantic flight. The airport does the rest.

Book your journey with LTR Minicab for safe, confirmed transfers to and from Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, London City Airport, hotels, train stations, cruise ports, and destinations across London and the UK.