London Gatwick

London Gatwick Airport Guide

London Gatwick Airport is the second largest airport in the UK. Not only that, but it’s also the world’s busiest single-runway airport, thanks to its excellent road links and proximity to central London. Interestingly, there are two runways at Gatwick, but they can’t be used at the same time due to their proximity.

Comprised of two terminals, Gatwick was serving an incredible 46 million passengers a year before the Covid pandemic. With flights to more than 200 destinations in over 70 countries, this airport serves as both a regional and international transport hub.

While Gatwick was first opened as a flying club in 1930, it didn’t start hosting commercial flights until 1958 – the result of Heathrow’s inability to keep up with soaring demand. Today, the airport is home to 62 stands and an additional 57 remote stands. With 245 check-in desks, 119 self-service bag-drops and 123 self-service check-ins, Gatwick is one of the most efficient airports in the world – hosting more than a quarter of a million aircraft movements a year from just one runway.

Our Lounges

We have some exceptional lounges in both the North and South terminals at London Gatwick Airport. So whether you’re a business traveller or heading off for a holiday in the sun, you can work, relax or refuel in style.

North Terminal: The Gateway Lounge
The Gateway Lounge is the perfect place for families and large groups to kick back and relax. As well as a generous selection of self-service complimentary food and drinks, this London Gatwick airport lounge is home to a large games room. However, there are also plenty of quiet spots for relaxing or private working. TVs, newspapers, magazines and charging points are strewn across the lounge.

Modern, spacious and quiet, The Gateway Lounge can be found to the left as you enter the Lounge Pavilion in Gatwick’s North Terminal. Although opening times can vary, the lounge is usually open between 5am and 4pm.

North Terminal: No1 Lounge Gatwick
If you’ve ever experienced a No1 Lounge, you’ll know to expect comfortable seating, exceptional food and somewhere to relax before a flight. With airport lounge membership from Priority Pass, you can enjoy a never-ending supply of complimentary food and drinks as you gaze through the lounge’s panoramic windows and out onto the apron. Featuring a separate TV lounge, sensational runway views, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi and access to dedicated workspaces, No1 Lounge in Gatwick’s North Terminal is the perfect place for a little pre-flight work.

Open daily from 4am to 9pm, No1 Lounge in the North Terminal is located in the ‘Airport Lounges’ area – just follow the signs!

South Terminal: No1 Lounge Gatwick
For a luxurious and comfortable lounge experience, No1 Lounge in the South Terminal of London Gatwick Airport takes some beating. Offering panoramic views of the airfield, this well-appointed airport lounge is perfect for working and relaxing. The lounge features its own library, a selection of TVs, free Wi-Fi and a never-ending supply of complimentary food and drinks. If you’re looking for a VIP lounge, this takes some beating.

Open between 4am and 9pm, No1 Lounge in Gatwick’s South Terminal is located in Pier 1, just by JD Sports.

South Terminal: Clubrooms Gatwick South
Featuring everything from a dedicated travel concierge to premium waiter service, the Clubrooms Gatwick South offer a different experience. There’s no self-service here – everything is brought to you. A three-course dining menu is the star of the show, and the ambience is formal. There is a strict dress code and no children are allowed, but if you’re a business traveller looking to impress a client, this is the perfect airport lounge for you.

Clubrooms at Gatwick South Terminal are open daily from 6:30am to 9pm. Just head to the upper level of the departure lounge, and the Clubrooms are right next to JD Sports. Access to this lounge is available to Cardholders using a standard visit allocation and an additional upgrade fee payable directly to the lounge at time of entry.

South Terminal: My Lounge
Modern, spacious and built for comfort, My Lounge in the South Terminal is perfect for families. Featuring plenty of soft seating, a loft-inspired design and a gaming area, there’s something for everyone in this airport lounge. There’s also a self-service bar and a complimentary grazing menu. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced lounge that’s perfect for relaxing, My Lounge is perfect.

My Lounge, South Terminal is open daily from 4am to 8pm, but opening times can vary depending on the time of year. Head to the upper level of departures and follow the signs!

South Terminal: Club Aspire Lounge
If you have work to do while you wait for your flight, Club Aspire Lounge in Gatwick’s South Terminal is ideal. Featuring a dedicated Business Zone, table-side charging and a variety of seating options, this VIP lounge is suited to both private and group work. There’s unlimited high-speed internet access, too. A buffet-style food offering changes throughout the day, and a fully tended bar means grabbing a beer or a soft drink is a quick and simple process.

Club Aspire at Gatwick South Terminal is open from 4am to 7pm every day, although times can vary. You’ll find this airport lounge in the ‘Lounges’ area on Level 1.

Facilities

We offer a variety of facilities at our lounges in London Gatwick Airport to enhance your travel experience. These include:.

• Refreshments
• Alcohol
• Digital Card accepted
• TV
• Flight information
• Air conditioning
• Free Wi-Fi
• Newspapers and magazines
• Disabled access

Fantastic shopping experiences and culinary creations can be found at every turn in both Terminals. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a premium dining option, you’ll be spoilt for choice. In South Terminal, for example, The Beehive is the perfect place for a burger, an all-day breakfast or a couple of pre-flight beers. In North Terminal, Juniper Bar & Kitchen and The Red Lion offer similar culinary experiences. Both terminals are home to a selection of well-known coffee and snack brands, including the likes of Starbucks, Shake Shack, Pret, Krispy Kreme and Wagamama.

Both Terminals at Gatwick Airport are home to a World Duty Free – offering fragrances, alcohol, tobacco and a selection of gifts at discount prices. Use the Reserve & Collect service to save yourself an extra 10%. Once you’ve picked up a few bargains in the duty free area, head to the main concourse of either Terminal to shop at some of the UK’s leading chain stores. The likes of Accessorize, Boots, Boss, Fat Face, Harrods, Hamleys, Lego, Ray-Ban and Superdry await. There’s also a large M&S Simply Food in both the South and North Terminal.

Gatwick Airport is home to a range of services and amenities designed to make your experience as smooth and relaxing as possible. Fast Track Security gives you priority access that can save you several minutes and lots of waiting around. Premium Passport Control is another way to save time, which is available from just £9 per person. If you have to wait around or you want to venture into the city for a while, leave your baggage at one of the airport’s Left Luggage desks for as little as £7.50 per bag for three hours. Other services include a chapel, postal services, a lost property service and currency exchange – all available in both terminals.

Accessibility

Getting to and from Gatwick Airport is easier than ever. As well as the nearby M25, there are several transport options to choose from – some of which will take you right to the heart of London in a matter of minutes.

Taxis
Pre-book a taxi via the Gatwick Airport website or simply jump into a black cab at the pick-up points in front of both terminals. The official taxi company at the airport is Gatwick Airport Cars, but others are available.

Trains
The train station at Gatwick Airport offers direct connections to more than 100 stations across London and the South East. Located in the South Terminal, the station is just a few minutes walk from both arrivals and departures. There’s also a free shuttle service that takes you there if you’re in the North Terminal. The Gatwick Express is the quickest way into London. Leaving every 30 minutes, the service gets you into the city in around half an hour. Great Western Railway services take you to Reading and the West, while Southern and Thameslink provide fast services into London, Brighton, Eastbourne and Portsmouth.

By bus
Bus services run from both terminals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are regular services to central London, as well as long-distance services operated by National Express and Megabus. MetroBus and FlixBus also pick up and drop off at designated points outside both terminals – just look for the signs.

By car
Gatwick Airport is just 28 miles from central London. The main route into the airport is the M23 motorway – just leave at Junction 9. Another potential route is the A23, the road that connects the capital to Brighton. If you’re travelling from outside the region, head to the M25 and take the fastest route to the south. You’ll see signs for the airport at regular intervals.

Car rentals
There isn’t a single car rental centre at Gatwick Airport, but most of the major rental companies have a desk in both the North and South Terminal. In the South Terminal, pickup is on the lower forecourt. In the North Terminal, pickup desks are located next to Jubilee House – just follow the signs!