Airport Overview
Gatwick Airport, also known as London Gatwick, is a significant international airport near Crawley, West Sussex, England, 29.5 miles (47.5 km) south of Central London. It is the second-busiest airport by total passenger traffic in the UK, after Heathrow Airport.
LGW is the tenth-busiest airport in Europe. It covers a total area of 674 hectares (1,670 acres).
Airport Stats & Facts
- Gatwick opened as an aerodrome in the late 1920s. It has been in use for commercial flights since 1933.
- The airport has two terminals, the North Terminal and the South Terminal, which cover areas of 98,000 m2 (117,000 sq yd) and 160,000 m2 (190,000 sq yd) respectively.
- It operates as a single-runway airport, using a main runway with a length of 3,316 m (10,879 ft). A secondary runway is available but, due to its proximity to the main runway, can only be used if the main runway is not in use.
Airport Traveling Tips
- You can travel as long as you meet the entry requirements of your destination. Some countries may want proof of a vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test to enter.
- A traffic light system is in place for international arrivals in England. Different testing and quarantine rules apply based on where you have visited. All arrivals must complete a passenger locator form.
- Baggage must never be left unattended in public areas.
- Please have a look at the LGW Airport Map before visiting the airport.
Passenger Pickup and Drop-off
- The drop off zones are located directly outside the airport terminals and are the most convenient place for dropping off passengers quickly and easily. Please note that all flights are currently operating to and from North Terminal.
- It is recommended that you use the short-stay car parks for pick-ups as this tends to take longer than dropping off. Please note that normal charges apply in the car parks. Alternatively you can drop off, pick up and park for free up to 2 hours in the Long Stay car park..
Flight Status
- Arrival flight status provides the arrival times, gate information, delays, and time to land for the Gatwick Airport.
- Departing flight status lists scheduled vs actual departure, gate information, map tracking, and flight delays.
- To get the best fares, book a flight at LGW here.
Airport Terminals
The passenger terminal complex at London Gatwick Airport consists of a North Terminal (NT) & a South Terminal (ST) - 1.2 km apart and connected by a 2-minute ride on the elevated free rail shuttle - running every few minutes, 24/7. Check-in is located on level 1 of each terminal.
To see the terminal locations and for more information, please refer to the LGW Terminal Map here.
Airlines Served
The various airlines served at Gatwick Airport are Qantas, WestJet, China Airlines, Emirates and more.
View the full list of airlines served at LGW Airport here.
Airport Parking
Short-Stay Parking
Ideal for parking for just a few hours: North and South Terminals each have their own Short Stay Car Parks,which are convenient and safe, and they are connected to the terminals and only a short walking distance to the Terminal entrance. Short Stay Car Parks for longer periods: If you park for only a day or two, you may be eligible for theShort-Stay Special at a pre-book rate. Fees:
Regular Short-Stay Parking at North & SouthTerminals:
- Up to 30 mins: £4.00
- 31 - 60 mins: £8.00
- 1 - 2 hours: £13.00
- 2 - 3 hours: £15.00
- 3 - 4 hours: £19.00
- 4 - 5 hours: £22.00
- 5 - 6 hours: £26.00
- 6 - 12 hours: £40.00
- 12 - 24 hours: £45.00
- Each subsequent day: £45.00
Premium Short Stay Parking
For customers who value the convenience of parking as close to the terminal as possible with same-level access, a dedicated parking area is available in both North and South Terminalshort stay car parks.
- Up to 30 mins: £5.20
- 31 - 60 mins:£10.30
- 1 - 2 hours: £15.00
- 2 - 3 hours: £19.00
- 3 - 4 hours: £24.50
- 4 - 5 hours: £29.50
- 5 - 6 hours: £35.00
- 6 - 12 hours: £50.00
- 12 - 24 hours: £55.00
- Each subsequent day: £55.00
Ground Transport
Many transport options are available for passengers from Gatwick Airport. There are plenty of options for traveling including rental cars, bus, shuttle, taxi, rideshare services, etc.
Rental Cars
There are nine rental car agencies located on site at Gatwick Airport. The counters are located near the central entrance of the terminal building on the lower level.
Taxis
Passengers can find taxis at the airport in the center section of the lower level curbside, adjacent to the North and South parking garages (follow the Ground Transportation signs). Service runs from first flight departure to last flight arrival.
Public Transport
A low-cost frequent airport transfer service non-stop from London (Chelsea) and Gatwick with prices from £2. Buses depart every 15 minutes at peak times and run from 04.00 to 01.00.
easyBus runs seven days a week except Christmas Day and can be used by any airline passenger. Book here.
Amenities & Services
For visitors to have a great stay, Gatwick Airport provides plenty of amenities and services including:
- Store, gift shops, and local souvenir shops.
- Restaurants, bars, and cafes.
- Shoeshine stations, and massage bars.
- Free Wi-Fi internet throughout the airport.
- Sandwich Boutiques
- Vending machines, and banks/ATMs.
Contact Information
Address: Horley, Gatwick RH6 0NP, UK
Website: https://www.gatwickairport.com/
Phone: 0344 892 0322
Gatwick Airport: A Brief History Timeline
- The land on which Gatwick Airport stands was first developed as an aerodrome in the late 1920s. The Air Ministry approved commercial flights from the site in 1933, and the first terminal, "The Beehive", was built in 1935. Scheduled air services from the new terminal began the following year.
- Major development work at the airport took place during the 1950s. The airport buildings were designed by Yorke Rosenberg Mardall between 1955 and 1988.
- Further rapid growth of charter flights at Gatwick was encouraged by the Ministry of Aviation, which instructed airlines to move regular charter flights from Heathrow.
- While continuing to dominate scheduled operations at Gatwick for most of the 1980s, BCal was also one of the airport's major charter airlines until the end of the 1970s (together with Dan-Air, Laker Airways and British Airtours)
- From 1978 to 2008, many flights to and from the United States used Gatwick because of restrictions on the use of Heathrow implemented in the Bermuda II agreement between the UK and the US.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
