Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport general information

If you’re flying from Gatwick Airport, we've collected the essential 'must-know' information you'll need to ensure your trip gets off to the perfect stress-free start.

Gatwick Airport parking

Looking for airport parking at Gatwick Airport? At APH we offer a fantastic range of airport parking options to suit all needs. Whether you’re after cost-effective off-airport parking or the luxury and convenience of meet and greet, you’ll be sure to find the right solution for you. When you pre-book your parking with APH you’ll receive big discounts and have a guaranteed space for departure day. Just select your departure terminal and find the perfect airport parking solution for you.

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Gatwick Airport hotel and parking packages

Taking an early flight, or just looking for a relaxed start to your trip from Gatwick Airport? Booking a pre-flight stop-over at one of the nearby hotels provides the perfect solution. APH offers a wide selection of venues to suit all budgets and needs.

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Gatwick Airport hotels

Gatwick is served by a wealth of great hotels, so if you want to enjoy a pre-flight stop-over, check out our list of nearby hotels here.

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All about Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the UK’s second-busiest airport and one of Europe’s leading international travel hubs. Located around 29.5 miles south of Central London and less than 3 miles from Crawley in West Sussex, Gatwick connects millions of passengers every year to destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and beyond.

Gatwick is recognised as the world’s busiest single-runway airport and serves more than 200 destinations across over 90 countries. The airport operates through two passenger terminals - North Terminal and South Terminal - handling a mix of domestic, European and long-haul international flights.

Originally opening for commercial flights in 1934, Gatwick has grown into one of the UK’s most important aviation hubs. Today, the airport continues to invest in terminal upgrades, passenger facilities, sustainability initiatives and transport infrastructure to improve the overall travel experience.

For passengers travelling by car, Gatwick Airport offers a wide range of parking solutions including short-stay, long-stay, meet and greet, valet parking and hotel-with-parking packages. Whether you’re travelling for business, a family holiday or a weekend getaway, there are parking options available to suit all budgets and travel styles.

Getting There

Travelling to Gatwick by train

Gatwick Airport has its own railway station located at the South Terminal. Direct train services operate to destinations including:

• London Victoria
• London Bridge
• Brighton
• Clapham Junction
• Reading
• Cambridge

The Gatwick Express offers a direct service between London Victoria and the airport in approximately 30 minutes.

Travelling to Gatwick by car

Driving to Gatwick Airport is straightforward thanks to direct motorway access via the M23.

APH offers a wide range of Gatwick parking options including:

• Long-stay parking
• Short-stay parking
• Meet and greet parking
• Park and ride services
• On-airport parking
• Off-airport parking

Booking Gatwick Airport parking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during school holidays and peak summer travel periods when prices are typically higher.

Traffic information

Traffic congestion can occur on roads approaching Gatwick Airport, especially during:

• Morning and evening rush hour
• School holidays
• Summer travel periods
• Bank holiday weekends

Before travelling, it’s recommended to check:

• Live traffic updates
• M23 and M25 roadworks
• Weather conditions
• Planned motorway closures

Allowing additional travel time can help avoid unnecessary stress and reduce the risk of missing your flight.

Check-in information

Check-in times can vary depending on your airline and destination, but Gatwick generally recommends arriving:

Domestic flights

At least 2 hours before departure.

European flights

At least 2-3 hours before departure.

Long-haul international flights

At least 3-4 hours before departure.

Passengers should always check directly with their airline for the latest baggage, check-in and boarding guidance.

Mobile check-in information

Many airlines operating from Gatwick Airport offer online and mobile check-in services, allowing passengers to check in before arriving at the airport.

Benefits of online check-in include:

• Choosing seats in advance
• Reducing airport queue times
• Downloading digital boarding passes
• Faster bag drop services

Online check-in is commonly available between 24 and 48 hours before departure, depending on the airline.

Popular airlines flying from Gatwick include:

• British Airways
• easyJet
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Ryanair
• TAP Air Portugal
• Aer Lingus

Terminal locations may change, so passengers should confirm their departure terminal before travelling.

Destinations

Gatwick Airport serves hundreds of popular holiday and business destinations across Europe and beyond. Some of the most popular destinations from Gatwick include:

• Malaga, Spain
• Alicante, Spain
• Barcelona, Spain
• Dubai, UAE
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Tenerife, Canary Islands
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Faro, Portugal
• Orlando, USA
• Paris, France

These destinations are especially popular for:

• Summer holidays
• City breaks
• Family travel
• Business trips
• Winter sun escapes

Flight routes and airline schedules can vary throughout the year depending on seasonal demand.

Disabled Passenger Details

Gatwick Airport offers a wide range of accessibility and assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility, hidden disabilities and additional travel requirements.

Available services include:

• Mobility assistance
• Accessible security lanes
• Boarding assistance
• Airport navigation support
• Hidden disability assistance
• Accessible toilets and changing facilities

Passengers requiring special assistance are advised to contact their airline or travel provider at least 48 hours before departure.

Click here for details of how Gatwick Airport helps passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism.

Fast-Track security lane

Fast-track security services are available for passengers wanting quicker access through airport security.

Benefits may include:

• Reduced queue times
• Dedicated security lanes
• Faster access to departure lounges

Fast-track passes can usually be booked online in advance, although availability may vary by terminal and travel period.

Pushchairs and Child Seats

Families travelling through Gatwick Airport can usually take pushchairs and child car seats through to the gate, depending on airline policies.

Many airlines allow:

• Pushchairs to be checked in at the boarding gate
• Child seats as part of baggage allowance
• Priority boarding for families with young children

Passengers should always confirm specific rules with their airline before travelling.

Family Assisted Lanes

Gatwick Airport offers several family-friendly facilities designed to make travelling with children easier.

These include:

• Family assistance security lanes
• Baby changing facilities
• Children’s play areas
• Family seating areas
• Restaurants with children’s menus

Family assistance lanes can help simplify the security process for passengers travelling with buggies and young children.

Shopping

Gatwick Airport offers extensive shopping options across both terminals, including:

• Duty-free shopping
• Designer fashion
• Beauty and skincare products
• Electronics and gadgets
• Books and travel accessories
• Gifts and souvenirs

Many airport retailers also offer Reserve and Collect services, allowing travellers to reserve products online before departure and collect them at the airport, here’s a full list of shops.

Where to Eat

Gatwick Airport has a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, bars and grab-and-go food outlets across both terminals.

Passengers can choose from:

• Fast food
• Coffee shops
• Family-friendly restaurants
• International cuisine
• Airport bars
• Healthy dining options

Restaurant availability and opening hours may vary depending on flight schedules and terminal operations.

We've compiled a guide to the best places to eat at Gatwick Airport here.

Area for Kids

Gatwick Airport offers family-friendly areas designed to help entertain children before flights.

Facilities for children may include:

• Kids’ play areas
• Family seating zones
• Interactive entertainment spaces
• Family assistance lanes at security

These areas are especially useful during longer waiting times and busy holiday periods.

Wi-Fi access

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Gatwick Airport terminals, allowing passengers to stay connected before their flight.

Wi-Fi can be used for:

• Browsing the internet
• Streaming entertainment
• Checking flight updates
• Accessing digital boarding passes
• Communicating with family and colleagues

, find all the essential information here.  

Mobile Devices

Gatwick Airport provides charging points and mobile device facilities throughout both terminals, allowing passengers to stay connected before boarding.

Passengers can access:

• Free Wi-Fi
• USB charging points
• Plug sockets
• Mobile charging stations

Charging areas are commonly located near departure gates, lounges, restaurants and seating areas.

Baby Changing

Baby changing facilities are available throughout both Gatwick Airport terminals, helping families travel more comfortably with young children.

Facilities typically include:

• Baby changing tables
• Family toilets
• Feeding areas
• Accessible washrooms

Many restaurants and family areas within the airport also provide child-friendly facilities for parents travelling with infants and toddlers.

Luggage Trolleys

Luggage trolleys are available throughout Gatwick Airport to help passengers move bags easily between check-in, arrivals, parking and transport connections.

Trolleys can typically be found:

• Inside terminal buildings
• Near car parks
• Around baggage reclaim areas
• Close to transport stations

Both terminals are designed to provide easy access for passengers travelling with multiple bags or oversized luggage.

Luggage Lockers

Gatwick Airport offers secure luggage storage facilities for passengers who want to explore London or travel light before check-in. Left luggage services are available in both the North and South Terminals, with short-term and long-term storage options for suitcases, backpacks and hand luggage.

Luggage storage is ideal for:

• Long layovers
• Early hotel check-outs
• Day trips into London
• Travellers with excess baggage

Prices and opening hours may vary, so passengers are advised to check availability before travelling.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies at Gatwick Airport provide a range of travel health and convenience services.

Products and services typically include:

• Prescription medication collection
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Travel sickness remedies
• Toiletries and skincare products
• Baby essentials
• Travel health products

Pharmacy facilities are available in both terminals for added convenience.