Gatwick Airport Complete Passenger Guide: North and South Terminal Explained

Gatwick is the UK’s second busiest airport and one of the most consistently misunderstood. Not because it is complicated, but because one decision made before you even leave home determines how smoothly the rest of the day goes: which terminal you need.

Get it right and Gatwick is an efficient, well-connected airport with good facilities, decent food options, and a straightforward journey through security and onto your flight. Get it wrong and you are doing a terminal transfer with luggage, possibly after the security clock has already started ticking.

This guide covers everything you need to know before you travel. Both terminals, the airlines that use each one, how to get there, parking and drop-off, security, lounges, food, and what to do when you land.

The Most Important Thing to Know

Gatwick has two separate terminals: North and South. They sit apart from each other and are connected by a free automated shuttle that takes around two minutes to travel between platforms. The full transfer, including walking and waiting, takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Each terminal has its own check-in, security, departure gates, arrivals hall, and transport connections. They are not interchangeable. If you arrive at the wrong one, you will need to use the inter-terminal shuttle, re-clear security, and hope you have left enough time.

The single rule that prevents this: check your boarding pass 24 hours before departure, not when you booked. Airlines occasionally move between terminals, and easyJet in particular operates from both. What was true when you booked might not be true on the day.

North Terminal: Airlines and Who Uses It

The North Terminal is the larger and busier of the two. As of 2026, easyJet has consolidated all of its main Gatwick operations here, making it the dominant carrier. Other airlines currently using North Terminal include Emirates, TUI Airways, WestJet, Norwegian, and Wizz Air on selected routes.

Emirates is worth flagging specifically. If you are flying long-haul to Dubai and beyond, you are in the North Terminal. The Emirates lounge is here, and the walk to the Emirates gates is significant, so allow time after security.

A small number of easyJet routes still operate from South Terminal. This is the single most common cause of passengers heading to the wrong terminal at Gatwick. Always confirm on your boarding pass the day before you fly.

South Terminal: Airlines and Who Uses It

The South Terminal is older, slightly smaller, and has undergone significant changes in 2026. British Airways operates its short-haul Gatwick routes from here. Ryanair is also based in the South Terminal.

The biggest 2026 news for South Terminal is Jet2. On 26 March 2026, Jet2 launched a major new base at Gatwick from the South Terminal, operating 29 routes to Europe and the Mediterranean. The first flight went to Tenerife on the launch date. This is the largest new airline base at Gatwick this century, and it matters for one practical reason: passengers familiar with TUI and other leisure carriers, which typically operated from North Terminal, may instinctively head the wrong way. Jet2 is South Terminal. Check your boarding pass.

Vueling, Air Arabia, and several charter operators also use South Terminal. Air Arabia launched a new twice-daily Sharjah to Gatwick service from South Terminal in late March 2026, adding new Middle East connectivity.

Getting to Gatwick

By Train

The Gatwick Express runs between London Victoria and the South Terminal in around 30 minutes, operating every 15 minutes. It is the fastest rail option from central London and the one most frequently recommended, though it costs more than standard Southern services.

Southern Rail also serves Gatwick with more stops but lower fares, running to St Pancras International and London Bridge among other central stations. Thameslink connects Gatwick to a wide range of stations across London and beyond. Trains from Brighton take around 30 minutes.

The railway station sits directly beneath the South Terminal. If you are flying from North Terminal, take the inter-terminal shuttle from inside the station after arriving. Allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes for this.

By Coach

National Express operates long-distance coach services to Gatwick from cities across the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, and Bristol. Coaches drop off at both terminals. Journey times vary significantly by route.

The Gatwick Shuttle coach runs between Heathrow and Gatwick roughly hourly, making it a useful option for passengers connecting between the two airports without going into central London.

By Car

Gatwick is reached from the M23, exiting at Junction 9 and following airport signs. Both terminals are clearly signposted from the motorway. One key point: vehicles cannot cross between the North and South Terminal forecourts without rejoining the main road network. If you take a wrong turn and end up at the wrong terminal, you will need to drive back out and round.

This has a practical consequence for anyone being dropped off. Make absolutely sure the person driving you knows which terminal you need before you leave home. If they drop you at the wrong one, they will either pay a second drop-off charge to correct the mistake or you will face the shuttle transfer with your luggage.

By Chauffeur

For longer journeys to Gatwick, particularly from the Midlands or the North, a pre-booked chauffeur service removes the most stressful parts of the trip. Your driver confirms the correct terminal before setting off, monitors traffic along the M40 and M25, handles your luggage, and drops you directly at the right forecourt with the drop-off charge already covered in your fare.

The return journey is where the difference really shows. Your driver tracks your flight in real time and waits in the arrivals hall with a name board, so whether you land early or two hours late, there is no taxi queue and no navigating trains with heavy bags. Our airport transfer service covers Gatwick journeys from Birmingham, the West Midlands, and beyond, with fixed pricing confirmed at booking.

Drop-Off at Gatwick: What You Need to Know

Gatwick became the most expensive UK airport for drop-offs from 6 January 2026, when the forecourt charge rose from £7 to £10 for up to 10 minutes. This was a 43 percent increase and the largest single drop-off charge rise at any UK airport.

The system is barrier-free. ANPR cameras record your number plate as you enter and exit the forecourt. You pay online at postpay.dropoff.gatwickairport.com by midnight the day after your visit. Forget to pay and a £100 Parking Charge Notice is issued, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. You can set up an AutoPay account to avoid the risk of forgetting.

The charge applies separately at each terminal. If you accidentally drive into the wrong terminal forecourt before correcting your mistake, you will be charged for both entries.

The free alternative: Both the North and South Long Stay car parks offer free parking for up to two hours, with a free shuttle bus running to the terminal. The shuttle takes around five minutes from the North Terminal Long Stay and seven to twelve minutes from South. For most drop-offs, the small detour is worth it to avoid the £10 charge.

Blue Badge holders are exempt from the drop-off charge, but must register their vehicle in advance at the Gatwick ZAT Permit website, providing the passenger’s name, flight date, vehicle plate, and a copy of the badge.

Parking at Gatwick

Both terminals have their own parking options, and the choices broadly fall into short stay, mid stay, long stay, and premium valet.

Short Stay: The most convenient option for quick visits. Located closest to each terminal with a short walk, sometimes covered. Priced at around £8 for up to 30 minutes, which can actually be cheaper than the forecourt drop-off charge if you need slightly more time. Best for pickups.

Long Stay: The most affordable option for trips of several days. Free shuttle runs to both terminals. Pre-booking several weeks ahead consistently gives the best prices. During school holidays and peak summer periods, Long Stay can sell out, so booking early matters.

Premium Valet/Meet and Greet: You drive to a reception point near the terminal, hand your keys to a valet team, and walk to check-in in a few minutes. Your car is ready when you return. It is the most expensive option but removes the entire car park experience from your day.

One practical note worth knowing: Long Stay North connects to the North Terminal and Long Stay South connects to the South Terminal. Booking the wrong one adds a terminal transfer on top of the shuttle. Book the correct Long Stay for your terminal.

Security at Both Terminals

Security at Gatwick has improved in recent years and both terminals now operate with modern scanning equipment. During normal periods, most passengers clear security within 20 to 30 minutes.

During busy periods, this changes significantly. Over Easter 2026, security queues at Gatwick ran to 90 to 120 minutes during morning departure banks. If you are flying before 11am during any school holiday period, arrive at the terminal at least three hours before departure.

Fast Track: Available at both North and South Terminals, bookable in advance or on the day. During busy mornings, Fast Track is the single most effective way to protect your schedule. It can be booked directly through the Gatwick website or through several third-party providers.

Arriving passengers: Both terminals have automated eGates for passport control. Eligible passport holders from the UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and the USA can use these lanes. They are considerably faster than staffed desks when the airport is busy.

North Terminal: Facilities

Check-in: Located on Level 2. easyJet dominates the central area, with other airlines spread throughout. Self-service kiosks are available for most airlines. Bag wrap (£14 to £18), weighing scales, and a left luggage facility (open 04:00 to 22:00, from £10 for the first three hours) are available.

Shopping and food before security: Costa Coffee, WHSmith, and bureau de change facilities are accessible on the landside level.

Airside departure lounge: The North Terminal departure lounge has a well-developed retail and food offer. World Duty Free is the main duty free store. Dining options include a range of restaurants and fast food. Greggs opened in the North Terminal in 2026 for a budget breakfast or lunch option.

Lounges: The No1 Lounge and the Emirates Lounge are both airside in the North Terminal. Full details in the lounges section below.

South Terminal: Facilities

Check-in: Located on Level 2, with zones A through J covering different airlines. British Airways check-in is in Zone A. Jet2 desks opened in March 2026 and are clearly signposted. Bag wrap and left luggage are available before security, with left luggage located behind check-in Zone E.

The Village: The South Terminal’s main dining area, significantly expanded in January 2026. A new dining cluster near Gates 45 to 50 opened at the start of the year, including the first airport Dishoom, Five Guys, and a Greggs. The original Village area remains open, reducing congestion by spreading the food offer across two clusters.

Lounges: The South Terminal has four lounge options: No1 Lounge, Plaza Premium, My Lounge, and Club Aspire. Full details in the lounges section below.

Yotel cabins: The South Terminal has airside Yotel cabin accommodation, expanded in 2026 with 15 new units, bookable from a minimum of three hours. Useful for early morning flights or long layovers where a few hours of proper rest makes the difference.

Duty Free Shopping at Gatwick

Both terminals have full World Duty Free stores located directly after security, and the savings are genuine on the right categories. Fragrances regularly run up to 40 percent below average UK high street prices, and spirits deals, particularly twin packs, are where most travellers find the best value.

North Terminal: The stronger terminal for whisky and spirits. The World of Whiskies section is exclusive to North Terminal and stocks travel-exclusive bottles and collector’s editions from Glenfiddich, Macallan, Balvenie, and Johnnie Walker. Beauty covers Lancôme, Clarins, Molton Brown, Chanel, Dior, and Creed, alongside watches and jewellery from Michael Kors and Citizen.

South Terminal: A broader beauty and fashion mix, with standalone boutiques in The Village area including Jo Malone, Dune London, Sunglass Hut, and InMotion for electronics. Ladurée, the Parisian patisserie, is also here if you want macarons before a flight.

Reserve and Collect: Worth using every time. Browse online at worlddutyfree.com up to 30 days before your flight, reserve what you want, and collect and pay in store on the day. You get 10 percent off all Reserve and Collect orders, guaranteed stock, and no browsing time pressure. Confirm your terminal when reserving so your order is at the right collection point.

Two practical rules: All airlines at Gatwick allow one bag of airport shopping on board alongside your cabin allowance. And if you have a connecting flight, keep duty free liquids sealed in their tamper-evident bag with the receipt visible, or they may be confiscated at the connecting airport’s security.

Airport Lounges at Gatwick

Gatwick has one of the widest lounge selections of any UK airport outside Heathrow, spread across both terminals. All the independent lounges are open to any passenger regardless of airline or ticket class.

North Terminal lounges:

The No1 Lounge is the main independent option, with a full bar, hot food, runway views, and a quieter atmosphere than the main departure lounge. Book direct or enter with Priority Pass. The Emirates Lounge is reserved for Emirates Business and First Class passengers and top-tier Skywards members, with direct boarding to the aircraft from the lounge.

South Terminal lounges:

The Plaza Premium Lounge is the largest at Gatwick, with panoramic runway views, a full hot buffet, and the most comprehensive facilities. It suits longer waits and is the best all-round choice if you want maximum space and amenities. My Lounge has a relaxed coffee-shop feel with self-pour drinks and a strong breakfast offer, but closes at 4pm, so it only works for morning departures. Club Aspire sits between the two in both price and format. The No1 Lounge also operates in the South Terminal.

Booking advice: Pre-book online in every case. Walk-in entry is not guaranteed during school holidays and peak morning banks, and pre-booked prices are consistently lower than paying at the door. Priority Pass, DragonPass, and LoungeKey memberships cover most of the independent lounges at both terminals. If your travel plans involve a very early start, remember that lounge opening hours vary, and check the specific lounge opens before your departure time.

Getting Between the Terminals

The inter-terminal shuttle is a free, automated service running 24 hours a day. It takes around two minutes to travel between the platforms, but allow 10 to 15 minutes total including the walk to and from the shuttle stop at each end.

For connecting passengers, the shuttle runs airside to airside, meaning you do not need to re-enter security if you are already through. For everyone else, the shuttle operates landside, and you will need to go through security at your destination terminal.

If you are on a connecting flight that requires a terminal change, allow a minimum of 90 minutes between flights to be comfortable. If you are transferring from international to domestic, you will need to pass through immigration, which adds additional time.

Arriving at Gatwick

Both terminals have their arrivals hall on the ground floor. After landing, follow the arrivals signs to passport control, then baggage reclaim, then customs.

For baggage reclaim, check the overhead screens as soon as you enter the hall for your carousel number. At a busy airport like Gatwick, particularly on peak arrival days, baggage can take 30 to 45 minutes to appear after landing. If your bag does not arrive or arrives damaged, report it to the airline’s handling desk inside the hall before leaving the terminal.

After customs, the exits lead to the public arrivals hall, where taxis, pre-booked transfers, and public transport connections are all accessible.

Train: The station is directly under the South Terminal. If you land at North Terminal, take the shuttle to the South Terminal before heading to the train. National Rail services to London Bridge, St Pancras, and Victoria depart frequently.

Taxis and transfers: Official taxis are available from the rank outside each terminal. Pre-booked private transfers wait inside the arrivals hall with a name board, which is considerably easier after a long flight than navigating to a taxi rank.

Hotels Near Gatwick

South Terminal: The BLOC Hotel is located inside the South Terminal building, connected directly to the departure area. It is ideal for very early morning flights, offering runway views, self-service check-in, and good sound insulation. Rooms can be booked for shorter durations, making it useful for a few hours of rest before a 5am departure. The Sofitel Gatwick is connected directly to the North Terminal and sits between the terminal and the Long Stay car park.

Near the airport: The Hampton by Hilton Gatwick is a short walk from North Terminal. Premier Inn, Travelodge, and Holiday Inn options within a 10-minute drive all offer shuttle services to the terminals, which typically cost under £20 for a taxi or include a hotel shuttle in the booking.

The One Thing That Catches People Out

Gatwick trips tend to go wrong in one of three ways. The wrong terminal is the most common. The drop-off charge is the most expensive surprise. And the security queue during school holiday mornings is the most likely cause of a missed flight.

All three are avoidable. Check your terminal the day before, know your drop-off options before you drive, and add a buffer to your arrival time whenever you are flying before noon during a busy period.

If you are travelling from the Midlands or further north and want to take the motorway journey to Gatwick off your plate entirely, our chauffeur service to London and Heathrow Airport transfers cover long-distance airport journeys with a fixed price, flight tracking, and a driver who knows the correct terminal drop-off point for both North and South without being told. For anyone flying from the Midlands, connecting through Heathrow to Gatwick is often the more practical routing, and our airport transfer service covers that too.