GATWICK AIRPORT (LGW) INFORMATION

Gatwick Airport, also known as London Gatwick, is a major international airport located 48 kilometers south of Central London in the English county of West Sussex, close to Crawley. Gatwick Airport was one of Europe's busiest in 2022 and second in the United Kingdom after Heathrow Airport. It has a total land area of 674 square kilometers.

Gatwick Airport first opened in the 1920s, and since 1933, it has served as a hub for commercial air travel. The North Terminal and the South Terminal can be found at the airport. It has one main runway in use, and that runway is 3,316 meters in length. Due to its proximity to the primary runway, the secondary runway is only available when it is occupied.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Gatwick Airport

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Transfer Services at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport in London has many quick and easy ground transportation options for passengers. In just 30 minutes, visitors can reach London's Victoria Station via the direct Gatwick Express train from the airport. The National Express bus service is nonstop between the airport and the city's major bus terminals.

Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis are just a few rental car agencies offering affordable rates at locations near Gatwick Airport for those who would rather drive themselves. Taxis provide a convenient door-to-door service. Drivers typically charge by the mile rather than a flat rate, as is common in other cities.

Finally, visitors who prefer not to use public transportation or rent a car can use Uber's on-demand service by installing the app on their smartphone before landing.

Rental Car Services at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport car rental services offer a quick and easy way to get around the city. Renting a car is a great option because of its many benefits, whether you need a vehicle for work or play. A wide range of vehicles is available for rent, from sports cars to minivans.

You can find the best rate without sacrificing quality by comparing offers from various car rental agencies. In addition, many of them periodically run discounts or promotions that can help you save even more money on your rental car.

See and compare all rental car companies at Gatwick Airport.

Taxi Services at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport taxis are a quick, cheap, and easy way to get around the area. Whether in town for business or pleasure, you can find a taxi service to meet your needs. Prearranged taxi rides and taxis can also be hailed at the airport. See more information about taxis at Gatwick Airport.

You'll find a taxi stand outside the Gatwick Airport terminal doors. According to the meter, a taxi ride into the city's heart will set you back about €70.

Train Services at Gatwick Airport

Trains depart directly to 120 stations from Gatwick Airport. You can reach over 700 more with just one transfer, making it the most accessible airport in the United Kingdom.

The station is close to South Terminal, where trains depart and arrive. The North Terminal is conveniently connected to the station by a free shuttle that runs frequently. You can use a contactless payment card to buy a train ticket at the station, on the website, or at the gates. More information about train services at Gatwick Airport.

Advance purchase fares for a one-way Standard Class train ticket from Gatwick Airport to London start at £10.70.

Bus Services at Gatwick Airport

The bus service at Gatwick Airport makes it easy to get around the area. The buses run regularly throughout London, so you can rely on them for easy and quick travel.

The bus drivers are experts in the area and can give passengers insider information. Riders should always be aware of their surroundings and use caution when using any form of public transportation in London.

The cheapest bus tickets can be purchased from National Express for only £7.5. More information about buses to and from Gatwick Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Gatwick Airport

Travelers can easily and quickly reach their hotel from Gatwick Airport with hotel shuttle services. Hotels commonly provide these amenities at no cost or at a reduced rate. Shuttles typically stop at various locations within the airport, and some even offer pickup service at specific buildings.

Please see our hotel page for further details.

Rideshare Services at Gatwick Airport

For your protection, the local government has licensed all rideshare vehicles and verified the identities of all drivers. To arrange transportation to or from Gatwick Airport, download the appropriate app and make a reservation in advance. Ridesharing is a great option for getting to a nearby train station or your destination. They also allow you to get to parts of the region where regular buses only go.

Parking Services at Gatwick Airport

You can leave your car at the airport in a safe, affordable, and easily accessible location. Parking at Gatwick Airport is convenient and affordable, whether flying for business or pleasure.

If you want to park your car near the terminals at Gatwick Airport, you can pay a little more to do so at one of the airport's official car parks.

See more information about short and long term parking at Gatwick Airport.

Other Services at Gatwick Airport

Other passenger services and amenities at Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom include a variety of shopping and dining opportunities. The airport offers over 70 retail outlets, including designer labels and convenience stores.

Passengers can also dine at one of the many restaurants in the main terminal buildings. A range of fast food establishments complemented by bars and cafes offer travelers an array of options to quench their thirst or satisfy their hunger during their layover.

Further facilities available at Gatwick Airport include currency exchange points, mother-and-baby care rooms for nursing mothers or parents traveling with infants and young children; Wi-Fi access throughout both terminals; business lounges offering office space to work on projects while waiting for their flight; disabled assistance services; Interactive Flight Information Displays (IFIDs); ATMs, and pet-relief areas.

Disabled Passengers at Gatwick Airport

The airport provides customers with special assistance to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience. Passengers can make use of the Airport Ambassadors, who are there to help those with disabilities get around Gatwick safely and easily.

Special services such as accessible parking spaces, wheelchair loans, reserved seating, and priority boarding are always available for people requiring disability assistance. Additionally, disabled passengers can take advantage of concessionary fares on airlines departing from the facility if they meet certain criteria.

Wi-Fi at Gatwick Airport

The airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access, so passengers can easily get online with their devices and take care of any important tasks they may have while in transit.

Baggage Claim at Gatwick Airport

Upon arrival at the baggage reclaim hall, you should look for flight information screens detailing your bags' locations. When navigating through this area, keep your passport or other forms of identification handy, as it may be required when claiming certain items from designated areas.

Additionally, if you have multiple pieces of luggage, remember to bring a trolley or cart to transport them all easily and quickly. Finally, ensure you check all bags thoroughly before leaving the airport grounds to avoid any lost property issues arising later.

Information Desk at Gatwick Airport

Located at key points within the terminal building, they provide travelers with useful and up-to-date information on flights, baggage reclaim, and other services. The staff members are friendly and knowledgeable, providing passengers with quick responses to their queries. They can also assist with check-in procedures for airlines that do not have an automated process available.

Furthermore, information desk staff can inform customers about airline policies such as excess luggage charges or pet travel requirements. Information desks can also help customers locate lost items within the airport and provide assistance if a traveler's passport has been misplaced or stolen during their stay at Gatwick Airport.

Smoking at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport has gone one step further by introducing an entirely smoke-free zone within its premises, making it easier for travelers to find a spot to relax without worrying about being exposed to secondhand smoke. The restrictions are also part of a wider trend toward providing airport passengers a safe, healthy, and pleasant environment. Please follow the rules regarding designated smoking areas at the facility.

Lost and Found Section at Gatwick Airport

The team at Lost and Found will work with you to locate your missing bag. They will search all airport areas and ask other staff members if they have seen it. They take detailed notes of what the bag looks like and its contents so that when it is located, there is no mistake in identifying it as yours.

If your bag cannot be found immediately, then Lost and Found keep a record of your details so that should someone else hands in a similar item or something belonging to you can contact you directly. Often people leave items on public transport such as trains or buses. Gatwick Airport works closely with these companies to ensure items are returned safely to their owners.

Restrooms at Gatwick Airport

The facilities are spacious, clean, and brightly lit, with plenty of stalls and modern fixtures. There is also a separate family area with changing tables for those traveling with young children. All in all, the restrooms at Gatwick Airport provide passengers an ideal spot to take care of their personal needs while on the go. In addition to being convenient, they ensure that travelers feel safe when using them thanks to CCTV cameras throughout the facility.

Nursing Mothers Station at Gatwick Airport

This section provides a secure, private space for nursing and pumping mothers where they can breastfeed their babies or pump milk undisturbed. The station has comfortable chairs, electrical sockets for pumps, and changing tables to make life easier for moms on the go.

ATMs at Gatwick Airport

The ATMs are conveniently located throughout the airport in both arrivals and departures for easy travel access. Most cards, including debit/credit cards, Maestro, and Travel Money Cards, are accepted. In addition to cash withdrawal, you can use the ATM service to check your bank account balance or transfer money between accounts if necessary.

Currency Exchange at Gatwick Airport

The staff at Gatwick Airport can help you make informed decisions about which currencies are most suitable based on your travel plans. Currency exchange services are available in over 60 currencies, including Euro, US Dollar, and Pound Sterling.

You can use cash, debit, or credit cards to purchase foreign currency from any Gatwick Airport kiosks around the airport terminal buildings. Those who don't have time to visit a bank before departure should take advantage of Gatwick Airport's competitive exchange rates, which will help save money when traveling abroad.

Food and Beverages at Gatwick Airport

The airport provides plentiful options for travelers, from quick bites to sit-down meals. For those looking for something more substantial, there is a great selection of full-service restaurants serving cuisines worldwide, including Italian, Indian, and Chinese dishes. There are also coffee shops located throughout both terminals which are open most times of the day.

Shopping at Gatwick Airport

The airport offers more than 70 stores, from luxury brands to duty-free shops and food and beverage outlets. There is something for everyone, whether you're after a last-minute souvenir or a quick snack before your flight. Some shops are ideal for travelers looking to stock up on tax-free items such as cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, and confectionery.

If shopping isn't your thing, then there are plenty of other things to do while transiting, including free Wi-Fi access in all departure lounges, charging points throughout the terminals, and various bars and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from around the world.

Pet Relief at Gatwick Airport

Located conveniently throughout the airport, these areas are well-equipped to help pets feel at ease. Each Pet Relief Area has artificial grass, waste bags, and a hose for easy cleanup. This allows pet owners to quickly care for their furry friend's needs before continuing their journey.

Ticketing Services at Gatwick Airport

The airport offers ticketing services, including online booking, kiosks throughout the terminals, and dedicated ticket desks staffed by knowledgeable agents. Using these services, passengers can easily choose a flight that best suits their needs while taking advantage of discounts or promotions.

History of Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport was built on land previously as an aerodrome in the 1920s. Commercial flights from the site were approved by the Air Ministry in 1933, and the first terminal, "The Beehive," was constructed in 1935. The following year, regular airline service departed from the brand-new terminal.

During World War II, the military used the airport, and it was renamed RAF Gatwick. Following the war, the airport resumed its normal civilian operations. The 1950s saw extensive construction at the airport. Between 1955 and 1988, Yorke Rosenberg Mardall oversaw the construction of the airport's structures.

In the 1960s, two of Gatwick's largest British independent airlines were British United Airways (BUA) and Dan-Air. BUA became the airport's primary scheduled operator. It provided a sizable portion of the airport's non-scheduled services. In contrast, Dan-Air became the airport's primary inclusive tour charter services provider.

Since the Ministry of Aviation mandated that regular charter flights be relocated from Heathrow to Gatwick, the number of charter flights out of Gatwick has increased rapidly. British Caledonian (BCal), formed when Caledonian Airways acquired BUA at the start of the following decade, dominated Gatwick's scheduled airline market in the 1970s.

Until the end of the 1970s, BCal was one of Gatwick's major charter airlines. Throughout the 1980s, BCal dominated scheduled operations at Gatwick (together with Dan-Air, Laker Airways, and British Airtours).

After the privatization of British Airways (BA) at the end of the 1980s, Dan-Air and Air Europe stepped in to fill the void left by BCal as the dominant scheduled short-haul operator out of Gatwick. At the same time, British Airways (BA) remained the airport's primary scheduled long-haul carrier after BCal ceased operations.

British Airways began expanding Gatwick as a secondary hub when competitors Air Europe and Dan-Air went under in the early 1990s. As a result of these actions, British Airways (BA) surpassed all other airlines serving Gatwick by the turn of the millennium. After BA decided to stop using Gatwick as a hub, EasyJet was able to set up its largest base there and become the dominant airline serving the airport.

About Greater London

The Greater London Authority is responsible for the Greater London in England administration. The 32 London boroughs and the City of London comprise the city's 33 local government districts. The London Region, which includes Greater London, is one of England's regions.

The Greater London Authority, which will have its headquarters in Newham beginning in 2022, oversees the region's overall local government strategy. The Mayor of London is in charge, along with the London Assembly. It is a ceremonial county made up of the 32 individual cities that make up Greater London. The original walled "square mile," now a separate ceremonial county, is not included.

On April 1, 1965, the Greater London Council was established as a sui generis council area and ceremonial county by the London Government Act 1963. In 1986, the GLC was disbanded. London was designated as a government administrative region in 1994, and the Greater London Authority was established the following year, in 2000.

Over 9 million people call this area, which is 1,572 square kilometers, home. National statistics for London use areas outside this administrative region, such as the London metropolitan area and the Greater London Urban Area.

There has yet to be an official city status for Greater London in the United Kingdom. However, the local governments of Westminster and London are recognized as "cities."

Greater London is a ceremonial county, so the British monarch appoints the Lord-Lieutenant and the High Sheriff. However, Greater London is not a traditional English county. Some of Greater London is located in Middlesex County, some in Essex County, some in Surrey County, some in Kent County, and some in Hertfordshire County.

Weather in Gatwick, London

Short, mild, and partly cloudy summers are typical at London's Gatwick Airport. Long, bitterly cold, windy, and frequently overcast winters are the norm. Temperatures rarely drop 25 degrees Fahrenheit below or rise above 82 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.

From late June to early September, London Gatwick Airport is at its best for warm-weather activities. From June 14 to September 10, the warm season lasts 2.9 months, with daily highs above 67°F on average.

July has an average high of 71 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 54 degrees Fahrenheit at London Gatwick Airport. From November 17 to March 16, average daily highs dip below 51 degrees Fahrenheit, making up the cool season. At London Gatwick Airport, temperatures range from a low of 35 degrees Fahrenheit in February to a high of 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

During the wetter season (September 26–February 5), the average daily chance of rain is over 27%. On average, November has 9.8 days of precipitation at London Gatwick Airport.

The dry season, beginning on February 5 and ending on September 26, lasts 7.7 months. At London Gatwick Airport, the driest month is July, with an average of 6.5 rainy days, and the wettest month is November, with an average of 9.7 rainy days.

Useful Contact Details in London, United Kingdom

Knowing what to do in an emergency is important when visiting any city, including London. In the case of a police or medical emergency, dial 999 and ask for either “police” or “ambulance.” This number should be used if you are witnessing a crime, have been injured, or feel threatened. You will be connected with the appropriate service that can best provide help.

If you do not speak English, operators may be able to communicate with you in other languages; it is important to inform them of your language immediately so they can find someone who speaks it for assistance. Also, remember that public transport runs 24/7 throughout London and can easily get you from one area of the city to another quickly if needed.

Hospital

Spire St Anthony's Hospital

Address: 801 London Road Cheam Sutton Surrey SM3 9DW

Phone: 0203 608 1247

Police

Police Stations in Gatwick, London

Address: Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley RH10 9DF

Emergency: 999

Gatwick Airport Contacts

Address: Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, RH6 0NP

General Phone: 0344 892 0322

Lost and Found Phone: 0344 892 0322

Information Desk Phone: 0344 892 0322

Official Website: https://www.gatwickairport.com

Local Information

Drive on: Left

Electricity: 230V/50Hz

Plug: G

Currency: Euro

Wi-Fi at Airport: Free Wi-Fi is available at Gatwick Airport