Gatwick airport, London is a crowded and busy place. Certainly, for those who are new, they need a fair guide to navigate and understand and get around.
For stress-free and most swift airport navigation, a guide is always important. For those who are flying for the first time, a helpful and straightforward airport guide always helps. To narrow it down, today’s airport guide is exclusive about London Gatwick airport, its layout, security check, and parking a lot more.
So if you are about to head towards the London Gatwick airport, you certainly want to keep a check on the Hotels near Gatwick airport London. So instead of searching for different places online, we have combined the tips and helpful material on a single page.
Where is London Gatwick Airport?
It’s certainly wise to understand the London Gatwick airport map so that you can navigate the premises more confidently and easily. London Gatwick airport is located about 30 minutes from London. Gatwick is an international airport that primarily caters to European destinations however; it’s also serving flights to America and Asia!
Getting to Gatwick Airport
Just like any other airport, reaching the Gatwick airport is no hassle, especially if you have booked an airport taxi. Likewise, Gatwick airport to London airport transfer ensures smooth and rather comfy travel. You can reach the Gatwick airport from many locations in London and southern England.
Gatwick airport is offering train service to multiple locations including London Victoria, Farringdon Station, St Pancras International, and Luton Airport. Talking about the direct train service, you can easily find locations from Gatwick airport Brighton and Eastbourne.
Layout of Gatwick Airport
Knowing the layout of the airport instantly clarifies many things about navigation. Gatwick airport has majorly two terminals i.e North & South. Keep in mind that Gatwick airport operates from both ends.
In addition to that, there is also an over ground train connection for transporting passengers between the terminal within a few minutes. However, making sure of the terminal is something you must do on your ticket.
Parking at Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick airport parking is certainly impressive due to numerous options. For confidence, passengers have a short stay car park adjacent. It’s exclusive for people coming to pick up their relatives and friends.
On the other hand, the long stay car park has a good distance for those who wish to leave their vehicle nearby. If you are looking for a way to avoid parking inconvenience and conveyance, you can certainly choose a meet and greet service.
The premier parking at Gatwick airport gives you the choice to drive to the closest terminal point so that you can unload your luggage. After that a staff member will come to park your car at a secure place.
Staying near Gatwick Airport
Staying near the airport is necessary if you have a flight to catch anytime soon. There are certainly many places such as Yotel air near South Terminal where you get all the necessities and luxury with private bathrooms, workstations, Monsoon showers, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free tea and coffee available around the clock. Here you can stay for a few hours or for a night depending on how immediate you have a flight to catch.
Airlines and Terminals at Gatwick
Now let’s talk about airlines and terminals at Gatwick. There are multiple airlines at the Gatwick airport which makes it preferred for sure. However, you should check out the website for verification about the terminal info. Here is quick information about the terminal and airline.
- Emirates North Terminal
- Ryanair – North Terminal
- Air Transat – Southern Terminal
- British Airways – North Terminal
- Virgin Atlantic – South Terminal
- EasyJet primarily operates from the North Terminal, with a few flights departing from the South Terminal
Check in and Security
Check in and security is one of the parameters at airports where many people get confused or scared. Therefore it’s always better to know the procedure before you happen to be there. The check in area is usually at the terminal followed by noticeable letters and display signs.
You need to carefully watch and observe the screen for your flight. The flight information is already displayed on the screen from where you can find out the current situation. Mostly noticeable companies showcase their logos that instantly simplify things.
When to arrive
Arriving at the airport is something that is a matter of time. You cannot afford to arrive late for obvious reasons. However, when to arrive is still somehow a confusing topic.
So for long-haul flights, check-in begins four hours before the departure whereas for European flights, check-in starts 3 hours before your departure. On the other hand check-in starts 2 hours before the departure for flights to and from the UK and Ireland. You can also apply for check-in online a day before your flight as many airlines allow you to do so.
Shopping at Gatwick
The selection of shops is pretty much diverse at both terminals of the Gatwick airport. Therefore the experience to explore more and shop like a pro remains highly indulging. The variety in shops and restaurants certainly hold superior quality followed by the world-class duty-free exclusives.
You can check out stores like Accessorize, Dixons Travel, Cath Kidston, Boots, Fat Face, JD Sports, Sunglass Hut, Ray-Ban, Marks & Spencer, WH Smith and more. Let’s break down the restaurants in North and South terminals!
Restaurants in London Gatwick Airport
Restaurants and seating places at airports hold special attention and importance for sure. Airport is one of the places where you always like to hustle bustle.
Many restaurants at Gatwick airport are open in the early morning and during late hours which is best for passengers anticipating flight anytime soon. Moreover, each terminal offers a mix of sit-down restaurants, pubs, and quick-service options to suit different schedules and preferences.
There are many restaurants at the both terminals giving you a wide sectioning range to opt for including popular names like Starbucks, Costa, Caffe, Nero, EAT, Starbucks, and Pret. If you are particularly looking for seafood and champagne, Caviar House & Prunier is there for you. Let’s break down the restaurants in North and South terminals!
North Terminal
- Jamie’s Coffee Lounge – A cozy spot for a quick coffee, pastries, or light snacks.
- Wagamama – Known for its Japanese-inspired menu, this spot offers ramen, rice bowls, and other Asian dishes.
- Pret A Manger – A classic choice for fresh sandwiches, salads, and organic coffee.
- The Nicholas Culpeper – A stylish pub with a focus on British fare, gin cocktails, and a comfortable setting.
- YO! Sushi – Sushi and Japanese small plates served conveyor-belt style; great for quick and light meals.
South Terminal
- Giraffe – A family-friendly spot offering a mix of global cuisine, from burgers to curries.
- Nando’s – Famous for its flame-grilled Peri-Peri chicken, with a range of spice levels.
- The Beehive – A cozy British pub offering hearty meals and a variety of drinks, including local beers.
- Joe & The Juice – Known for its fresh juices, smoothies, and light bites like sandwiches.
- Shake Shack – A popular choice for burgers, fries, and shakes in a casual setting.
Gatwick Airport Tips
Here are the simplified tips for Gatwick airport London.
You can carry liquids 100ml or less in hand carry. However, keep in mind that the guidelines may vary! Also the airport offers45 minutes of complimentary WiFi, where you get the choice to buy more time.
Gatwick airport offers so many facilities and helpful navigation including exclusive family security lanes, children menus across several restaurants, complimentary amenities such as buggies and pushchairs. Online check-ins are also available making things highly user-friendly and time-saving in case of excessive longer lines and to avoid waiting.
For boarding, it usually commences about 45 minutes before your flight is scheduled, at UK’s airports. And if you arrive at the North Terminal, opt for the tram over to the South Terminal because the train situation is situated in the South Terminal.
Final Words
So this is it! While there is so much more to cover, we have shed light on the major aspect of the Gatwick airport. It should help you for easy and swift navigation. Certainly the rest of the area and aspect you will explore by being there and once you step in the situation of actually boarding or flight. Gatwick airport London is quite well-managed and that gives an edge to passengers to navigate without wasting time.
