The inconvenience caused by being at the wrong terminal or gate of the airport is a fuss. Therefore, it’s important to know the accurate location and direction of the airport.
London’s Gatwick Airport is one of the largest airports in the UK. It’s considered as the 2nd largest airport in London after Heathrow Airport. Also its busiest one and located about 30 miles (48 km) south of Central London, near the town of Crawley in West Sussex.
Many passengers and tourists get confused seeing the layout of the airport especially if it’s their first time travelling or visiting London. So in this blog we will exclusively check out where LGW is and its quick guide that can simplify the travel and navigating experience for you.
Where Is Gatwick Airport Located?
Gatwick Airport / LGW) is situated in West Sussex, England, about 30 miles (48 km) south of Central London. Precisely, it is located at Horley, Gatwick RH6 0NP, United Kingdom and the distance from Central London is about 30 miles (47 km) south of Central London. LGW is in West Sussex) and not in Greater London.
Overview of Gatwick’s Location in the UK
London Gatwick Airport is located in the UK and when it comes to navigating and its layout, it’s quite simplified. The layout of the airport is simple for passengers where it only has two terminals. The clear and good signage and efficient internal transportation makes it welcoming for passengers.
Talking about its location, its position is about 30 miles which is 48 km from South of Central London. The nearby towns are Crawley (just to the south) and Horley (to the north).
Since Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in the UK, it serves as the major hub for international flights, especially to Europe, North America, and holiday destinations.
Gatwick Airport Terminals: A Quick Guide for First-Time Visitors
Gatwick Airport has majorly two terminals; the South terminal and the North terminal. Both terminals are great and offer the best facilities. They are connected by a free 24/7 shuttle train that takes just 2 minutes, making it easy to move between them.
South Terminal
The south terminal of the Gatwick Airport is busier and it’s a home to the Gatwick’s railway station. Their airlines operating at the south terminal are EasyJet (partly), British Airways, TAP Air Portugal, TUI, Vueling, and many long-haul carriers.
As far as the facilities are concerned Gatwick Airport south terminal offers a wide range of shops, duty-free and dining options for passengers. You can relax in the luxury lounges, and there are baggage services, and family-friendly facilities.
North Terminal
North terminal operates major airlines such as EasyJet (major base), Emirates, Norwegian, Qatar Airways, WestJet, among others.
And for the facilities, the North terminal is quite plush. You can easily find the best selection of shops, cafés, restaurants and more. There are premium lounges for business and leisure travelers. Also there are car hire desks and hotel connections nearby.
How to Get to Gatwick Airport: Transportation Options
By Train
The train is one of the common mediums of travel. You can opt for Gatwick express which is non-stop for its service and runs between London Victoria Station and Gatwick. It takes about 30 minutes and runs every 15 minutes from early morning until late at night.
The second option for train travel is Thameslink and Southern Trains.This is a cheaper option and offers the best service where it connects Gatwick to London Bridge, St Pancras, Blackfriars, and towns across southern England. The overall journey time is 30 to 50 minutes depending on the station.
By Bus
For travelling by the bus you can take national express coaches that join Gatwick to London Victoria Coach Station and many UK cities and this relatively cheaper option as compared to the train option. Local buses serve nearby towns like Crawley, Redhill, Brighton, and surrounding villages.
By Taxi
Taxi service is another preferable traveling means. You can choose black cabs or pre-booked taxis. They offer direct, comfortable journeys but can be expensive. Private car hire and airport transportation are more reliable for on-time pickups
Tips for Navigating Gatwick Airport Easily
Navigating the airport can be confusing for people who are travelling for the first time. Here are the helpful tips.
- Know which terminal is yours (North or South)
- Pre-book parking or transfers for timely pickups
- You can download the Gatwick Airport app that include the simplified information
Before You Arrive
Before arriving at the airport, you need to know there are two terminals. So you need to double-check your airline and departure terminal before you set off.
Inside the airport, you can use a free shuttle between terminals. You can pre-book for a quicker security check if you’re short on time. Allow at least 2 hours for short-haul and 3 hours for long-haul flights. Security can be busy
Important Facilities for First-Time Visitors
- Baggage services
- Transportation hubs
- Food and shopping
- Hotels and lounges
- Family and bay facilities
- Shuttle between terminals
- Currency exchange and ATMS
- Free Wi-Fi and charging points
- Information desks and assistance
Safety and Travel Tips at Gatwick Airport
For practice safety travel tips at Gatwick Airport you need to be mindful and always pay attention to the announcement at the terminal. For safety and security, always abide by the strict guidelines such as containers should be of 100 ml or less.
Also stay with your belongings and never leave bags unattended. Always carry valid travel insurance for health, cancellations, or emergencies. Many people tend to overlook this factor but it’s important to place clear plastic bags for liquids.
Nearby Hotels and Accommodation Options
- Sofitel London Gatwick
- Bloc Hotel Gatwick Airport
- Hilton London Gatwick Airport
- Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport
Conclusion
Visiting Gatwick Airport for the first time should not feel overwhelming. With two well-connected terminals, plenty of facilities, clear signage, and multiple transport links to London and beyond, Gatwick is designed to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
In this blog we discussed the easy way to navigate Gatwick airport, its location and how you can book the best transport to get to your destination.
Whether you’re catching a short-haul flight or embarking on a long international journey, this guide ensures your first experience at Gatwick starts off the right way.
