London Gatwick handles over 40 million passengers a year, making it the second busiest airport in the UK behind Heathrow. Knowing the security rules at Gatwick Airport, along with the terminal layout and transport links, makes a big difference on travel day. Two terminals, a free shuttle train, and a steady stream of shops and restaurants keep the airport running at a brisk pace all year round.
This guide sets out the terminal layout, the facilities on offer, current security checks, and the transport links passengers use to reach LGW, giving a clear picture before travel day arrives.
Where Is Gatwick Airport Located
Gatwick Airport sits in Crawley, West Sussex, close to the Surrey border and around 30 miles south of central London. The airport code is LGW, and it ranks as the 2nd busiest airport in the UK.
Its position along the M23 and direct rail lines makes it a practical option for passengers travelling from across southern England. Good road and rail connections keep the airport within easy reach for a wide catchment area.
How Many Terminals Does Gatwick Airport Have
Gatwick Airport has two terminals, North and South, each handling a different mix of airlines and passenger numbers. The North Terminal opened in 1988 and serves as the main base for easyJet, alongside long-haul carriers like Emirates and Singapore Airlines. The South Terminal is the older and larger of the two buildings, sitting directly above the Gatwick Airport railway station, and it hosts British Airways, Wizz Air, Vueling, and most TUI flights.
A free automated shuttle train connects the two terminals, operating day and night and completing the trip in just a few minutes. This makes moving between the terminals quick and convenient. Passengers rarely need to worry about missing a connection because of the short walk or wait involved. Clear signage throughout both buildings also helps travellers find their way without confusion.
London Gatwick Airport Terminal Map at a Glance
A quick side-by-side view of both terminals makes planning a route through the airport far easier.
| Feature | North Terminal | South Terminal |
| Opened | 1988 | 1958 |
| Size | 98,000 square metres | 160,000 square metres |
| Main airlines | easyJet, Emirates, Singapore Airlines | British Airways, Wizz Air, TUI |
| Train station access | Free shuttle required | Direct, station below terminal |
Facilities Available at Gatwick Airport
The facilities cover a solid spread of shops, food, and rest areas across both terminals.
- High street names sit alongside duty-free stores across both terminals, covering fashion, electronics, and gifts.
- A wide mix of cafes, fast food counters, and sit-down restaurants spans both terminals, including Pret A Manger, Costa, and other dining options.
- Several lounges operate across both terminals, offering food, refreshments, and a quieter spot before a flight.
- Baby changing rooms, family toilets, and play areas are available across both terminals for parents travelling with young children.
- Bureau de change desks are placed at check-in, departures, and arrivals in both terminals for foreign currency.
- Cash machines are located throughout the terminals, so a card alone still works well for most passengers.
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Security Rules at Gatwick Airport
Security at Gatwick has changed with new scanning technology, so knowing the current rules saves time at the tray.
Liquids and Hand Luggage
Gatwick now allows liquids in containers up to 2 litres per item, thanks to new CT scanners across its lanes. Liquids can stay inside hand luggage during screening, and a clear plastic bag is no longer required. Rules can shift with little notice, so checking the airport’s own security page before travel remains a smart step.
Electronics at the Scanner
Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics can stay packed inside hand luggage during screening, since the new scanners see through bags more clearly. This cuts down the time spent unpacking and repacking at the tray. Older lanes during busy periods may still ask for electronics to come out, so follow staff instructions at the belt.
Prohibited Items
Sharp objects, certain sports equipment, and specific chemicals still sit on the restricted list and generally need to travel in checked luggage. Metal and double-walled bottles usually need to be empty when going through the scanner. Checking Gatwick’s guidance on banned items before packing helps you avoid a last-minute surrender at the security desk.
What Transport Is Available at Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport offers several reliable travel options, each suited to different needs and schedules.
Train Services
The Gatwick Express runs nonstop to London Victoria in around 30 minutes, departing every 15 minutes. Southern and Thameslink trains also serve the airport, connecting to Brighton, London Bridge, and Bedford. The station sits beneath the South Terminal, with North Terminal passengers reaching it via the free shuttle.
Coach and Bus Services
National Express runs coaches between Gatwick and destinations across England and Wales. Metrobus and Fastway services connect the airport to Crawley, Horley, and Redhill for shorter trips. Coach travel usually costs less than the train, though it takes longer.
Taxis and Private Transfers
Licensed taxis wait outside the arrivals area at both terminals. Pre-booked transfers offer a fixed price agreed before the journey starts. Meet-and-greet drivers wait inside the terminal with a name board, removing the stress of finding a car.
Car Hire and Parking
Car hire desks sit inside both terminals for passengers who plan to drive onward after landing. Short-stay parking works well for quick drop-offs, while long-stay options suit passengers leaving a car during their trip. Booking parking online ahead of travel usually costs less than paying on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the North and South Terminal connected?
A free automated shuttle train links both terminals and runs day and night. The journey takes only a few minutes, making it simple to switch terminals before security.
Which terminal does my airline use?
Airlines can change terminals with little warning, so checking the boarding pass before travel remains the safest step. easyJet mainly operates from the North Terminal, while British Airways and Wizz Air use the South Terminal.
How early should I arrive at Gatwick?
Arriving two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight gives a safe buffer at Gatwick. Peak periods like school holidays can bring longer queues, so extra time helps during busy weeks.
Can I take liquids over 100ml through security?
Security rules allow containers up to 2 litres through its updated scanners, though this can change without notice. Checking Gatwick’s security page close to the travel date keeps packing decisions accurate.
What is the fastest way to reach central London from Gatwick?
The Gatwick Express offers the quickest route, reaching London Victoria in around 30 minutes without stops. A private taxi transfer takes longer due to traffic, though it offers a direct, door-to-door journey.
Conclusion
Gatwick keeps travel simple once the basics are clear. Two terminals connected by a fast shuttle train, current security rules, and several transport links cover everything a passenger needs before flying through LGW. The facilities available at Gatwick Airport round out the picture, giving passengers a good sense of what to expect once inside the terminal. Anyone flying through Gatwick can now approach the trip with confidence, knowing exactly where to go and what to expect at each stage.
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