Gatwick Airport

A major airport south of London

London Gatwick serves the capital and southeast England from a site near Crawley, West Sussex. It is the United Kingdom’s second-busiest airport by passenger numbers and one of Europe’s busiest single-runway operations. The airport has two passenger terminals, North and South, and a main runway 3,316 metres long. A second runway lies close beside it and is used only when the main runway is unavailable, so Gatwick normally functions as a single-runway airport. For travelers, the first practical step is to check which terminal their airline uses.

The scale is substantial: Gatwick recorded 42.8 million passengers and 259,000 aircraft movements in 2025, according to its published annual facts. The same report lists easyJet as the largest airline by passenger volume that year. These figures describe a busy transport hub, not a quiet regional airfield; queues, security procedures and rail demand can all affect a journey. Allow time for the terminal, the train station and any onward connection, and check live flight and transport information rather than relying on an old itinerary.

From flying club to modern airport

Gatwick’s history began in 1930 as the Surrey Aero Club. It became a licensed public aerodrome in 1934, serving scheduled flights and acting as a relief airfield for Croydon Airport. In 1935, the railway station and the Beehive terminal were built; the airport’s history page describes the circular Beehive as the world’s first circular terminal building. Its first scheduled flight departed in 1936. During the Second World War, the site was requisitioned for military use before returning to civil aviation.

The airport known today was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 9 June 1958 after a major redevelopment. A direct railway connection was part of that modern airport from the start. As traffic grew, Gatwick expanded its terminal facilities and opened the North Terminal in 1988. The chronology explains an important feature of a present-day visit: the airport is not one compact hall but a transport complex built in stages, with two terminals and a station integrated into the South Terminal.

Finding the right terminal

North and South are distinct passenger buildings, and the airline’s current flight information is the authority for where to check in and depart. Do not infer a terminal from an older visit or a search result; airlines and operational arrangements can change. Gatwick’s online maps show check-in zones, shops, restaurants, lifts, toilets and other facilities in each building. Looking at the map before reaching the airport is especially useful if you are meeting someone, arranging assistance or transferring with limited time.

A free inter-terminal shuttle connects the buildings. Gatwick says it runs every few minutes, around the clock throughout the year, and takes about two minutes. In the South Terminal, follow signs near the railway station; at the North Terminal, follow the signs to the shuttle entrance. The train station is in the South Terminal, so arriving there by rail and then flying from the North Terminal requires this short transfer. Even though the ride is brief, include time for walking, lifts, crowds and airline check-in deadlines.

Rail links and onward journeys

Gatwick’s railway station is beside the South Terminal, about a five-minute walk from arrivals and departures. The airport reports direct connections to more than 120 stations and connections with one change to more than 700. Gatwick Express runs non-stop to London Victoria twice an hour, with a journey of about 30 minutes. Other operators serve central London, the south coast and destinations beyond; route, frequency and platform can vary, so consult current operator information for the day and time you travel.

The airport says passengers can use contactless payment or an Oyster card on eligible journeys to and from London, buy tickets in advance online or use station ticket machines. Check the rules and fare for your precise route before tapping in: payment coverage and ticket conditions can differ by service. If rail disruption is reported, allow extra time and look for current replacement transport information. Gatwick also lists coaches, local buses, taxis and car hire. Its official taxi provider operates outside both terminals, while parking prices depend on the car park, travel date and length of stay.

Transfers, accessibility and airport services

Passengers connecting between flights should follow the airport’s transfer signs and the instructions from their airline. If a connection involves changing terminal, the free shuttle is the designated link; do not assume that the buildings are joined by a short indoor walk. The airport’s flight-connection guidance gives minimum connection-planning advice, but the time actually needed depends on baggage, immigration, security, airline arrangements and whether the flights are on one booking. Ask the carrier about your specific itinerary and leave a margin where possible.

Gatwick’s Assisted Travel team can help passengers who need support with wayfinding, check-in, security, boarding or mobility equipment. The airport recommends booking assistance at least 48 hours before travel through the airline or travel agent. Its reception points and help phones are located across both terminals, including drop-off areas and check-in zones. Downloadable maps and access guides can help locate facilities in advance. Parking and drop-off rules, prices and accessible arrangements can change, so check the airport’s current pages before arranging a ride.

Make Gatwick part of a smoother journey

Gatwick is both an airport and a compact interchange between planes, trains, coaches and local roads. Its aviation story stretches from the Surrey Aero Club in 1930 to the airport opened in 1958, while its current two-terminal layout serves tens of millions of passengers a year. The station beside the South Terminal and the fast shuttle to the North Terminal make connections practical, but they do not remove the need to check the right building and allow time to move through it.

Before departure, confirm the terminal on your airline’s latest information, check the train or road route, and review airport maps if you need a particular service. For a London rail trip, compare the direct Gatwick Express with other services and verify ticket rules; for an inter-terminal transfer, follow the shuttle signs. Book assistance ahead if needed, and verify parking, taxi and drop-off charges close to your travel date. These steps turn a large, busy airport into a more manageable part of the trip.