London Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick Airport, coded LGW and located in West Sussex approximately 45 kilometres south of central London, is the United Kingdom's second busiest airport and one of the most significant aviation hubs in Europe. Sitting at coordinates 51.16°N, 0.16°W, the airport has served commercial passengers since the 1930s and underwent major redevelopment in the late 1950s to establish the modern terminal infrastructure that underpins its operations today. Gatwick plays a complementary role to Heathrow, handling a broad mix of short-haul European routes and long-haul intercontinental services, and is particularly associated with leisure travel as well as point-to-point low-cost flying. Its position in the Europe/London time zone places it at the heart of transatlantic and European scheduling windows, making it a practical choice for travellers connecting between North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the wider European continent.
Overview
London Gatwick Airport, coded LGW and located in West Sussex approximately 45 kilometres south of central London, is the United Kingdom's second busiest airport and one of the most significant aviation hubs in Europe. Sitting at coordinates 51.16°N, 0.16°W, the airport has served commercial passengers since the 1930s and underwent major redevelopment in the late 1950s to establish the modern terminal infrastructure that underpins its operations today. Gatwick plays a complementary role to Heathrow, handling a broad mix of short-haul European routes and long-haul intercontinental services, and is particularly associated with leisure travel as well as point-to-point low-cost flying. Its position in the Europe/London time zone places it at the heart of transatlantic and European scheduling windows, making it a practical choice for travellers connecting between North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the wider European continent.
London Gatwick Airport is most useful when its route network, ground transport and terminal setup match the trip you are taking. Before booking, compare the scheduled departure time with the airport location, connection window and any baggage or check-in requirements attached to your airline.
Airlines
Gatwick is home to one of easyJet's largest bases anywhere in its network, with the carrier operating an extensive programme of European and short-haul routes from the airport. British Airways maintains both short-haul and long-haul services here, supplementing its primary Heathrow operation. TUI Airways uses Gatwick as a key departure point for leisure and package-holiday destinations. Wizz Air, Vueling and Ryanair contribute significant low-cost capacity, while Norse Atlantic Airways operates transatlantic services. International carriers including Emirates, WestJet and Cathay Pacific have been associated with long-haul routes at Gatwick, alongside various European flag carriers. The airline mix reflects the airport's dual identity as both a budget-travel hub and a genuine intercontinental gateway.
For any airport, the operating airline matters as much as the marketing airline shown in a search result. Codeshares, partner flights and regional affiliates can affect check-in desks, terminal use, baggage handling and support if a flight is delayed or changed.
Terminals and Transfers
Gatwick operates two terminals: the South Terminal and the North Terminal. The South Terminal is the older of the two and handles a broad range of carriers and route types, while the North Terminal accommodates additional airlines including several of the airport's larger operators. The two terminals are connected by a dedicated automated transit system that runs continuously, keeping transfer times between buildings manageable. Passengers should confirm which terminal their airline uses before travel, as the two buildings are separate facilities with their own check-in, security and departure areas. The airport operates on a single main runway, with a secondary standby runway available when required.
Connections through LGW need more planning when flights are on separate tickets, when checked baggage is involved, or when the itinerary changes between domestic and international processing. Build a wider buffer if you need to collect bags, move between terminals or pass through security again.
Ground Transport and Trip Planning
London Gatwick Airport ground transport should be planned around your arrival time, luggage and final destination. Public transport can be efficient where available, while taxis, rideshare and private transfers may be easier for late arrivals, families or travellers with multiple bags.
If you are choosing between airports, compare LGW against nearby alternatives, total ground-transport cost and the reliability of the connection. A slightly higher fare can be worthwhile when it reduces transfer risk or shortens the total journey.
Practical guide
Using London Gatwick Airport without guesswork
Plan LGW around the terminal you use, the type of connection you are making and how predictable you need the trip into London to be.
Confirm whether your flight uses a domestic, international or regional area at LGW. Airport layouts vary, and terminal assumptions are a common source of missed connections.
Gatwick operates two terminals: the South Terminal and the North Terminal. The South Terminal is the older of the two and handles a broad range of carriers and route types, while the North Terminal accommodates additiona
Leave extra time when changing terminals, travelling with checked luggage, or arriving during busy morning, evening, holiday or event periods.
Before you leave for LGW
- 1Confirm the terminal and operating airline before leaving for LGW.
- 2Check baggage cut-off times if you are travelling with checked luggage.
- 3Leave extra time for international processing or terminal changes.
- 4Compare ground transport options against traffic and arrival time.
- 5Recheck the flight status before travelling to the airport.
Start here
Terminal and transfer notes
Confirm whether your flight uses a domestic, international or regional area at LGW. Airport layouts vary, and terminal assumptions are a common source of missed connections.
Gatwick operates two terminals: the South Terminal and the North Terminal. The South Terminal is the older of the two and handles a broad range of carriers and route types, while the North Terminal accommodates additiona
Leave extra time when changing terminals, travelling with checked luggage, or arriving during busy morning, evening, holiday or event periods.
For London Gatwick Airport, the safest connection plan is based on the operating airline, the terminal shown on your booking and whether your baggage is checked through. If the itinerary uses separate tickets, choose a larger buffer.
Routes
Top routes from LGW
Use these route cards to scan popular destinations, estimated distance and flight time before checking live schedules and fares.
No routes tracked from LGW yet.
Official planning details
Transfers, fares, parking and passenger services at LGW
A source-linked planning layer for details that can change: terminal transfers, transport costs, parking, lounges and accessibility.
Terminal transfer links
TransfersLondon Gatwick Airport transfer details can depend on airline, terminal, baggage handling and whether flights are booked on one ticket. Check the operating airline and airport website before relying on a tight connection at LGW.
Check airport transfer informationTransport fares and local access
FaresTransport costs to and from London can vary by public transport, taxi, rideshare, private transfer, tolls and time of day. Confirm current fares before travelling, especially for late arrivals or peak periods.
Review transport informationParking and pre-booking
ParkingParking at London Gatwick Airport may vary by terminal, short-stay area, long-stay area and online booking rules. Compare official parking options with drop-off, pick-up and ground transport before choosing how to reach the airport.
Review airport parking optionsLounges and eligibility
LoungesLounge availability at LGW depends on airline, cabin, alliance status, membership or paid-entry rules. Check the operating airline before travel because access rules and opening hours can change.
Check lounge informationAccessibility and assistance
AccessPassengers needing mobility, sensory, medical or other assistance should confirm airport facilities and arrange airline assistance before travel. Airline-provided help is usually requested through the airline or booking channel.
Review accessibility informationTerminal and parking maps
MapsMaps are useful for finding check-in areas, arrivals paths, parking locations and ground transport pick-up points at London Gatwick Airport. Confirm the terminal before leaving for the airport.
Open airport mapBudget check
Useful cost notes
Prices can change, so use these notes to spot likely cost items before checking the official source.
Public transport, taxi, rideshare and private-transfer prices around LGW can change by time, distance, demand and local fees.
Parking prices often vary by car park, stay length and whether online pre-booking is available.
Seat selection, baggage, lounge access, tolls and late-night transport can change the real cost of a trip.
Nearby airports
Other airports in United Kingdom
Nearby airport options can help when comparing fares, connection times, ground transport and alternate arrival points in United Kingdom.
FAQ
London Gatwick Airport — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
9 common questions
- London Gatwick Airport is located in London, United Kingdom (Europe), at coordinates 51.160°, -0.160°.
- Its IATA code is LGW and its ICAO code is EGKK.
- London Gatwick Airport serves London, United Kingdom. When comparing fares, check whether other airports also serve the same area — prices and transfer times can differ between them.
- London Gatwick Airport operates on Europe/London local time. Departure and arrival times on tickets are always shown in each airport's local time, so double-check the offset when planning connections or pick-ups.
- London Gatwick Airport sits at latitude 51.160° and longitude -0.160°. The map link in the details panel on this page opens the exact location for driving directions.
- Originfacts does not yet track scheduled routes from LGW. Use the flight search on this page to see live airline options for your travel dates.
- Route coverage for LGW is still being added to Originfacts. Run a search from LGW on the flight search page to see every destination airlines currently sell for your dates.
- Its address is Horley, England, RH6 0NP, United Kingdom, the phone number is +44 844 892 0322, the official website is http://www.gatwickairport.com/. For flight-specific questions (delays, baggage, rebooking), contact the operating airline directly rather than the airport.
- Yes — Originfacts lists 9 other airports in United Kingdom. The nearby-airports section on this page links to each of them, which is useful when comparing fares or finding an alternative departure point.