London Gatwick airport (LGW)

Gatwick Airport (LGW), officially opened on 9 June 1958 by Queen Elizabeth II following extensive reconstruction and modernisation, is London’s second most important airport and one of the busiest in the United Kingdom. It operates as a strategic hub for both domestic flights and international destinations spanning all continents, serving as a main base for low-cost airlines and transatlantic services.

Official Website: gatwickairport.com

Telephone: +44 344 892 0322

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Terminals

The airport has two terminals open 24 hours a day. Both are efficiently connected by a free shuttle train (monorail) service that runs every few minutes, with an approximate journey time of 2 minutes.

• North Terminal: The main base for airlines such as easyJet and various international carriers.
• South Terminal: Home to the main railway activity (integrated train station) and operating flights by British Airways, Vueling and Norwegian, among others.

Annual Traffic (2024): 43.2 million passengers.

Information Points

There are passenger service and assistance centres strategically located throughout the airport:

• North Terminal: Desk located on the departures level, Zone D.
• South Terminal: Desk located on the departures level, Zone J.

In addition, blue-jacketed assistants ("Passenger Service Assistants") patrol the terminals to provide immediate assistance.

 Location

The airport is located in Crawley, West Sussex, 48 km (30 miles) south of central London.

Parking services at London Gatwick airport (LGW)

The airport offers a wide range of parking options designed to suit different needs, from quick drop-offs of just a few minutes to long stays for holidays. All facilities are secure, monitored 24 hours a day, and hold the "Park Mark" safety accreditation.

Short Stay

Multi-storey car parks are located next to both terminals and are connected by covered walkways. This is the most convenient option for picking up or dropping off passengers and for stays of a few hours.

• Location: Directly in front of the entrances to the North and South terminals.
• Electric Charging: Electric vehicle charging points are available on level 1 of the short-stay car parks at both terminals.

Mid Stay

A multi-storey facility, ideal if you are travelling for a few days. It operates using number plate recognition cameras and is only available if you book in advance via the website.

• Location: Next to the North Terminal, a 6-minute walk to the building via a covered walkway.

Long Stay

This is the most economical option for those travelling for a week or more. The car parks are located within the airport perimeter but further away from the main terminal buildings.

• Bus Service: A free courtesy shuttle bus service operates 24 hours a day, connecting the car parks with the terminals. The journey takes between 5 and 10 minutes from the South Terminal and between 7 and 12 minutes from the North Terminal.
• Frequency: Buses run approximately every 10 to 12 minutes.

Premium and Valet Parking

For those seeking maximum convenience and time savings, specialised services are available:

• Premium Parking: Located on the same level as the terminal walkway, offering the fastest possible access to the check-in desks.
• Valet Parking: Allows you to drop off your vehicle in a designated area just outside the terminal. Airport staff will park it in a secure location and have it ready for your return at the same point.

Drop-off Zones

A mandatory charge applies to all vehicles using the drop-off zones in front of the terminals. Payment must be made electronically before midnight on the day following your visit.

Note: Passengers with reduced mobility (Blue Badge holders) can request an exemption from this charge by registering their vehicle in advance.

You can check availability and make advance bookings (highly recommended to obtain better rates) via the official parking portal.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Gatwick Airport is designed to be accessible and to provide a comfortable experience for all passengers. It features facilities adapted for people with reduced mobility, sensory or invisible disabilities, as well as specific services for families travelling with young children.

Special Assistance

Advance Notice: It is essential to contact your airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before your flight departs to arrange the required assistance.

Help Points: Assistance call points are located throughout the car parks, train stations, bus stops and inside the terminals. There are also staffed assistance desks in the departure areas of both terminals.

• Invisible Disabilities: The airport recognises the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. You can request a sunflower lanyard free of charge at the assistance desks to discreetly indicate that you may need additional support or extra time.
• Specialised Facilities: Both terminals feature Changing Places toilets (equipped with changing benches and hoists), and Sensory Rooms are available in the North Terminal for passengers who require a calm environment.
• Equipment: The airport provides ramps, lifts, Braille signage, induction loops for passengers with hearing impairments, and clearly marked priority seating.

Travelling with Children

Gatwick offers a range of services to make it easier for families to move around the airport:

• Family Lanes: Available at security checkpoints in both terminals, designed to allow families with pushchairs and young children to go through the process at their own pace.
• Play Areas: Free areas located in the departure lounges of both terminals, where children can play and watch television before their flight.
• Feeding and Changing: Private breastfeeding rooms and baby-changing facilities are available throughout the airport. Most restaurants offer high chairs and facilities to heat baby bottles.
• Baby Pushchairs: You can use your own pushchair right up to the aircraft door. In addition, the airport provides complimentary pushchairs in selected areas to help you get around after landing while you wait for your luggage.