Gatwick airport transfers: North and South Terminal guide
Gatwick has two terminals, North and South. Put the terminal from your flight details into your transfer booking, alongside the flight number and full destination address. If you have booked a return journey, check the terminal for each flight; your return arrangements deserve their own check.
North Terminal, South Terminal and the railway station
Gatwick’s railway station is at South Terminal. A free inter-terminal shuttle connects North and South, with the shuttle ride taking about two minutes. Allow additional time to reach the shuttle, wait and walk at the other end. Gatwick terminal connection information.
That distinction matters when you compare ways of travelling. A rail itinerary ending at Gatwick Airport station still leaves a terminal transfer if your flight departs from North. A pre-arranged road transfer needs the terminal where you want to be collected or dropped off.
If you realise your booking has the wrong terminal, contact us before moving across the airport. Tell us which terminal you are actually in and wait for the collection arrangements to be clarified.
Arriving at Gatwick
Landing time is the start of your arrival process. You may still need passport checks, baggage reclaim and a walk through the terminal before you are ready to leave. Keep your phone available and have your booking reference to hand.
Gatwick provides several public collection arrangements, including Short Stay parking. Use the meeting instructions agreed for your booking rather than choosing a car park yourself. Gatwick’s pickup guidance describes the airport’s facilities; it does not confirm a HAT meeting point or what parking is included in your fare.
If you are delayed at baggage reclaim, tell us where you are and what has happened. If several people on the booking are arriving separately, explain that in advance and choose a lead passenger who can coordinate the group.
Gatwick to a London hotel or address
Use a full street address and postcode for a hotel, apartment or office. London hotel chains often have several properties, and a district name will not identify the entrance you need. For an apartment, check whether key collection is at a different address before arranging your journey.
When comparing road and rail, include the final stage from the London station to your destination. Consider how many cases you will move, whether your route involves stairs or changes, and whether everyone in the party can manage that journey comfortably. Check current services for your date rather than relying on a remembered timetable.
Our hotel transfer guide covers early arrivals, luggage storage questions and return collections. For larger parties, the group travel guide explains how to plan passenger and luggage space together.
Travelling to Gatwick for a departure
Start with the airline’s check-in and bag-drop requirements. Then allow time for your road journey, expected traffic, unloading and reaching the correct check-in area. A map’s driving estimate will not include all of those steps.
Keep everyone ready at the agreed address. If you need a child seat, help with a mobility aid or collection from a particular entrance, discuss it before confirming the booking. Last-minute changes to the passenger count or luggage may affect the vehicle you need.
Continuing to Heathrow or another airport
Treat a change of airport as a separate journey with its own arrival and departure tasks. Check whether you need to collect and recheck baggage and whether your itinerary requires permission to enter the UK. There is no single connection allowance that works for every combination of flights.
Read the airport connection guide before choosing a pickup time. If your arriving flight is delayed, contact your onward airline as well as the transfer provider; changing the car journey does not change the airline’s check-in deadline.