Everything To Know About Gatwick Airport Both Terminal

There’s something about landing at Gatwick Airport that always excites me, maybe it’s the rush of energy from thousands of travelers or the smooth way everything just works, even for a guy like me, who’s seen his fair share of airports around the world.

Gatwick isn’t just another airport stop, it’s a gateway into the heart of the UK, full of life, history, and impressive efficiency.

In this shared Experience, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Gatwick Airport, especially the elusive Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and share a few insider tips I picked up during my journeys.

Everything About Gatwick Airport

After a couple of times I touched down at Gatwick, I was surprised by how close it was to London, just about 30 miles south, sited neatly in West Sussex. Gatwick has been around since the 1930s, growing from a small aerodrome into one of the UK’s busiest and most important airports.

What impressed me most was how Gatwick operates with just one main runway (one of the busiest single runway airport in the England, by the way) and still manages to move millions of passengers smoothly. Whatever flight i’m getting on be it hopping on a domestic flight or catching an international connection, Gatwick’s blend of old school beauty and modern convenience always makes it an easy favorite for me, especially with my Pocket WiFi.

Gatwick Airport Terminals Overview

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably Googled “Gatwick Terminal 1” or “Terminal 2” while planning your trip. Here’s the deal, Gatwick officially operates only two terminals, the North Terminal and the South Terminal. Terminal 1 was shut down years ago, and Terminal 2 was never really separated as a public terminal like you’d expect at other airports.

Instead, over time, everything merged into the North and South setups we have today. Trust me, it can be confusing when you first start reading old travel blogs, but once you know this, navigating Gatwick is a breeze.
Let me break down the terminals and share how to move around like a seasoned traveler.

1. Gatwick Airport North Terminal

Honestly it’s still a bit surprising at how big and organized this place is, It’s like walking into a small city, everything you need is right there, from check in counters to lounges, shopping, and food. Every time I fly with airlines like British Airways, TUI Airways, or Norwegian Air, I end up here at the North Terminal.

The check in process here is smooth, especially with the self-service kiosks, they save me a lot of time when I’m rushing for an early morning flight. Security lines can get long during busy hours, but in my experience, they move fairly quickly, plus the staff are usually quite friendly, which always sets a good tone for the rest of my journey.

Once through security, the shopping area opens up like a mall. I’ve picked up everything from last minute gifts at World Duty Free to a quick bite at Pret A Manger or a coffee fix at Starbucks, and when I have a longer layover, I usually treat myself to the No1 Lounge, it’s worth every penny for the quiet, comfy seating, unlimited food, and fast Wi-Fi.

Even if you’re a first time visitor, you can’t really get lost, the signs are clear, and there are information desks almost everywhere, also if you need special assistance, they’ve got an excellent support service that you can book ahead.

2. Gatwick Airport South Terminal

Flying out of Gatwick’s South Terminal gives a completely different vibe, and in the best possible way. My very first time using the South Terminal, I remember being struck by how lively and fast paced everything felt, yet somehow it still stayed organized. Most of the time when I fly with easyJet, Vueling, or Aer Lingus, my journey starts (or ends) here.

Check-in here is straightforward, with big digital boards that guide you to the right desk. I’ve noticed that South Terminal tends to be busier than North, especially with the sheer volume of low cost airlines operating here. But if you plan ahead and arrive early, you can quickly go through check-in and security without too much stress.

After security, the South Terminal opens up into a massive area packed with duty free shops, luxury brands like Hugo Boss and Harrods, and tons of dining options. I always make it a point to grab a bite at Giraffe or Wagamama before a long flight, nothing beats a proper meal before boarding.

For those of us who like a bit of quiet before a flight, the Club Aspire Lounge in the South Terminal is a fantastic retreat, they have good food, fast internet, and a calm atmosphere, it’s saved my sanity more than once after a long business trip, i used my Pocket WiFi to find this spot.

One thing I love about the South Terminal is the Gatwick Shuttle Station right nearby, making it super easy to hop between terminals if needed, plus access to the Gatwick train station is directly linked, so getting into central London or catching an onward train is almost effortless.

How To Navigate Gatwick Airport

Getting around Gatwick Airport has always been surprisingly easy for me, even on my very first visit. This is so because everything is well signposted, you don’t have to stress about where to go next.

Whenever I need to move between the North Terminal and the South Terminal, I just hop on the free shuttle train. It runs every few minutes, and the whole ride barely takes two minutes. I’ve caught it late at night and rush peak hours, it’s always reliable.

Here’re some things to keep in mind for smooth navigation:

• Arrive early (especially if flying from South Terminal where queues can be longer).

• Use mobile check-in when possible to skip lines.

• Follow the colored signage (blue signs are lifesavers for finding gates quickly).

• Keep your boarding pass handy, especially when passing security checkpoints.

• Once you get the rhythm of Gatwick, you realize it’s built for travelers like me who appreciate efficiency with minimal fuss

Facilities And Services At Gatwick Airport

Every time I pass through Gatwick, I find new little conveniences that make traveling less stressful. The airport has really thought about what we travelers need, whether it’s a quick snack or a place to nap. Some of my personal highlights include:

• Food & Dining: From full meals at Wagamama to quick snacks at Pret A Manger, there’s a place to suite every craving.

• Shopping: I usually pick up duty-free deals at World Duty Free and sometimes treat myself at stores like Boss or Harrods.

• Lounges: I can’t recommend the No1 Lounge and Club Aspire Lounge enough, comfy seats, showers, and decent food.

• WiFi & Charging Stations: Free WiFi can be fast and easy to connect sometimes, plus, I always find charging points near the gates.

• Special Assistance: Booking support in advance for disabled travelers is simple, and I’ve seen firsthand how attentive the staff are.

• Family Facilities: If you’re traveling with kids (which I sometimes do), there are great play areas and family rooms available.

• Prayer Rooms And Quiet Zones: Perfect for when I need a few minutes of peace before a long flight.

Transportation To And From Gatwick Airport

It’s quite satisfying how easy it is to get in and out of Gatwick Airport, no matter what time I land or depart. Every time I arrive, I know I have a few solid options depending on my mood, schedule, or budget.

Here’s how I usually get to and from Gatwick:

• Train (Gatwick Express): My go to when I want to get to central London fast, about 30 minutes nonstop to London Victoria Station.

• Southern And Thameslink Trains: Perfect when I’m heading to different parts of London or further south.

• Buses And Coaches: Companies like National Express and Megabus are budget friendly and great for longer journeys.

• Taxis And Rideshares: Sometimes after a late flight, I’ll just grab an official taxi from the rank or book an Uber, they’re always easy to find.

• Car Rentals: When I need more flexibility, I just pick up a rental car right at the airport through companies like Avis, Enterprise, or Hertz.

Nearby Hotels And Accommodation Close To Gatwick Airport

Whenever I have an early flight or a layover at Gatwick, I always try to stay close by. Over the years, I’ve tested a few hotels, and they’ve made my trips a lot more relaxing. Here are my personal favorites around the airport:

• Sofitel London Gatwick, it’s connected directly to the North Terminal, pure convenience.

• Hilton London Gatwick Airport, Hilton is linked to the South Terminal by a covered walkway.

• YOTELAIR Gatwick Airport, YOTELAIR is perfect for a few hours of sleep inside the South Terminal itself)

• Bloc Hotel Gatwick, is inside South Terminal, it’s modern, compact, and surprisingly stylish.

• Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick Airport, this is a short shuttle ride away, really comfortable rooms too.

• Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport, situated at North Terminal, great value if I’m watching my budget.

Conclusion

Every time I travel through Gatwick Airport, I’m reminded why it’s one of my favorite airports in the UK. From the smooth connections between the North and South Terminals to the endless dining, shopping, and lounge options, it’s a place that genuinely makes travel easier for me.

If you’re planning to pass through Gatwick soon, trust me, once you get a feel for it, you’ll wonder why you ever worried about airport travel in the first place.