Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our London Gatwick Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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The police were lovely they even bought me a coffee. -Holly
LGW Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Gatwick Airport.
What to Expect
London Gatwick Airport (Code: LGW) is roughly 50 km southeast of Central London. There are two terminals, North and South, and they are connected landside by an automated people mover (departs every 3-6 minutes). Facilities and amenities are kept to a minimum. Travellers will find some shops and a few restaurants open 24 hours a day. Free WiFi is available; however, past travellers have said it can be slow and inconsistent. For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first-class lounges, a few of which have showers.
Sleeping in London Gatwick Airport
There’s a decent amount of benches and seats, both landside and airside, but they are frequently full thanks to the many travellers. Airside, the seating is more comfortable, with reports of padded, armrest-free benches and lounge chairs, some even with footrests. Some travellers prefer the South Terminal to the North Terminal because it’s somewhat quieter, though it doesn’t seem that the seating and sleeping options are too different. We don’t have many reviews from travellers who opted to sleep on the floor, but it does seem that small corners and nooks offer some peace and quiet for those who leave behind the main public and gate areas. The bottom line is to arrive early for a decent seat.
If you’re staying landside in the North Terminal, travellers recommend heading to the lower level near the coffee shop for some comfy seats.
Wherever you end up sleeping, it is worth bringing a sleep mask, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and some warm layers, as both terminals can be bright, noisy and chilly.
If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep, two hotels inside the airport offer day rooms and overnight stays, and other hotels nearby are connected by shuttles. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Gatwick Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours landside in both the North and South Terminals. Security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules: South Terminal (approx. 1:00 AM–4:00 AM) and North Terminal (approx. 1:00 AM–4:30 AM). Unless you are transiting with a valid boarding pass, you must remain landside overnight.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones, but informal spots with padded seating are available. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
London Gatwick Airport Hotels, Day Rooms & Sleep Pods
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there are several on-site and nearby hotel options. Landside hotels are directly connected to both terminals, so overnight travellers do not need to pass through security to access them. Some rooms can be booked for short stays, which may be useful for long layovers or early departures.
South Terminal Hotels
- Bloc Gatwick – A budget hotel located inside Gatwick’s South Terminal on the 3rd Floor, Departures Level, beside security. » Check Rates
- YOTELAIR – Located in the South Terminal next to International Arrivals, this budget airport hotel offers day rooms/ hourly (4 to 24 hours). Transit (airside) passengers will need valid entry into the UK to stay here. » Check Rates
- Hotel Hilton London Gatwick Airport – Connected to the South Terminal by a covered walkway. » Check Rates
North Terminal Hotels
- Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport – Connected to the North Terminal by a covered walkway. » Check Rates
- Premier Inn London Gatwick North Terminal Hotel – Five-minute walk from the North Terminal. Free 24-hour shuttle from the South Terminal. » Check Rates
- Sofitel London Gatwick – A 4-star hotel connected directly to the North Terminal via a covered link bridge. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport
- Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central – A paid shuttle departs from South Terminal bus stop nine and North Terminal bus stop 8. Shuttle rate is £4.50 per adult, £2.50 per child (as of November 2023). » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Gatwick Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Whether you’re looking to relax, work, or refresh before your flight, London Gatwick Airport offers a variety of lounges to enhance your travel experience. From premium airline lounges to accessible public lounges, there are options for every traveller. Access is available through multiple methods, including pay-at-the-door, prepaid lounge passes, lounge membership programs, or complimentary entry for eligible airline passengers and frequent flyers.
British Airways Galleries Club Lounge – Location: Airside, North Terminal, near Gates 45–55. Hours: Based on British Airways flight schedules. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Restricted to British Airways Business/First Class passengers • oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members travelling on BA or oneworld flights.
British Airways First Lounge – Location: South Terminal, Airside. Hours: 05:00-21:00 (aligned with BA flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quieter areas within the lounge). Sleep facilities: No. Lounge access: First Class BA passengers • British Airways Executive Club Gold members • Oneworld Emerald members flying BA or Oneworld.
Club Aspire Lounge – Location: Airside, South Terminal, near Gate 13. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £32 per person) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs (American Express Platinum/Centurion).
Clubrooms Gatwick South – Location: South Terminal, Airside, Pier 1, upper level. Hours: 05:30-21:00. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep facilities: No. Lounge access: Pay at the door (£38) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
My Lounge Gatwick South – Location: Airside, South Terminal, near Gate 10. Hours: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £30 per person) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
No1 Lounge South – Location: Airside, South Terminal, near Gate 10. Hours: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £36 per person) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Certain airline Business/First Class passengers.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – Location: Airside, South Terminal, Upper Floor, near Gate 13. Hours: Based on Virgin Atlantic flight schedules. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Restricted to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers • Flying Club Gold members • Delta One passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on Virgin Atlantic or SkyTeam partner flights.
Club Aspire Lounge – Location: Airside, North Terminal, Lounge Pavilion, near Gates 45–55. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £32 per person) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card Rewards Programs (American Express Platinum/Centurion) • Airline invitations.
Clubrooms Gatwick North – Location: North Terminal, Airside, Level 1. Hours: 05:30-21:00. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (adults-only, quieter environment). Sleep facilities: No. Lounge access: Pay at the door (£38) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Emirates Lounge – Location: North Terminal, Airside. Hours: 05:40-13:35, 16:25-20:25 (aligned with Emirates flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep facilities: No. Lounge access: Pay at the door (£100 for Skywards members, £125 for non-members) • First and Business Class Emirates passengers • Emirates Skywards Platinum/Gold members • Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum One/Platinum/Gold members flying on Emirates.
Gateway Lounge – Location: North Terminal, Airside. Hours: 04:00-16:00 (operated by easyJet and No1 Lounges). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep facilities: No. Lounge access: Pay at the door (£22) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Priority access for easyJet passengers.
My Lounge – Location: Airside, North Terminal, Lounge Pavilion, near Gates 45–55. Hours: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £28 per person) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
No1 Lounge (North Terminal) – Location: Airside, North Terminal, Lounge Pavilion, near Gates 45–55. Hours: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £34 per person) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Certain airline Business/First Class passengers.
Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Airside, North Terminal, Departures Level, opposite Gate 46. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £40 per person) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs (American Express Platinum/Centurion).
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Free water refill fountains are available in both terminals. Some food outlets may refill bottles on request, but availability depends on the vendor and staff.
Food & Drink
Several food and coffee outlets operate 24 hours, which is helpful during overnight stays or early departures.
- North Terminal: Pret a Manger (Airside) • Starbucks (Landside).
- South Terminal: Black Sheep Coffee (Landside) • Caffe Nero (Landside) • Greggs (Arrivals) • Pret a Manger (Departures, Airside) • Starbucks (Airside).
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Excess Baggage Company provides short- and long-term left luggage storage in both terminals.
Rates:
- Up to 3 hours: £7.50 per item
- 3–24 hours: £15.00 per item
- Second 24-hour period: £22.50 per item
- 3 days: £30.00 per item
- After 72 hours: £7.50 per item per 24 hours
Locations & Hours:
- North Terminal: Landside, Level 1 (4:00 AM–10:00 PM)
- South Terminal: Landside, Level 2, behind Check-in Area E (4:00 AM–10:00 PM)
Additional services may include luggage wrapping, courier services, and shipping.
Mobile Charging
Free charging points are available airside in both terminals. Landside outlets are limited, and seating near power points fills quickly. Travellers are advised to bring adapters and portable chargers.
Showers
Showers are reported inside the British Airways Club and First Lounges. Access is typically limited to eligible passengers or lounge guests.
WiFi / Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available. Connect to the “Gatwick Free WiFi” network and follow the on-screen instructions to get online.
Security & Safety
Airport staff and security guards don’t seem to be bothered by sleepers, both day and night. Travellers report feeling safe here; some have even commented on particularly friendly staff. Security guards may ask to see your ID and travel tickets, depending on where you set up camp for the night.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Art in the Airport – A small collection of artwork by local artists is displayed throughout the terminals. One notable piece is a large mosaic created from thousands of photographs contributed by people from Sussex, Kent, and Surrey, commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Location: South Terminal.
Duty-Free and Shopping – Several World Duty Free shops operate across both terminals, with some locations open overnight. A wider selection of retail stores is also available, including Boots, which has late-night or 24-hour locations in Arrivals areas. Store hours vary.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Dedicated baby care rooms (marked with baby-care symbols) are available in various public areas, including check-in, departures, transfer areas, and Arrivals. Some men’s and women’s restrooms also have diaper-changing tables.
- Baby Food – Boots offers a pre-order service for baby milk, allowing parents to collect items post-security. Orders must be placed in advance.
- Children’s Play Area – “Kids Zones” with toys and TVs are available in both terminals in Departures areas. These spaces are intended for short play breaks rather than extended supervision.
- Family Services – Additional family-oriented services may include family lanes at security, early bag drop options, and family-friendly parking. Availability can vary by terminal and time of day.
- Strollers – Strollers used to be available with a £/€ 1,00 deposit. 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Fast Track – Fast Track passes are available for purchase, allowing access to shorter security queues. Availability and pricing vary by terminal and time.
Fitness – A national cycling route connects to the airport, offering a way for local travellers to arrive by bike. One traveller reports that the path quickly leaves the airport perimeter and continues through wooded suburban areas.
Information Desk – Each terminal has a Your Service Centre where staff can assist with general enquiries, flight disruptions, and passenger services. Desk locations differ by terminal.
Luggage
- Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available throughout both terminals and require a refundable coin deposit.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Luggage wrapping services are available through Excess Baggage Company.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside and airside in both terminals. Fees and withdrawal limits depend on your bank.
- Currency Exchange – Moneycorp operates currency exchange desks and ATMs throughout the terminals.
Prayer – Interfaith prayer rooms are available in both terminals and are open 24 hours. The chaplaincy supports multiple faiths and holds scheduled services on select days.
SIM Cards – SIM cards are sold at SIM Local shops in both terminals. Opening hours are limited and may not cover overnight periods.
Smoking – Smoking is permitted only outside in designated areas. The only indoor exception is the outdoor terrace attached to My Lounge in the South Terminal, accessible to lounge guests.
Spa – Aerospa locations in both terminals offer massage and beauty treatments, generally operating from early morning through evening. Availability may vary by terminal and staffing.
Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at London Gatwick Airport
Bus
Gatwick Airport is connected by local bus and coach service to more than 100 UK towns and cities. Most buses access the airport from the lower forecourt at South Terminal, but some buses also serve the North Terminal, on the lower level outside of International Arrivals. Here are some coach services from Gatwick:
- National Express offers low-cost, frequent 24-hour service between Gatwick and Victoria Coach Station (central London), Heathrow Airport, Brighton and Bristol.
- easyBus offers frequent and direct low-cost transfers between Gatwick and central London, with departures 24 hours.
- Oxford Bus provides an hourly service between the airport and Oxford called “The Airline.”
- Megabus offers connections from London Gatwick to several destinations, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Canterbury, and Bristol.
- The Airline offers connections from London Gatwick to Oxford. Buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi and power sockets.
- Flixbus offers cheap buses to London Heathrow, Bristol, Newport, Cardiff, and more.
For information on fares, routes and timetables for local and coach services, visit the Gatwick Airport website.
Car Rentals
Well-known car rental providers are available at Gatwick Airport. Companies include: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • National • Sixt. Location: North Terminal, Lower Forecourt • South Terminal, Lower Forecourt.
Hotel Shuttles
Some nearby hotels provide airport shuttles: Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport (A23 Airport Way) • Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central. See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Shuttle
There is a 24 hour inter-terminal shuttle that runs every few minutes. Travel time: two minutes. Ride Sharing Uber operates throughout the UK. A ride to London city centre will cost you about £67.
Taxi
Available.
Train
London Gatwick has a railway station at the South Terminal, connected to the North Terminal via free shuttle service. The Gatwick Express is the fastest way to travel between the airport and central London, departing every 30 minutes for the 30 minute journey to and from London Victoria Station. For more information, visit the Gatwick Airport website.
Last updated: 2026-01-13
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.