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 on the landside for both North and South Terminals. Security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules: ST (1:00 AM–4:00 AM), NT (1:00 AM–4:30 AM). Unless you are in transit with a boarding pass, you will need to stay landside.
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 is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at London’s Gatwick Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you will have to pass through security to the public area of the airport, where there are hotels connected to both terminals. The YotelAir in the South Terminal offers day rooms that can be booked for short-term stays from four hours. Several nearby hotels offer airport transportation for a fee.
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
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
If you are an economy class traveller, you can enter these lounges at London Gatwick Airport by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or using a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
North Terminal
- Club Aspire Lounge– Location: Airside, Level 1. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • lounge membership programs.
- Clubrooms – Location: Airside. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass.
- No. 1 Gatwick Lounge – Location: Airside. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- The Gateway – Location: Airside. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs. Hours: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Airside, near Gates 45-55 and 101-103. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs. Hours: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Flight Lounge – Location: Airside. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs. Hours: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
South Terminal
- Clubrooms – Location: Airside, Pier 1. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
- My Lounge – Location: Airside, Upper Level, Departures. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
- No. 1 Gatwick Lounge – Location: Airside, Mezzanine Level. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- Club Aspire Lounge – Location: Airside. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business-Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
The Emirates Lounge – Location: North Terminal, Airside • British Airways Club Lounge – Location: South Terminal, Airside • British Airways First Lounge – Location: South Terminal, Airside.
Related Pages: London Gatwick Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? The airport offers water fountains in both terminals to refill your water bottles. Alternatively, any restaurant will refill your water bottle for you.
Food & Drink
When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, 24-hour food concessions are available. Check out these vendors:
- North Terminal: Black Sheep Coffee – coming soon (Landside) • 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 offers short and long-term left luggage storage in both terminals at the following rates: £7.50 per bag/item for up to 3 hours, £15.00 per bag/item for three hours up to your first 24 hours, then £22.50 per bag/item for your second 24-hour period. The price for three days of storage is £30, and after 72 hours, the rate is £7.50 per bag/item per 24-hour period. Luggage shipping, luggage wrapping, courier, tourist information and other services are available. Locations: North Terminal, Landside, Level 1 (Hours: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM) • South Terminal, Landside, Level 2, Behind Check-in Area E (Hours: Hours: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM).
Mobile Charging
Free charging points are located airside in both terminals. Outlets are limited on the landside. Bring adapters.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Location: inside the British Airways Club Lounge and British Airways First Lounges.
WiFi / Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at Gatwick Airport. Connect to the “Gatwick Free WiFi” network and follow the steps to sign up.
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 – The works of three local artists are now on display throughout the airport. Check out the unique mosaic celebrating Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. The artwork is created with 5,500 pictures of people from Sussex, Kent and Surrey. Location: South Terminal.
Duty-Free and Shopping – The airport offers four World Duty-Free shops, three of which operate 24 hours a day: North Terminal Departures (Airside) and Arrivals • South Terminal Departures (Airside). A large variety of retail stores is also available, including a few options that are open 24 hours: Boots Drugstore (North Terminal Arrivals • South Terminal Arrivals).
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Designated rooms (marked with a babycare symbol) for the care and feeding of babies are available in the check-in area, on the way to the gates, in the transfer area, and after passport control in Arrivals. Diaper change folding tables are also available in some men’s and women’s restrooms throughout both terminals.
- Baby Food – Boots Drugstore, located both landside and airside, offers a pre-order service for baby milk. Simply place your order no later than seven working days before your travel and pick it up post-security, freeing up space in your hand luggage for other essentials.
- Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to one of the children’s play areas. The airport’s “Kids Zones” come equipped with toys and TVs for watching cartoons and other kids’ shows. Locations: North Terminal, Airside, departures • South Terminal, Airside, departures.
- Family Services – Early check-in and bag drop, designated family-friendly parking bays and special “Family Lanes” at security are some of the airport’s offerings to assist families in having a smooth airport experience.
- Strollers – Strollers used to be available with a £/€ 1,00 deposit. 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Fast Track – Breeze through the security checkpoints with a Fast Track pass! Passes can be purchased online, and prices start from ￡10.00.
Fitness – If you want to get out and enjoy the fresh air, there is a national bicycle path that leads to the airport. According to a site visitor, “the path led quickly off the site and wound through a pretty wooded suburban area.”
Information Desk – The airport offers a “Your Service Center” in each Terminal. Staff can help out with everything from missed flights to supplying lounge information. Locations: South Terminal (Opposite Zones J and K) • North Terminal (atrium opposite Zone D).
Luggage
- Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available. Rates: a refundable deposit of £1 or €1 coin.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Available at Excess Baggage Company for a fee. See Luggage Storage & Lockers for locations and hours.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. All valid UK bank cards and credit cards are accepted. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside in both terminals.
- Currency Exchange – Moneycorp has exchange desks and ATMs located throughout both terminals.
Postal Services – Mailboxes used to be available in the Landside area of both terminals. We could not confirm this at the time of our November 2023 update. If you know whether they are still there, click here to update this guide.
Prayer – The airport’s interfaith chapels offer quiet and peaceful places to pray or meditate in both terminals. Scheduled services are held by Anglican, Roman Catholic and Free Church chaplains, and Buddhist services are held every Monday at 12:00 PM and on significant religious dates. Services usually last about 25 minutes. Locations: North Terminal, landside, 1st Floor, next to EasyJet customer services, before the entrance to Hampton by Hilton • South Terminal, landside, 3rd Floor, near Caffè Nero. Hours: Open 24 hours.
SIM Cards – SIM Cards can be purchased at the SIM local store. Locations: North Terminal, Landside • South Terminal, Landside. Hours: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Smoking – Smoking is only permitted outside the terminal in designated areas. The only exception is on the terrace attached to the My Lounge (South Terminal). Paid entrance to the Lounge is required. See Airport Lounges above.
Spa – Treat yourself to a bit of pampering before or after your flight: Aerospa (Locations: North Terminal, Airside. Hours: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM • South Terminal, Airside. Hours: 4:00 AM – 8:30 PM).
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: 2025-03-06
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.