London Gatwick Airport Guide

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.

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

Sleeping in London Gatwick Airport is possible, but overnight travellers should expect limited comfortable seating, cold areas and a good chance of ending up on the floor. Both terminals remain open 24 hours, but security closes overnight, so late-night and early-morning travellers generally need to stay before security until checkpoints reopen; a few coffee shops offer some of the better seating, including benches where travellers have managed to stretch out. Once through security, you may find more armrest-free seating, but Gatwick quickly becomes busy and noisy.

For detailed sleeping locations, conditions, photos and traveller tips, visit our Guide to Sleeping in London Gatwick Airport.

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.

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.

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 – Budget hotel. Located inside the South Terminal on Level 3, Departures, beside security.
YOTELAIR – Budget hotel. Located in the South Terminal next to International Arrivals. Rooms can be booked by the hour for stays of 4 to 24 hours. Airside transit passengers must be able to enter the UK to stay here.
Hotel Hilton London Gatwick Airport – Upscale hotel. Connected to the South Terminal by a covered walkway.

North Terminal Hotels

Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport – Mid-range hotel. Connected to the North Terminal by a covered walkway.
Premier Inn London Gatwick North Terminal Hotel – Budget hotel. About a 5-minute walk from the North Terminal. Free 24-hour shuttle available from the South Terminal.
Sofitel London Gatwick – Upscale hotel. Connected directly to the North Terminal by a covered walkway.

Looking for more options? Browse the complete list of hotels near Gatwick Airport on Expedia.

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.

South Terminal

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.

North Terminal

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).

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).

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.

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.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

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.

Airlines

London Gatwick Airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Aer Lingus • Air Arabia • Air Baltic • Air China • Air Europa • Air France • Air India • Air Malta • Air Mauritius • Air Transat • Aurigny • Austrian Airlines • Azores Airlines • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern Airlines • Corendon • Croatia Airlines • Delta Air • Eastern Airways • EasyJet • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • Finnair • Freebird • Georgian Airways • Iberia Express • Icelandair • Iraqi Airways • Jazeera • Jet2 • KLM • Level • Lufthansa • Norse Atlantic Airways • Norwegian • Nouvelair • Qatar Airways • Royal Air Maroc • Rwandair • Ryanair • Saudia • Sky Express • Sun Express • Swiss • TAP Portugal • Titan Airways • TUIFly • Tunisair • Turkish Airlines • Virgin Atlantic • Volotea • Vueling • WestJet • Wizz Air.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The 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

See 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.