Does your upcoming flight arrive at Gatwick Airport or are you picking up someone from Gatwick Arrivals? Then, there are a few things you need to know that will make your time at Gatwick easier.
How do you travel between the South and North terminals? Where is the most convenient place to park? Is there anywhere to eat in the arrival halls? Can I buy duty free products upon landing? These are only a few of the most frequently asked questions that we will answer in this blog post. After reading this Gatwick Arrivals guide, we assure you that you’ll know where to find what you need in the airport on the day of your landing.
Currently, 45 airlines operate from Gatwick, 29 of them are based at the South Terminal and 16 at the North Terminal. There is no domestic or international terminal, as we usually see in most airports. For more information about the airlines and their corresponding terminal, you can read our dedicated Which Terminal Gatwick guide.
The connection between the two terminals is possible with the free shuttle service. Shuttles run 24/7, and it takes around two minutes to get from one terminal to another. In the South terminal, the shuttle stop is next to the railway station. At the North Terminal, it is on the first floor.
If your flight lands at Gatwick or you are collecting incoming passengers from there, visit the official airport website to see live updates for Gatwick Airport Arrivals. You can see when the flight is expected to land and whether it is delayed or cancelled. Some airlines, such as British Airways and Vueling, can notify you via email for your flight status. Click on the email sign next to your flight number as displayed on the ‘Live flights’ section of the Gatwick Airport website. Next, you will be asked to submit your full name and email address.
From June 2020 and until further notice, all flights operate from the North Terminal.
When you set foot in the Gatwick Arrivals hall, you will need to clear passport control. There are two separate zones. One is for citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), British nationals and Swiss nationals. The other is for all other nationalities.
The security control can be time-consuming, but with an e-passport, queues move faster. To make use of the e-passport, you’ll need to fulfil the following requirements:
If you meet the requirements, you can proceed to one of the e-passport gates, scan your passport, and move on.
If none of the above apply to you, then once you are in the Gatwick flight arrivals area, go to the left-hand side where a border control officer will assist you.
Whether your destination is Gatwick South terminal arrivals or North terminal arrivals, you have plenty of transportation options.
Train
The efficient Gatwick railway connection between the airport and other train stations around the UK makes rail travel the most common transport option for departing the airport. The four operators are Gatwick Express, Southern, Thameslink, and Great Western Railway. You can buy tickets from the railway station and the rail ticket desk at the airport. Plan your route and see the timetables on the official Gatwick website.
Car
Driving to the airport is comfortable, and with so many Gatwick Airport parking options, you can save time and money. The shortest journey from London to Gatwick is 28 miles. Follow M23 Junction 9 and A23 London-Brighton road.
If you decide to rent a car, you will find several on-airport car hire companies that offer a great range of vehicles. Car rental desks are located only at the North Terminal in the arrivals hall opposite Boots. If your flight lands at the South Terminal, board the free monorail, and in three minutes you’ll be at the North Terminal.
Although the prices vary per company and type of vehicle, on-site Gatwick car hire companies are always more expensive than off-site. You can compare them yourself by checking out the quick guide for Car Hire Gatwick.
Bus
Bus and coach services connect Gatwick with London, nearby cities and towns, and other airports, such as Heathrow. Bus stops are located within walking distance from the terminals. At South Terminal, most buses depart from the lower forecourt. At North Terminal, the bus station is at the lower level outside international arrivals. You can book tickets in advance or from the tickets desk at the airport.
Taxi
A taxi is a convenient option but also an expensive one. The standard taxi fares for Gatwick to London start at £60 and can go up to £110 one way. The charges are set based on the number of passengers and the type of taxi, for instance, a saloon ride or minivan.
When picking up passengers from Gatwick Airport, you have to know the terminal where the flight lands. Gatwick North terminal arrivals hall is on RH6 0PJ and the South Terminal Arrivals on RH6 0LL. This means that you have different parking options for pick up.
North Terminal
South Terminal
At peak hours and periods, picking up passengers from either of the terminals can be a real hassle. You’ll be doing yourself a favour to arrive 45 minutes before the expected landing. This will allow you to find a free parking spot at one of the long stay car parks and head to the terminal to help your incoming passengers with their luggage.
We put together a comprehensive guide for Gatwick drop off and pick ups where you can find more detailed information.
Did you forget to bring back some gifts for your loved ones? No need to panic because in the flight arrivals Gatwick hall, you will find a selection of shops before exiting the airport. We are used to doing duty-free shopping in the departures area, but, at Gatwick, you can continue the tax-free purchases in the arrivals area as well. World Duty-Free has two branches at arrivals in both terminals located between Customs and Arrivals Hall. The stores are open daily from 4:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m. at the Gatwick arrivals North terminal and from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the South Terminal.
Some of the items you can purchase include beauty products and cosmetics, fragrances, pastries and treats, alcoholic drinks, tobacco and even electronics. You can also make use of the personal shopping consultation and the Reserve and Collect services. Simply, pre-reserve online the products you like and then buy them from the store upon arrival.
Read our complete Gatwick guide for Duty-Free Shops, where we list the latest updates for the stores opening hours.
As expected, there aren’t as many restaurants and bars in the Arrivals Halls as in the Departures. That is because most passengers just want to get to their accommodation or begin their journey home after landing. They claim their baggage, pass fast through any necessary security controls, and leave.
Meals, snacks and drinks on the plane are overpriced, so if you feel hungry after your flight, you’ll have a few options at the airport. At Gatwick North Arrivals, there is a Costa Coffee, a M&S, and a Boots where you can grab a sandwich, a pastry and a soft drink. At the South Arrivals, you will also find Costa Coffee and M&S.
After passing through Customs and Immigration, if necessary, you can use some of the services offered in the arrivals hall.
At the North Terminal Arrivals, you will find:
Toilets with access for passengers with disabilities and baby change facilities are situated in two points:
Luggage Trolleys are available in baggage claim for no extra charge.
Internet access is available and free for up to 90 minutes.
The Information Desk for all your questions is located on the left side of the main Arrivals area.
Car Hire offices are at the forecourt of the arrivals hall.
Bureau de Change is near the lift in the public area of the arrivals.
A taxi rank and Bus stops are located at the forecourt of the North Terminal.
The Railway station is at the South Terminal. You’ll need to board on the free inter-terminal shuttle with a journey time less than two minutes.
Short Stay Car Parks are within walking distance, and the Long Stay Car Park is accessible via free shuttle.
For more in-depth information, check out our comprehensive Gatwick North Terminal Guide.
At the South Terminal, you can find the same services like the ones offered at the North terminal.
Toilets are opposite Boots. They are accessible for all and contain baby changing tables.
Luggage Trolleys are at the Baggage claim and not charged extra.
Internet Access is free for up to 90 minutes.
Cash Machines are close to the exit for Long and Short stay car parks.
Bureau de Change counters are in two locations: one opposite the M&S Simply Food store, and another near the Costa Coffee.
Luggage Storage is at the arrival gates and runs 24/7. Every item costs £9 per 24 hours.
An Information Desk is next to the Airport Concierge.
A Business Area with meeting rooms and shower facilities is outside Costa Coffee.
Printing Services are available at the internet kiosk in the arrivals area.
The Bus stop and Taxi rank are located at the forecourt.
The Train station is close to the Departures area.
Short Stay Car Parks are connected to the terminal through covered walkways. For the Long Stay Car Parks, go to the lower forecourt and then to the nearest shuttle stop. In 7–12 minutes, you’ll be at the Long Stay Car Parks.
In our Gatwick South Terminal guide, you will find more information about services, transportation, restaurants, duty free, and airport parking.
Since 2018, Parkhero has been helping travellers across the UK to find good value parking at airports across the country. Our mission is to bring you the best airport parking options. We are always looking for, comparing, and collaborating with verified car parks that receive the most positive customer reviews.
You can take as much time as you want to search and contrast the parking options, but it won’t take you more than two to three minutes to complete your reservation. While you’re trying to reach a decision, you can read our updated blog posts that offer detailed information for every airport in the UK.
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While the contents of this article were compiled with the greatest possible care, there is the possibility that certain information will become outdated or incorrect by the time of reading. Last updated in April 2024.
