Departing from Gatwick Airport can be a stressful experience. We know how distracting it is to look for the right information here and there, and how frustrating it can get when the time is running out. While the Gatwick Airport website has all the information, it doesn’t have it all in one place, which makes it hard to find what exactly you’re looking for. You need the right piece of information at the right place at the right time.
This is where Parkhero comes in to help you prepare with our guide about Gatwick Departures. We will show you all the important things you need to know to ensure you can enjoy a hassle-free experience at Gatwick. See how to check the terminal that your flight departs from, the drop off zone and the public transportation options. Learn more about passing quickly through the airport security control, the check-in counters and all the available on-site facilities, restaurants, and duty-free shops.
With this guide, you will be ahead of the game and be able to help your co-travellers with any questions they may have.
When the day of your departure comes, one of the first things to do is to check your Gatwick Airport Departures terminal. Better to realise in advance if you are at the wrong terminal to avoid unnecessary anxiety!
Given that 47 airlines operate from Gatwick, you should always double check which terminal Gatwick you are flying from. Even if you are a regular passenger, don’t take it for granted that your flight will depart from the terminal that it usually does. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, all flights are operating from the North Terminal due to the reduced passenger traffic.
Once you identify the correct terminal, you can then decide where you will need to be dropped off.
For Gatwick North Departures:
For Gatwick South Departures:
Our Gatwick Drop Off and Pick Up guide explains in detail what your parking options are when someone is driving you to or collecting you from the airport.
There are several ways to reach LGW Departures, whether you are coming from London or anywhere else in the UK. Below, you will find the four most common means of transportation.
By Car
Driving to the airport is undoubtedly the most convenient option. If your starting point is London, then you can easily access Gatwick via A23 and M23. Don’t leave home without first booking parking at Gatwick Airport. By reserving your parking spot in advance, you can save up to 60%.
By Train
Τhe second most popular option is the train, as Gatwick is proud to be one of the few airports with highly efficient rail connections. The train station is located at the South Terminal. If your flight departs from the North Terminal, you will have to board the free transit that will take you to your terminal in two minutes.
Four operators serve Gatwick and connect it with 120 train stations across the UK. These are Gatwick Express, Southern, Thameslink, and Great Western Railway. Read our Trains to Gatwick guide, for step-by-step instructions and information on tickets and prices.
By Coach and Bus
Regional and national private or public bus services run 24/7 and can take you to over 100 destinations in the UK. If you pre-book, you can find cheap tickets and ensure that there’s a seat waiting for you. The bus companies operating from Gatwick are National Express, easyBus, Airline, Megabus, and Metrobus. The designated ticket desks at both terminals only sell tickets for the National Express. Tickets for any of the other three companies can be purchased online.
You can catch the bus at the lower South Terminal forecourt. Some bus services also stop at the lower level outside international arrivals of the North Terminal.
By Taxi
If you’re in a rush or you are carrying many pieces of luggage with you, you can opt for a taxi. As taxi services are known for their high rates, consider pre-arranging a taxi ride to get an estimate for the fare. The taxi driver will pick you up from your home or accommodation and drop you off at your terminal. If you compare a taxi service to Gatwick with the other available options, you will realize that it is often much more expensive, unless you are travelling as a group.
If you don’t need to check in any luggage, then you won’t have to spend extra time at one of the check-in desks. If you have baggage that needs to be checked in, then factor in additional time before your flight’s departure.
For long haul flights, the check in opens three hours before the scheduled departure. The same goes for European flights. For domestic and Irish flights, the airport authorities advise you to check-in two hours prior to departure. In any case, you can also contact your airline for more specific information. For example, British Airways closes check-in 60 minutes before long haul flights and 60 minutes before short haul flights.
Once you enter the terminal, look for your check-in zone displayed on the screens. At the North terminal, the clearly signed check-in counters are located on the 3rd level, zones A-H. At the South Terminal, they are on the 3rd level, zones A-K.
Some airlines such as British Airways, EasyJet, Norwegian, Virgin Atlantic offer self-service check-in. Contact your airlines to ask if your route is eligible for the self-service option.
When you are packing your bags, make sure to take a few minutes to read the guidelines about what you’re allowed to have in your carry-on bags. There is nothing worse than having your bag pulled to one side and having to wait to have it searched! By checking in advance, you’ll pass through security fast and efficiently but give yourself plenty of time for the security screening process. You don’t want to risk missing your flight in case of a delay.
If you comply with the following requirements, you won’t face any extra security checks.
Gatwick Departures Halls are a duty-free haven for all the last-minute shopping needs. There is a great shopping directory of brands and products for every taste and budget. If you are interested in a detailed description, read our updated Gatwick Duty Free guide.
At the North Terminal, almost all of the shops are located after security control on Level 20. On this level are located Piers 2 and 3 and Gates 10-95. Some of the world-renowned brands are Accessorize, Bobbi Brown, Boots, Case Luggage, Collection, Dixons Travel, Dune London, Hugo Boss, and dozens of other shops.
At the South Terminal, the duty free zone is after security, on level 2 before Piers 4 and 6 and Gates 45-55 & 101- 113. Here you can find the same selection of brands as the ones at the North Terminal. Whatever it is that you forgot to pack, you’ll find it for sure in one of the tax free stores.
Sometimes your airline may not offer a meal on board, or you just don’t feel like spending a fortune for a cold sandwich on the plane. At both London Gatwick Departures terminals, you have plenty of options on food and drinks. You can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee and soft or alcoholic beverages. As this will probably be your last stop before leaving London and the UK, you can have a last taste of the local flavours or even begin your overseas trip with an introduction to international cuisine.
North Terminal hosts EAT, Shake-a-Hula, Pure, The Nicholas Culpeper Pub & Dining, The Red Lion, Union Jacks Bar, YO! Sushi, M&S Simply Food, Jamie’s Coffee Lounge, Jamie’s Diners, Jamie’s Italian, Comptoir Libanais, Costa, Pret A Manger, Starbucks, Wagamama, Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar.
South Terminal is home to Caffe Nero, Itsu, Giraffe, Grain Store, Joe’s Coffee House, Nando’s, The Beehive, The Flying Horse, The London Bar, Wondertree, Costa, Pret A Manger, Starbucks, Wagamama, Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar.
For a full description of the cuisine that each of the restaurants specializes in, find more information in the relevant section of Duty Free Gatwick guide.
A host of facilities are offered at Gatwick Airport Departures, from toilets and baby changing stations to money exchange desks and prayer rooms.
Here are the facilities that you can find at the North Terminal:
At the South Terminal, you will find the same kind of facilities:
One of the premium facilities offered at Gatwick Departures is the lounges. With prices starting at £21, they are the perfect place to relax in quiet away from the crowds while enjoying the numerous offered amenities. The lounges housed at both terminals are My Lounge, No 1 Lounge, Club Aspire Lounge, and Clubrooms. For your convenience, we put together a full Gatwick Lounges guide.
As an airport parking comparison platform, Parkhero is dedicated to helping travellers find the best car parking deals. We have teamed up with the most trustworthy and secure car parks across the UK and Ireland to bring you the most competitive rates.
You can see for yourself by trying out our easy-to-use search tool. Once you enter your travel dates, a list of parking facilities will be displayed. Compare prices and customer reviews, shuttle services, distance from the airport and security features. When you make up your mind, confirm your booking to benefit from the low prices. The earlier you book, the less you pay!
Book your parking today with Parkhero and save money on your trip.
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 November 2020.
