London Gatwick (LGW) Airport Guide

Gatwick Airport is the UK's second-largest airport and the tenth busiest in the world.

More than 80 airlines currently operate flights from Gatwick, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Monarch and TAP Air Portugal.

The airport is located around 45 kilometres to the south of London and comprises two terminal buildings.

Gatwick Airport Amenities

Gatwick Airport is home to an excellent range of facilities and passengers should have no trouble finding somewhere to shop, eat and relax before a flight.

Travellers will find the usual array of Post Offices and currency exchange desks, as well as an internet cafe and wireless online access hotspots.

Showering facilities are available at the airport and for a small charge passengers will be provided with a towel and soap. Baby changing facilities and specially designed feeding rooms are also available throughout both terminals.

When it comes to shopping there are plenty of options, with stores such as Accessorize, All Saints, Goldsmiths and Hugo Boss waiting to be visited. The airport is also home to a Harrods store, which is a must-visit place for travellers looking to buy gifts and luxury items.

There are several duty-free stores selling a wide selection of wines, perfumes and gifts, as well as a Whiskey World outlet, where passengers will find a wide selection of malts, including several rare and exclusive blends.

When it comes to dining, there are plenty of options to suit all budgets. For a unique experience in sumptuous surroundings, travellers can opt for the Prunier Bar and Seafood Restaurant in the North Terminal. For a child-friendly bite to eat Frankie and Benny's in the South Terminal and Garfunkel's Restaurant in the North Terminal are both good options.

Passengers looking to relax for a few hours or stay over at the airport can book in at Gatwick's YOTEL. Ideal for those catching connections and early morning flights, YOTEL offers travellers the opportunity to book into sleep cabins, compete with en suites, for as little as £25.

Business travellers will also find a good selection of facilities on offer, such as meeting rooms, fax facilities and secretarial support.

Terminals at London Gatwick

Gatwick Airport is home to two terminals - the North Terminal and South Terminal. An automatic transit train connects the terminals and journeys take less than two minutes.

Gatwick Transport Links

The Gatwick Express provides a non-stop service between Gatwick and central London, with a journey time of 30 minutes. The airport's train station is linked to the South Terminal and passengers will find information and ticket desks dotted around the station.

Local buses serve both terminals and provide services to destinations including Crawley, Horley, Redhill and Horsham.

National Express also provide regular services to London and a single fare costs £6.60.

Taxis are available; however this can be an expensive option, with fares costing around £77, plus a £5 congestion charge where applicable.

Passengers can travel to London's Heathrow Airport on a National Express coach, with six services departing every hour. Journey time takes around 70 minutes and a single fare costs £19.

Those making their onward journey from Stansted Airport can also travel by coach, with services departing from Gatwick every 30-60 minutes.