Navigating Gatwick Airport’s map helps travelers explore the UK’s second-busiest airport easily. The airport served over 43,242,000 passengers in 2024. It ranks as Europe’s 10th busiest airport and stretches across 674 hectares (1,670 acres). Travelers can find this massive transportation hub 28 miles south of London.
The airport’s extensive North and South Terminals still challenge many visitors since its opening in 1933. Gatwick’s South Terminal measures 160,000 m² while its North Terminal covers 98,000 m². A complete map of Gatwick Airport shows several shortcuts that most visitors miss. British Airways uses Gatwick as its secondary London hub. EasyJet maintains its largest operating base here. The airport’s map can save valuable time and reduce stress by a lot during your experience.
Understanding the Gatwick Airport Layout
Gatwick Airport has a simple yet detailed layout with two main terminals—North and South. A 0.75-mile automated people mover connects these terminals and runs on the landside. You’ll find it easier to navigate through one of the UK’s busiest airports by learning this layout before your trip.
North vs South Terminal: Key Differences
The North and South Terminals have unique features that travelers should know before their trip:
- Size and Capacity: The South Terminal spans 160,000 m² while the North Terminal covers 98,000 m². The South Terminal’s structure includes 32 gates with jetbridges and 7 remote gates. The North Terminal has 31 gates with jetbridges.
- Airline Distribution: EasyJet uses both terminals, so you must check your flight details carefully. British Airways mainly operates from the South Terminal. TUI Airways’ flight numbers determine their terminal—”TOM” flights use the North Terminal, while “BY” flights leave from the South Terminal.
- Facilities: Both terminals give you detailed amenities including check-in zones, shops, restaurants, and lounges. The South Terminal sees more traffic with its low-cost carriers and has a large duty-free shopping area.
The terminals don’t connect after security, so knowing your departure terminal beforehand is vital.
How to Read the Gatwick Airport Map
Gatwick’s terminal maps help you navigate easily, though many first-time visitors miss useful shortcuts. Here’s what to look for on the Gatwick Airport map:
- Color-coded zones show check-in areas, security checkpoints, and gate sections.
- Information desks serve as reference points throughout both terminals.
- Monorail shuttle stations connect terminals every few minutes with a two-minute trip time.
- Icons point to facilities like restrooms, baby changing areas, accessibility services, and medical assistance points.
Gatwick’s partnership with AccessAble provides detailed accessibility guides that cover terminals, car parks, and train stations.
Where is Gatwick Located? (Map Overview)
Gatwick Airport lies 28 miles south of London and covers 674 hectares (1,670 acres) of land. The airport’s layout shows:
- The North Terminal occupies the northern side with its own parking facilities.
- The South Terminal sits on the southern end with direct access to Gatwick Airport train station.
The South Terminal gives you quick access to the Gatwick Express and other rail services to central London. This terminal makes city center connections straightforward if you’re using public transportation.
Many new visitors look for “Gatwick Terminal 1” or “Terminal 2.” These names no longer exist—everything has been combined into the current North and South Terminal setup.
Both terminals have clear signs that reduce the need for physical maps. A digital Gatwick Airport map on your device can help you plan ahead.
Hidden Shortcuts Inside the South Terminal
The South Terminal at Gatwick has several clever shortcuts that most travelers miss. These time-saving paths can make a huge difference to your airport experience, especially when crowds fill the main areas during peak times.
Quickest Way from Check-in to Security
The most obvious path to security isn’t always the best after checking in at Gatwick’s South Terminal. You’ll see clearly marked signage at check-in areas, and flight information screens guide passengers to their check-in desk. Travelers with online check-in and hand luggage only should head straight to security.
British Airways passengers should note that check-in closes 60 minutes before long-haul flights and 45 minutes before short-haul departures. Security must be cleared at least 35 minutes before departure time. These time limits make finding the fastest route vital to maximize your pre-flight time.
Secret Escalator Near Zone J
The sort of thing I love about the Gatwick Airport map is a way to skip the duty-free shopping maze. Most passengers follow the crowd down the escalators to duty-free shopping after security. There’s a better way.
Look to your left for “Lounges” signs instead of taking these escalators. This hidden corridor takes you straight to the departure hall without walking through the winding duty-free section. A traveler’s social media post confirmed this shortcut leads right to the first floor’s restaurant area. This path is perfect if you’re running late or don’t want to shop.
Quiet Seating Areas Most Travelers Miss
Finding a peaceful spot in busy airports seems impossible. Experienced travelers know where to find quiet spaces in the South Terminal. Head toward the gates until you reach a small junction area. Instead of turning left to active gates, go straight through the door to higher-numbered gates that often stay unused.
This area stays empty and offers a great retreat for privacy, quieter bathroom access, or escape from terminal noise. The door might look closed but opens easily. This hidden section gives you a peaceful break during long layovers or delays.
Shortcut to the Train Station from Arrivals
The South Terminal has a hidden entrance that connects right to the train station. Between the station and terminal, you’ll find what looks like an old service elevator. It’s marked as a “Cycle lift to terminal” for cyclists using National Cycle Route 21, but anyone can use it.
Take the lift through this plain door and you’ll end up right in the South Terminal. The basic appearance might put some people off, but this entrance offers a faster route between the train station and airport. Since Gatwick connects to more stations than any other European airport, this shortcut helps train travelers avoid packed main entrances.
These hidden shortcuts show how knowing Gatwick Airport South Terminal’s layout can turn a stressful trip into a smooth experience through one of London’s busiest airports.
North Terminal Navigation Tips
The North Terminal at Gatwick Airport has a simpler layout than the South Terminal’s confusing maze. Smart travelers can cut their walking time by a lot between check-in and boarding if they know the right shortcuts in this 75,000m² space.
Avoiding the Crowds at Security
Gatwick’s North Terminal Fast Track security gives you a special lane that lets you skip the regular queues. Book this premium service online and you’ll pay just £6 per person, which saves you £2 compared to buying it at the airport.
Regular travelers can use a secret shortcut right after the main security checkpoint. Just turn right and look for the “Assistance” passage. This wider corridor takes you straight to the main concourse without going through the twisty duty-free shopping area. The route stays quiet even during rush hours from 5-8am when most European flights take off.
The Lesser-Known Bridge to Gates 101-113
The North Terminal has an amazing feature that many people miss on the Gatwick Airport map. Getting to gates 101-113 means crossing what people call the longest air passenger bridge in the world.
This long walkway lets you reach these gates without any steps. The path has clear signs and places to rest along the way. People who need help can get assistance vehicles on request. The whole route has good lighting and easy-to-follow signs.
Best Path to the Lounge Area
Premium lounges in the North Terminal give travelers a comfy spot before their flights. Getting there quickly can save you precious time before takeoff.
Once you’re through security, watch for signs pointing to the departure lounge. You’ll find business lounges, places to exchange money, and duty-free shops. These lounges are perfect for business travelers who need to prep for meetings, with fast internet, food options, and quiet spaces.
Hidden Rest Zones for Long Layovers
Beyond the official lounges, you’ll find several quiet spots perfect for long layovers in the North Terminal. These peaceful areas let you escape the busy main terminal.
The seating area past the document check desks at gates 101-113 works great for wheelchair users with its 150cm x 150cm space. Service dogs can rest here too. The area has fixed seats, but keep in mind that some don’t have armrests.
Multi-faith prayer rooms offer the quietest spots away from the terminal’s buzz. These hidden rest zones make your wait much more pleasant during long layovers or flight delays, and that makes your time at Gatwick Airport more comfortable.
Inter-Terminal Transfers and Time-Saving Hacks
Passengers with connecting flights or those who need to switch terminals at Gatwick must know how to use the inter-terminal transfer system. The shuttle train connects the North and South Terminals and helps passengers transfer quickly even during rush hours.
Using the Shuttle Train Efficiently
The inter-terminal shuttle at London Gatwick Airport is completely free and runs 24 hours daily throughout the year. This automated people mover takes just two to three minutes to complete its experience. The service is nowhere near as slow as other London airports’ connections.
You’ll find the shuttle near the train station in the South Terminal. The station is just a five-minute walk from both departures and arrivals. In the North Terminal, just follow the signs marked “South Terminal” to reach the shuttle entrance.
The 0.75-mile link now uses Bombardier CX-100 people movers that replaced older Adtranz C-100 trains in 2010 after a £45 million upgrade. These driverless trains run every 10 minutes even at night. This will give a reliable service whatever time you arrive.
Best Times to Transfer Between Terminals
Gatwick Airport suggests minimum connection times of 60 minutes for intra-terminal transfers and 90 minutes between terminals. Many first-time visitors don’t realize how much time they need, especially when they have to clear passport control between flights.
Travel experts strongly suggest a 2.5-hour buffer for self-transfers (separate ticket bookings). This extra time is crucial since airlines won’t help if you miss connections on separately booked tickets.
Avoiding Bottlenecks During Peak Hours
The airport gets busiest between 7AM-10AM and 4PM-7PM daily. Experienced travelers prefer early morning (before 7AM) or late evening (after 8PM) transfers to avoid crowds.
Terminal transfers are most hectic on Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, and bank holidays. The shuttle fills up quickly during these peak times. Business travelers with tight schedules should know alternative timing options.
Off-peak travel through Gatwick’s terminals offers clear advantages: shorter queues, emptier shuttles, and faster connections. If you must travel during peak times, add an extra 60-90 minutes to your schedule. This ended up being the best way to handle unexpected delays.
Ground Transport Shortcuts and Local Access
Gatwick Airport has clever shortcuts to ground transportation that most occasional travelers miss. These lesser-known paths can save significant time for anyone arriving at or leaving one of London’s busiest airports.
Quickest Way to the Gatwick Express
Gatwick Express trains provide the fastest route to central London and reach Victoria Station in about 30-34 minutes. The train station’s location in the South Terminal makes it just a five-minute walk from both departures and arrivals. Many first-time visitors don’t realize that trains connect to more than 120 destinations and run every four minutes during rush hours.
Regular travelers know the quickest way to catch this service. They head straight to the South Terminal using the free shuttle when arriving at North Terminal. Signs lead directly to the railway station instead of the main exit. Smart travelers simply tap their contactless payment card or Oyster card at the barriers as they walk through—saving time instead of queuing at ticket machines.
Hidden Bus Stops Near the Terminal
Budget-conscious travelers can find several tucked-away bus stops as alternatives to the Gatwick Express. The South Terminal has easy-to-miss bus stops on the A23 that travelers can reach through lifts near the transit system. The North Terminal features stops close to the front of the building.
The 24/7 Gatwick Hoppa service runs from Bus Stop 11 in North Terminal and Bus Stop 9 on the South Terminal’s lower forecourt (level 0). United shuttle services use similar pickup spots to serve hotels like Premier Inn, IBIS, and Crowne Plaza.
Bike Access Routes Most Maps Don’t Show
Cyclists can use a little-known entrance that connects to National Cycle Network Route 21. This entrance has a hidden goods lift that surprises even the airport’s staff.
South Terminal cyclists can find this secret lift after leaving the train station barriers. A right turn leads to a larger area where the lift sits next to a baggage wrapping machine. North Terminal offers plenty of bike parking outside at ground level for cycling commuters.
Getting around Gatwick Airport is much easier if you know about these hidden shortcuts. The secret escalator near Zone J in the South Terminal and a little-known bridge to Gates 101-113 in the North Terminal can save precious time. These shortcuts can turn a stressful rush into a smooth airport experience.
Many people hurry through Gatwick without knowing these time-saving paths exist. The tips in this piece will give you insider knowledge that makes you a Gatwick expert before you arrive. Each terminal has its own unique features that help you plan your trip better, whether you’re leaving from the busy South Terminal or the more compact North Terminal.
Gatwick’s inter-terminal shuttle system is without doubt one of its best features. Knowing the right transfer times helps you avoid long waits during peak hours. Quick access to ground transport like the Gatwick Express and hidden bus stops makes your trip to and from the airport faster.
These shortcuts stay secret even though Gatwick handles over 43 million passengers each year. People who use them have a real advantage, especially when it’s busy. Gatwick might spread across 674 hectares, but these well-placed shortcuts make this huge space feel much smaller.
The next time you’re at London’s second-busiest airport, these hidden paths and navigation tricks will help you out. You’ll thank yourself later as you walk past confused travelers, skip the crowded spots, and spend more time relaxing before your flight instead of searching for your gate.
Here are some FAQs about Gatwick airport map:
How do I know if my flight is north or South Terminal Gatwick?
You can check which terminal your flight uses by consulting the Gatwick airport website or your airline’s information. A quick review of a gatwick airport terminal map will also show you which airlines operate from each terminal.
How long does it take to get between terminals at Gatwick?
It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to travel between terminals using the free inter-terminal shuttle train that runs every few minutes. This transit time is clearly marked on any london gatwick airport map showing the terminal connections.
What is the difference between Gatwick North and South Terminal?
The main difference is that the South Terminal handles most long-haul and many European flights, while the North Terminal primarily serves easyJet and other select airlines. You can see the distinct layouts and amenities by comparing a gatwick airport south terminal map with the North Terminal configuration.
Is Gatwick Airport easy to navigate?
Yes, Gatwick Airport is generally easy to navigate with clear signage and straightforward terminal layouts. Consulting a map of gatwick airport before your journey can help you familiarize yourself with key areas like check-in, security, and departure gates.
Can I walk from north to South Terminal Gatwick?
No, you cannot walk between the terminals as they are separated by the airport’s runway and taxiways. The free shuttle train is the only connection, which is clearly indicated on any comprehensive london gatwick airport map.
How do I check which terminal my flight is?
You can check your terminal by visiting the Gatwick Airport website, using their flight information displays, or checking with your airline directly. This information is also typically available on digital versions of the gatwick airport terminal map.
Which terminal does easyJet fly from at Gatwick?
easyJet primarily operates from the North Terminal at Gatwick Airport, though it’s always best to verify for your specific flight. The airline’s check-in desks and gates are clearly marked on any detailed map of gatwick airport north terminal layout.
Do you need to go through security again for a connecting flight in Gatwick?
Yes, you typically need to go through security again when connecting between different flights at Gatwick, even when staying in the same terminal. The security locations are clearly marked on every gatwick airport south terminal map and North Terminal map.
Which terminal is British Airways at Heathrow?
British Airways operates from multiple terminals at Heathrow Airport, primarily Terminal 5 and some flights from Terminal 3. This information about a different airport is separate from questions about the map of gatwick airport terminals.
