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London Gatwick Airport

London, United Kingdom · Europe

Solid mid-tier London airport with excellent rail links but two-terminal split and variable security create occasional stress.

Airportist Score

7.2/ 10

Passengers

43M

Security

25 min

Nearby airports

Other airports within about 150 km.

All airports

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London Gatwick Airport

London, United Kingdom · Europe

Solid mid-tier London airport with excellent rail links but two-terminal split and variable security create occasional stress.

Airportist Score

7.2/ 10

Passengers

43M

Security

25 min

7 photos

The North Terminal gate area at London Gatwick with departure information screens, seating, and boarding gates. — Photo: Dbx54
Public domainSource

Railway tracks and the inter-terminal transit system at Gatwick Airport, with the South Terminal station visible at left. — Photo: Oast House Archive
CC BY-SA 2.0 Source

The glass-fronted South Terminal building at London Gatwick Airport seen from the forecourt. — Photo: Bill Boaden
CC BY-SA 2.0 Source

Several passenger aircraft parked at jet bridges along Pier 4 at Gatwick's North Terminal. — Photo: Dbx54
Public domainSource

A wide view of London Gatwick Airport showing the main runway, taxiways, terminals, and surrounding landscape. — Photo: Mike McBey
CC BY 2.0 Source

Gatwick Airport's air traffic control tower and fire station buildings against a cloudy sky. — Photo: Richard Humphrey
CC BY-SA 2.0 Source

A broad view of the southern side of London Gatwick Airport with terminal buildings, airfield, and open countryside beyond. — Photo: Bill Boaden
CC BY-SA 2.0 Source

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 2.5 hours early for international

Security can hit 45+ minutes peak mornings; book Fast Track if queue >20 people.

Domestic/short-haul can manage with 90 minutes if no bags.

Terminal

Check terminal on boarding pass

North for most easyJet/long-haul; South for BA and Ryanair.

Free shuttle runs every few minutes between them landside only.

Food

Grab landside if time allows

Better value and variety before security; airside is mostly chains.

Many spots promise 15-minute service but queues form at peaks.

Status

Book Fast Track or lounge if eligible

Premium Express or lounge access beats standard queues on busy days.

Worth £5-10 extra when queues exceed 30 minutes.

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for LGW.

Updated Jul 20, 2026

Two terminals (North and South) linked by free 2-minute shuttle
easyJet dominant in both; BA and long-haul in South/North respectively
Gatwick Express reaches London Victoria in ~30 minutes
Fast Track security available for purchase or via some lounges
No airside connection between terminals after security
Strong coach network to 100+ UK destinations

6 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort7.0

Navigation6.8

Food7.2

Transport8.5

Disruption resilience7.0

Key Stats

Annual passengers

43M

Terminals

2 active terminals

On-time departures

78%

Avg security

25 min

Best For

Fast rail to LondonBudget airline hubCoach network coverage

Watch Out For

Terminal confusion for easyJetPeak security queuesNo airside inter-terminal link

Nearby airports

Other airports within about 150 km.

7 photos

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 2.5 hours early for international

Security can hit 45+ minutes peak mornings; book Fast Track if queue >20 people.

Domestic/short-haul can manage with 90 minutes if no bags.

Terminal

Check terminal on boarding pass

North for most easyJet/long-haul; South for BA and Ryanair.

Free shuttle runs every few minutes between them landside only.

Food

Grab landside if time allows

Better value and variety before security; airside is mostly chains.

Many spots promise 15-minute service but queues form at peaks.

Status

Book Fast Track or lounge if eligible

Premium Express or lounge access beats standard queues on busy days.

Worth £5-10 extra when queues exceed 30 minutes.

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for LGW.

Updated Jul 20, 2026

Two terminals (North and South) linked by free 2-minute shuttle
easyJet dominant in both; BA and long-haul in South/North respectively
Gatwick Express reaches London Victoria in ~30 minutes
Fast Track security available for purchase or via some lounges
No airside connection between terminals after security
Strong coach network to 100+ UK destinations

6 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort7.0

Navigation6.8

Food7.2

Transport8.5

Disruption resilience7.0

Key Stats

Annual passengers

43M

Terminals

2 active terminals

On-time departures

78%

Avg security

25 min

Best For

Fast rail to LondonBudget airline hubCoach network coverage

Watch Out For

Terminal confusion for easyJetPeak security queuesNo airside inter-terminal link