Gatwick Airport North vs South Terminal – Which One Is Your Flight?
📅 Published: May 15, 2026
✍️ Orange Airport Transfers
⏱️ 6 min read
📍 Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the second busiest airport in the United Kingdom, handling over 40 million passengers each year. Unlike Heathrow which has four terminals, Gatwick has two: North Terminal and South Terminal. Knowing which terminal your flight uses is essential for a smooth journey – especially if you've booked a taxi or someone is picking you up.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Gatwick's two terminals, which airlines use each one, how to transfer between them, and what facilities you'll find at both.
✈️ Quick Answer: Which Terminal Is My Flight?
🔍 The easiest way to check:
Look at your flight booking confirmation or boarding pass. It will clearly state "North Terminal" or "South Terminal". You can also check your airline's app or the official Gatwick Airport website with your flight number.
If you cannot find your terminal information before traveling, you can also check the departure screens at the airport. However, knowing your terminal in advance will help you direct your taxi driver correctly and avoid last-minute confusion.
🏢 Gatwick North Terminal – Complete Guide
The North Terminal is the newer of Gatwick's two terminals. It opened in 1988 and underwent a major renovation between 2016 and 2020. Many long-haul and international carriers operate from the North Terminal.
📍 North Terminal Address
Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
Horley, Surrey
RH6 0PJ
🛂 North Terminal Check-in Areas
The North Terminal has two main check-in zones:
- Zone A (Upper Level): Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Air Transat
- Zone B (Lower Level): WestJet, Thomas Cook (historical), charter airlines
🚗 North Terminal Pickup & Drop-off
- Drop-off (Forecourt): Direct access to terminal entrance. Charges apply for vehicles stopping.
- Pickup (Short Stay Car Park): The designated passenger pickup area is located on Level 1 of the North Terminal Short Stay Car Park. First 10 minutes are free.
- Meeting Point: Inside arrivals, near Costa Coffee and the WHSmith store.
🅿️ North Terminal Car Parks
- Short Stay: Adjacent to terminal – ideal for drop-off and pickup
- Long Stay: 5-10 minute shuttle bus ride – more economical for longer trips
- Premium Parking: Closest spaces to the terminal entrance
🏢 Gatwick South Terminal – Complete Guide
The South Terminal is the original terminal at Gatwick. It opened in 1936 and has been expanded several times. It handles a mix of short-haul and long-haul flights, including many low-cost carriers.
📍 South Terminal Address
Gatwick Airport (South Terminal)
Horley, Surrey
RH6 0NP
🛂 South Terminal Check-in Areas
The South Terminal has check-in zones A through H:
- Zone A-B: British Airways, Aer Lingus, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa
- Zone C-D: easyJet (most flights)
- Zone E-F: Ryanair, Wizz Air, TUI
- Zone G-H: Charter and seasonal airlines
🚗 South Terminal Pickup & Drop-off
- Drop-off (Forecourt): Direct access to terminal. Charges apply (same as North Terminal).
- Pickup (Short Stay Car Park): Level 1 of the South Terminal Short Stay Car Park is the designated pickup area.
- Meeting Point: Inside arrivals, opposite WHSmith (very central and easy to find).
🅿️ South Terminal Car Parks
- Short Stay: Multi-storey car park connected to terminal by a covered walkway
- Long Stay: Shuttle bus service every 10-15 minutes
- Premium Parking: Limited spaces close to the terminal entrance
📋 Full Airline List by Terminal (2026)
This list is accurate as of May 2026. Airlines sometimes move between terminals, so always confirm with your booking.
| North Terminal |
South Terminal |
| Emirates |
British Airways |
| Virgin Atlantic |
easyJet |
| Delta Air Lines |
Ryanair |
| Air Transat |
Wizz Air |
| WestJet |
TUI Airways |
| China Southern |
Aer Lingus |
| Norse Atlantic |
Air France |
| Turkish Airlines |
KLM |
| Saudi Arabian Airlines |
Lufthansa |
| Air China |
Iberia |
| Cathay Pacific |
Vueling |
| Singapore Airlines |
Norwegian Air Shuttle |
⚠️ Important Note: Airlines can change terminals at short notice. Always check your flight confirmation or the Gatwick Airport website 24 hours before travel to confirm your terminal.
🔁 How to Transfer Between North and South Terminals
If you arrive at the wrong terminal or need to meet someone at the other terminal, Gatwick provides a free inter-terminal shuttle.
🚝 Inter-Terminal Shuttle Train
- Frequency: Every 2-3 minutes
- Journey time: Approximately 2 minutes
- Cost: Free of charge
- Operating hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Location: Follow signs for "Inter-Terminal Shuttle" after security and before baggage claim (airside) or from the main concourse (landside)
🚶 Walking Between Terminals
It is not possible to walk between North and South Terminals. The distance is approximately 1.5 miles and there is no pedestrian route. Always use the free shuttle train.
🚗 Taxi Between Terminals
If you have heavy luggage or mobility needs, a taxi can drive between terminals. However, the shuttle train is faster and free. A taxi would need to exit the airport, drive around, and re-enter – taking 10-15 minutes and costing approximately £10-£15.
🍽️ Terminal Facilities Compared
| Facility |
North Terminal |
South Terminal |
| Lounges |
No.1 Lounge, Clubrooms, My Lounge |
British Airways Lounge, No.1 Lounge, Club Aspire |
| Restaurants |
Comptoir Libanais, Leon, Pret, Burger King |
Wagamama, Giraffe, Starbucks, Nando's |
| Shopping |
World Duty Free, WHSmith, Dixons Travel |
World Duty Free, WHSmith, JD Sports, Boots |
| Hotels connected |
Hampton by Hilton (walkway) |
Gatwick Hilton (direct walkway), BLOC Hotel |
| Prayer Room |
Yes (after security, near gates 101-102) |
Yes (after security, near gates 1-2) |
| Baby Care |
Yes (multiple locations) |
Yes (multiple locations) |
| Left Luggage |
Yes (arrivals hall) |
Yes (arrivals hall) |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How do I know which Gatwick terminal my flight uses?
Check your flight confirmation email, airline app, or boarding pass. It will clearly state "North Terminal" or "South Terminal". You can also enter your flight number on the official Gatwick Airport website.
❓ Can I walk between North and South Terminals?
No. The terminals are approximately 1.5 miles apart with no pedestrian route. Use the free inter-terminal shuttle train which runs every 2-3 minutes and takes about 2 minutes.
❓ Is the inter-terminal shuttle free?
Yes, the shuttle train between North and South Terminals is completely free and operates 24/7.
❓ Which terminal has better restaurants or shops?
Both terminals have excellent facilities. South Terminal generally has more dining options including Wagamama and Giraffe. North Terminal has No.1 Lounge and Comptoir Libanais. For shopping, both have World Duty Free and WHSmith.
❓ I'm being picked up by a taxi. Which terminal should I tell my driver?
Always tell your driver your exact terminal (North or South) and whether you need pickup from Short Stay or the forecourt. For Orange Airport Transfers, you can specify your terminal during booking and your driver will meet you at the designated meeting point.
❓ What if I arrive at the wrong terminal by mistake?
Don't worry. Take the free inter-terminal shuttle train. It runs frequently and will take you to the correct terminal in approximately 2 minutes.
❓ Do both terminals have currency exchange?
Yes. Both terminals have Currency Exchange booths (Travelex and Eurochange) in the arrivals and departures areas.
❓ Which terminal has a hotel connected?
South Terminal has the Gatwick Hilton connected via a direct covered walkway (2 minutes). North Terminal has Hampton by Hilton connected via a walkway (3 minutes). Both terminals have other hotels served by free shuttle buses.
Published May 2026 | Orange Airport Transfers – Reliable Airport Transfer Service