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London Gatwick Airport Guide
London Gatwick is the second biggest airport in the UK – more than 38 million passengers a year walk through its doors, and yet it is the most efficient single-runway airport in the world. Gatwick also runs services to more destinations than any other airport in the UK.
With both North and South terminals, Gatwick can be tricky to navigate. This guide will help you find everything youâll need during your next Gatwick visit.
Facilities
Youâll never be bored waiting for a flight at Gatwick as thereâs so much to do! You can go shopping, have a bite to eat, browse the internet or hang out in one of the posh lounges.

The North and South terminals mostly share the same shops, so wherever youâre heading youâll be spoilt for choice. There are plenty of big-name stores to visit whilst youâre waiting for your flight to arrive, including Boots (for that last-minute suncream), Dixons (to grab a decent pair of headphones for the flight) and World of Whiskies (just because you may need a treat!).

Whether youâre catching your flight from the North or South Terminal, you have a wide range of bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from, should you fancy something to eat or drink.
If youâre heading to the North Terminal, why not prepare for your Asian holiday by eating at Yo! Sushi or Wagamama? Alternatively, pass the time by having a lovely sit-down meal with the whole family at Jamieâs Italian. If you donât have much time to spare, grab a quick coffee from Starbucks instead.
Travellers boarding from the South Terminal have an equally vast array of choice when it comes to eateries. McDonalds is great for a wallet-friendly meal, and everyone loves a cheeky Nandoâs. If you want to really treat the family, Giraffe will please even the fussiest of eaters.

Gatwickâs luxury No.1 Lounges can be found in both the North and South terminals, and offer an opportunity to get away from the crowds and relax before your flight. Enjoy complimentary drinks at the bar, make use of the unlimited free Wi-Fi and peruse the free magazines available, which you can then take on board with you. Entry isnât expensive either, at just ÂŁ25 per adult and ÂŁ15 for 2 â 11 year olds â infants go free!
The North lounge is particularly special as it has a travel spa. Treatments here start from around ÂŁ10.

Access to a decent Wi-Fi connection is important for all travellers waiting to start their dream holiday. After all, how else are you going to brag about it to all your Facebook friends? Luckily, myGatwick offers all fliers 90 free minutes of Wi-Fi whilst theyâre in the airport. To get it, all you need to do is connect your device to the Gatwick Free Wi-Fi network, then create a free myGatwick account or log in to an existing one. This will give you 45 minutes of free Wi-Fi â to get the other 45 minutes, youâll need to reconnect at the end of your first session.
The Wi-Fi is provided by Boingo Hotspots, so if you require more Wi-Fi time, youâll need to sign up to its service.

After using your devices so much, youâll probably need to give them a little extra juice before you board your flight. Gatwick has lots of free charging stations scattered throughout the airport on the walls and pillars. However, charging your gadget at these places requires you to stay sat with it.
If youâd like to browse the shops and get something to eat while itâs charging, try the ChargeBox kiosks, which are located in the departure lounges at both terminals. They allow you to charge your device securely for up to 90 minutes. This means you can wonder off and do what you want in the meantime.

Accidentally left all your Yen at home? Donât worry; Money exchange service MoneyCorp has units and ATMs across the entire airport. Theyâre open 24 hours a day and have more than 50 currencies available. Please note that it is possible to pre-order currency and collect it at the airport (and cheaper, too).
If itâs British Sterling youâre after, there are plenty of cash machines at both terminals and before and after security. You wonât get charged for using them, either.

Thereâs no shortage of choice when it comes to hotels at Gatwick â there really is something for every traveller. If you only need a few hoursâ sleep or are looking for accommodation on the cheaper end of the scale, Yotelâs prices start from just ÂŁ25 for four hours sleep, or ÂŁ55 for an overnight stay. Youâll find it in the heart of the South Terminal.
Families, or travellers wanting a little bit more from their hotel offering, may want to book a room in The Premier Inn, which is located opposite the main entrance to the North Terminal. It doesnât matter if your flight is leaving from the South Terminal, as the hotel offers quick and free transit to there.
Business travellers and honeymooners might want to treat themselves to the four-star Sofitel London Gatwick hotel instead. It boasts a range of luxurious facilities, including a gym, complimentary Wi-Fi and access to three restaurants.

To get the most out of Gatwick Airport, youâll want to sign up to myGatwick. Itâs free, and youâll gain access to loads of vouchers which will help you save money on hotel stays, competition entries, store purchases and restaurant meals. Plus, youâll receive a free coffee when you verify your details â what have you got to lose?
What to do if...
You need special assistance:Â Gatwick recommends that you pre-book special assistance at least 48 hours before you travel to the airport. If youâre not able to do this, there are a number of help points in and around Gatwick.
You have young children:Â Baby change facilities are located in the check-in area, on the way to the gates, in the transfer area and in arrivals after passport control â just look out for the bottle sign or babycare symbol. You will also find that some male and female toilets have fold-down tables. Please note that you are allowed to carry enough milk or baby food for your child for the journey in your hand luggage, but any extra should be packed away in your suitcase.
Did you know? Gatwick provides a free shuttle service that goes to and from the North and South terminals. The journey only takes two minutes too, so you donât need to worry if your easyBus arrives at the South Terminal, but your flight leaves from the North Terminal.