London Gatwick Airport LGW Airport Traveler Guide

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

LGW Airport provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are dropping off a passenger, you can use the designated drop-off zones located outside both the North and South Terminals. Please note that there is a strict time limit of 10 minutes for dropping off passengers, and vehicles must not be left unattended. If you need more time, you can use the short-stay car parks located near the terminals.

For picking up passengers, you can use the designated pick-up zones located outside both the North and South Terminals. However, there is no waiting allowed in these zones, and vehicles must not be left unattended. If you need to wait for your passenger, you can use the airport's cell-phone waiting areas, located a short distance away from the terminals. These areas are free to use and allow you to wait in your vehicle until your passenger is ready to be picked up.

Please note that curbside parking is strictly prohibited at the airport, and vehicles parked illegally will be subject to fines and/or towing. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the airport's parking regulations before arriving to avoid any inconvenience.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're driving to Gatwick, you'll find a range of parking options to suit your needs. There are several on-site parking lots and garages available at both the North and South Terminals, with a variety of options for short-term and long-term stays.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available near both terminals. These areas allow you to wait in your car until your passenger is ready to be picked up, helping to reduce traffic congestion around the airport.

If you require handicapped parking, there are designated spaces available in all of the on-site parking areas. These spaces are located close to the terminal entrances and are clearly marked with the international symbol of accessibility.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is also available near London Gatwick Airport. These parking lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport terminals, making them a convenient and affordable choice for travelers.

Get details about Gatwick Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

LGW offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers.

• Car Rentals: For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies located in both the North and South Terminals, including Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise. Visitors can easily compare and book car rentals online before arriving at the airport.
• Taxis: Taxi services are available at both terminals, with designated drop-off areas outside of the North and South Terminals. Fares vary depending on the destination, but expect to pay around £60 for a trip to central London. Visitors can also book a taxi in advance online or via phone.
• Ride Share Services: Shared ride services like Uber and Lyft are available at Gatwick Airport, with designated pickup areas outside of the North and South Terminals. However, it's important to note that certain restrictions may apply, such as the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed in the vehicle.
• Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles are another option for travelers, with several shuttle companies offering transportation to and from Gatwick Airport. Pickup areas are located outside of both terminals, and fares vary depending on the destination and number of passengers.
• Public Transportation: Public transportation options include the Gatwick Express train, which provides service to London Victoria Station in just 30 minutes. There are also several bus and coach services available, including National Express and easyBus, which offer transportation to various destinations throughout the UK.

Airport Hotels

Seeking a comfortable place to rest before or after your flight? Look no further. Our comprehensive guide to airport hotels is here to help. We've gathered information on a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury 4-star hotels to unique capsule experiences, all within close proximity to the airport. Whether you're a business traveler in need of high-speed Wi-Fi, a leisure traveler seeking convenience, or simply looking for a place to relax, you'll find a hotel that suits your needs. Our selection includes options directly connected to the airport terminals, offering you the utmost convenience and minimizing travel time. Some accommodations provide additional amenities such as fitness centers, quality restaurants, and serene garden views. For those interested in exploring the local area, we also feature hotels located within a short distance of various attractions. Make your journey stress-free by choosing the perfect airport hotel. Ready to book now? View all Gatwick Airport Hotels here.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Gatwick Airport is a bustling hub for travelers, offering a wide range of restaurants and stores to explore. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a last-minute souvenir, the airport has something for everyone. Some of the most popular restaurants include Wetherspoon - Red Lion, Starbucks, Giraffe, and Pret A Manger. And for shopping, be sure to check out WHSmith, M&S Simply Food, and World Duty Free. Of course, this is just a small sample of what the airport has to offer.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at LGW can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, view the comprehensive list here.

Passenger Services

LGW Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom, serving millions of passengers every year. The airport is equipped with a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for all passengers.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Passengers can easily connect to the Wi-Fi network by selecting "Gatwick Free Wi-Fi" on their device and following the instructions.

If you have lost an item at the airport, the lost and found service can help you locate it. The service is located in the South Terminal and is open 24/7. You can also contact the service by phone or email.

Travelling with children? The airport has dedicated children's areas in both the North and South Terminals. These areas are equipped with toys, games, and other activities to keep children entertained while waiting for their flight.

Special-needs services are available for passengers who require assistance. The airport has a dedicated team of staff who can provide assistance with mobility, hearing or visual impairments, and other special needs. Passengers can request assistance when booking their flight or upon arrival at the airport.

Banking and currency exchange services are available in both the North and South Terminals. Passengers can access ATMs, currency exchange booths, and banking services to manage their finances while travelling.

In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical centre located in the North Terminal. The centre is staffed by trained medical professionals who can provide assistance with minor injuries and illnesses.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight departure. At the airport, there are various ways to get flight status updates.

One way to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can easily find their flight by searching for their airline and flight number.

Another convenient way to stay informed about flight status is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes. These apps also provide information on baggage claim and boarding times.

In addition to mobile apps, passengers can also receive flight status updates via text, email, and push notifications. These alerts can be customized to provide updates on specific flights and can be sent directly to a passenger's phone or email address.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Gatwick by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

• Location: London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is situated in Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom.
• Terminals: The airport has two main terminals: the North Terminal and the South Terminal.
• Airlines Served: Major airlines operating at LGW include British Airways, EasyJet, and Norwegian Air Shuttle. For a complete list of airlines, visit the LGW Airlines Served page.
• Passenger Traffic: Gatwick Airport handles approximately 43 million passengers annually, with around 118,000 passengers daily.
• Daily Flights: The airport sees about 800 daily flights.
• Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from LGW are Barcelona, Dublin, Malaga, Amsterdam, and Alicante.
• Hub Status: London Gatwick serves as a hub for TUI Airways and Norwegian Air UK.

Airport History

The airport, located in West Sussex, England, is the second-busiest airport in the United Kingdom. It has a rich history dating back to the 1920s.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

• 1930: The airport opens as an aerodrome with a grass runway.
• 1934: The first terminal building is constructed.
• 1935: Scheduled commercial flights begin with flights to Paris.
• 1958: The airport is renamed Gatwick.
• 1959: The first jet-powered aircraft, a BOAC Comet, lands at the airport.
• 1962: The current runway is built, allowing for larger aircraft to land.
• 1970: The airport's first terminal building is replaced by a new, larger terminal.
• 1984: The airport's second terminal building, the North Terminal, opens.
• 2005: Gatwick becomes the first airport in the world to have a commercial flight take off using biofuel.
• 2019: The airport is sold to Vinci Airports for £2.9 billion.

Today, London Gatwick Airport serves over 46 million passengers annually and offers flights to over 200 destinations worldwide.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Gatwick Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

• IATA Code: LGW
• Airport Website
• Phone: +44 (0)344 892 0322
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Gatwick Airport, West Sussex RH6 0NP, United Kingdom

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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