You may need to pay the ULEZ charge when driving through Heathrow – make sure you check before you travel. More Info

Meet & Greet Parking at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Parking Operator

Over the years, we have added more services to our range at Gatwick, so that we’re always on hand with choice and flexibility. You can now find Park and Ride services.

Run in partnership with the British Parking Association’s ‘ParkMark’ initiative which guarantees;

  • All our car parks have been inspected by a specially trained Police Officer.
  • Security systems such as alarms and/or CCTV are in place.
  • Car parks are re-assessed regularly to maintain the Park Mark award.

Park and Ride

Airport Park and Ride is the best value airport parking option, yet it’s still just as easy. Make your way to a pre-booked car park and then we’ll park your car for you while you jump on the shuttle bus that is ready and waiting to take you directly to your terminal. Once you land, simply let us know you have arrived and the bus will come and pick you up to reunite you with your car.

At Gatwick airport flights operate from the North and the South Terminals.
To check which terminal you are departing from you can check your flight on the Gatwick Airport site, which has a live flight board.

OUR Advice & Guides

Ace Meet and Greet Gatwick Parking is the cheapest, most convenient way to park at Gatwick. It allows you to drive straight to departures, meet our friendly insured staff, who will then safely whisk your car to our secure Gatwick car parks. When you land and upon request your car will be returned to the same place it was collected so you can jump straight in and drive home…Simple.

How it works – 3 easy steps.

Departure

1. Drive straight to your departure terminal meeting area .
2. As arranged, a uniformed ACE representative at Gatwick North/ South terminal will meet you, conduct a quick check of your car, and then take your car to one of our super secure car parks.
3. Then, simply stroll into departures with only your luggage and yourself to worry about.

Return

1. Call us when you have collected your luggage
2. Meet your Ace representative at the meeting point to collect your car
3. Your car will be return shortly thereafter

We have 3 packages for our Gatwick Meet & Greet Airport Parking

Ace Meet and Greet Premium – RECOMMENDED SERVICE

  • *Gatwick Airport LICENSED OPERATOR
  • *All Airport Access fees included
  • *Security Awarded Car Parks
  • *Trading Standards Approved – Awarded (BUY WITH CONFIDENCE)
  • *Dated Photos taken upon collection (For your piece of mind)
  • *Uniformed/ID and Crime Reference Checked Staff

 Ace Meet and Greet NON-FLEX

  • *Gatwick Airport LICENSED OPERATOR
  • *All Airport Access fees included
  • *Security Awarded Car Parks
  • *Trading Standards Approved – Awarded (BUY WITH CONFIDENCE)
  • *Dated Photos taken upon collection (For your piece of mind)
  • *BOOKINGS CANNOT BE AMENDED, CANCELLED OR REFUNDED.

Ace Meet & Greet Platinum (INC. Car Valet)

  • *FULL CAR VALET INCLUDED
  • *Gatwick Airport LICENSED OPERATOR
  • *All Airport Access fees included
  • *Security Awarded Car Parks
  • *Trading Standards Approved – Awarded (BUY WITH CONFIDENCE)
  • *Dated Photos taken upon collection (For your peace of mind)

Valet Car Clean Includes – Hand Shampoo Wash & Rinse, Wheel Wash, Hand Leather Dry, Interior Vacuum (including boot if empty), Dash Board & Interior Vinyl / Leather wiped clean, All windows & mirrors cleaned inside & out, Tyres dressed. Heavily Soiled cars and cars with excess dog hair may require extra work / time. If not organized beforehand this can affect the quality of the finish.

More Information:

  • Our Meet and Greet parking at Gatwick is available 24/7 365 days of the year
  • Our team of uniformed drivers take care of your car, parking it in one of our secure car parks for the duration of your time away.
  • All car parks are safe, secure and fully monitored with secure lighting and security patrols 24/7
  • Collection and return of all cars is just a few steps from Arrivals, within the multi-storey car parks
  • Our drivers will have I.D, are trained, fully insured and we pride ourselves on our punctuality and customer service.
  • Car Cleaning available on Request
  • Our rates are affordable and when you compare our Meet and Greet parking at Gatwick to the cost of airport transfers or the risks of parking at the airport itself, we’re confident we provide the best value for money. See Why Park at Gatwick for more info
  • You can leave your car for as little as one day – we believe in treating our customers fairly and have a long list of satisfied clients who use our Meet and Greet every time they fly.
  • Our valet car parking for Gatwick is quick to book, easy to activate and gives you complete peace of mind while you’re away on holiday or business.
  • The car park does not accept large vehicles such as transit vans, or any vehicles with trailers. ACE Parking is also unable to accept the following vehicles: Aston Martin, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Bentley and Maserati.

We are also;

  • Licensed Gatwick Airport
  • Approved by Trading Standards

Frequently asked questions:

  • Distance to Airport: You drive directly to your terminal. Cars are stored off-airport at secure car parks located close to Gatwick Airport, but you don’t have to go to / from them.
  • Transfers: No transfers are required. Once your car is picked up you can proceed direct to check in / drive home.
  • Arrival Procedures: Please make your way to your departure terminal, where your driver will be waiting.
  • An ACE representative at Gatwick North or South terminal will meet you. Staff wearing Ace meet and greet staff uniform, the chauffeur will conduct a brief check of your car, collect your booking confirmation and take the keys, leaving you free to continue into the check in area of the terminal building. Your vehicle will be driven to a secure compound and stored until your return.
  • Departure Procedures: On entering baggage re-claim and when you have collected ALL your luggage please call 01293 533 000 which will enable ACE Airport Parking to return your car to you when you arrive at the return pick up point.
  • Car Park Security: Off Airport Parking are secured and monitored.  All our car parks have been awarded the highest level security award ‘Park Mark’.
  • Minimum Charge: 1 day at day rates
  • Minimum Stay: 1 day
  • Maximum Car Size: No mobile Homes, lorries, caravans or trailers are permitted.
  • Insurance: All our drivers are insured fully comprehensive to drive your vehicle. As most companies in the motor trade, we use road risk policy insurance cover.

Meeting Points / Directions:

On Arrival

North Terminal:

  • Follow signs to the North Terminal roundabout, at the roundabout follow the BROWN SIGNS for the “Hampton-by-Hilton” hotel. Drive past the Shell Petrol Station which is on your right hand side and continue until you come to another roundabout
  • Take the 2nd exit following the BROWN SIGN for the “Hampton-by-Hilton” Hotel. Follow the road to the “Hampton-by-Hilton” car park entrance, before the hotel entrance turn right into (CAR PARK M- Approved Operators).*DO NOT DRIVE INTO THE HOTEL CAR PARK*

    Stay in the left lane of CAR PARK M, keep left following signs to the ”APPROVED OPERATOR BAYS” where you will be met by a car park staff member

South Terminal:

  • Follow signs for SHORT STAY PASSENGER PICK UP to the SHORT TERM CAR PARK. Keep in the right hand lane.
  • Take a ticket at the barrier and drive to 3rd car park ORANGE CAR PARK 3 LEVEL 1 Row D & E. (APPROVED OPERATOR BAYS)

On Return

Please call ACE on 01293 533 000 once you have **collected your luggage and cleared customs** to request your vehicle returned.

(We will aim to deliver your car within 15-20 minutes at the designated meeting point)

IMPORTANT HEALTH AND SAFITY NOTICE – PLEASE ENSURE ALL CUSTOMERS REMAIN IN THE “SAFE” WAITING AREAS PROVIDED WITHIN THE CAR PARKS

North Terminal:

  • As you exit North Terminal Customs head towards the exit doors. Just before the exit doors, take the lift to the 1st floor, follow the signs to the Hampton Hotel.

    Go past the reception of the Hotel and follow the signs to “APPROVED OPERATORS CAR PARK”, where your car will be returned for you to drive home.

South Terminal:

  • Follow signs to SHORT TERM CAR PARK orange car park LEVEL 1 Row D & E. (APPROVED OPERATOR BAYS) and wait in the safe zone waiting area (lift lobby) until your vehicle is returned.

For more information or to book your Gatwick meet and greet car parking , call 01293 533 000 now and one of our team will be happy to help.

We wish you a pleasant trip and hope you will use us again.

ACE AIRPORT PARKING LTD

If you were wondering what makes meet and greet parking with Ace Parking Gatwick so essential, compared to normal airport parking, we’ve rounded up 10 reasons.

  • Meet & Greet is convenient – Step straight from your car into the terminal. We′ll make sure you start and end your trip with reliable collection and drop-off at your convenience.
  • Meet & Greet is cost-effective – None of your extra holiday money needs to be spent on transfers, busses, trains to and from the airport (That’s for your enjoyment when you get to your destination!)
  • Meet & Greet is safer – Our Gatwick valet parking location is a purposed parking facility that is permanently monitored to ensure complete security of all vehicles stored there. One of the other safety features of meet and greet Gatwick valet parking applies to the driver themselves – arriving late at night as a traveller alone, or with children, you don′t have to worry about navigating to your car buried deep in some dark corner of a basement car park. With our valet parking in Gatwick your car will be returned ready, warm or cool for you to get straight into and drive away
  • Meet & Greet is perfect for those less physically able – For those with disabled cars, or who need special assistance, Meet & Greet is vital. This is the most convenient way to travel in your own equipped car, and be picked up by it too.
  • Meet & Greet is better for families – Families come with more bags, and more little people. Lugging kids and luggage on public transport or on transfers can start your getaway negatively by causing unneeded stress. Simply drive the whole family to the airport, and we’ll take care of the rest.
  • Meet & Greet is quicker – Got out of that meeting late? Stuck in traffic on the way? If you then have to park your car and get transfers, it’s pretty likely that you’re going to miss your flight. For those with little extra time on their hands, meet & greet is the only one for you.
  • Meet & Greet is warmer! – It’s a common story – get off the plane when you touch down in blustery Britain and you wish you hadn’t still got your flip flops and t-shirt on as it’s pouring with rain or snow. How good would it be to come out of the terminal and be met by your own, pre warmed vehicle ready to get home?
  • Meet & Greet is cheaper than you might think – Ace Parking is 2012’s parking website of the year, and our quick and easy quotes come with a price match guarantee. You won’t find cheaper, and if you do, we’ll match it!
  • Meet & Greet is fully insured – Our fully comprehensive insured drivers will take excellent care of your car, with a commitment to provide customers with a consistent, reliable and quality service whether travelling for business, pleasure long or short stays.
  • Meet & Greet is quick and easy to book – The whole process is quick, simple and straightforward – book online in 3 steps or make one call to activate your meet and greet Gatwick parking. On your departure day we′ll be there to collect your car from the drop-off point at either the North or South Terminal, and there again when you step out of the airport on your return.

Is parking your car at Gatwick the cheapest option?

Many might think that airport parking is the most expensive option when deciding how to get to Gatwick Airport and in some cases, that’s true. If you simply arrive at Gatwick and park without booking, in the Gatwick Airport Parking spaces on site, it could end up costing more than your break away!

However, not ALL Gatwick parking is expensive, and after working out all the additional costs for public transport, airport transfers or taxis; pre-booking your parking with Ace Parking could actually be the cheapest, and by far the easiest option.

There are many ways to get to Gatwick, below we’ll go through them all, and give you rough costing; so you can see just how much you could save yourself.

(All prices and suggestions are from central London, please be sure to add on your additional costs of travel if you live outside of London.)

Getting to Gatwick Airport by Train / Rail

  • There is a dedicated rail station at Gatwick’s South Terminal, with a free transit train going to the North Terminal too. There are many different trains to London from Gatwick airport. All rail information and ticket desks are situated in the arrivals areas of both the North and the South Terminal.
  • The fastest way to get to central London is on the Gatwick Express, which takes 30mins and goes directly to London Victoria from Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal between 4.35am – 1.35am. Tickets cost £17.70 one way, and £31.05 for a return (very pricey if there are a few of you in your group/family)
  • Onward travel prices from Victoria will range massively depending where you are going in London, or the UK. London is famed for its underground tube network, and is somewhat well priced if you have an Oyster card. (Fares from £2-£3) Trains to the rest of London and the UK are served by Southern, South-eastern, First Capital Connect, and Cross Country Trains, and are often highly priced (when going outside London) especially if not pre-booked.

Getting to Gatwick Airport by Coach

  • Although the slowest option, there are two companies that run frequent coaches from London to Gatwick Airport.
  • National Express takes anything from 1 hour to 1.5 hours. They can be busy, get stuck in traffic, but do have prices from around £8.00 one way, but only if you book in advance.
  • Taking a little shorter a time at about 1 hour, due it being a direct service between Gatwick Airport and Earls Court/West Brompton, is the Easybus from Easy Jet. They run night and day, and again can cost from £7 one way. Cheap if you live near the London departure and pick up points, but are they reliable in London traffic when you have to catch that flight? What’s more, lugging around all your baggage and children may create a whole lot of stress before you even get to the airport.

Taking a Taxi To Gatwick Airport

  • This will by far be the most expensive option, coming in at anything from £100 depending where you are going, and of course how much traffic there is. (We definitely wouldn’t want to be stuck in a black cab running on meter in standstill on the M25 or central London!)
  • They may be convenient, and there will be an abundance of them waiting just outside arrivals for you; it’s whether you are able to pay such a high price for that convenience.
  • Please note: The official Gatwick taxi company is Airport Cars Gatwick, although there will be other companies and black cabs available. Ensure it is a reputable company or a black cab, they charge by meter, or give you a confirmed estimate before you get in.

Driving your car to Gatwick

We’d probably all agree that packing your suitcases and family / friends into your own car, and driving directly from your homes to the airport is probably the easiest and most convenient way to get to Gatwick. You’ll arrive together, excited, and ready for your trip ahead. However, many follow the myth that airport parking prices are the most expensive way to get to the airport.

Gatwick Airport Parking Options

Gatwick’s Onsite Airport Parking

  • Onsite Gatwick airport parking approx. £15-£20 p/d:
  • Gatwick’s onsite parking, with long stay and short stay options.
  • Advantages – On site / some spaces could be near to the departure area / internal transfers
  • Disadvantages – More expensive / still have to transfer or walk in the darker hours to your car / hefty charges if flights delayed / handling children & luggage

Park & Ride Gatwick airport parking from approx. £9 p/d if long stay:

  • Just on the outskirt boundaries of the airport, Park & Rides allow you to park your car, then jump on a transfer / shuttle to the departure area.
  • Advantages – Mostly safe / better value than onsite / quite close to the airport Disadvantages – Still have to transfer / shuttle in the darker hours to your car / hefty charges if flights delayed / excess baggage a pain to haul around / handling children & luggage

Offsite airport parking (From £8 p/d ):

  • Car Park out of Gatwick Airports boundaries such as a surrounding hotel.
  • Advantages – Often cheaper than offsite
  • Disadvantages – Safety / Transfer time & cost to the airport / Baggage having to be hauled around / handling children & luggage

Then there’s us, Ace Meet & Greet  Valet airport parking.

  • Not only do we have a price match guarantee, so if you beat our price for the same service you get the parking free; but we’re approved by Gatwick Airport themselves as a certified Meet and Greet / Valet Parking Service at Gatwick.
  • No messing on public transport, no paying extortionate fees in taxis, no wondering around looking for your car in the dark car parks in the middle of the night.
  • Perfect for families, the elderly, those in need of special assistance, business travellers, school & sports groups. It’s the least stressful and easiest way to park at Gatwick and believe it or not, one of the cheapest ways too.

As the 2nd largest airport in the UK, and the busiest single runway in the world, Gatwick airport connects 37 million passengers to 200 destinations, and 90 countries each year. Around 70 airlines operate from Gatwick including British Airways, easyJet, Emirates, Monarch, Thomas Cook, Thomson, Virgin & more.  Gatwick welcomes short haul, long haul, low cost carriers, full service carriers as well as charter traffic. It serves more destinations than any other UK airport, what’s more it’s the best connected point-to-point airport in Europe.

  • Situated 28 miles south of London, Gatwick Airport is easily accessible via road, rail, bus, coach and more. Just 30 minutes from the financial district, or main tourist attractions of the capital city, check our Getting to Gatwick Airport section for further information.
  • Gatwick Airport plays great host to each kind of traveller that passes through it. For the keen shoppers, there is an abundance of duty free shopping on offer, from fashion, to books, to travel accessories to electrical equipment, within each Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. For the group holidays, try one of the many bars and start your holiday early, or refuel your family at a delicious Gatwick Airport restaurant or eatery.
  • For the business travellers & frequent flyers, Gatwick has many top notch airport lounges, to allow you to relax or work, as well as business services, and many hotels nearby too.
  • Just in London for a few days? You are able to store your luggage so you can hop to London in around 30 minutes. Please see the Getting To Gatwick section.
  • Gatwick is undergoing the biggest transformation in its history, and over the next 10 years hopes to fulfil its aim and vision “to compete to grow and become London’s (and Europe’s) airport of choice.”

Gatwick Airport Services

Shopping and Leisure

With a huge selection of great shops, for you to purchase those last minute essentials or save on high street brands, both Gatwick’s North and South Terminal’s provide you with some wonderful retail therapy, to truly get into the holiday spirit.

Great High Street Brands such as:

  • All Saints
  • Hugo Boss
  • Fat Face
  • Accessorize
  • Superdry
  • Monsoon
  • Rayban
  • JD Sports
  • Jo Malone
  • Kurt Geiger
  • Lacoste
  • Mango

All your beauty needs :

  • Boots
  • Jo Malone
  • Rituals

Books, Magazines, Newspapers & More

  • WHSmith / WHSmith Books
  • The London News Company

Travel essentials, electronics & souvenirs:

  • Dixons Travel
  • Glorious Britain
  • Harrods

Money / Currency Exchange:

  • Travelex
  • Money Corp

Eating / Drinking

  • Starbucks
  • Café Nerro
  • Costa Coffee
  • M&S Simply Food
  • EAT
  • Metro Café Bar
  • Garfunkels
  • Brassiere Chez Gerard
  • Yo Sushi

A comprehensive guide to all shops and eateries available can be found here: http://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the-airport/shopping-eating/

Duty Free Shopping:

From perfumes & cosmetics to giant Toblerone’s & tobacco, fine malt whiskeys to jewellery & watches – The duty free shops have it all, and what’s more – it’s tax free!

Gatwick Airport’s Shop and Drop Service:

  • Purchase items in store
  • Tell staff you are using shop and drop
  • The shop will keep your purchases safely stored for you
  • On your return, show your receipts and pick up those all-important post-holiday goodies.

Customs & Allowances

Each country has its own customs rules, prohibited items, and allowances. Check out our Security at Gatwick section, and be sure to check on the official Gatwick Airport Website what they are before you buy, or fly.

Airport Lounges

  • For those wishing to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the terminals, the airport lounges on offer at Gatwick Airport are not to be missed.
  • The No1 lounges available within both South and North can be booked here: http://www.no1traveller.com/gatwick-airport-lounges.htm
  • Servisair Executive Lounges, can be booked following this link: https://www.executivelounges.com/en/
  •  Your airline may also provide lounges for their customers, so contact them separately.

Special Assistance:

  • London Gatwick endeavours to provide for all those travellers who are in need of a little extra help. Whether it’s getting around the terminals, disabled toilet facilities or specially designed, reserved seating available in check-in-areas, the airport has it all on offer.
  • There are also help points set up in both the North and South Terminals, which provide free special assistance getting to and from the car parks, baggage reclaim halls and for routes to terminals requiring long walking periods.
  • For general information and how Gatwick Airport can help with special needs assistance. Call +44 (0)870 000 2468

Charitable agency, Travel-Care also offers advice and support, for those needing extra help and can be found in the South Terminal.

Opening hrs :

9am-5pm Monday-Friday

9am-4pm Saturday and Sunday

Call +44 (0)1293 504283

Ace Parkings valet car parking: is also perfect for those who do not need the extra legwork of getting to and from their Gatwick Airport car parking. We’ll simply pick up your car from you, outside departures at the airport, and deliver it straight back to you upon your arrival back to the UK.

Luggage Storage:

  • This service is available from The Avenue in the North Terminal and Arrivals area in the South Terminal.
  • There is a charge of £8.00 per item per 24 hours (or part thereof). The luggage service is operated by the Excess Baggage Company details of which can be found here: http://www.left-baggage.co.uk/
  • For all calls telephone: +44 (0)1293 569900
  • All email enquiries to : [email protected]

They also provide other services including:

  • A selection of travel accessories
  • Baggage shipping and forwarding
  • UK luggage and baggage delivery
  • Baggage wrapping
  • Unaccompanied baggage
  • Please be aware however, that Gatwick Airport does not provide luggage lockers.

Gatwick Airport connects around 33,000 passengers to the rest of the world each year. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, or a first timer, it can be the quickest and easiest way to get to that holiday of a lifetime, that swift city break, that European festival, or that business meeting which could make or break your career – IF it goes as planned, without any airport hitches. Many things can happen to hinder your trip that are out of your control such as delayed / cancelled flights, and other issues that, without proper preparation, could cause those all too common Airport Hassles.

Whether it’s organizing documents, dealing with missed connections, incurring expensive airport parking charges or getting through security, this guide will provide you with top airport tips, to make your trip as stress-free as possible, so you can concentrate on what’s really important – getting to your destination.

 Before you fly

As the scouts say – be prepared. Here’s a check list of things to prepare before your trip

  • Check In online –available with most airlines for up to 4 hours before your flight
  • Check you have correct /adequate travel insurance
  • Visa’s – Use the www.fco.gov.uk official website to check visa / entry requirements as well as any weather / safety warnings.
  • Check www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk for any jabs / medication required for your destination
  • Nearest British embassy details – Keep these in case you encounter any issues whilst away
  • Familiarise yourself with your destination with travel sites such as www.tripadvisor.co.uk or a lonely planet, so you can make the most of your time there.
  • Pack smart & light – proper packing preparation, & checking bagging restrictions with your airline, will ensure you don’t get charged hefty amounts for oversized baggage
  • Check Airport Traffic with Apps like Live traffic Info from the Highway Agency to avoid traffic jams en route to the airport
  • Familiarise yourself with the language with smartphone Apps such as Lonely Planet Translators
  • Check your destinations currency, familiarise yourself with it, and check current conversions on www.xe.com

Airport Parking Gatwick

Frustrating, expensive, non-secure, too far from the airport? – All common airport parking hassles. Luckily this is something you will not experience at Gatwick Airport, with the marvellous meet & greet service from Ace Parking. It is a simple and efficient service in which a fully insured chauffeur driver will meet you at either Gatwick Terminal to collect your car from you at a pre-arranged time that′s determined by YOU.

  • Drive your own car directly to the airport
  • No need to find us
  • No need to drag cases / children on airport transfers
  • No solo travellers searching huge car parks in the dark hours
  • Get off the plane, walk out the airport & jump straight into your pre-warmed car
  • Completely safe & secure parking, that is monitored around the clock
  • Professional, well-mannered valets
  • Reliable 24/7 Service
  • Cheap Gatwick Airport Parking – Price match guarantee.

Organising Documents

  • Make copies of your documents & keep separately / with family in case something is lost.
  • Passport – make sure its valid, not damaged, and has any required visa’s to your destination
  • Visa’s – Use the www.fco.gov.uk official website to check visa requirements and any weather / safety warnings.
  • Itinerary – Check all personal / travel details correct.
  • Special needs – Be sure to arrange all special meals, extra legroom, wheelchairs.
  • Accumulate all your travel itineraries on sites like Tripit – ‘A handy all-in-one app that collates all your holiday and flight confirmation emails into one travel itinerary’

Travelling with children

  • Use Ace Parking’s Meet & Greet service for your Gatwick Airport Parking – so you can go straight into the airport, avoiding hauling suitcases & tired children onto airport transfers, or finding your car in the middle of the night
  • There are many travel solutions for children – try sites like Mini Social to find great products to keep your little ones entertained
  • Make sure any food / bottles are 100ml or less to get through airport security
  • Prepare your children for your holiday with some fun tasks like exploring maps, reading books, watching films on the history, animals, food & plant-life of the destination. Or to get them excited, have a countdown chart to the departure day.

Boredom

  • It is essential to arrive at the airport early to avoid any airport hassles that may come up, but when things run smoothly, you may have at least a couple of hours to kill.
  • Gatwick airport has a whole host of things to do, eateries and places to shop. You can find these in our Gatwick Airport Services section.
  • Give yourself something to do – be it working on your laptop, reading with a Kindle, a book / magazine, or a good old fashion pack of cards!

Missed / Delayed / Cancelled flights

  • Check the status of your flight before you leave for Gatwick Airport – This can be on the gatwick airport website, or there are fab apps like Live traffic Info from the Highway Agency.
  • If you miss your flight, or it is cancelled – Search for a new one with the super Skyscanner app.
  • If your flight is delayed / cancelled – check with your airline for any food / hotel vouchers, and new flight bookings

Getting to the airport, Gatwick Terminals & navigating around Gatwick airport

  • You will find all directions, airport maps, airport services and more travel information for Gatwick Airport in our Getting to Gatwick section
  • Gatwick Security
  • Security at airports has tightened significantly since the events that took place on 9/11. If you haven’t flown since then, or you’re a first time flyer, it is essential that you are aware of airport security procedures, so you can sail through, and not cause unnecessary delays for yourself and /or your family. We have dedicated a whole page to security at airports, offering dos and don’ts and general security tips.

Security at airports has tightened significantly since the events that took place on 9/11. If you haven’t flown since then, or you’re a first time flyer, it is essential that you are aware of airport security procedures, so you can sail through, and not cause unnecessary delays for yourself and /or your family. Please use this as a guide only, and check Gatwick Airports website for more information.

  • How much time?
  • Long-haul flights – check in 3 hours prior to departure
  • European flights – check in 2 hours prior to departure
  • Domestic flights – check in 90 minutes prior to departure

General Tips

  • Have your boarding card / documents ready for inspection
  • Understand the baggage restriction rules
  • Place all liquids, gels, creams and pastes in containers of 100ml or less, in a clear, re-sealable, plastic bag for security staff to x-ray separately
  • Be ready to take off your coat, shoes, belts and hats if asked
  • Take your laptop, tablet or any other large electrical items from your hand luggage for separate screening
  • Security are there to help you – be nice to staff and always follow procedures

Baggage restrictions / restricted items

  • Ensure you check with your airline, and with the airport, what their baggage regulations are. Failure to do so will only slow you down at security, whilst having any prohibited / restricted items confiscated, usually without return or compensation.

Hand baggage rules

  • Generally it is advised, by Gatwick Airport, to keep hand baggage at the minimum, and although it is important to check individual baggage rules with your airline / carrier, they do offer these general guidelines;
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to be screened at security. They cannot rush through this important point, just because you are running late.
  • One piece of hand luggage only, which generally should not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. You may or may not be allowed to carry a handbag also, please double check with your airline.
  • Place all liquids, gels, creams and pastes in containers of 100ml or less, in a clear, re-sealable, plastic bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) for security staff to x-ray separately.
  • Please check below, or on the Gatwick Airport website, for a full list of restricted, and fully prohibited items such as sharp items.

Hold baggage / Check In baggage rules

  • Gatwick advises & recommends that its passengers place most items in their hold baggage so that getting through security is quicker, and easier. You are also allowed to take many restricted items such as razors in your hold baggage, which is checked – in, that you are unable to take in your hand luggage. Please see lists of restricted / prohibited items below, whilst also checking with your airline.

Medicines

  • Please check allowances for medical equipment such as syringes for diabetes, and other medication you need to travel with. You may need to phone your airline carrier or airport to check, and may need to provide proof of the medical condition you have.
  • Always have your prescription / medical note with you
  • There is a 100ml maximum with medicines also, and must be kept in a transparent, re-sealable bag.
  • There’s no limit for powder or pills, but it is advised that you check with the airline, and get their approval.

Baby Food

  • Following the events of 9/11, there are now tight rules around the carrying of baby foods / liquids.
  • It is advised you only bring the amount that you need for the journey.
  • Powdered milk foods, and baby wipes are accepted
  • Any milk or food in liquid, gel or paste form may need to be tasted by yourself. This can sometimes be up to 50% of the contents.
  • Boots offer a great service, where you can pre-order, and collect baby milk from the departure lounge, to avoid an issue at security.

Restricted Items

Common restricted items include, but are not limited to;

  • Scissors
  • Razor blades
  • Knives with
  • Household cutlery
  • Party poppers
  • Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons)
  • Tools
  • Catapults/slingshots
  • Toy or replica guns (Inc. water pistols)
  • Sporting bats and clubs
  • Billiard, snooker or pool cues
  • Darts

Prohibited Items

Common prohibited items include, but are not limited to;

  • Flammable liquids and solids
  • Oxidisers – such as bleaching powders
  • Organic peroxides
  • Gas cylinders
  • Tear gas cylinders
  • Infectious substances – live virus materials
  • Wet car cell batteries
  • Instruments containing magnets
  • Instruments containing mercury
  • Magnetrons
  • Fireworks
  • Non-safety matches, fire-lighters, lighter fuel
  • Paints, thinners
  • Vehicle fuel system parts which have contained fuel.
  • Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weed killer
  • Acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda
  • Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper
  • Radioactive materials

Security assistance lanes

  • Gatwick Airport has introduced assistance lanes for those with reduced mobility, or who may be travelling with young children, to help get through security easily, and more conveniently. Be sure to look out for the assistance lane signs.

Body Scanners

  • You may be required to be screened using body scanning equipment. These Body Scanners are there to provide you with an extra layer of security, and are completely safe to passengers.
  • They have been accepted by the Government and introduced to, not only Gatwick Airport, but most airports around the UK.
  • Please see Gatwick Airports full information of body scanners here – http://www.gatwickairport.com/Documents/Bodyscan_leaflet.pdf

Passport control

  • Passport Control is the first step for all passengers upon arriving at Gatwick Airport, unless you have a connecting flight.
  • You must get into the correct queues for either:
  • European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), British nationals and Swiss nationals – (If you hold an EU, EEA or Swiss passport)
  • Other nationalities – (Non EU/Non EEA passport holders)
  • Please have your passport ready on the page that bears the photograph
  • Please ensure that all Visa, and entry cards are filled out correctly
  • You will be met at the passport desk by a UK Border Agency officer, who will need to be shown your passport, and any other supporting travel documents.
  • Please remember that your passport must be within date, and must not expire during your visit.
  • If you are on an international connecting flight, you will not need to clear passport control / customs
  • If you are on an international to UK / IRE connecting flight, you will need to clear passport control / customs
  • Please visit the UK Border Agency Website, for full details and more information on entry requirements.
  • e-Passports
  • Gatwick has the facilities, within both the North & South Terminals, to accept the new chipped EU Passports. If you hold one of these chipped Passports, are 18 years old or over, you may use the e-passport gates where you simply scan your passport upon arrival.

Duty Free / Customs

Every passenger arriving in the UK has to clear Customs. Three general rules from Gatwick Airport are;

  • Never carry anything into the UK for somebody else
  • Never bring prohibited goods into the UK. If in doubt, ask at the Customs information point.
  • If you are unsure about your duty/tax free entitlement, go to the Customs information point.
  • There are three different channels at customs;
  • Red – For all passengers with goods to declare
  • Green – If your journey began in a country outside the EU, and you have nothing to declare. Your hold baggage will / may have a white tag.
  • Blue – If your journey started in an EU country, and you have nothing to declare. .
  • For more information please visit the HM Revenue & Customs website.

Customs allowances

  • Each country has different Duty Free Allowances. It is very important that you check what they are before flying, if you intend to bring back cigarettes, perfumes, alcohol and more – If you exceed the allowances outlined, customs officers have the right to confiscate items, without return or compensation, and you may even face a fine.
  • Gatwick Airports website has a great tool, which allows you to easily check your allowances for your particular country / destination – Please use it before you travel http://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the-airport/flying-out/security/
  • Know your rights.
  • There are many policies lay out by the airport, and your airline, but please be aware you do have your own rights as a traveller too. If you feel you have been violated in any way, visit the Civil Aviation Authority website who offer consumer protection information for the air passenger, whilst also offering full advice on your legal rights whilst flying.

Finally – Be nice to your airline staff at Gatwick Airport.

It is very easy to get frustrated at the airline, cabin, security and counter staff at the airport if things go wrong like cancelled flights. Please remember that all these airport staff are doing their jobs, and are there to help you, and are people just like you. In stressful airport situations, try and be as understanding as possible – This will not only help things get resolved, but the staff will notice, and appreciate your manner, and be far more willing to help. So be nice!

There are numerous ways to get to Gatwick Airport. We by far favour driving, and parking with Ace, as you will see from our Why Park at Gatwick section. It’s the cheapest and most convenient for business travellers, the disabled, elderly, families and more. Please find below, all the info you need for getting to Gatwick, as well as getting around when you arrive.

By Car and Motorbike

Being just 28 miles (45km) South of London, Gatwick Airport is linked directly to the M23 at Junction 9 and London-Brighton road (A23). It is also close to the M25, which links Gatwick to other parts of the UK.

Postcodes for your satnav are:

  • RH6 0NP (South Terminal)
  • RH6 0PJ (North Terminal)

Motorcyclists have the advantage of free parking at Gatwick Airport but must be parked in the assigned bays in the car parks. Bikes will be removed if not parked in the proper place.

Parking Bays for motorbikes are located:

South Terminal: On each floor Car Park 2.

North Terminal: Ground floor of the car park.

Petrol:

24 hr Petrol stations are available at both North and South Terminals

By Train

  • Although it can be an expensive option, The Gatwick Express is the fastest rail link between London and the Airport. There are fast non-stop trains running from London Victoria every 15 minutes. Taking approximately ½ hr during the week, and slightly longer at weekends. Book tickets at http://www.gatwickexpress.com/
  • There are also services run by First Capital Connect to London Bridge, St Pancras International and Luton, to name but a few. Book tickets at www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk
  • For all rail enquiries and other services running nationwide check: www.nationalrail.co.uk

By Coach

  • Although it will take longer, is less reliable, and is much more of an effort, you can get to and from Gatwick Airport by coach from more than 350 UK towns and cities including Central London, Brighton, Birmingham, Oxford, Norwich and Cambridge.
  • National Express is the largest UK based coach company providing a frequent services to and from the airport, including Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, London and nearby Brighton.  Book in advance on www.nationalexpress.com for the lowest fares or call +44 (0)871 781 8181
  • easyBus provides a low cost service running from  Central London running directly to and from Earl’s Court/West Brompton and the Airport terminals. Taking approximately I hr 5 min with no stops and low fares if booked in advance also. Book at http://www.easybus.co.uk/london-gatwick or in the Arrival areas of both the North and South Terminal.

Hotels near the airport

  • There is a wide selection of places to rest your head near the airport including some within the terminal buildings. Some provide shuttle services, others requiring short travel by car or train.
  • For those looking for a more luxurious stay with the added bonus of being directly linked by monorail from the airport try: http://www.sofitel.com
  • For those on more of a tighter budget try: http://www.travelodge.co.uk
  • Or if you prefer someone else to do the searching try this popular tool on the Gatwick Airport official site: http://airport-hotels.gatwickairport.com/

Terminals

Gatwick Airport has two terminals, named the ‘North’ and the ‘South’.

You can easily check which terminal you need to fly from for your forthcoming flight, to make your time at the airport as hassle-free as possible. Simply use Gatwick Airports handy Terminal Checker here.

Terminal shuttles

Connecting the two Gatwick terminals is the airports fast and convenient shuttle service. It runs frequently between them, 24 hours a 7 day, and takes just two minutes. What’s more it’s completely free to use.

Terminal Services

Whether you’re arriving, departing, welcoming family or bidding farewell to friends, there are many services available before, and after, security at each Gatwick terminal. From airport lounges to lost property, Wi-Fi, printing and VAT refunds, as well as many food and drink outlets, book shops, duty free savings, currency exchange, souvenirs & more. Gatwick airport has everything you need to make you comfortable while you wait.

For further details, and specific shops within each terminal, use the store locater