Gatwick North vs South Terminal 2026: Which Do You Need?

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Gatwick has two terminals — North and South — a shuttle ride apart, and turning up at the wrong one costs valuable time. Knowing which your flight uses, and getting dropped there, makes for a smooth start. This guide explains how Gatwick's terminals differ, which airlines use each, moving between them, and getting to the right one.

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Gatwick's Two Terminals

Unlike single-terminal airports, Gatwick splits its operations across North and South terminals, each with its own check-in, security and departure areas. They're linked by a quick, free inter-terminal shuttle, but they're far enough apart that you can't simply walk between them casually with luggage. Which terminal you need depends entirely on your airline, so checking before you travel — and telling your driver — is essential.

How the Terminals Differ

Different Airlines

Each terminal serves different airlines — your carrier determines which you use. Always check your booking.

Own Facilities

Each has its own check-in, security, shops, lounges and departure gates.

Shuttle Link

A free, quick inter-terminal shuttle connects them if you need to switch.

Separate Drop-Offs

Each terminal has its own drop-off area — your driver takes you to the right one.

💡 Check before you fly: Your airline decides your terminal, and it can occasionally change. Check your booking and Gatwick's information before travelling, and tell your driver, so you're dropped at the right terminal with no last-minute shuttle dash.

Which Terminal for Your Airline?

The definitive source is your airline and your booking confirmation, as terminal allocations are set by the carrier and can change over time. Gatwick's own website lists which airlines use which terminal currently. Before you travel, confirm your terminal, note it, and share it when booking your transfer — that way your driver takes you straight to the correct drop-off, saving the time and stress of arriving at the wrong one and needing the shuttle.

Gatwick Transfer Fares (One-Way)

FromSaloonExecutiveMPV8-Seater
Central London£123£142£146£158
Croydon£63£75£78£85
Brighton£81£98£101£112
Crawley£46£58£58£69
Guildford£63£75£78£85

Tell us your terminal (North or South) when booking, and your driver takes you straight there. Saloon seats 4, MPV 6, 8-seaters for groups.

Getting to the Right Terminal

With a pre-booked transfer, getting to the right terminal is simple: you tell us North or South when you book, and your driver drops you at that terminal's departures. No guessing, no wrong-terminal shuttle dash with your luggage. For arrivals, we meet you at your arrival terminal. It's one of the small but real advantages of a door-to-door transfer over public transport, which leaves the terminal walk or shuttle to you.

Getting the Terminal Right Matters

The two-terminal arrangement at Gatwick is a genuine practical consideration that catches out unprepared travellers with surprising regularity, and getting it right is worth a moment's attention before any trip. While the free inter-terminal shuttle means that arriving at the wrong terminal is not a disaster, it is an avoidable hassle that costs time and adds stress at exactly the point when you least want it, particularly if you are running close to check-in or security cut-offs, or trying to manage luggage and a group. The complication is that terminal allocations are set by the airlines rather than being fixed by destination, and they can and do change over time, so even a route you have flown before may not use the terminal you remember. The reliable approach is simply to check your specific terminal on your booking confirmation or the airport's current information shortly before you travel, make a note of it, and share it when arranging your transfer, so that your driver can take you directly to the correct departures area. This small piece of preparation removes any last-minute uncertainty and ensures your arrival at the airport is smooth and unhurried, letting you head straight to check-in rather than dashing between terminals on the shuttle.

North vs South Terminal FAQs

Q: How do I know which terminal I need?

A: Your airline decides — check your booking confirmation and Gatwick's website, as allocations can change.

Q: Can I move between the terminals?

A: Yes — a free, quick inter-terminal shuttle links North and South if needed.

Q: Will my driver drop me at the right terminal?

A: Yes — tell us North or South when booking and your driver takes you straight there.

Q: What if I'm not sure of my terminal?

A: Check your airline booking; if still unsure, your driver can help, and the shuttle links the two.

The Bottom Line

Gatwick's North and South terminals are a shuttle apart, and your airline decides which you need. Check your booking, note your terminal, and tell your driver — with a fixed-price transfer, you're dropped at the right one, for a smooth, stress-free start.

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