Level 20 — Landside / Ground
Check-in (multiple zones), pre-security departures lounge, information desks, retail, ground transport desks and car rental.
Gatwick South Terminal is the larger of Gatwick's two terminals, spanning 10+ floors and serving budget carriers (Wizz Air, Vueling, TUI), British Airways, TAP Portugal, and other legacy carriers. It handles around 40+ million passengers annually, with a traditional layout, broader retail, and more dining than the smaller North Terminal.
This guide covers everything you need to navigate South Terminal: layout, check-in and security, baggage and arrivals, airlines, parking, hotels, dining, retail, lounges, essential facilities, transport to London and the regions, and full accessibility guidance. If you'd rather skip driving and parking, a fixed-fare Gatwick taxi transfer drops you at the door. Last updated 22 June 2026.
South Terminal Overview
Gatwick South Terminal is the larger terminal, spanning 10+ floors with higher capacity than North. It is the primary hub for budget airlines (Wizz Air, Vueling, TUI), British Airways, TAP Portugal and other legacy carriers, handling approximately 40+ million passengers annually, with broader facilities and a more spacious, traditional airport feel.
- Terminal character: older facilities (vintage compared with North's modern renovation), larger footprint, more airlines, more retail, extended dining.
- How you're assigned: your airline determines the terminal — it is not a passenger choice. Check your booking confirmation.
Map & Layout — Level 20 Core
South Terminal spans 10+ levels with Level 20 as the core ground floor where most passenger operations occur. Lifts connect all levels, with wide corridors and ramps throughout.
Levels 21–26 — Upper
Post-security departures lounge, restaurants, retail shops, lounges and gates.
Baggage Level
Baggage claim carousels for arrivals baggage handling, clearly numbered on arrival information boards.
Terminal Flow
Arrive → Check-in (Level 20) → Security → lifts to upper gates → Land → Baggage claim (ground level) → Ground transport.
Check-In — Timing, Location, Procedure
All check-in is on Level 20 immediately after entry, allocated by airline and flight time. Online check-in (available 24 hours before) is recommended and lets bag-free passengers go straight to security.
- Arrive: 2–3 hours before international, 1.5 hours before domestic.
- Check-in closes: 1 hour international, 45 minutes domestic.
- Peak (06:00–09:00, 16:00–19:00): longer queues; off-peak (10:00–15:00) significantly faster.
Security & Immigration
Security is immediately after check-in (usually Level 20), with standard lanes plus optional Fast Track. Liquids max 100ml per container in a clear bag; laptops and tablets out; shoes typically removed.
| Time of Day | Typical Processing |
|---|---|
| Off-peak (10:00–15:00) | 5–15 minutes |
| Peak (06:00–09:00, 16:00–19:00) | 20–40 minutes |
| Night (20:00–06:00) | 10–20 minutes |
Immigration: UK/EU/EEA passports use faster eGates; non-EU passports use manual desks. Immigration queues can add 10–30 minutes depending on volume.
Baggage & Arrivals
Exit aircraft → Customs/Immigration (if international) → baggage claim on the ground level.
- Claim time: typically 20–30 minutes after the first passengers exit (longer for large aircraft).
- Customs: EU/EEA residents use eGates or the green channel; non-EU use the red channel if declaring goods.
- Exits: follow signage to ground transport, car parks and taxi/ride-hailing zones.
Airlines at South Terminal
Find your airline's desk row by first letter on the Level 20 overhead signs, or ask the information desk.
- British Airways: UK domestic and European routes.
- Wizz Air: budget European hub (Hungary, Poland, others).
- Vueling: budget European network.
- TAP Portugal: Iberian routes.
- TUI: package holiday operator.
- [OPERATOR: additional airlines and current routing TBC.]
Parking Options — Informational Overview
South Terminal offers options for different travel lengths and budgets. Choose by duration and convenience; pre-booking online typically saves 20–50%.
- Short-stay: closest (2–5 min walk), highest rates — quick drop-offs and short trips (0–2 hrs). ~£[OPERATOR: X/hr TBC].
- Mid-stay: 5–10 min walk, optional shuttle, medium rates — day trips (2–8 hrs). ~£[OPERATOR: X/day TBC].
- Long-stay: further out, shuttle included, lowest rates — holidays (8+ hrs). ~£[OPERATOR: X/day TBC].
- Premium/valet: covered bays, valet service [OPERATOR: if available TBC]. ~£[OPERATOR: X TBC].
Hotels at & Near South Terminal
Three main options serve South Terminal, with budget alternatives in nearby Crawley.
- Premier Inn Gatwick South Terminal: budget, on-terminal (5-min walk), ensuite rooms, TV, WiFi, shuttle included. [OPERATOR: nightly rate, breakfast, check-in/out times TBC.]
- Hilton Gatwick South Terminal: premium on-airport, full-service with restaurant, bar, business centre and fitness, direct walkway to the terminal. [OPERATOR: nightly rate, times TBC.]
- Bloc Hotel (between terminals): budget mod-pod concept, compact modern rooms, walkway access to both terminals. [OPERATOR: nightly rate TBC.]
- Crawley hotels (10–15 min drive): Travelodge, Ibis, Premier Inn. [OPERATOR: rates, shuttle cost TBC.]
Restaurants & Dining
Broad options from quick-service to sit-down. Eating pre-security is usually cheaper and wider-choice than airside.
- Quick-service (typically 6am–10pm): Nando's (6am–9pm, family-friendly), Giraffe (family casual), Costa Coffee (multiple locations), Boots Café. [OPERATOR: additional brands TBC.]
- Sit-down (typically 7am–8pm): [OPERATOR: names, cuisine, seating, booking TBC.]
- Duty-free dining: premium brands in pre-security shopping areas, higher priced.
- Late-night (11pm–5am): limited — vending, kiosks, 24-hour cafes; plan ahead.
Shopping & Duty-Free
Extensive retail across pre-security and airside, typically open 06:00–22:00 with some 24-hour kiosks near gates.
- Boots: pharmacy, health & beauty, toiletries.
- Harrods: luxury duty-free.
- WHSmith: newsagents, books, magazines, travel guides.
- Tech & luggage shops: electronics, accessories, power banks, bags, suitcases.
- Luxury brands: premium fashion, fragrances, jewellery. [OPERATOR: additional retailers and locations TBC.]
- Duty-free/VAT: non-EU visitors can claim VAT-free purchases (typically 20% on luxury goods) at duty-free desks pre-departure with passport and receipts.
Airport Lounges
Premium lounge access via day passes, memberships or airline eligibility.
- No1 Lounges (My Lounge): hot and cold food, premium beverages (alcohol included), WiFi, showers, quiet zones, business centre. [OPERATOR: location, day price TBC.]
- Priority Pass lounges: multiple options; access via membership to 1,000+ lounges globally. [OPERATOR: which lounges, annual cost TBC.]
- Airline lounges: British Airways (via BA card or ticket class); others [OPERATOR: if applicable TBC]. Many premium credit cards include lounge access.
Essential Services & Facilities
Additional services support passenger comfort throughout the terminal.
- ATMs & currency: cash machines on all levels; Bureau de Change [OPERATOR: level TBC].
- WiFi: free "Gatwick Free" (no password) throughout; SIM cards from post-security phone shops.
- Charging: free USB and power outlets throughout; power-bank rentals [OPERATOR: location, pricing TBC].
- Prayer room: multi-faith space [OPERATOR: location, access TBC].
- Family: parent changing rooms, kids play areas and nursing rooms [OPERATOR: locations, age range, pricing TBC].
- Medical: first-aid stations, Boots pharmacy, airport medical centre [OPERATOR: contact TBC].
- Lost property: ground floor arrivals [OPERATOR: phone TBC]; items held ~30 days.
- Smoking: designated outdoor areas near departures only [OPERATOR: zone location TBC].
Getting to South Terminal — Transport Overview
Multiple options connect South Terminal to London and the regions — choose by origin, budget, luggage and time.
- Train: fastest to central London — Gatwick Express (non-stop Victoria, 30 min) or Southern Railway. ~£12–20 off-peak, £18–25 peak.
- Coach: budget, UK-wide — National Express and FlixBus. ~£10–20 London, £20–40 regional; 90–120 min.
- Car hire: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar at arrivals. ~£25–40/day; needs licence, card, insurance.
- Taxi & private hire: door-to-door from the ground-floor taxi rank; fixed-rate services bookable in advance with flight monitoring options. [OPERATOR: ride-hailing pickup zone/Uber availability TBC.]
Train & Rail Services
The station is integrated directly into South Terminal with lift access and no external walk — follow "Train Station" signage from ground level; no security lines for rail.
- Gatwick Express: fastest to London — non-stop Victoria (30 min), every 15–30 min, 24-hour. ~£12–15 off-peak, £18–20 peak; return tickets ~15% cheaper than two singles.
- Southern Railway: local trains to regional destinations (Southampton, Portsmouth, others), more routes but slower. Typically £10–30 by destination.
- Pro tip: off-peak (10am–3pm, after 7pm) is significantly cheaper than commuter times.
Coach, Car Hire & Taxi
Coach stops and car hire are integrated into the terminal; taxis and private hire use the ground-floor rank.
- National Express: scheduled coaches to London Victoria and regional cities. ~£10–20 London, £20–50 regional; London 90–120 min.
- FlixBus: budget coaches (UK + Europe), often £5–15; 1–2 bags typical.
- Car hire: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar at arrivals; ~£25–40/day; best for groups and luggage-heavy travel.
- Taxi & private hire: licensed minicabs at the ground-floor rank (5–10 min typical wait); pre-book fixed-rate transfers 2–3 days ahead for competitive pricing, guaranteed availability and flight monitoring. [OPERATOR: ride-hailing pickup location TBC.]
Flight Information & Resources
Stay updated in real time and enable notifications for gate changes.
- Live tracking: the Gatwick.com flight tracker shows status, gates, delays and baggage claim, updated from about 1 hour pre-departure.
- Airline apps: enable push notifications for gate changes, boarding and delays.
- Baggage claim: carousel numbers appear on arrival screens, updating dynamically as aircraft land.
- Gates: typically assigned 1 hour before departure, displayed on boards updating every 10 minutes; final changes ~30 minutes pre-departure.
North vs South Terminal — Comparison & Transfers
Your flight determines the terminal, but they differ in scale and facilities. Use the free monorail (about 2 minutes, Level 20 ground level) to transfer, allowing 2+ hours if connecting.
| Aspect | North Terminal | South Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller (4 floors, 98,000 m²) | Larger (10+ floors) |
| Primary airlines | easyJet, Norwegian, WestJet, Emirates | BA, Wizz Air, Vueling, TUI, TAP |
| Facilities | Newer, modern | Older, traditional |
| Processing | Typically faster at peak | Standard, busy at peak |
| Retail / dining | Limited, modern | Extensive, broader |
Terminal assignment is not a passenger choice — check your airline confirmation. Walking between terminals is not recommended (distance, no pedestrian walkway, luggage).
Accessibility & Disabled Travellers
South Terminal is fully accessible for passengers with mobility, visual and hearing needs, and service animals.
- Wheelchair access: lifts to all levels, accessible restrooms and seating on each level, wheelchairs for loan at information desks (Level 20 arrivals, Level 26 departures) at no charge.
- Accessible parking: dedicated spaces near the entrance, clearly marked. [OPERATOR: standard or discounted pricing TBC.]
- Assistance: request at check-in; staff trained in mobility support; porters for luggage. [OPERATOR: assistance desk location/phone TBC.]
- Service animals: guide dogs and service animals welcome; relief areas available [OPERATOR: location TBC]; no documentation required.
- Sensory support: tactile paving on some routes; hearing loops at information desks; written information on boards and displays. [OPERATOR: audio systems / SMS gate alerts if available TBC.]
- Medical: insulin fridges on request via the medical centre [OPERATOR: location/phone TBC]; notify your airline's accessibility team 48 hours ahead.
WiFi, Connectivity & Tech
Free WiFi and charging throughout, with strong UK mobile coverage.
- Free WiFi: "Gatwick Free", no password, adequate for email, browsing, video calls and streaming (occasional dead zones near gates).
- Mobile: EE, O2 and Vodafone all have strong coverage; UK prepaid SIMs (~£10–20) available post-security. [OPERATOR: roaming depends on your home provider.]
- Charging: free USB and power outlets on all levels; power-bank rentals [OPERATOR: location, pricing TBC].
- Tips: arrive with charged devices, download offline terminal maps, and disable auto-sync to preserve battery.
Pro Tips for Navigating South Terminal
Timing, tech and logistics that make the terminal easier.
- Timing: arrive early for peak flights (06:00–09:00, 16:00–19:00); mid-morning and early evening are faster; consider an on-terminal hotel for very early flights.
- Tech: download the airline app, check in online 24 hours ahead, and enable flight notifications.
- Luggage: know your allowance, weigh bags at home, and label them.
- Parking: pre-book online (saves 20–50%) and choose type by duration.
- Dining/shopping: eat pre-security, shop duty-free post-security, and bring an empty bottle to fill airside.
- Money: ATMs usually beat bureau de change; cards are widely accepted.
- Connections: pre-book ground transport for guaranteed availability; private hire with flight monitoring dispatches based on your actual landing time.
- Delays: if delayed 2+ hours, a lounge day pass (£30–50) can be worth the comfort.
Skip Driving — Gatwick Taxi Service
A professional airport taxi removes parking logistics entirely — door-to-door to North or South Terminal with flight monitoring, luggage assistance and professional drivers.
- ✔ Door-to-door, no car park to navigate
- ✔ Fixed fare confirmed at booking, no surge pricing
- ✔ Flight monitoring and 24/7 availability
👉 Book our Gatwick meet & greet service, call +44 20 3617 7825, or book online 24/7.
FAQs – Gatwick South Terminal
Q: What time does security open at South Terminal?
A: Security typically opens 04:00–05:00 daily. Peak times (06:00–09:00, 16:00–19:00) see the longest queues (20–40 min); off-peak (10:00–15:00) is much faster (5–15 min).
Q: What baggage allowance am I entitled to?
A: It depends on your airline — typically 20–23kg checked (1–2 pieces) and 7–10kg carry-on (1 bag). Budget airlines may charge for checked bags. Check your airline confirmation for exact limits.
Q: Is there a designated smoking area at South Terminal?
A: Yes — a designated outdoor smoking area near departures (Level 20 forecourt). No indoor smoking is permitted anywhere in the terminal. [OPERATOR: specific zone location TBC.]
Q: What WiFi network should I connect to?
A: The free network is "Gatwick Free" — no password required — with coverage throughout the terminal (occasional dead zones near some gates). Speeds are adequate for email, browsing and video calls.
Q: Where is lost property located?
A: At the lost property desk on the ground floor arrivals (near ground transport). [OPERATOR: phone number TBC.] Items are typically held 30 days before disposal.
Q: How do I transfer between North and South terminals?
A: Use the free monorail shuttle (about 2 minutes) from the Level 20 ground floor. Allow 2+ hours if connecting flights, as terminal-to-terminal travel plus re-check-in and re-security is required; luggage isn't checked through between terminals.
Q: Where can I charge my phone?
A: Charging stations are throughout the terminal (Levels 20–26), with free USB ports and power outlets near seating and gates. Power-bank rentals are also available [OPERATOR: location and pricing TBC].
Q: How accessible is South Terminal for passengers with mobility needs?
A: Fully accessible — lifts to all levels, accessible restrooms on each level, wide corridors, accessible parking near the entrance, and assistance desks [OPERATOR: location and phone TBC]. Request a wheelchair at check-in; service animals are welcome.
Q: What happens if my flight is delayed?
A: The terminal stays open and staffed, with restaurants, shops and lounges available. Departure boards show updated status, and WiFi and charging are available throughout. Airline staff provide passenger updates.
Q: Is accommodation available for an emergency overnight stay?
A: Yes. Premier Inn and Hilton are on-terminal, with Bloc Hotel between terminals. Last-minute bookings are available via the hotel website or the travel desk.
Q: Where are the family/parent facilities?
A: Parent changing rooms, kids play areas and nursing areas are available, accessible to all passengers with children. [OPERATOR: locations TBC.]
Q: Can I pre-book a taxi or transport in advance?
A: Yes. Licensed taxi and private hire services can be booked in advance with fixed-rate pricing and flight monitoring, via operator websites or at the ground-floor rank. Pre-booking is recommended for guaranteed availability and competitive rates.
Q: What happens if my baggage is lost?
A: Contact the airline baggage desk immediately (ground floor arrivals) and file a loss report with your flight number, description and tag number. You'll get a reference; bags are typically located within 24–48 hours, with reimbursement per the airline's liability policy (often £1,500–3,000).
Q: Are there prayer facilities available?
A: Yes, a multi-faith prayer room and quiet reflection space is available to all passengers. [OPERATOR: location and access times TBC.]
Q: Can I leave luggage if I have a long layover?
A: Yes, a left-luggage service is available with hourly/daily rates [OPERATOR: location, hours, pricing TBC]. Alternatively, store luggage at your hotel if staying overnight.
Related Gatwick Resources
- Gatwick North Terminal guide — layout, parking (Car Parks 5–7), hotels, dining and lounges.
- Gatwick meet & greet taxi service — name-board collection, fixed fares, flight tracking.
- Gatwick drop-off charge guide — £10 fee, free alternatives, how to pay.
