Gatwick Airport: North vs South Terminal – Key Insights
Gatwick Airport: North vs South Terminal — Everything You Need to Know
Quick answer — which terminal is your flight?
South Terminal (LGW South): British Airways, Wizz Air, Vueling, TAP Portugal, TUI, most long-haul
North Terminal (LGW North): easyJet (most flights), Norwegian, WestJet, Emirates
Always double-check your boarding pass — airlines can move between terminals. Gatwick official terminal lookup →
When flying through London Gatwick, one of the UK's busiest airports, understanding the differences between the North and South Terminals can streamline your journey. From airlines and amenities to transit and dining options, here's your comprehensive guide.
Which airlines operate from each terminal?
Check the Gatwick Airport official site for the latest terminal assignments — carriers do occasionally move.
Gatwick Airport serves as a hub for numerous airlines, with each terminal hosting different carriers.
- North Terminal predominantly serves easyJet (majority of their Gatwick operations), along with Norwegian, WestJet, and Emirates.
- South Terminal is home to British Airways, Wizz Air, Vueling, TAP Portugal, and most TUI services.
Knowing your airline's terminal in advance saves time and prevents last-minute shuttle scrambles.
Which Gatwick terminal is BA (British Airways)?
British Airways short-haul flights at Gatwick depart from South Terminal. BA's presence at Gatwick is much smaller than at Heathrow — most BA routes still operate from Heathrow — but for the ones that do fly out of Gatwick, head to South Terminal.
Not to be confused with BA Transfer — that's us, providing fixed-price airport transfers to both Gatwick terminals from anywhere in London.
Connecting at Gatwick on BA? Allow at least 60 minutes between flights at the same terminal, and 90 minutes if you're switching terminals.
How do you travel between the terminals?
The two terminals are about 1 mile (1.6 km) apart, separated by the active runway — so you can't walk between them. The only direct link is the free inter-terminal shuttle, which runs 24/7 every few minutes. The ride itself takes around 2 minutes, but allow 10–15 minutes end-to-end including walking to the shuttle platform.
If you're pre-booked with BA Transfer, your driver will meet you at the correct terminal directly — no shuttle needed.
Where are the pickup and drop-off points?
Both terminals have designated pickup and drop-off points.
- North Terminal: drop-off is directly outside the entrance; pick-up is on the lower forecourt (short-stay area).
- South Terminal: drop-off is at the terminal forecourt; pick-up is from the short-stay car park.
BA Transfer includes meet & greet at no extra cost — your driver waits with a name board in arrivals for departures or meets you at the designated pickup point for arrivals. Vehicles range from the Saloon to the 8-Seater MPV, with free child seats on request.
Restaurants, lounges, and duty-free
Each terminal has its own dining and shopping lineup:
- North Terminal: Jamie Oliver's Diner, The Nicholas Culpeper (Wetherspoons), Pret a Manger, Wagamama; No.1 Lounge and My Lounge airside.
- South Terminal: Nando's, Giraffe, Grain Store, Gordon Ramsay Plane Food; No.1 Lounge, Clubrooms, and the BA Club Europe lounge airside.
Both terminals have large duty-free halls (World Duty Free) with similar brand coverage.
Which terminal is faster from Central London?
Journey times from Central London are virtually identical to both terminals — the motorway approach (M23) is shared, and the terminals branch off within the last mile. Budget 60–90 minutes from Central London by road depending on traffic.
For the train, the Gatwick Express and Thameslink both serve South Terminal directly — if you're going to North Terminal by rail, you'll need the free shuttle from South Terminal.
Why choose BA Transfer for your Gatwick journey?
Opting for BA Transfer ensures a smooth and reliable journey to and from Gatwick Airport:
- Fixed prices — no meter, no surge, the price you're quoted is the price you pay
- Meet & greet included — driver with a name board in arrivals
- Flight tracking — we adjust your pickup time automatically if your flight's delayed or early
- 24/7 availability — including Christmas Day and early-morning flights
- Free child seats on request (Estate, MPV-5, MPV-7 and MPV-8 vehicles)
- Vehicle choice from Saloon to Executive Mercedes E-Class to 8-Seater Minibus
Frequently asked questions
Which Gatwick terminal is British Airways?
British Airways short-haul flights at Gatwick depart from South Terminal.
Which Gatwick terminal is easyJet?
The majority of easyJet flights operate from North Terminal. A small number run from South Terminal — always check your boarding pass.
How long does it take between Gatwick North and South terminals?
The free inter-terminal shuttle takes about 2 minutes to travel between platforms, but allow 10–15 minutes in total for walking and waiting.
Can I walk between the Gatwick terminals?
No — the terminals are separated by an active runway. The inter-terminal shuttle train is the only direct way between them, and it's free and runs 24/7.
Which Gatwick terminal is Wizz Air?
Wizz Air operates from South Terminal.
Which Gatwick terminal is TUI?
Most TUI flights depart from South Terminal.
Is Gatwick South Terminal bigger than North?
South Terminal is the older and slightly larger of the two, with more retail and dining outlets. North Terminal was expanded more recently and handles a higher volume of low-cost carrier traffic.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances of Gatwick's North and South Terminals can significantly enhance your travel experience. For a seamless journey door-to-door, book with BA Transfer to enjoy fixed prices, meet & greet, and 24/7 flight tracking. Get your quote now and travel with peace of mind.