Gatwick North Terminal — The Complete Guide
Home to easyJet's biggest UK operation, Jet2, and TUI. No railway station on site. Drop-off is charged. Here is everything you need to know before you arrive..
📍 North Terminal, London Gatwick Airport, RH6 0PJ | ✈️ easyJet, Jet2, TUI & more | 🔄 Shuttle to Railway Station | 🪪 TfL Licensed: 01094601
Gatwick North Terminal is the airport's second terminal and handles a significant share of Gatwick's 46 million annual passengers — primarily through easyJet, Jet2, TUI, and a range of low-cost European and leisure carriers. It is the terminal most passengers using Gatwick for holiday flights will pass through.
There are two things that catch travellers out at the North Terminal, and both are worth knowing before you travel. First, there is no railway station at the North Terminal. To reach the train to London, you must take the free inter-terminal shuttle to the South Terminal — adding 10–15 minutes to your journey. Second, drop-off and pick-up are charged via ANPR cameras in the set-down zones in front of the terminal building. There is no free kerbside drop-off.
This guide covers everything: which airlines use it, the shuttle to the train, the drop-off and pick-up charge, parking, shops, restaurants, and the lounge options. And if you want to avoid every one of those logistical complications, a pre-booked private transfer handles it all from your front door.
Which Airlines Use Gatwick North Terminal?
The North Terminal is Gatwick's primary home for low-cost and leisure carriers. The terminal is dominated by three operators that between them account for the majority of its passenger volume:
easyJet — the North Terminal is easyJet's largest UK base and one of its busiest in Europe. Routes span the entire easyJet short-haul network from Gatwick: Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, North Africa, and transatlantic routes including New York and Boston. If you are flying easyJet from Gatwick, you will be at the North Terminal.
Jet2 — one of the UK's most popular holiday airlines, operating package holiday routes to Spain, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Portugal, and the wider Mediterranean from the North Terminal.
TUI — the UK's largest package holiday operator, with Gatwick North Terminal as a key departure point for long-haul and medium-haul leisure flights.
Other carriers operating from the North Terminal include Volotea, Corendon Airlines, Sunwing, and various seasonal and charter operators.
Important: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair, and Wizz Air use the South Terminal. Always check your booking confirmation before travelling — terminal allocations can change by route and season, and going to the wrong terminal at Gatwick costs time.
The North Terminal Has No Railway Station — Here Is What to Do
This is the detail that catches the most people out. Gatwick Airport Railway Station is in the South Terminal, not the North Terminal. Passengers arriving at or departing from the North Terminal who want to reach London by train must take the free inter-terminal shuttle first.
How the shuttle works: The shuttle is a dedicated people-mover that runs between the North Terminal and the South Terminal. It is free to use, runs every few minutes around the clock, and takes approximately 3 minutes between terminals. Once you arrive at the South Terminal, the railway station is accessible directly from the terminal concourse — follow signs for "Railway Station."
Total time from North Terminal arrivals to train platform: Allow approximately 10–15 minutes — this includes the walk to the shuttle, the shuttle journey itself, and the walk to the platform. During very busy periods, the shuttle platforms can be crowded. Factor in additional time if you have large luggage or are travelling with children.
First and last trains: Services to London Victoria run from approximately 04:30 to 00:30 daily. If your flight lands after the last train, or your departure is before the first, a pre-booked private transfer is the most reliable option — and with no early morning surcharge, it costs the same at 3am as it does at noon.
Gatwick North Terminal Drop-Off and Pick-Up — Charges, Zones and Postcodes
There is no free drop-off at Gatwick North Terminal. All vehicles using the set-down area in front of the terminal are charged via ANPR cameras. The charge applies whether you stop for 30 seconds or 5 minutes, and payment must be made online — either in advance or within a grace period after your visit.
Drop-Off at Gatwick North Terminal
The North Terminal drop-off zone is accessed from the approach road to the North Terminal building. It sits directly in front of the terminal's departures entrance. Charges are applied per visit and increase during peak periods.
Postcode for Gatwick North Terminal drop-off: RH6 0PJ
If you plan to be dropped off here by a friend or family member, make sure they know the charge applies automatically and are aware of the payment process. Circling because the passenger is running late means re-entering the zone and paying again.
Pick-Up at Gatwick North Terminal
For arrivals being collected: The pick-up point for pre-booked private hire is accessed via the short-stay car park adjacent to the North Terminal. Your driver parks in the designated private hire area while meeting you inside the arrivals hall.
For UK Airport Transfer Services bookings: Your driver waits inside the North Terminal arrivals hall with a name board. After clearing customs and collecting your baggage, walk into the arrivals area — your driver will be clearly visible. You do not navigate to a car park or external collection point. Your driver comes to you.
How Transfer Charges Are Handled
Self-drive / friend collecting: Charged per entry to the drop-off zone via ANPR
Black cab: Absorbed into metered fare
Uber / Bolt: Added automatically on top of fare, plus surge pricing
UK Airport Transfer Services: Included in fixed quote — nothing added at the terminal
Postcode for North Terminal arrivals / pick-up zone: RH6 0PJ
Gatwick North Terminal Parking — Long Stay, Short Stay and Valet
The North Terminal has its own dedicated parking facilities that are separate from the South Terminal car parks.
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Gatwick North Terminal Long-Stay Car Park
The Gatwick North Terminal long-stay car park is located a short distance from the terminal building, connected by a regular free shuttle bus that runs every few minutes. It is the correct option for passengers leaving a vehicle at Gatwick for several days, a week, or longer. Pre-booking online in advance is always significantly cheaper than paying on arrival, and prices increase sharply closer to travel dates.
The shuttle from the long-stay car park to the North Terminal takes approximately 5–10 minutes. On return, collect your bags, exit the terminal, and take the shuttle back to your car. Allow extra time for this if you have a connecting coach, train, or onward journey from the airport.
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Gatwick North Terminal Short-Stay Car Park
The short-stay car park is directly adjacent to the North Terminal building, giving the shortest walk between car and terminal. It is designed for brief stays — picking someone up, dropping someone off for a morning flight, or parking for just a few hours. Short-stay charges accumulate quickly and become expensive for anything beyond a brief visit. If you are away for more than a day, long-stay is always better value.
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Gatwick North Terminal Valet Parking
Valet parking at the North Terminal allows passengers to drive to the terminal entrance, hand keys to an attendant, and collect the vehicle on return without using a car park shuttle at all. It is the most convenient option for passengers who prioritise time over cost. Book in advance — valet capacity is limited and last-minute availability at the terminal is not guaranteed.
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The Transfer Alternative
The combination of North Terminal long-stay parking + drop-off charges + shuttle time is prompting more passengers to switch to pre-booked private transfers — particularly for shorter trips where the parking cost approaches or exceeds the transfer cost. A fixed-price transfer from your door with no parking fees, no shuttle, and no ANPR charge is often more convenient and competitively priced for journeys within Greater London.
Gatwick North Terminal Shops — What's Here and Where to Find It
The Gatwick North Terminal shops are concentrated primarily airside — after security — in the central shopping galleria that runs through the departures zone. There is a smaller selection of shops landside (before security), mainly focused on essentials, food, and newspapers.
Airside shopping (after security) includes:
Duty free and beauty: The North Terminal's World Duty Free is one of the largest at any UK regional terminal. Fragrances, cosmetics, skincare, alcohol, tobacco, and confectionery are all represented. Gatwick North Terminal duty free shopping spans major brands including Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, Jo Malone, Chanel, and Lancôme, as well as a wide spirits and wine selection.
High street retail: Boots, WH Smith, Superdrug, Accessorize, Searcher (gifts and souvenirs), and a range of fashion and accessories stores. Boots at the North Terminal is frequently used by passengers picking up last-minute travel essentials — sun cream, medication, travel-size toiletries — after check-in.
Specialist and luxury: Depending on the season, the North Terminal airside zone may include premium watch, jewellery, or fashion retailers.
Landside shopping (before security): A WH Smith and several food-to-go concessions are available in the check-in area. Useful for passengers arriving early or meeting arrivals.
For a full, up-to-date list of North Terminal shops and their locations within the terminal map, the Gatwick North Terminal stores guide has a detailed breakdown.
Gatwick North Terminal Restaurants and Food
Gatwick North Terminal food options are spread across both the landside and airside zones, with the majority of the dining choice found after security.
Airside (after security):
The main dining zone in the North Terminal departures area includes sit-down restaurants, a pub bar, fast food chains, casual dining, and coffee shops. Typical options include a Wetherspoons (or equivalent pub-restaurant), noodle and Asian food concepts, burger and grill options, a Costa Coffee, Café Nero, and several grab-and-go outlets.
The North Terminal's airside restaurant zone is large enough to accommodate the easyJet morning wave — the 06:00–08:00 period when multiple short-haul European services depart simultaneously — without the queuing becoming unmanageable. Most restaurants open from approximately 04:30 to match pre-dawn departures.
Landside (before security / check-in level):
A smaller selection of cafés and grab-and-go options for passengers waiting to check in or meeting arrivals. If you are collecting someone from the North Terminal and waiting in the arrivals area, landside food options are limited — this is one reason families frequently prefer a pre-booked transfer where the driver handles the timing rather than waiting in the terminal.
Gatwick North Terminal Lounge Options
The Gatwick North Terminal lounge options provide a quieter, more comfortable environment away from the main departures hall — particularly useful for early morning Jet2 and TUI departures, or for easyJet passengers with longer waits before boarding.
No1 Lounges — North Terminal: One of the best-regarded independent lounges at Gatwick North, with comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks (hot and cold), a bar, showers, Wi-Fi, and charging points. Located airside after security. Access can be purchased in advance — significantly cheaper than at the door.
No1 Traveller Lounge (alternative access): Some passengers access North Terminal lounge facilities via priority pass, airline status, or credit card lounge programmes. Check your benefits before purchasing access separately.
easyJet does not operate its own lounge at Gatwick. No1 Lounges and other independent operators are the primary option for easyJet passengers wanting a quiet space before departure.
Lounge access is generally worth purchasing in advance for early morning departures or if you have a wait of two or more hours. Prices increase when purchased at the door versus online in advance.
Hotels at or Near Gatwick North Terminal
Premier Inn Gatwick Airport North Terminal — the most in-demand hotel for North Terminal passengers, located within close proximity to the terminal. Well-priced, consistently reliable, and a popular choice for families and couples with early morning easyJet, Jet2 or TUI departures. Rooms book out far in advance during school holiday periods. Book directly with Premier Inn or via a comparison site well ahead of travel.
London Gatwick North Terminal Premier Inn — the naming can be confusing as Premier Inn operates multiple properties in the Gatwick area. Ensure the property you book is specifically the North Terminal location, accessible without crossing to the South Terminal.
Sofitel London Gatwick — note that the Sofitel is connected to the South Terminal, not the North Terminal. Passengers staying at the Sofitel for a North Terminal flight will need to take the inter-terminal shuttle. This is a common source of confusion and worth verifying when booking.
Other options nearby: Various hotel chains are located within the Gatwick hotel zone, some requiring a short transfer to either terminal. All are bookable directly or via comparison sites. UK Airport Transfer Services can transfer you to or from any Gatwick area hotel.
What's Included With Every North Terminal Transfer
✅ Meet & greet inside North Terminal arrivals — driver with name board, visible as you exit
✅ Fixed price confirmed at booking — no meter, no surge, no North Terminal drop-off charge added
✅ Real-time flight tracking — pickup time adjusts to your actual landing automatically
✅ 30 minutes free waiting — from your confirmed pickup buffer after landing
✅ North Terminal drop-off and pick-up charges included — nothing extra at the airpor
✅ No shuttle needed — no inter-terminal transit to the railway station, no timing stress
✅ Luggage carried to vehicle — driver assists from arrivals hall to car ✅ Free Wi-Fi on board — every vehicle
✅ Complimentary bottled water — waiting in the vehicle
✅ Child seats — request at booking
✅ No early morning or late night surcharge — 05:00 easyJet departure costs the same as midday
✅ Executive Mercedes or BMW available — for business passengers ✅ VAT receipt issued — for corporate expense accounts
✅ TfL-licensed, DBS-checked driver — every booking
✅ 8-seater minibus — for groups or passengers with significant luggage
Frequently Asked Questions
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The North Terminal is primarily used by easyJet (its largest UK base), Jet2, TUI, and various seasonal charter and leisure operators. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair, and Wizz Air use the South Terminal. Always check your booking confirmation before travelling — terminal allocations can vary by route.
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No. Gatwick Airport Railway Station is located in the South Terminal, not the North Terminal. To reach the train, passengers at the North Terminal must take the free inter-terminal shuttle to the South Terminal. The shuttle runs every few minutes and takes approximately 3 minutes. Allow 10–15 minutes total from the North Terminal arrivals area to the train platform.
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Yes. All vehicles using the set-down area in front of the North Terminal are charged via ANPR cameras. The charge applies per entry regardless of how briefly you stop. When you book a transfer with UK Airport Transfer Services, the North Terminal drop-off and pick-up charge is included in your fixed price.
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Your UK Airport Transfer Services driver meets you inside the North Terminal arrivals hall, holding a name board. After clearing customs and collecting bags, walk into arrivals — your driver is visible immediately. You do not need to find the car park or navigate to an external collection point.
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The postcode for Gatwick North Terminal is RH6 0PJ. Useful for sat-nav navigation to the drop-off or short-stay car park.
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The North Terminal has a large airside shopping zone including World Duty Free, Boots, WH Smith, Superdrug, Accessorize, and various restaurants and cafés. The majority of shops are located after security. For a detailed breakdown, see the North Terminal stores guide.
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Yes. Premier Inn Gatwick Airport North Terminal is the most in-demand hotel for North Terminal passengers. It books up quickly during peak periods, particularly school holidays. Book directly with Premier Inn or via a comparison site well in advance.
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Yes. We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Early morning departures — common with easyJet, Jet2 and TUI flights — are among our most frequent North Terminal bookings. There is no early morning surcharge.
Book Your Gatwick North Terminal Transfer Now
No drop-off charge. No ANPR. No inter-terminal shuffle to the railway station at 5am. Your driver collects you from your door at a confirmed time, delivers you to the North Terminal departures entrance, and the price includes everything.