Gatwick South Terminal — The Complete Traveller's Guide
The home of Gatwick's railway station, the Sofitel hotel, and some of the airport's most-used departure gates. Everything you need before you arrive.
📍 South Terminal, London Gatwick Airport, RH6 0NP | ✈️ Departures & Arrivals | 🚂 On-site Railway Station | 🪪 TfL Licensed: 01094601
Gatwick South Terminal is the larger of the two terminals at London Gatwick Airport and serves as the airport's primary transport hub. Unlike the North Terminal, it has a direct connection to Gatwick Airport Railway Station — the fastest route to London Victoria, London Bridge, and St Pancras International. The Sofitel London Gatwick is built into the terminal building itself, making it the most connected hotel at the airport. If you've flown into or out of Gatwick, there's a good chance you've come through the South Terminal.
The terminal handles a significant share of Gatwick's 46 million annual passengers. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet (some routes), and various charter and seasonal operators all use the South Terminal. Its layout is more spacious than the North Terminal, with a central retail and dining zone, multiple lounge options, and a well-marked pick-up and drop-off area in front of the main building.
This guide covers everything that matters before you travel — airlines, the train station, drop-off and pick-up, parking, restaurants, lounges, and arrivals. And if you want a transfer that removes every logistical variable, your driver will be waiting.
Which Airlines Use Gatwick South Terminal?
The South Terminal handles a broad mix of full-service, low-cost, and charter carriers. Unlike Terminal 5 at Heathrow (exclusively British Airways) or Gatwick's North Terminal (predominantly easyJet), the South Terminal roster is more varied:
Full-service and long-haul: British Airways (most Gatwick routes), Virgin Atlantic (selected routes), TUI (some long-haul), Corsair
Low-cost and European: Ryanair (its main Gatwick base), Wizz Air, Vueling, Volotea, Transavia, Norwegian (seasonal)
Charter and holiday: Various TUI and charter operators depending on season
Note: easyJet primarily uses the North Terminal at Gatwick. If you are flying easyJet, do not go to the South Terminal. Always check your booking confirmation for your terminal assignment before leaving home — terminal allocations do occasionally change by route and season.
Gatwick South Terminal Railway Station — Trains to London and Beyond
The Gatwick Airport railway station is built directly into the South Terminal at ground level. It is one of the most convenient airport rail connections in the UK — no shuttle required, no long walk from a separate building. You exit arrivals or clear check-in, and the station platforms are directly accessible from the terminal concourse.
Key train services from the South Terminal station:
Gatwick Express services to London Victoria Station take around 30 minutes non-stop and usually run every 15 minutes during peak times.
Southern services to London Victoria take approximately 35 to 45 minutes and operate frequently throughout the day.
Thameslink and Southern trains to London Bridge Station take around 30 to 35 minutes with regular departures.
Thameslink services to St Pancras International take approximately 50 minutes and run frequently.
Thameslink trains to Blackfriars and Farringdon Station usually take between 40 and 45 minutes with regular service.
Southern and Thameslink trains to Brighton take around 30 minutes and operate frequently throughout the day.
The Gatwick Express is the premium non-stop service to London Victoria and carries a higher fare than Southern or Thameslink alternatives. Thameslink is often the better value option, particularly for passengers heading to north or east London.
If you are arriving at the North Terminal and need the train: Take the free inter-terminal shuttle from the North Terminal to the South Terminal. The journey takes approximately 3 minutes. Follow signs to the railway station from the South Terminal arrivals level. Total journey from North Terminal arrivals to train platform is typically 10–15 minutes.
First and last trains: Services to London Victoria begin around 04:30 and run until approximately 00:30 daily. Late-night and very early arrivals may find trains not operating — in which case a pre-booked private transfer is the reliable alternative.
Gatwick South Terminal Drop-Off and Pick-Up — Charges, Zones & How It Works
There is no free drop-off or pick-up at Gatwick South Terminal. All vehicles using the set-down area in front of the terminal are subject to a charge enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. This applies to private cars, taxis, app-based ride-hailing, and private hire vehicles.
Drop-Off at Gatwick South Terminal
The drop-off zone is located directly in front of the South Terminal building. It is accessed from the A23 / South Terminal approach road. The charge is levied per entry and must be paid online — either in advance or within a grace period after your visit. Charges increase during peak periods.
The drop-off point is straightforward to navigate for drivers who know the road. However, if you circle or re-enter because your passenger is running late, each entry incurs a fresh charge.
Postcode for Gatwick South Terminal drop-off: RH6 0NP
Pick-Up at Gatwick South Terminal
The pick-up point for pre-booked private hire at the South Terminal is in the designated private hire area adjacent to the main terminal building, accessed from the short-stay car park level. Your driver parks here while meeting you inside the arrivals hall.
For arrivals: Your UK Airport Transfer Services driver waits inside the South Terminal arrivals area with a name board. After clearing customs and collecting your bags, you exit into arrivals and your driver is visible immediately. You do not need to find the car park or navigate to a separate kerbside collection point.
What Happens to the Charge When You Book With Us
The Gatwick South Terminal drop-off or pick-up charge is included in your fixed quote. No additional airport levy is added at the time of travel. The price confirmed at booking is the price you pay — nothing is added for parking, waiting, or airport access fees.
Self-drive (friend/family): Pay per entry at the set-down zone
Black cab: Absorbed into metered fare
Uber / Bolt: Added automatically on top of fare + surge
UK Airport Transfer Services: Included in fixed quote — no extra charges
Gatwick South Terminal Parking — Short Stay, Long Stay & What Each Is For
The South Terminal has two main parking options, each serving a distinct purpose.
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Gatwick South Terminal Short-Stay Car Park
The short-stay car park is located adjacent to the South Terminal and is the closest parking to the terminal building. It is designed for drivers who need fast in-and-out access — picking someone up, dropping someone off, or parking briefly before a short trip.
Short-stay charges are calculated by the minute and can become expensive quickly. For anything beyond a brief collection or drop-off, long-stay parking is significantly cheaper.
The short-stay car park is covered, well-lit, and directly linked to the terminal via walkways. Height restrictions apply for larger vehicles.
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Gatwick South Terminal Long-Stay Car Park
The Gatwick South Terminal long-stay car park is located further from the terminal and is connected to the South Terminal building by a regular free shuttle bus. The shuttle runs every few minutes and takes approximately 5–10 minutes to reach the terminal.
Long-stay parking is the correct option for most travellers leaving a car at Gatwick for a trip of several days or longer. It is substantially cheaper than short-stay and the shuttle is reliable and frequent.
Pre-booking long-stay parking in advance online is always cheaper than paying on arrival. Prices rise significantly closer to travel dates, particularly in peak summer and Christmas periods.
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The Drop-Off Alternative
Many passengers who were previously driving to Gatwick to be dropped off are switching to pre-booked private transfers when they add up the drop-off charge, the time cost, and the stress of navigating the terminal approach road during peak periods. A fixed-price transfer collected from your door costs less than many people expect — and is often comparable to, or cheaper than, a return trip to the long-stay car park.
Gatwick South Terminal Restaurants and Food
The Gatwick South Terminal restaurants and dining options are spread across three main zones: the check-in concourse (before security), the retail and dining galleria (after security, landside), and the gate areas (airside, after passport control and security).
Before security (check-in level): Costa Coffee, various grab-and-go food options, and a small number of cafés. This is where passengers dropping off bags, meeting people from arrivals, or waiting for early check-in will eat.
Airside (after security): This is where the main concentration of dining sits. Options typically include sit-down restaurants, casual dining chains, a Wetherspoons-style pub bar, fast food outlets, specialist coffee shops, and duty-free café areas. The exact roster of brands changes periodically — check Gatwick's website before travelling for a current list.
For long-haul departures: If you have a long flight ahead, the airside restaurants are well-placed. The dining zone is large enough that even at busy periods there is usually seating available, and most restaurants are within a few minutes' walk of the departure gates.
For early morning departures: The South Terminal opens very early to accommodate pre-dawn flights. Coffee and food are available from approximately 04:00 in the departures area.
Gatwick South Terminal Airport Lounge Options
The Gatwick South Terminal lounge options offer a quieter, more comfortable alternative to the main departure halls — useful for early morning flights, long connection times, or business travellers who need to work before boarding.
No1 Lounges — South Terminal: One of the most popular independent lounges at Gatwick South, with comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks (hot and cold), a bar, showers, charging points, and strong Wi-Fi. Located airside after security.
Clubrooms — South Terminal: Another independently operated lounge option, typically offering similar amenities: food, drinks, quiet seating, and work facilities. Access is available to purchase for most passengers regardless of airline or cabin class.
Airline lounges: British Airways operates its own lounge at Gatwick South Terminal for eligible Club Europe, Club World, and First passengers, as well as British Airways Executive Club Gold card members.
Lounge access is available to purchase in advance online — often cheaper than buying at the door. If you have a long wait or an early morning departure, it is worth comparing the cost against airport dining.
Hotels at or Near Gatwick South Terminal
The Sofitel London Gatwick is the flagship hotel at the South Terminal — physically connected to the terminal building via a covered walkway. It is the only hotel at Gatwick with direct terminal access without going outside. For passengers with very early departures or late arrivals, it removes every logistical variable. Rooms are premium priced accordingly.
Premier Inn Gatwick Airport South Terminal — located near the South Terminal, slightly further from the building but accessible by a short transfer. Significantly cheaper than the Sofitel and a popular option for families and leisure travellers with early flights.
Hilton Garden Inn London Gatwick Airport — another well-regarded option within the South Terminal zone, offering a middle ground between the Sofitel's premium pricing and the Premier Inn's budget positioning.
All South Terminal hotels are subject to availability and variable pricing. Book directly with the hotel or via a comparison site. UK Airport Transfer Services does not book accommodation — but can transfer you to or from any of these properties as part of a Gatwick journey.
What's Included With Every South Terminal Transfer
✅ Meet & greet inside South Terminal arrivals — driver with name board, visible as you exit customs
✅ Fixed price confirmed at booking — no meter, no surge, no Gatwick drop-off charge added
✅ Real-time flight tracking — driver adjusts to your actual landing time automatically
✅ 30 minutes free waiting — from your confirmed pickup buffer after landing
✅ South Terminal drop-off and pick-up charges included — nothing added at the airport
✅ Luggage carried to vehicle — driver assists from arrivals hall to car
✅ Free Wi-Fi on board — every vehicle
✅ Complimentary bottled water — in the vehicle ready for you
✅ Child seats — specify at booking
✅ No early morning or late night surcharge — 04:30 South Terminal departure, same price as noon
✅ Executive Mercedes or BMW available — for business passengers ✅ VAT receipt issued — for corporate expense accounts
✅ TfL-licensed, DBS-checked driver — every booking, every time
✅ 8-seater minibus — for groups or passengers with significant luggage
Frequently Asked Questions
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The South Terminal is used by British Airways (most Gatwick routes), Virgin Atlantic (selected routes), Ryanair (its main Gatwick base), Wizz Air, Vueling, Transavia, and various charter and seasonal operators. easyJet primarily uses the North Terminal. Always check your booking confirmation for your terminal before travelling.
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Yes. Gatwick Airport Railway Station is located directly inside the South Terminal building at ground level. It provides non-stop Gatwick Express services to London Victoria (approximately 30 minutes), Thameslink services to London Bridge (approximately 30 minutes) and St Pancras (approximately 50 minutes), and Southern services to Brighton and other destinations.
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No. All vehicles using the set-down area in front of the South Terminal are charged via ANPR cameras. The charge applies regardless of how briefly you stop. When you book a transfer with UK Airport Transfer Services, the South Terminal drop-off and pick-up charges are included in your fixed price — nothing is added at the airport.
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Your UK Airport Transfer Services driver meets you inside the South Terminal arrivals hall with a name board. After collecting your bags and clearing customs, walk into the arrivals area and your driver will be visible. For pre-booked private hire, the vehicle is positioned in the designated private hire area adjacent to the terminal.
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The postcode for Gatwick South Terminal is RH6 0NP. Useful for sat-nav navigation. Pre-booked transfer drivers navigate directly to the South Terminal without requiring passenger guidance.
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Take the free inter-terminal shuttle, which departs from the South Terminal and takes approximately 3 minutes to reach the North Terminal. The shuttle runs every few minutes around the clock. Follow signs inside the South Terminal for "Shuttle" or "North Terminal."
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The Sofitel London Gatwick is directly connected to the South Terminal building and is the most convenient on-site hotel. The Premier Inn Gatwick Airport South Terminal and Hilton Garden Inn London Gatwick are also within close proximity. All are bookable directly or via comparison sites.
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Yes. We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Early morning transfers from the South Terminal are among our most common bookings. There is no early morning or late night surcharge — a 4am pickup costs the same as a midday journey.
Book Your Gatwick South Terminal Transfer Now
Door-to-door. Fixed price. Driver waiting in arrivals with your name board. No drop-off charge added. No surge. Whether you're landing after a long-haul flight or heading out for an early departure, a pre-booked private hire transfer is the most reliable way to start and end your journey at the South Terminal.
📍 South Terminal, London Gatwick Airport, RH6 0NP | ✈️ Departures & Arrivals | 🚂 On-site Railway Station | 🪪 TfL Licensed: 01094601