Gatwick North vs. South Terminal Transfers: Timing and Meeting Points

Transferring between Gatwick’s North and South Terminals is quick and straightforward. The airport’s free inter-terminal shuttle operates 24/7, takes around 2 minutes, and requires 10–15 minutes in total when walking and waiting times are included. If you’re arranging a taxi or chauffeur, knowing the correct meeting point at your terminal helps avoid delays and ensures a smoother pickup.

Travelling through Gatwick Airport is much easier when you know exactly which terminal you’re using and how to transfer between them if needed. Whether you’re catching a connecting flight, arriving at the wrong terminal by mistake, or booking a private airport transfer, understanding the timing and meeting points can save valuable time. 

If you’re also planning onward travel to London or elsewhere, don’t forget to explore our Gatwick Airport Taxi Transfer service for a reliable, fixed-price journey.

Why Knowing Your Gatwick Terminal Matters

London Gatwick Airport has two passenger terminals:

• North Terminal
• South Terminal

Although they belong to the same airport, they’re separate buildings located around 1.36 miles (2.2 km) apart. You cannot walk between them because they’re separated by the airport’s operational area and runway.

Fortunately, Gatwick operates a free automated shuttle that connects both terminals throughout the day and night.

Knowing your departure or arrival terminal helps you:

• Avoid unnecessary terminal changes
• Reach your airline’s check-in desk on time
• Meet your driver at the correct pickup point
• Prevent missed flights or delayed airport transfers
• Reduce stress, especially during busy travel periods

Gatwick North vs. South Terminal 

Which Airlines Use Each Terminal?

One of the biggest reasons passengers transfer between terminals is arriving at the wrong one. Well, it depends on the flight the passenger is arriving through. Each terminal is dedicated to serving specific airlines.

Therefore, before travelling, always check your booking confirmation or boarding pass because airlines occasionally change terminals.

North Terminal Airlines

Many major international airlines operate from the North Terminal, including:

• easyJet (most Gatwick flights)
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• WestJet
• Icelandair
• Air China
• SWISS

North Terminal handles a significant number of international and long-haul services.

South Terminal Airlines

The South Terminal serves numerous domestic, European and leisure routes, including airlines such as:

• British Airways
• Ryanair
• Wizz Air
• Vueling
• Jet2
• Air France
• TAP Air Portugal
• Most TUI flights

How to Transfer Between Gatwick North and South Terminals

Fortunately, transferring between terminals is simple.

The airport provides a free automated shuttle train that runs continuously throughout the day.

Shuttle Service Overview

The shuttle is designed for passengers travelling with:

• Large suitcases
• Pushchairs
• Wheelchairs
• Mobility aids

No ticket or reservation is required.

Step-by-Step: North Terminal to South Terminal

If you arrive at the North Terminal but need the South Terminal:

Step 1

Exit Arrivals and follow signs for:

• South Terminal
• Inter-Terminal Shuttle

The airport signage is clear and easy to follow.

Step 2

Take the lift or escalator to the shuttle platform.

Step 3

Board the next available shuttle. They normally arrive every few minutes.

Step 4

Travel for approximately 2 minutes.

Step 5

Exit inside the South Terminal and follow signs for:

• Departures
• Arrivals
• Railway Station
• Taxi pickup

Step-by-Step: South Terminal to North Terminal

The journey in the opposite direction is almost identical.

Simply:

1. Follow signs for North Terminal
2. Take the lift or escalator to the shuttle station.
3. Board the free shuttle.
4. Ride for approximately 2 minutes.
5. Exit directly into North Terminal.

From there, continue towards:

• Check-in
• Security
• Airline desks
• Taxi pickup area

How Long Does the Terminal Transfer Really Take?

Although the shuttle ride itself is only around 2 minutes, travellers should allow additional time for walking and waiting.

Here’s a realistic breakdown.

If you’re travelling during peak holiday periods, adding a few extra minutes is sensible.

How Much Time Should You Allow Between Flights?

If your journey requires changing terminals, timing becomes more important.

A good rule of thumb is:

If you’re flying on separate tickets, leaving additional time provides extra peace of mind.

Meeting Points for Taxi Pickups at Gatwick North and South Terminals

Whether you’re travelling home, heading to a hotel, or continuing your journey elsewhere in the UK, meeting your driver at the correct location can save valuable time. Gatwick has designated pickup areas for each terminal, and knowing where to go after collecting your luggage helps avoid unnecessary confusion.

If you’ve booked a private taxi or chauffeur in advance, your booking confirmation should include the exact meeting instructions. Many transfer companies also provide a meet-and-greet service, where the driver waits inside the arrivals hall with a name board.

North Terminal Taxi Meeting Point

Passengers arriving at the North Terminal are collected from the terminal parking Car Park pickup area, located a short walk from the arrivals exit.

The exact pickup process looks like this:

• Collect your luggage.
• Exit the Arrivals Hall.
• Follow signs for terminal parking (formerly Short Stay Car Park) or Passenger Pick-Up.
• Meet your driver at the designated pickup bay or inside the arrivals hall if you’ve booked a meet-and-greet service.

If you’re being collected by family or friends, they should also use the official pickup area rather than stopping outside the terminal entrance, as waiting restrictions apply.

South Terminal Taxi Meeting Point

The South Terminal uses a similar system.

After collecting your baggage:

• Leave the Arrivals Hall.
• Follow signs for terminal parking (formerly Short Stay Car Park) or Passenger Pick-Up.
• Walk to the designated collection area.
• Meet your driver at the agreed location.

Because the South Terminal is directly connected to Gatwick Railway Station, it can become particularly busy during peak commuting hours. Allow a few extra minutes if you’re travelling during the morning or evening rush.

Meet-and-Greet vs. Standard Pickup

When booking an airport transfer, you’ll have two collection options.

1. Meet-and-Greet Service
2. Standard Pickup

Meet-and-Greet Service

This is the most convenient choice, especially for:

• First-time visitors
• International travellers
• Families with children
• Elderly passengers
• Business travellers
• Anyone carrying multiple suitcases

With a meet-and-greet service, your driver will:

• Monitor your flight in real time.
• Wait inside the arrivals hall.
• Hold a personalised name board.
• Help with your luggage.
• Escort you directly to the vehicle.

This option removes the stress of locating your driver in a busy airport.

Standard Pickup

A standard pickup normally requires you to walk to a designated collection point, where your driver will be waiting.

While it’s a little cheaper, you’ll need to:

• Follow the airport’s pickup signs.
• Contact your driver if necessary.
• Walk to the allocated pickup bay.

For travellers who know Gatwick well, this is straightforward. However, many visitors prefer the added convenience of a meet-and-greet service.

Where Should You Meet Family or Friends?

If someone is collecting you from Gatwick, it’s important to agree on the meeting location before you land.

Popular meeting places include:

• Costa Coffee inside the terminal
• Main Arrivals Hall
• Information Desk
• Designated pickup area in the terminal parking

Trying to meet outside the terminal entrance isn’t recommended, as vehicles aren’t permitted to wait there for extended periods.

Choosing a clear landmark inside the terminal can make finding each other much easier, particularly during busy travel seasons.

Public Transport Connections from Each Terminal

Both terminals offer excellent onward transport, although the South Terminal has one significant advantage.

South Terminal

The South Terminal is directly connected to Gatwick Airport Railway Station, making it the main hub for passengers travelling by train.

Services include:

• Gatwick Express
• Thameslink
• Southern Railway

From here, you can reach destinations including:

• London Victoria
• London Bridge
• Brighton
• East Croydon
• Bedford
• Cambridge
• Peterborough

If your flight arrives at the South Terminal, reaching the station is simply a matter of following the clearly marked signs.

North Terminal

The North Terminal doesn’t have its own railway station.

Passengers travelling by train must first use the free inter-terminal shuttle to reach the South Terminal before accessing the station.

Fortunately, because the shuttle journey is so short, this rarely adds more than 10–15 minutes to the overall journey.

Driving to the Correct Terminal

If you’re driving yourself or arranging for someone to drop you off, double-check the terminal before setting off.

Although both terminals are accessed from the M23 motorway, they split near the airport entrance. Taking the wrong exit can add unnecessary time to your journey, especially during busy periods.

Most satellite navigation systems recognise:

• Gatwick North Terminal
• Gatwick South Terminal

Entering the correct destination ensures you’re taken directly to the appropriate terminal.

Common Mistakes Travellers Make

Many airport delays happen because of simple planning mistakes rather than traffic or flight issues.

Here are some of the most common errors to avoid.

1. Assuming You Can Walk Between the Terminals

Despite being part of the same airport, the terminals are not connected by a public walkway.

Always use the free shuttle.

2. Not Checking Your Airline’s Terminal

Airlines occasionally change terminal assignments due to operational requirements.

Checking your terminal the day before departure can prevent unnecessary last-minute transfers.

3. Underestimating Transfer Time

While the shuttle itself is quick, walking, waiting, and navigating the terminal all take time.

Allow at least 10–15 minutes, and longer during peak travel periods.

4. Booking a Taxi Without Confirming the Terminal

Giving the wrong terminal information can delay your pickup and increase waiting charges.

Always provide:

• Airline
• Flight number
• Arrival terminal
• Estimated landing time

5. Forgetting About Flight Delays

Flights don’t always arrive on schedule.

Choosing a transfer provider that monitors flights helps ensure your driver adjusts the pickup time automatically, reducing the stress of delays.

Tips for a Smooth Gatwick Terminal Transfer

A little preparation can make your airport experience much easier.

Here are some practical tips:

• Check your terminal before leaving home.
• Keep your boarding pass easily accessible.
• Follow the airport’s overhead signs rather than relying solely on your phone.
• Allow extra time during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays.
• Charge your mobile phone before travelling.
• Share your flight number with your driver.
• Confirm your meeting point before landing.
• Travel light where possible to move through the airport more quickly.
• If travelling with children or elderly passengers, allow additional transfer time.
• Pre-book your airport transfer to avoid long taxi queues after arrival.

Following these simple steps helps reduce stress and keeps your journey running smoothly.

Is It Better to Pre-Book Your Airport Transfer?

For many travellers, the answer is yes.

Pre-booking offers several advantages over finding a taxi after landing.

These include:

• Fixed pricing with no unexpected fare increases
• A confirmed vehicle waiting for you
• Reduced waiting times
• Professional drivers familiar with both terminals
• Flight monitoring for delayed arrivals
• Optional meet-and-greet service
• Larger vehicle choices for families or groups
• Child seats available on request with many providers

If you’re arriving during busy holiday periods or late at night, having your transport arranged in advance can provide valuable peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gatwick inter-terminal shuttle free?

Yes. The shuttle is completely free for all passengers and operates 24 hours a day.

How often does the shuttle run?

Services operate every few minutes throughout the day and night, so waiting times are short.

Can I walk between Gatwick’s North and South Terminals?

No. The terminals are separated by airport operations and an active runway. The free shuttle is the only practical way to travel between them.

How long does the shuttle journey take?

The shuttle ride itself takes around 2 minutes, while the total transfer, including walking and waiting, takes 10–15 minutes.

Which terminal has the railway station?

The railway station is directly connected to the South Terminal. Passengers arriving at the North Terminal should take the free shuttle before boarding a train.

Should I book a meet-and-greet airport transfer?

If you’re unfamiliar with Gatwick, travelling with children, carrying heavy luggage or arriving from an international flight, a meet-and-greet service can make your arrival much smoother.

Final Thoughts

Transferring between Gatwick’s North and South Terminals is far easier than many travellers expect. With a free shuttle running around the clock, clear airport signage and dedicated pickup areas, most passengers can move between terminals in around 10–15 minutes. The key is to check your airline’s terminal before travelling, allow enough time for the transfer and confirm your meeting point if you’re being collected.

Need a reliable Gatwick airport transfer? Book in advance to secure a fixed-price journey, avoid last-minute taxi queues and enjoy a smooth pickup from the correct terminal, so you can focus on your trip, not the airport logistics.