The second-largest airport in both London and the UK after Heathrow, Gatwick served 35 million passengers in 2006. Seventy-nine airlines operate from the two-terminal airport, serving 227destinations. Work is currently underway to accommodate the new Airbus A380. Proposals have also been made to build a second runway.
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There is a free Transit train, which links the North and South terminals 24 hours a day.
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Rail: The Gatwick Express train (tel: +44 (0)845 850 1530) runs to London Victoria Station (journey time: 30 minutes). There is also a Thameslink (tel: +44 (0)20 7620 6333) service, which runs to London King's Cross (journey time: 50 minutes) as well as other London stations. Information on all national rail travel is available through the 24-hour National Rail enquiries line (tel: +44 (0)845 748 4950; website: www.nationalrail.co.uk).
Road: Limousine: Chauffeur-driven cars are provided by Checker Cars (tel: +44 (0)800 747 737). Coach: There are more than 400 express coach service operating daily from the coach stations at both terminals. The main coach station is located on the ground floor of the South Terminal, with most services operating from here. Principal routes also stop at the North Terminal station. National Express (tel: +44 (0) 870 575 7747; website: www.nationalexpress.com) operate most of the services. National Express no.700 coaches operate to Heathrow Airport, from both terminals. The National Express Shuttle no.025 runs to London Victoria Station. The Gatwick Flyer (tel: +44 (0)1708 730 555) runs to destinations east of London, and coaches operate from the South Terminal station only. There are coach information and ticket desks located in the Arrivals concourse of both terminals. Information on travel to/from the airport is available thought the Airport Travel Line (tel: +44 (0)8705 747 777).
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Each terminal has a short-term car park with direct access to the terminals via covered walkways; these are operated by NCP (tel: +44 (0)870 600 7050; website: www.ncp.co.uk). Long-term parking is also available in car parks further from the terminals; a free shuttle bus runs between the car parks and the terminals. Passengers can book at least 96 hours in advance; this can be done through BAA Advance (tel: +44 (0)870 000 1 000; website: www.baa.com). Valet parking is available and operated by NCP. Chauffeured parking is also available from CPS (tel: +44 (0)870 411 1118; website: www.parkwithcps.com). Vehicle transfer between airports, car valeting/servicing and personal chauffeuring can also be arranged through CPS.
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Money and communications: Both terminals have bureaux de change and ATMs. There is a post office and a 24-hour internet café in the South Terminal. Wireless internet connection is also available in the North Terminal.
Eating and drinking: There are many restaurants, bars and cafés located in both terminals.
Shopping: There are many shops at the airport, including several duty-free outlets. The airport has also recently introduced a home delivery service and a collection service. More information is available from the BAA Shopping Information Line (tel: +44 (0)800 844 844).
Luggage: Left-luggage facilities are available in both terminals. A lost property service is also operated by the Excess Baggage Company (tel: +44 (0)1293 503 162).
Other facilities: These include baby changing rooms and showers, a children’s play area, a medical centre offering vaccinations (tel: +44 (0)1293 507 400) and prayer rooms.
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Airport hotels include the London Gatwick Hilton Hotel (tel: +44 (0)1293 518 080) at the South Terminal, and Le Meridien London Gatwick Hotel (tel: +44 (0)1293 567 070 or +44 (0)870 400 8494) at the North Terminal. The Travel Inn (tel: +44 (0)870 238 3305) is situated a five-minute walk away from the North Terminal. Other nearby hotels include the Gatwick Moat House, Ramada Plaza Gatwick, Holiday Inn Gatwick, Renaissance Gatwick, Gatwick Belmont and Holidan Inn Express. A hotel reservation service is available at the British Hotel Reservation Centre desks (tel: +44 (0)1293 504 605 or +44 (0)800 783 4060) in the Arrivals area.
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Special assistance is available for disabled passengers. There are ramps and/or lifts where necessary. Wheelchair push and provision and help with baggage are also provided on request. Reserved seating is located throughout the airport, and there is also designated parking for badge holders. There is an induction loop installed in the terminals, as well as disabled toilets. Passengers requiring assistance should inform the relevant airline before travelling. Travel-Care (tel: +44 (0)1293 504 283) provides advice to anyone who needs assistance and is located in The Village, in the South Terminal.
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There are business facilities, including telephone, fax, photocopy and secretarial services and conference and meeting rooms, at London Gatwick Hilton Hotel (tel: +44 (0)1293 518 080) at the South Terminal and Le Meridien London Gatwick Hotel (tel: +44 (0)1293 567 070) at the North Terminal. There is one executive lounge in the South Terminal, the Servisair Lounge (tel: +44 (0)870 787 6877), and one in the North Terminal, the Aviance Alexandra Suite (tel: +44 (0)1293 507 203).
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