General
Overview
London Gatwick (LGW) has two terminals. The train station is located in the South Terminal; a free 2-minute automated shuttle connects it to the North Terminal.
Transfer Options
TfL services — including the Tube, Elizabeth Line, Overground, and DLR — are occasionally affected by industrial action. Check the TfL service status page the evening before travel. If the Tube is suspended, use London buses (unaffected by most Tube strikes) or book a Black Cab or Uber in advance for airport runs.
Luggage Storage
Handling Large Luggage
Most airport trains terminate at major hubs like Paddington, Victoria, or Liverpool Street, which are rarely within walking distance of your final accommodation.
If you have large luggage, do not attempt to transfer to the Underground (Tube) once you reach the city rail hubs. Instead, follow the “Taxi” signs within the station to the official taxi rank. A 10-minute Black Cab ride from the station to your hotel door is the safest way to avoid the narrow stairs and deep tunnels of the Tube with heavy bags.
Visitor Cards & Transit Passes
Visitor Cards
- London Pass: Provides entry to 110+ attractions; you can add a pre-loaded Travelcard (Zones 1-6) for all Tube, bus, and rail travel. Prices start at £99 for 1 day (up to £259 for 10 days).
- Go City London: Two pass types — the Explorer Pass (choose 2–7 attractions, 30 days to use; from £64) or the All-Inclusive Pass (unlimited attractions for a fixed duration; from £99 for 1 day).
Transport for London (TfL)
London transport operates on a “pay-as-you-go” system with daily and weekly price caps. For most visitors, Contactless/Mobile Pay is the most efficient option.
- Contactless/Mobile Pay: Use any bank card or phone wallet (Apple/Google Pay). Daily caps for Zones 1-2 are £8.90, while the Monday–Sunday cap is £44.70.
- Visitor Oyster Card: Costs £5 (non-refundable) plus your chosen credit. It offers exclusive discounts at West End restaurants and the London Transport Museum.
- Day Travelcard: A paper ticket costing £16.60 (Zones 1-6, off-peak). Recommended if you want to use the “National Rail 2-for-1” entry deals at landmarks like the Tower of London (requires a paper ticket from a National Rail station).
- Discount Linking: Visitors with a Senior Railcard or Disabled Persons Railcard can link it to an Oyster card at a TfL ticket office for a 33% discount on off-peak fares.
Children’s Fares
- Under 5 — always free: Children under 5 travel free on all TfL services (Tube, bus, Elizabeth Line, DLR) when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. No card required.
- 5–10 — free on buses and trams: No card needed. For the Tube, Elizabeth Line, and DLR, one fare-paying adult can bring up to 4 children under 11 for free — they do not need to tap in or out.
- 11–15 — child-rate tickets: Buy a child-rate paper ticket at any ticket machine (roughly half the adult fare) or apply in advance for an 11–15 Zip Oyster photocard for free bus and tram travel.
Where to Buy
Gatwick: Visit the On-Track Information desk in the North Terminal or the rail ticket office in the South Terminal.
TfL Fares & PaymentsUse the “Step-free mode” in the TfL Go app to find routes that only use lifts/elevators.
Most Londoners use Citymapper. It is more intuitive for first-time visitors, showing exactly which section of the train to board for the easiest exit near the station lifts.
Public Transit
Train & Tube
The Gatwick Express reaches Victoria in 30 minutes for £35.00 (anytime walk-up; advance from ~£20), while Thameslink is a more affordable alternative at £12–£16.
If traveling on Thameslink or the Gatwick Express with large bags, avoid the narrow ticket barriers. Every London station has at least one “Wide Isle Gate” (usually at the far end of the row) designed for wheelchairs and large luggage. Use your contactless card/phone on these larger gates to avoid getting stuck.
Tickets & Validation
For Heathrow, Gatwick, and St Pancras (Tube/Bus), do not buy paper tickets. Simply tap your Contactless Credit Card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay on the yellow readers at the station gates.
- Validation: You must tap in at the start and tap out at the end of your journey (except on buses, where you only tap in).
- Stansted Exception: Ensure you have a pre-booked digital ticket for the Stansted Express.
Unlike in the past, visitors no longer need a physical Oyster Card. Using your own contactless credit card automatically calculates the “daily cap,” ensuring you never overpay for travel across the bus, Tube, and rail networks.
Coach (National Express)
Price and Time
National Express coaches connect Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted to Victoria Coach Station. For Stansted, prices start at £12 and the journey can take up to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
For those with heavy bags, the coach is often preferable as drivers load your luggage into the under-carriage. Always pre-book online to ensure a seat, as “walk-up” fares are significantly higher and buses frequently sell out during peak hours.
Accessibility & Safety
All London airports and major rail hubs offer Special Assistance. Book at least 48 hours before departure through your airline or rail operator.
Both North and South terminals have dedicated Special Assistance check-in desks, wheelchair services, and Changing Places facilities. Pre-book through your airline at least 48 hours ahead.
Gatwick: AccessibilityNever accept a ride from someone in the Arrivals hall offering a “cheap taxi” or “private car.” These are unlicensed drivers who often overcharge or lack insurance. Always use the official Taxi Rank or a verified app.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
Lost items can be reported and tracked via Gatwick’s online service. Items lost on board an aircraft should be reported to your airline.
Gatwick: Lost PropertyFirst Aid
All four airports have on-site first aid teams. In any medical emergency, approach airport staff immediately or call 999.
Pharmacy
Arrival
Official Black Cab
The iconic Black Cab is the gold standard for accessibility in London. All Black Cabs are wheelchair accessible and have flip-down seats for extra passengers.
Price and Time
The taxi rank is located outside the Arrivals Hall at both the North and South terminals. Fares to Central London typically exceed £100 due to the distance (~30 miles).
Gatwick: Taxis & TransfersLondon Black Cab drivers undergo years of training called “The Knowledge.” Unlike rideshare drivers who rely on GPS, a Black Cab driver knows every shortcut to bypass traffic. If you are in a rush to a hotel in a complex area like Soho or Mayfair, the Black Cab is worth the premium.
Rideshare
Rideshares pick up from the 'Express Pick-up' area in the North or South terminals. Follow signs within the terminal.
London rideshare prices fluctuate wildly based on “surge pricing.” Download both Uber and Bolt to compare prices in real-time; Bolt often offers “Green” or promotional discounts that Uber lacks.
ATMs and Currency
ATMs are located in the baggage reclaim and arrivals halls. Use bank-affiliated machines (e.g., Barclays, HSBC) rather than “Travelex” kiosks for better rates.
London is now virtually a cashless city. Many pubs, cafes, and even street performers only accept cards. Do not withdraw large amounts of Pounds Sterling (£); you will likely find it difficult to spend large denominations like £50 notes.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
Arrive at least 2 hours before short-haul and 3 hours before long-haul. Check-in times vary by airline — confirm with yours before travelling. If you’ve checked in online with hand luggage only, you can go directly through security.
Gatwick: Checking InSecurity Controls
Security & Screening
Gatwick has installed CT scanners across both terminals. Liquids in containers up to 2 litres can stay in your hand luggage — no plastic bags required. Exception: metal or double-walled containers must be emptied before going through.
Gatwick: Security ScreeningPassport Control
There is no passenger passport queue when departing UK airports. UK Border Force conducts exit checks using airline passenger data — you will not queue at a passport desk on the way out.
VAT Refunds
As of January 2021, the UK has abolished the VAT Retail Export Scheme for visitors to Great Britain.
Unlike the EU, you cannot get a VAT refund at the airport for goods purchased on the high street. The only way to shop tax-free is to have the retailer ship items directly to your home address outside the UK, or to buy from Duty-Free stores after clearing security.