You’ve probably been there. Standing at the wrong train station or staring at a departures board in a mild panic because you realized too late that Gatwick isn't just one big building. It’s a common mistake. Honestly, the London Gatwick North Terminal is often treated like the quieter, slightly more polished sibling to the South Terminal, but it’s a beast of its own. If you’re flying EasyJet or TUI, you’re basically a resident here.
Most people think "airport terminal" and think of cold metal chairs and overpriced sandwiches. While that’s partially true, North Terminal has changed a lot since the 2010s. It’s bigger than it looks. It’s also where you’ll find the world’s largest passenger bridge—something people usually walk over without even realizing they’re suspended 22 meters above a taxiway.
Getting to London Gatwick North Terminal Without the Stress
Getting here is the first hurdle. If you take the train, you arrive at the South Terminal. Period. There is no "North Terminal" train station. You have to jump on the inter-terminal shuttle. It’s a free, automated monorail that runs every few minutes. It’s fast. Like, two minutes fast. But if you’re running late for a flight, that two-minute ride feels like an eternity.
If you’re driving, it’s a different story. The North Terminal has its own dedicated long-stay and short-stay car parks. Use the postcode RH6 0PJ for your sat-nav. Don’t just follow "Gatwick" signs or you’ll end up in a loop of roundabouts that lead to the South Terminal. Parking prices have skyrocketed lately, often reaching £50-£60 a day for premium spots, so booking ahead is basically mandatory if you don't want to get fleeced.
Check-in is on Level 2. It’s a massive open space. EasyJet dominates this area, and they’ve moved almost entirely to self-service bag drops. It’s efficient when it works. When the scanners won't read your tag? That's when the queues start snaking toward the doors.
The Security Slog and the "Liquid" Problem
Security at the London Gatwick North Terminal is a bit of a mixed bag. They’ve been rolling out the new 3D scanners—the ones where you don’t have to take your liquids or laptops out—but it’s not fully across every lane yet. This creates a weird inconsistency. One lane allows you to keep your bag packed; the next lane has a staff member shouting at you to remove your iPad. It’s frustrating.
👉 See also: Finding Your Way: What the Lake Placid Town Map Doesn’t Tell You
Always assume you need to take things out. It’s safer.
Once you’re through, you’re dumped into the World Duty Free walkthrough. It’s designed like a labyrinth. You literally have to walk past every perfume and gin bottle known to man before you find a seat. It’s a classic "pave the path with gold" retail strategy. If you’re looking for a quiet spot, don’t stay in the main departure lounge. It’s loud. It’s crowded. Head toward the gates earlier than you think; there are smaller seating pockets tucked away near the 100-series gates that are far more peaceful.
Eating and Lounging: Beyond the Greasy Spoon
Let’s be real: airport food is usually "meh" at best. But North Terminal has some decent spots. You’ve got the usual suspects like Wagamama and Pret, but The Nicholas Culpeper is actually a standout. They have an on-site gin distillery. Yes, an actual distillery in an airport. It’s probably the most "London" thing about the whole terminal.
If you have a Priority Pass or a bit of extra cash, the lounges are worth considering. The No1 Lounge is the big name here. It has great views of the runway. However, it gets packed. I’ve seen people turned away even with a reservation because the capacity limits are so tight. The Gateway is a newer alternative, often less crowded and better if you just want a decent coffee and a place to charge your phone without someone’s toddler kicking your chair.
A Note on the "Bridge"
Remember that bridge I mentioned? Pier 6. To get there, you walk across a massive glass-walled bridge. It was a huge engineering feat when it opened. It’s high enough for a Boeing 747 to taxi underneath it. If you’re a planespotter or traveling with kids, this is the best spot in the airport. You get a literal bird's-eye view of the ground operations.
✨ Don't miss: Why Presidio La Bahia Goliad Is The Most Intense History Trip In Texas
The EasyJet Factor
You can't talk about London Gatwick North Terminal without talking about EasyJet. Since 2016, they consolidated all their Gatwick operations here. This was a massive move. It means the terminal is now geared toward "budget-plus" travel. You see a lot of families, a lot of hen parties, and a lot of business travelers trying to save a buck.
Because of this, the gate areas can get chaotic. EasyJet uses a "speedy boarding" system that often results in two separate, confusing lines that eventually merge into a single cramped jet bridge.
- Tip: If your gate is in the 100s, it’s a long walk. Like, 15 minutes long. Don’t wait for the "Final Call" to leave the bar.
- Pro-tip: Use the Gatwick App. It’s surprisingly accurate for queue times at security and gate announcements.
What Most People Miss
There’s a sensory room in the North Terminal. It’s hidden away and designed for passengers with autism or those who just need a complete break from the airport noise. It’s free to use. Not many people know it exists, but for someone having a panic attack or a kid who is overstimulated, it’s a lifesaver.
Also, charging points. Everyone fights over the sockets in the main lounge. If you look near the work desks toward the back of the upper level (near the toilets), there are almost always empty USB ports.
Staying Overnight
If you have a 6:00 AM flight, staying on-site is the only way to keep your sanity. The Sofitel is the premium choice. It’s connected directly to the terminal by a covered walkway. You can literally roll out of bed and be at check-in in five minutes. It’s expensive, though.
🔗 Read more: London to Canterbury Train: What Most People Get Wrong About the Trip
The Hampton by Hilton is the "middle ground" option. It’s also connected and includes breakfast. It’s usually clean, functional, and devoid of soul—exactly what you want for a six-hour stay before a flight to Malaga.
The Practical To-Do List for Your Next Trip
Stop treating the airport as a place to endure and start treating it as a place to manage.
- Check the Terminal Again: I know, you think you know. Check the booking confirmation. EasyJet, TUI, and Emirates are North. British Airways and Vueling are South. Mostly. Airlines switch sometimes.
- Book the Lounge 48 Hours Out: If you wait until the day of travel, the No1 Lounge will be "Full." Every single time.
- Water Strategy: Bring an empty reusable bottle. There are water fountains near the toilets after security. Don't pay £3 for a plastic bottle of Evian.
- The Train Ticket Trap: If you’re using the Gatwick Express, it’s expensive. The Southern or Thameslink trains take almost the same amount of time but cost significantly less. Just use your contactless card or phone at the barriers.
- Bag Drop Hack: If you have an early flight with EasyJet, you can often drop your bags off the night before (between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM). This is a game-changer if you’re staying in an airport hotel. You just walk straight to security in the morning.
The London Gatwick North Terminal is a machine. It handles millions of people with varying degrees of success. It’s not as shiny as Heathrow Terminal 5, and it’s certainly more cramped than it was twenty years ago, but if you know where the distillery is and which gates require a 15-minute hike, you’ll be fine. Just don't forget that the shuttle back to the train station takes longer than you think when the crowds are heavy.
Plan for the walk. Expect the queues. Find the bridge. That's the secret to not hating your time at Gatwick.