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London Gatwick Airport Insider Guide
LGWGatwick is simpler than Heathrow. Two terminals (North/South), good lounge options, fast train to London.
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55min
Transit to city
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40min
Immigration
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30min
Security buffer
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Leave with 6–10 hours+
Leave the airport?
OK to leave:
6–10h
10h+
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Lounges
| Terminal | Lounge | Access | Showers | Good for | Price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North | No1 Lounge | PP/Dragon/Paid | No | Buffet + made-to-order items | About £34–45 / $43–58 USD |
| North | Plaza Premium | PP/Dragon/Paid | Yes | Hot food, bar, showers | About £35–50 / $45–65 USD |
| North | Clubrooms | Paid | No | Quieter, table service | About £38–60 / $49–78 USD |
| South | No1 Lounge | PP/Dragon/Paid | No | Buffet + made-to-order items | About £34–45 / $43–58 USD |
| South | Club Aspire | PP/Dragon/Paid | Yes | Snacks, hot items, showers | About £30–45 / $38–58 USD |
| South | Clubrooms | Paid | No | Quieter, table service | About £38–60 / $49–78 USD |
Arrive early; No1/Clubrooms can run waitlists at peak times. Showers at Plaza Premium and Club Aspire.
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Traveler notes
- No1 and Clubrooms often get crowded; book ahead if possible.
- Inter-terminal transfer via shuttle; know your terminal before check-in.
- Gatwick Express is fast but pricey; standard trains are cheaper.
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Sleep / Rest
- No formal nap zones; seating only.
- Hotels: Bloc (South terminal landside), Sofitel (North terminal bridge), Hampton (near North).
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Food
- Quick: Pret, M&S Food, grab-and-go everywhere.
- Sit-down: Pub/brasserie options in each terminal; quality varies but fine for a layover.
- 24h: Limited late-night; check info screens.
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Showers
- In Plaza Premium (North) and Club Aspire (South).
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Luggage Storage
- Landside excess baggage facilities. About £8–12 / $10–15 USD per item/day.
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Transit to City
- Gatwick Express: ~30 minutes to London Victoria; about £19–25 / $24–32 USD one-way (cheaper off-peak/advance).
- Southern/Thameslink trains: Cheaper; ~30–45 minutes depending on service.
- Taxi: Time/cost varies; trains usually better.
- Buffer: Back at LGW 3h long-haul, 2h short-haul.
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Essentials
- SIM/eSIM: Airport shops sell UK SIMs; eSIM beforehand is cheaper.
- ATMs: Decline DCC; pay in GBP.
- Water: Fountains/bottle fillers available.
- Wi‑Fi: Free.
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Fast City Hit (6–9h)
- Train to Victoria, quick Buckingham/Westminster glance, and back. Leave 3h before departure.
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Longer City Hit (10h+)
- Victoria/Westminster plus a quick Soho/Covent Garden stroll. Leave 4h if peak times.
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