London Gatwick operates passenger flights through two terminals, North and South. Confirm which terminal your airline uses for the flight you booked, especially when arranging a pick-up or a departure transfer. The railway station serves the South Terminal; passengers using the North Terminal continue by the airport's free inter-terminal shuttle.
Choose the train by its destination
Gatwick Express and Southern provide services to London Victoria. Thameslink serves a different set of London stations, including London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras International. Choose the service that fits your onward journey rather than boarding the first train marked for London.
Check the ticket's operator and route restrictions. Contactless and Oyster payment are available for eligible journeys between Gatwick and London, but those arrangements do not apply to every destination served from the airport. A ticket bought for a particular service may have different conditions from a pay-as-you-go journey.
Using the terminals
For a departure from North Terminal, include the shuttle transfer in the journey plan after leaving the train. For an arrival, finish baggage collection and any required formalities before following the signs for rail or other onward transport. Keep the terminal name in your taxi or coach booking so the operator can give the correct collection instructions.
Rail engineering work can alter services. Check the airport's transport updates and the train operator for your date, and have an alternative plan for a late arrival or very early departure. Avoid a first-day performance booking that depends on every stage of the flight and transfer running to its shortest possible time.
Assistance through the airport
Arrange assisted travel with the airline or travel organiser at least 48 hours before travelling. Gatwick provides assistance guidance and dedicated help points; explain any needs involving the terminal shuttle, baggage or onward transport. Rail passenger assistance is a separate part of the journey and should be confirmed with the train operator.
Follow your airline's check-in and bag-drop deadlines and the airport's current security instructions. Terminal facilities and airline procedures can differ, so check the details for the terminal you will actually use.