Gatwick Airport Hotels: North vs South Terminal, Budget Options and Parking Deals
How to choose a Gatwick airport hotel: hotels connected to the North and South Terminals, nearby budget options in Crawley and Horley, park-and-fly deals and early-flight tips.
Key takeaways
- Gatwick has two terminals, North and South, linked by a free shuttle train.
- Hotels connected to each terminal by walkway let you roll out of bed to check-in.
- Horley and Crawley have many budget hotels with shuttles or short taxi rides.
- Hotel-and-parking packages are popular and can beat airport parking prices.
In this guide
Gatwick is London's second-largest airport and a hub for holiday flights to Europe, the Caribbean and Florida. Many flights depart early, which makes Gatwick hotels very popular.
Know your terminal
Gatwick has two terminals: North and South. A free shuttle train links them in a few minutes, and the railway station is at the South Terminal. Booking a hotel next to your terminal saves time on the morning of your flight.
Types of Gatwick hotels
| Type | Where | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal-connected | North or South Terminal | Walk to check-in | Higher prices |
| On-airport, short shuttle | Airport grounds | Quick access | Shuttle timing |
| Horley | South of airport | Budget and mid-range choice | Shuttle or taxi |
| Crawley | South-west of airport | Many chains | Short drive |
| Pod and cabin hotels | Inside terminal areas | Cheap, convenient | Very small rooms |
Park-and-fly
Gatwick hotel-and-parking packages are a staple for UK holidaymakers. You stay the night before, leave your car for your trip and use transfers. Compare:
- Parking days included.
- On-site or off-site parking.
- Transfer costs.
- Whether you can collect your car late at night.
Gatwick also charges a drop-off fee at terminal forecourts, which can make park-and-fly more attractive.
When to stay in London instead
Gatwick has fast trains to London Victoria, London Bridge and other central stations. For an afternoon flight, staying in London and catching a train can work well. See where to stay in London.
Early flight checklist
- Book a refundable rate.
- Check in online the night before.
- Ask for a grab-and-go breakfast.
- Confirm shuttle times (some do not run overnight).
- Allow extra time during peak summer and school holidays.
Family tips
- Book a family room early in school holidays.
- Look for hotels with free cots and kids' menus.
- Consider packages with parking and transfers for families with lots of luggage.
See our family hotel tips.
Decision guide
| Your situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| 6am flight, North Terminal | North Terminal-connected hotel |
| 6am flight, South Terminal | South Terminal-connected hotel |
| Driving, two-week trip | Park-and-fly in Horley or on-airport |
| Budget, flight at 9am | Horley or Crawley hotel with shuttle |
| Afternoon flight | London hotel + train |
Gatwick at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Terminals | North and South, linked by a free shuttle train |
| Railway station | At the South Terminal |
| Trains to London | Gatwick Express to Victoria; Thameslink and Southern to London Bridge, Blackfriars and beyond |
| Drop-off | Charged at terminal forecourts |
| Typical flights | European holidays, Caribbean, Florida, some long-haul |
Sample plans
Family, 6:30am flight to Spain from the North Terminal Stay at the North Terminal-connected hotel or a park-and-fly hotel with an early shuttle. Check in online and drop bags early.
Couple, 10am flight to Barbados from the South Terminal Take the train from London in the morning, or stay at the South Terminal if travelling from further away.
Group of friends, late arrival back from Ibiza Book a budget hotel in Horley or Crawley rather than driving home tired.
Pod and capsule options
Compact pod-style rooms near the terminals offer a bed and shower for a few hours at a low price, ideal for solo travellers or couples who just need sleep before a very early flight.
Tips for summer peaks
- Arrive at the airport earlier than usual during school holidays.
- Pre-book parking and fast-track security if you want certainty.
- Book family rooms in airport hotels well in advance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking a hotel connected to the wrong terminal.
- Assuming the free inter-terminal shuttle runs at all hours; check early-morning times.
- Driving to the terminal forecourt without budgeting for the drop-off fee.
- Forgetting that "Gatwick" hotels in Crawley or Horley need a shuttle or taxi.
- Not allowing extra time in summer peaks.
Quick checklist
- [ ] Terminal confirmed (North or South)
- [ ] Hotel location and transfer checked
- [ ] Parking dates confirmed
- [ ] Online check-in done
- [ ] Early breakfast or grab-and-go arranged
The bottom line
Choose a hotel connected to your terminal for very early flights, Horley or Crawley for value, and park-and-fly packages if you are driving. For more airport tips, see our airport hotels guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which terminal is my Gatwick flight from?
Check your booking or airline website. Airlines are assigned to the North or South Terminal, and some change over time.
Are there hotels at Gatwick Airport?
Yes. Both the North and South Terminals have hotels connected by walkways, plus several others a short shuttle ride away.
Is it cheaper to stay in Horley or Crawley?
Often yes. These towns near Gatwick have many budget and mid-range hotels, though you will need a shuttle, bus or taxi to the terminal.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
