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Airport travel

Gatwick North vs South Terminal: avoid a wasted transfer trip

Gatwick Airport has two terminals, North and South, linked by a free shuttle. If you book a private transfer without confirming your terminal, you risk delays or an extra journey. Here’s how to avoid it.

27 September 2026 · 3 min read · Pegasus Transfers Limited

Aerial view of Gatwick Airport showing North and South terminals connected by the free shuttle train

Gatwick Airport has two terminals—North and South—each with its own arrivals and departures. If you’re travelling by private hire, knowing which terminal you’ll use is essential. The free train shuttle between them runs every 10–15 minutes, but if your driver isn’t told your correct terminal, they may drop you at the wrong one. This could mean waiting for the shuttle or, worse, an extra journey. Since all bookings with this operator are pre-arranged, confirming your terminal in advance avoids confusion and wasted time.

Why Gatwick has two terminals

Gatwick’s North and South terminals operate as separate hubs. Most long-haul flights use the North Terminal, while many short-haul and budget flights arrive or depart from the South. Some airlines use both, so your terminal depends on your flight details. If you’re unsure, check your flight confirmation or the airline’s website before booking your transfer.

How the shuttle works between terminals

The free train shuttle runs between North and South terminals every 10–15 minutes, taking around five minutes per trip. It’s efficient for passengers, but if your driver drops you at the wrong terminal, you’ll need to wait for the next shuttle. Since private hire journeys are pre-booked and not street-hail services, confirming your terminal ensures your driver arrives at the correct pick-up or drop-off point.

What to do if you’re unsure of your terminal

If you’re still unsure which terminal you’ll use, contact the airline or check your boarding pass. Gatwick’s website also lists terminal information by airline. Once confirmed, provide the details when booking your transfer. The operator’s team can assist between 8am and 6pm if you’re unclear.

How to book a transfer without mistakes

When arranging your private hire, always specify your terminal—North or South—and whether you’re arriving or departing. The operator’s online quotes are indicative, and the final price is confirmed by the office before travel. Since journeys are pre-arranged, double-checking your terminal avoids delays and ensures a smoother trip.

Other Gatwick travel tips

If you’re travelling from London, Gatwick is around 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The operator provides saloon, executive, MPV, and 8-seater vehicles for groups or families. For corporate or leisure trips, services like Business & Corporate Travel or Leisure Travel can be arranged in advance. If you’re also visiting London, consider combining your transfer with sightseeing or a hotel drop-off.

For weddings, cruises, or seaport transfers, specialist services like Wedding Services or Cruise & Seaport Transfers are available. All bookings must be confirmed in advance, as the operator does not accept street-hail requests.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Gatwick’s North and South terminals are separate, and the free shuttle isn’t instant. Confirming your terminal ensures your driver picks you up or drops you off at the correct location, avoiding delays.

Check your flight details or contact the airline. Gatwick’s website also lists terminal information by airline. The operator’s team can assist if you’re unsure, but confirm before travel to prevent mistakes.

Private hire drivers follow a schedule. If you’re delayed, inform the operator as soon as possible so they can adjust arrangements. Uncommunicated delays may result in the driver moving on.

No. Since North and South terminals are separate, you’ll need two bookings—one for pick-up at your arrival terminal and another for drop-off at your departure terminal. Confirm both when arranging your transfer.

Inform the operator immediately if your terminal changes. They’ll update the driver’s instructions to ensure you’re met at the correct location. Always have your flight details handy.

No. The free shuttle covers movement between terminals. However, if you book a private transfer to the wrong terminal, you may face an additional journey charge. Confirming your terminal avoids this.

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