Gatwick Airport links its North and South terminals with a free inter-terminal shuttle. The airport describes a two-minute vehicle ride and 24-hour service, but a flight connection includes more than the shuttle segment.
Where to start
Confirm your next airline and its terminal before leaving arrivals. At South Terminal, follow signs near the rail station toward the North Terminal shuttle. At North Terminal, follow the South Terminal signs to the shuttle entrance. If the onward airport code is LHR, STN or LTN, it is another airport and the Gatwick terminal shuttle won't take you there.
How the movement works
The airport’s flight-connection page says its free terminal shuttle runs every few minutes, all day, throughout the year, and describes a two-minute journey. That published time is the ride between terminal stations, excluding the walk to the station and the next gate. Gatwick also says connecting passengers who need their hold luggage should collect it and then check in again for the onward flight. Confirm the actual bag instruction with your airlines.
| Decision | What the source describes |
|---|---|
| North ↔ South terminals | Free shuttle; published two-minute ride |
| From South Terminal | Follow the shuttle signs near the rail station |
| Hotel and city buses | Separate routes and stops; confirm booked operator |
Before you rely on this route
Don't confuse the free inter-terminal shuttle with Gatwick Hoppa hotel buses or public coaches. The coach page places South Terminal bus stops on either side of the A23 with different access routes for northbound and southbound travel. A city or hotel coach isn't automatically a flight transfer. Check entry requirements, security and the operating airline’s deadline before deciding whether your connection is feasible.
Check your operating flight and the airport’s current notice before you go. A short ride or a frequent bus won’t tell you whether you have enough time for the whole connection.
Common questions
Is the two-minute shuttle ride my whole connection?
No. It excludes station access, baggage, check-in, screening and gate travel.
Will the shuttle take me to Heathrow?
No. Heathrow is a different airport and needs separate ground transport planning.
Official sources and date
Source material was reviewed on 2026-11-01. Airport operations and individual flights can change after that date.