Gatwick: Airport, Cycle Route and Aviation History

Gatwick is shaped by its airport, transport links, and aviation history, all of which can help when planning a trip. If you’re looking for a hotel in Gatwick, these points of reference can help you put the area in context for your journey—from rail and bus connections to a cycle route, historic terminals, and an aviation museum.

Connections for planning your trip

Direct trains from Gatwick Airport reach 120 railway stations; more than 700 additional stations can be reached with a change. Bus and coach services run directly to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK throughout the year. Routes and network coverage may change, so check timetables and connections for your travel date.

By car, Gatwick is directly connected to the M23 at junction 9 and to the A23 London–Brighton road. The London Gatwick Electric Forecourt has 30 charging points for electric vehicles. A free shuttle runs between the North and South Terminals, with a journey time of about two minutes. As operating information may change, it’s worth checking the latest details before changing terminals.

Cycling and walking in Gatwick

National Cycle Route 21 (NCR 21) passes directly through the South Terminal. The route runs from Greenwich in London through Horley and Crawley, where it meets NCR 20, to Groombridge, Eastbourne, and Pevensey. This makes Gatwick part of a much longer cycle connection. Several walking routes also lead to and from London Gatwick from nearby places.

Finding your way around and terminal facilities

Airport maps show check-in areas, shops, restaurants, toilets, and lifts. Information guides cover the terminals, car parks, and railway station. These details can help you navigate the airport’s different areas.

My Lounge is located in both the North and South Terminals and has a games room. The Plaza Premium Lounge in the North Terminal offers a complimentary buffet of hot and cold food, as well as a dedicated children’s area. Lounge services and facilities may change; check the latest availability and facility details before visiting.

There are chapels and prayer rooms in the North and South Terminals. They provide space for services as well as private prayer and are open to people of all faiths for prayer and meditation. The rooms are open 24 hours a day. As access arrangements may change, it’s advisable to check the latest information before visiting.

Aviation history and museum

Gatwick became an airfield in the 1930s. The Beehive Terminal was built in 1935 and is regarded as the world’s first circular terminal building. Its first scheduled flight, operated by Jersey Airways, flew to Paris in 1936. In 1958, the Queen officially opened the new Gatwick. This timeline makes the Beehive a distinctive chapter in airport and aviation history.

Gatwick Aviation Museum is near the airport and displays a wide range of aircraft and artefacts relating to the history of British aviation heritage. A viewing area near the runway offers a glimpse of airport operations. Use of this area may be affected by on-site operations, so check access arrangements before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Banstead, Bletchingley, Leatherhead, Bramley, Worplesdon, Virginia Water, Burpham, Windlesham

For the main travel overview: Surrey.