Moving Between Gatwick Terminals After You Land
North and South are linked by a shuttle, not a corridor. That single fact changes how you plan a Gatwick connection.
The shuttle and what it means
Gatwick's two terminals are connected by an automated shuttle rather than a walkway. It is quick and it runs frequently, but it is a scheduled service with a platform, a wait and a journey, and it is occasionally out of action for maintenance with a replacement bus in its place. Plan on it working and know what you would do if it is not, particularly if you are self-connecting on separate tickets.
When to move by road instead
A road transfer between the terminals is not the default and does not need to be. It becomes worth arranging when luggage is heavy or awkward, when someone in the party cannot manage lifts and platforms comfortably, or when a group would otherwise be splitting up and reassembling. It is also useful when the shuttle is suspended and the replacement arrangements are adding an unwelcome variable to a tight schedule.
- Heavy or oversized bags that will not sit easily on a shuttle
- Passengers with mobility or assistance requirements
- Shuttle disruption during a time-critical connection
The wrong-terminal scenario
Occasionally a passenger books a collection at one terminal and lands at the other, usually because an airline moved or a booking was read too quickly. It is recoverable, but it is not instant: the vehicle has to leave one terminal's road system and enter the other's. Sending a message the moment you realise is what shortens the recovery, and the correction is easier the earlier it arrives.
Bags, tickets and the real timing
As at any airport, the length of a terminal change depends on whether you are carrying bags or reclaiming and re-checking them. Through-checked luggage makes the move a short walk-and-ride with hand baggage. Reclaiming means a belt, a trolley, a shuttle and a check-in queue, which is a different order of magnitude. Confirm which situation you are in before deciding how much margin the connection needs.
Departing from the terminal you did not land at
Passengers occasionally land at one Gatwick terminal and depart from the other on a later flight the same day, which is a full reclaim, shuttle and check-in cycle rather than a walk. If that is your itinerary, treat it as two airport processes back to back and plan the gap accordingly. Knowing in advance which terminal each flight uses removes most of the uncertainty from an otherwise awkward day.
Plan your chauffeur journey
London Chauffeurs provides itinerary-led private travel for airport transfers, executive travel, private aviation, events and long-distance UK journeys. Availability and pricing are confirmed for the requested itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Gatwick shuttle free to use?
The inter-terminal shuttle is provided by the airport for passengers moving between terminals. Because service arrangements and any replacement transport can change, check the airport's current information if you are relying on it for a tight connection.
Can a chauffeur drive me between the two Gatwick terminals?
Yes, it can be arranged as a short transfer with agreed pickup and set-down points at each terminal. It is most useful for heavy luggage, assistance needs or groups. Availability and pricing are confirmed per enquiry.
How much time should I leave for a Gatwick terminal change?
More than the shuttle ride alone implies, because the walk to the platform, the wait and the walk out at the far end all add up, and reclaiming bags adds much more. Work backwards from the check-in cut-off published for your onward flight.
Can luggage be left somewhere between terminals?
Airports operate their own left-luggage arrangements, and the availability, location and conditions are set by them rather than by a transport provider. Check the airport's current information if you are relying on it. Where a vehicle is retained for the day, luggage can simply stay in it instead, which is often simpler.