I’m Matty, and I run DM Airport Transfers, picking up American travellers at Gatwick regularly. Gatwick is London’s second-largest airport, and while it’s generally more compact and easier to navigate than Heathrow, it still has its own quirks worth knowing before you fly. Here’s a complete guide for American travellers.
Gatwick’s two terminals
Gatwick is split into North Terminal and South Terminal, connected by a free shuttle transit that runs frequently. Most transatlantic and long-haul flights use the North Terminal, though it’s worth checking your specific airline before you travel, since the two terminals aren’t within walking distance of each other.
Immigration and customs at Gatwick
After leaving the aircraft, you’ll follow signage to UK Border Force. Most American visitors can use the ePassport gates, which speeds up the process considerably compared to the manual desks. Once through immigration, you’ll collect your baggage and pass through customs, green channel for nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods to declare.
The arrivals hall experience
Gatwick’s arrivals halls are generally less overwhelming than Heathrow’s, but they still get busy, particularly around peak transatlantic arrival times. If you’ve pre-booked with DM Airport Transfers, your driver will be waiting here with a clearly displayed name board.
Getting from Gatwick into central London
- The Gatwick Express, a fast direct train to Victoria station, though you’ll likely need a further journey from there to your actual hotel
- Southern and Thameslink rail services, cheaper but slower with more stops
- Black cabs, available but metered with costs that can climb given Gatwick’s distance from central London
- Rideshare apps, prone to surge pricing during busy arrival periods
- A pre-booked private transfer, direct from arrivals to your final destination
Why Gatwick’s distance from London matters
Gatwick sits further from central London than Heathrow, meaning journey times and costs by taxi or rideshare can be higher than travellers expect. A fixed-price private transfer, agreed before you fly, removes that uncertainty entirely.
Onward travel beyond London
Gatwick is also a useful arrival point if you’re heading to the south coast, Brighton, or other destinations outside London, and a private transfer can take you directly there without needing to route through central London first.
Why American travellers pre-book their onward transport
- Fixed price agreed before you fly, from £60 for a saloon and £90 for an MPV
- Driver waiting in arrivals with a name board
- Real-time flight tracking, so delays are handled automatically
- DBS-checked, professional drivers who know the roads around Gatwick well
- Availability 24/7, covering early morning and late arrivals
Frequently asked questions
Which Gatwick terminal will my flight use?
Check your booking confirmation or airline website, most long-haul flights use North Terminal, but this varies.
How far is Gatwick from central London?
Around 30 miles, with journey times typically 45 minutes to over an hour by road depending on traffic.
Is the Gatwick Express the fastest way into London?
It’s fast to Victoria station, but you’ll likely need a further onward journey to reach your actual accommodation.
Where will my pre-booked driver meet me?
In the main arrivals hall, holding a clearly displayed name board.
Do you cover destinations beyond London from Gatwick?
Yes, including the south coast and other UK regions.
Book your Gatwick transfer
Get in touch before you fly and we’ll have a driver ready when you land.
