Car Rental at London Gatwick Airport - Convenient to London

This airport is located only 40 kms from central London, south of the city - making it one of the most popular entry points to London. London Gatwick Airport is the second largest in the UK, only behind London Heathrow. It primarily services the areas of London, and its home counties. Often flying into and from London Gatwick Airport is a cheaper alternative to London Heathrow Airport, due in part to the hosting of many low-cost airlines. Nevertheless, this airport has excellent links to local public transport and ample services for passengers, especially useful if opting for a car rental at London Gatwick Airport.

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Airport Information

Established in the 1930s as an Royal Air Force (RAF) air base, it wasn’t until 1958 that it transferred for civilian and commercial use. London Gatwick Airport is currently managed by the Vinci Airports Group. Its primary focus is to alleviate air traffic load from London Heathrow Airport. Being the second largest airport in London after Heathrow itself, and larger than London City Airport. Annually it welcomes over 46 million passengers making it also one of the busiest in the country. Approximately 50 plus airlines operate out of Gatwick, with air routes across the UK, and the European continent. Paris, Montpellier, Ajaccio, Bastia, Lisbon, Madrid and many other.

Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Address: West Sussex RH6 ONP, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 844 892 0322
Airlines operating at Gatwick Airport: Many national airlines including British Airways, TAP Air Portugal, Iberia and Norwegian. Low-cost airlines include Wizz Air, Easyjet, Ryanair, Vueling and more.

Where to pick up my car rental at London Gatwick Airport

When you opt to rent a car at London Gatwick Airport, you’re able to continue your onward journey quickly due to the airport’s exceptional road network connections. Due to the airport's popularity, you’ll find many of the main car rental suppliers present here. Car rental counters are present within both terminal buildings - north and south - however, the majority are located in the South Terminal, with a free shuttle train linking both terminals. Other car rental offices are located nearby, at the Gatwick Airport business park. Here, a free shuttle bus will take you from the airport to the office. Please make sure you have ready all the required paperwork. Following are some suppliers present at this airport.

Car rental desks' operating hours

	Avis at London Gatwick Airport Perimeter Rd E, South Terminal, London, England RH6 0NP +44 (0) 344 544 6001	Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 06:00 - 23:59
	Europcar at London Gatwick Airport Perimeter Rd E, South Terminal, London, England RH6 0NP +44 (0) 371 384 3408	Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 12:00 - 23:59
	Hertz at London Gatwick Airport Perimeter Rd E, South Terminal London, England RH6 0QX +44 (0) 207 365 3369	Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 06:00 - 23:59 Sat - Sun 06:00 - 22:00
	National at London Gatwick Airport Perimeter Rd E, South Terminal London, England RH6 0NP +44 (0) 1293 609 090	Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 06:00 - 23:59
	Sixt at London Gatwick Airport Perimeter Rd E, South Terminal London, England RH6 0NP +44 (0) 844 499 3399	Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 06:00 - 23:00

Terminals

London Gatwick Airport consists of two main terminals linked together via a free monorail. The terminals are named North Terminal and South Terminal. The South Terminal is the busiest and largest of the two, handling most of the flights. North Terminal is slightly smaller, and handles mainly low-cost airlines. It is a major hub for Easyjet. The North Terminal was added in 1988, to alleviate congestion in the South Terminal. Both terminals are spread over three floors.

Airport Facilities

Both terminals have ample facilities and services. Along with check-in desks, security screening, luggage reclaim belts, boarding gates, departure and arrival halls, the airport also has plenty of shops, restaurants and coffee houses spread throughout. Stores include souvenir shops, luxury clothes and items, boutiques and many more. For those wishing to find something to eat, there is a restaurant area, with coffee shops, fast food eateries and a VIP lounge.

For those travelling with small children, a play area is available with toys and televisions. A business lounge with high-speed internet is provided along with numerous workstations and charging points. A hotel and spa is available, as is a prayer room, currency exchange, ATM machines, a post office, luggage storage and services for those with mobility and accessibility issues.

How to get to and from London Gatwick Airport

Getting to and from Gatwick Airport is easy with many options available. You can either catch a taxi from outside the terminals, at the taxi rank. You can order a minicab to collect you from the airport arrivals. You can catch a coach into central London - National Express, Easybus or Megabus from outside the arrivals halls. There is a train station located at the South Terminal. Those arriving at the North Terminal can catch the free monorail to the South Terminal to catch a train. There is the Gatwick Express train and regional trains, with the latter being the cheapest.

Gatwick Express can be boarded to Brighton, or towards London arriving at London Bridge or London Victoria. Regional train services are provided by Southern Rail and First Capital Connect. These also operate between Brighton and London, stopping at various stations along the way. You can expect a train every 15-minutes or so. If you plan to collect your car rental at London Gatwick Airport, this is by car the most flexible option. Simply catch the M23 motorway either Southbound towards Brighton or Northbound towards London.

Parking tips

When you opt for a rental car at London Gatwick Airport, all the suppliers have their own dedicated parking spots. These are generally located in one of the airport's car parks. Several other car parks are present - these provide short-term parking, and long-term parking options. There is also a set-down area outside the terminals and premium / valet parking. All car parks have CCTV coverage and are secure. A shuttle bus is provided from the long-term car park.

Parking in London itself can be hard to come by and a costly affair. Parking is easier within boroughs that are further away from the city centre. Although care should be taken to make sure you do not park in a residents only zone. On-street parking normally comes with a maximum stay limit. Metres or Pay-&-Display metres are located along the roads. London has an inner city congestion charge. These areas are monitored by CCTV and are charged daily. A Low Emissions Zone is also in effect in the city. There are numerous car park garages located in the city. Q-Parks are one cost-effective option for parking in London. There are 14-car parks in the city itself.

Useful links

Official Website of London Gatwick Airport