Flights to London Gatwick

Gatwick is London's second-busiest airport and the main gateway to the south of England. It handles a large share of short-haul European traffic plus a number of long-haul routes, which makes it a useful alternative when Heathrow timings or fares do not suit. Search flights to London Gatwick on Traveloka to compare one-stop and nonstop itineraries, filter by arrival time and see how Gatwick stacks up against the other London airports.

About London Gatwick Airport

Location

Gatwick lies in West Sussex beside the town of Crawley, about 45 km south of central London. That southern position puts it closer to Brighton, the South Downs and the Sussex and Surrey countryside than any other London airport, while fast trains still reach the centre of the capital easily.

Terminals

There are two terminals at Gatwick, the North Terminal and the South Terminal. A free automated shuttle runs between them, so a terminal change is quick. The railway station is attached to the South Terminal, which is worth remembering if you plan to head straight for a train.

Getting to and from Gatwick

The Gatwick Express runs nonstop to London Victoria. Thameslink trains head north through London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras, which is handy for the City and King's Cross, and Southern services also serve Victoria. Trains run south to Brighton as well. National coaches, black cabs and ride-hailing pick-ups are available outside both terminals, and contactless cards are accepted on most rail routes into London.

Direct and Connecting Flights to London Gatwick

Long-haul services from Changi to Gatwick have operated at different times, so the picture can shift from season to season. The quickest way to check what is available for your dates is to switch on the Direct filter in the results. One-stop connections via Europe, the Gulf or other Asian hubs are also common, and they can widen your choice of arrival times.

Gatwick makes the most sense if you are staying in south London, around Victoria or London Bridge, or planning a trip to the coast. If most of your time will be in west London or Kensington, compare Heathrow, and for Canary Wharf consider London City. The London city search puts all of them side by side.

When to Fly to London Gatwick

Southern England enjoys some of the country's mildest weather, and summer is the classic time to combine London with a few days by the sea. That season overlaps with Singapore's June school holidays, so book early. Spring brings bluebell woods and blossom to Sussex, and early autumn keeps the countryside green with fewer visitors.

Searches for cheap flights to London in December climb every year because families want the festive lights and Christmas markets during the year-end school break, and Chinese New Year adds another busy spell. If you are wondering when is the cheapest time to fly to London, the honest answer is that it varies. The monthly fare chart on this page shows the pattern, and a Price Alert tells you when it changes.

Popular Places Near Gatwick and in London

Brighton

Brighton's seafront, pier and pebble beach are a straight train ride from Gatwick. Explore the Royal Pavilion, with its Indian-inspired domes, and the independent shops of the North Laine.

South Downs National Park

Rolling chalk hills stretch across Sussex and Hampshire, ending at the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Walkers love the long-distance South Downs Way, and villages with old pubs dot the route.

Buckingham Palace

A short walk from Victoria station, the King's official London residence hosts the Changing of the Guard. In summer, the State Rooms usually open to visitors.

Borough Market and the Shard

From London Bridge station you can graze through one of the city's oldest food markets, then head up the Shard for views across the Thames and the City skyline.

Wakehurst

This country estate near Gatwick is the wild botanic garden of Kew, known for woodland walks, a Tudor mansion and the Millennium Seed Bank.

Where to Stay Near Gatwick and in London

If you want to stay close to the runway for an early flight, Crawley and Horley are the nearest towns and both have their own stations. For a seaside base with an easy airport run, Brighton and Hove work well, particularly in the warmer months.

Travellers heading into London often choose Victoria, which puts Westminster and Buckingham Palace within walking distance and has the Gatwick Express on its doorstep. London Bridge and Southwark suit food lovers and theatre fans, and Thameslink makes Farringdon and King's Cross easy picks for those who want a direct train from Gatwick.

Food to Try in London and the South

Seaside Fish and Chips

Nothing beats a paper-wrapped portion eaten on Brighton beach. Look for chippies that fry to order and offer a choice of cod, haddock or plaice.

Bangers and Mash

British pork sausages served on creamy mashed potato with onion gravy. It is warming pub food, especially welcome in winter.

Ploughman's Lunch

A country pub plate of cheddar, crusty bread, pickle, apple and ham. It is a light choice after a morning on the South Downs.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A soft date sponge drenched in toffee sauce and served warm with custard or ice cream. Most pubs keep it on the dessert menu all year.

Ready to fly? Book flights to London Gatwick on Traveloka, compare budget flights to London alongside the other airports, and pay with local payment methods. E-tickets, Easy Reschedule and 24/7 customer service keep the trip simple from search to landing.