London Gatwick Ryanair Terminal: Everything You Need to Know
One of your first concerns when flying with Ryanair is which terminal at London Gatwick Airport to use. To help you be organized and stress-free on your trip, this article provides you with a thorough rundown of everything pertaining to the Ryanair London Gatwick Airport Terminal, including terminals, check-in, baggage, security, and travel advice.
Gatwick Airport: Terminal Overview
London Gatwick (LGW) has two terminals: the North Terminal and the South Terminal.
Both terminals have departure and arrival areas, food & beverage outlets, shops, passenger services, etc.
Importantly, once you’re through security and past certain restricted border/passport control points, you cannot move from one terminal to the other.
For transportation between terminals (before security), there is an automatic people mover (or train/transfer) connection.
Ryanair’s Terminal at London Gatwick Airport
A central piece: Ryanair uses the South Terminal (Terminal S) at Gatwick Airport for both departures and arrivals.
So, when you see “Ryanair London Gatwick Airport Terminal,” you should expect it to refer to the South Terminal. Always check your ticket/booking to confirm, but in general Ryanair flights are located there.
Check-In & Bag Drop Rules
Understanding Ryanair’s check-in and baggage drop policies helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Online Check-In: Ryanair strongly encourages (and in many cases requires) travelers to check in online via their website or mobile app.
Time Frame for Check-In/Bag Drop:
The bag drop counters open no later than 2 hours before the scheduled flight departure.
They close 40 minutes before the flight departure. If you miss that, boarding could be denied.
Recommended Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive at Gatwick South Terminal at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure, especially if you have baggage to check.
Security & Pre-Boarding Procedures
After check-in (or after bag drop if applicable), you head to security.
Security Screening: You’ll need to adhere to standard rules (liquids in 100 ml containers, remove electronics, etc.), with signage and staff available to guide you. During peak hours delays are possible, so allow extra time.
Gate Information & Boarding:
Gate numbers will be shown on airport screens and often via Ryanair’s app or Day-of-Travel notification tools.
You are expected to reach the gate by a certain time—often 30 minutes before departure. Boarding tends to close ~20 minutes before scheduled departure.
Facilities at the South Terminal for Ryanair Travellers
Since Ryanair London Gatwick Airport Terminal refers to the South Terminal for Ryanair, it helps to know what facilities are available there:
Food & Drink: South Terminal offers a range of cafes, fast-food outlets, sit-down restaurants, and coffee shops. You’ll find things like sandwich shops, coffee chains, and snack bars.
Shops & Duty-Free: There are retail outlets, including duty-free, for last-minute shopping (fragrances, gifts, travel essentials).
Lounges & Waiting Areas: If you have lounge access or want to purchase it, there are lounges in the South Terminal along with comfortable waiting areas.
WiFi & Passenger Services: Free WiFi, information desks, help for special assistance, toilets, baby-changing facilities, etc.
Arrivals
For incoming Ryanair flights to LGW:
You’ll arrive at the South Terminal, handle immigration/passport control (if applicable), then proceed to baggage claim if you have checked luggage.
After collecting baggage, exits are clearly marked, and you can access ground transport (taxis, buses, trains, and car rentals) from the arrivals exit in the South Terminal.
Transport & Access
Knowing how to get to and from South Terminal and transport options is crucial.
Address for South Terminal: Gatwick South Terminal, Gatwick Airport, Horley, RH6 0NP, United Kingdom. (Note: That address serves the airport; signage will clearly direct you to the South Terminal.)
By Public Transport: Trains, buses, and coaches serve Gatwick. Many connect directly to the South Terminal.
By Car/Drop-Off: There are forecourt drop-off zones, long-stay and short-stay parking, and signage once you approach Gatwick will guide you to the correct terminal.
Terminal Transfers: If for any reason you are in the North Terminal but need to reach a South Terminal flight (e.g., connecting flights, shuttle, etc.), there is a landside connection. But you cannot cross post-security. So plan accordingly.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Here are pitfalls people often encounter and tips to avoid them:
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Going to the wrong terminal | Always check your flight details/ticket or the Ryanair/Gatwick website to confirm the South Terminal. |
| Arriving too late for bag drop/check-in closure | Aim to arrive 2+ hours ahead; bag drop closes 40 min before departure. |
| Carrying disallowed items or liquids over 100 ml | Follow the standard liquid rules; pack electronics in an accessible way. |
| Not having documents (ID / passport / visa) in hand | Verify travel documents in advance; sometimes documents are checked before or at the gate. |
| Underestimating security/gate distances | South Terminal can be busy; give yourself buffer time for queues. |
Cost Considerations & Fees
Some things that might incur extra costs with Ryanair and at Gatwick:
Baggage fees: If your baggage exceeds the size or weight allowed, or you have checked baggage.
Priority / Seat Reservation: Extra charges for priority boarding, seat choice, etc.
Airport check-in fee: Ryanair often charges more if you fail to check in online and attempt to check in at the airport. Always do your check-in ahead if possible.
Extras at the airport: Lounges, fast-track security (if available), and special assistance may require extra cost.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Experience
Here are best practices to make your travel via the Ryanair London Gatwick Airport Terminal smoother:
Check your flight & terminal ahead of time. Ryanair and Gatwick both post terminal information; sometimes it changes.
Check in online. Save time, avoid extra fees.
Pack sensibly. Know the rules for carry-on/liquid limits and weight limits for checked luggage.
Arrive early. Especially during peak hours (morning/afternoon) and holidays.
Monitor flight status. Use Ryanair’s app or the LGW website for gate changes and delays.
Have documents & boarding pass accessible. Electronic or printed boarding pass, passport or ID, and any visas.
Know what’s downstream from security. Once you pass security in the South Terminal, there are shops, food, restrooms, etc., but you cannot move to the North without exiting and re-entering.
Allow buffer time for transport. Whether you’re coming from London or elsewhere, factor in traffic or delays.
Summary
To sum up:
When people refer to the RyanairLondon Gatwick Airport Terminal, they are almost always talking about the South Terminal.
Ryanair flights (both arrival & departure) use the South Terminal at Gatwick.
Key times: check-in/bag drop opens ~2 hours before flight and closes 40 minutes before departure.
Arrive early, know your documents, do online check-in, and follow the standard airport/airline rules.