Travelling through Gatwick Airport can feel confusing when you are not familiar with the terminal layout. One common question we hear from passengers is where is the airport transfer bus Gatwick and which stop they should use after arriving. The answer depends on whether you need a local bus, long-distance coach, hotel shuttle, or the free service between Gatwick's two terminals.

Gatwick has North and South Terminals, and both have access to several ground transport services. However, the pickup locations are not all in the same place. Knowing your terminal and the type of transfer you need can save valuable time after a flight.

In this guide, we explain where the main buses and coaches stop, how the terminal shuttle works, and when a private airport transfer may be a more convenient alternative.

Where Is the Airport Transfer Bus at Gatwick Airport?

If you are looking for a Gatwick Airport transfer bus, first check whether your flight arrives at North or South Terminal. Most coach and bus areas are clearly signposted from Arrivals, but the exact stop varies according to the operator.

At North Terminal, National Express coaches use the lower level outside International Arrivals, mainly bus stops 4 and 5. Local Metrobus stops are on Furlong Way at stops 9 and 9a, around a five-minute walk from the main Arrivals level. Gatwick's official transport information recommends checking your particular service before travelling.

At South Terminal, National Express services use the lower forecourt at stops 1 to 5. Local bus stops are positioned around the A23 and can be reached from Arrivals. Clear airport signs make them relatively easy to locate once you know which operator you need.

Gatwick Airport Bus Stops at a Glance

The easiest way to avoid walking to the wrong part of the airport is to identify your transport provider before leaving Arrivals. Gatwick serves local buses, national coaches, hotel shuttles, and an inter-terminal shuttle, so the term "airport transfer bus" can describe several different services.

Here is a quick overview based on Gatwick Airport's current passenger information.

Transfer service	North Terminal	South Terminal	Useful information
National Express	Lower level, stops 4 and 5	Lower forecourt, stops 1 to 5	Long-distance coach services
Metrobus	Furlong Way, stops 9 and 9a	Stops around the A23	Local destinations
Gatwick Hoppa	Stop 11 on Furlong Way	Stop 9, lower forecourt	Selected airport hotels
Inter-terminal shuttle	Follow South Terminal signs	Near Gatwick train station	Free, around 2 minutes
Private transfer	Agreed pickup point	Agreed pickup point	Pre-booked door-to-door travel

Always check current airport signs and your operator's booking information because stops and operating arrangements can change.

Where Is the Airport Transfer Bus Gatwick North Terminal?

Passengers arriving at North Terminal have several options depending on their final destination. If you have booked National Express, head towards the lower level outside International Arrivals. The airport currently lists stops 4 and 5 for these coach services. A National Express ticket office is also available inside the International Arrivals hall.

For local Metrobus services, the location is different. You need to walk to Furlong Way, where stops 9 and 9a are situated approximately five minutes from the main Arrivals level.

Hotel shuttle passengers should check the specific service named on their hotel booking. Gatwick currently lists Gatwick Hoppa departures from stop 11 on Furlong Way.

Our practical advice is simple. Do not follow the first "bus" sign you see without checking the operator, as different services leave from different areas.

Where to Find Transfer Buses at South Terminal

South Terminal has one of Gatwick's main ground transport areas. National Express coaches arrive and depart from the lower forecourt, currently using stops 1 to 5. Passengers can move between the terminal and forecourt using lifts, escalators, ramps, and travelators.

Metrobus locations are slightly different because stops are positioned on either side of the A23. Gatwick states that northbound stops towards places such as Horley and Redhill can be reached by lift from South Terminal Arrivals. Southbound stops can be accessed near the inter-terminal shuttle station and railway station.

The South Terminal is also where Gatwick Airport railway station is located. This makes the terminal an important interchange for passengers moving between coaches, buses, trains, and airport transfers.

Allow a few extra minutes after collecting your luggage, particularly if you are travelling with children or several suitcases.

How the Free Gatwick Inter-Terminal Shuttle Works

If you arrive at the wrong terminal for your onward transport, there is usually no reason to worry. Gatwick operates a free inter-terminal shuttle connecting North and South Terminals. It runs every few minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and the journey takes about two minutes.

At South Terminal, the shuttle station is close to Gatwick Airport railway station. Follow signs for North Terminal. From North Terminal, simply follow the signs directing passengers towards South Terminal and the shuttle entrance.

The service is particularly useful if your flight arrives at North Terminal but your coach, train connection, or other transport requires you to travel from South Terminal.

The shuttle is also accessible for passengers using electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and luggage can be taken onboard. For most travellers, it is the quickest way to move between Gatwick's terminals.

Finding National Express Coaches at Gatwick

National Express is one of the main long-distance coach operators serving Gatwick. Coaches operate directly outside both terminal areas, which makes them useful for passengers travelling beyond the immediate Gatwick and Crawley area.

At North Terminal, services currently depart from the lower level outside International Arrivals at stops 4 and 5. At South Terminal, coaches use stops 1 to 5 on the lower forecourt.

Gatwick Airport states that National Express connects the airport directly with more than 50 destinations, while further destinations can be reached by interchange. Direct coach options also operate between Gatwick and Heathrow.

For example, Gatwick lists an average direct coach journey to Heathrow of about one hour, while London is approximately one hour and 45 minutes by coach. Actual journey times can vary significantly with road traffic.

Local Buses From Gatwick Airport

A long-distance coach is not always necessary. If your destination is close to Gatwick, local Metrobus services can provide a practical and lower-cost option. Routes connect the airport with places including Crawley, Horley, Redhill, Horsham, and surrounding communities.

Gatwick reports that seven local routes operate 24 hours a day, with single journeys currently capped at £3. Some routes serve both terminals, while others call only at South Terminal, so passengers should check the route before waiting at a stop.

One useful example is Fastway 100, which connects Gatwick with destinations including Horley, Redhill, Crawley Town Centre, Manor Royal, and Maidenbower. Services operate frequently throughout much of the day.

For travellers staying locally with light luggage, these buses can work well. With several suitcases, young children, or an onward appointment, however, managing stops and connections can become less convenient.

Where to Catch a Gatwick Hotel Transfer Bus

Passengers staying overnight near the airport often ask whether their hotel provides a transfer. Gatwick Hoppa connects both terminals with a selection of nearby hotels and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The airport currently lists the North Terminal Gatwick Hoppa departure point as bus stop 11 on Furlong Way, roughly a five-minute walk from the main Arrivals level. At South Terminal, it departs from stop 9 on the lower forecourt, also around a five-minute walk from Arrivals.

Hotels served include properties such as Holiday Inn London Gatwick Airport, Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central, Courtyard London Gatwick Airport, and Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport A23. Services and stops can change, so confirm your hotel and route before travelling.

This option works well for participating nearby hotels. If your accommodation is farther away, a direct private transfer can remove the need for additional connections.

Bus, Coach or Private Gatwick Airport Transfer?

Choosing the right transport is about more than finding the lowest fare. Think about how many people are travelling, the amount of luggage you have, your arrival time, and how far your final destination is from a bus or coach stop.

Public buses can be practical for short local journeys, while coaches work well on established routes to major cities and other airports. The trade-off is that you still need to reach your final address after leaving the coach.

A pre-booked Gatwick Airport transfer with Jewel Cars provides a different experience. The journey is arranged around your pickup and destination rather than a public timetable. For families, corporate travellers, passengers arriving late at night, or anyone carrying several bags, that can make the onward journey much simpler.

From our experience with airport passengers, convenience often becomes more important after a long flight than it appeared when planning the journey at home.

What to Do After Landing at Gatwick

After your aircraft lands, avoid rushing straight towards ground transport signs. First, complete immigration if required, collect all checked luggage, and pass through Customs. Then confirm whether you are in North or South Terminal and check the details for your booked transport.

For a bus or coach journey, we recommend taking these steps:

1. Check your terminal before leaving Arrivals.
2. Confirm the bus company, route number, and departure time.
3. Follow signs for the correct bus or coach area.
4. Check the stop number against your ticket or operator information.
5. Allow extra time if you need the inter-terminal shuttle.
6. Keep your ticket and booking confirmation easy to access.

This small amount of preparation matters at a large airport. Gatwick handled more than 43 million passengers according to the airport's published key facts, which gives an idea of the scale of passenger movement through the site.

When a Private Transfer Makes More Sense

Airport buses are useful, but they do not suit every journey. We regularly see the difference when passengers arrive after a long international flight with children, several suitcases, or a destination that requires another connection after the bus.

Consider a private transfer when you have:

• Several large suitcases or specialist luggage
• Young children travelling with you
• A group that needs a larger vehicle
• An early morning or late-night journey
• A business meeting or fixed appointment
• A hotel or home away from convenient bus routes

The main advantage is door-to-door travel. Rather than moving luggage between a shuttle, coach, and another vehicle, passengers can travel directly to their destination.

If you are heading into the capital, our Gatwick Airport minicab to London service explains the direct transfer option in more detail.

Planning Your Gatwick Transfer Before You Fly

Good airport transport planning should happen before departure rather than after you land. Check which Gatwick terminal your airline uses, where your transport departs, and whether your ticket is valid for a specific departure.

Allow for flight delays, baggage collection, immigration, and walking time through the terminal. If you have a separate coach reservation, leaving a sensible buffer can prevent a delayed flight from causing a missed connection. Gatwick itself advises coach passengers to allow sufficient time for traffic, check-in, and airport security when travelling towards the airport.

The same principle applies to the return journey. Road conditions around Gatwick can change, so avoid planning around the shortest possible travel time.

If predictable pickup and direct travel are priorities, read our guide on why travellers choose a professional Gatwick Airport transfer before deciding which option best suits your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do airport buses leave from at Gatwick Airport?

Airport buses and coaches leave from designated stops at both North and South Terminals. National Express currently uses stops 4 and 5 at North Terminal and stops 1 to 5 on the lower forecourt at South Terminal. Always check your ticket and airport signage because the exact stop depends on the operator.

2. Is there a free bus between Gatwick North and South Terminals?

Gatwick provides a free inter-terminal shuttle between North and South Terminals. The journey takes around two minutes, and the service operates 24 hours a day. It is useful if your flight arrives at one terminal but your onward transport departs from the other.

3. Can I get a bus from Gatwick Airport to my hotel?

Yes. Gatwick Hoppa connects both terminals with a selection of nearby hotels. Other hotels may provide their own transport arrangements. Check directly with your accommodation before travelling to confirm whether a shuttle is available, where it stops, and whether you need to book in advance.

4. Is a bus or private transfer better from Gatwick Airport?

It depends on your journey. A bus can be practical for passengers travelling alone with light luggage and plenty of time. A private airport transfer may be more convenient for families, groups, business travellers, passengers with several suitcases, or anyone who wants direct door-to-door transportation.

5. Should I book my Gatwick Airport transport before my flight?

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy travel periods. It allows you to compare transport options, understand where your service departs, and plan enough time for your journey. Pre-booking a private transfer can also provide a planned pickup and direct journey to your hotel, home, or other destination.

 

Final Thoughts

So, where is the airport transfer bus Gatwick passengers need to find? It depends on the service. National Express uses stops 4 and 5 at North Terminal and stops 1 to 5 on the South Terminal lower forecourt. Local buses, hotel shuttles, and the free inter-terminal shuttle each have their own departure areas.

The best approach is to confirm your terminal, operator, and stop before travelling. A few minutes of preparation can prevent unnecessary walking through the airport with luggage.

Buses and coaches remain practical choices for many passengers. However, they are not always the easiest option when travelling with a family, a large group, heavy luggage, or a destination away from established routes.

At Jewel Cars Gatwick, we specialise in pre-booked airport transportation for passengers who prefer a direct journey. You can also read our guide to pre-booked airport taxi services for Gatwick and Heathrow to compare your options before travelling.