I have stayed at three different Gatwick hotels over the years, each for a different reason. The Bloc Hotel when I had a 6am departure and wanted to roll out of bed directly into security. The Sofitel when I wanted something nice after a long-haul arrival. The Travelodge when I just needed somewhere cheap to park the car before a week abroad. Gatwick has options for every situation, and the free monorail between terminals means it does not matter which end your hotel is on. The trick is matching your hotel choice to your actual needs rather than automatically booking the cheapest or most expensive option.
Gatwick Airport (LGW) has hotels inside both terminals and within shuttle distance. Here’s what’s available for early flights, late arrivals, and layovers.
On-Site Hotels
| Hotel | Terminal | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Sofitel London Gatwick | North | Covered walkway |
| Hampton by Hilton | North | Direct connection |
| Hilton London Gatwick | South | 2-min walk |
| Bloc Hotel | South | Inside terminal |
| YOTELAIR | South | Inside terminal |
Bloc Hotel is directly opposite the South Terminal security entrance – one of the closest airport hotels in the world.
YOTELAIR offers Japanese-style capsule rooms with minimum 4-hour bookings for transit passengers.
Near the Airport
| Hotel | Distance | Shuttle |
|---|---|---|
| Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central | 1 mile | Yes |
| Holiday Inn London Gatwick | 1.4 miles | 24-hour shuttle |
| Premier Inn Gatwick | At North Terminal | Walk |
| Courtyard by Marriott | Near South Terminal | Walk |
| Radisson RED | 3.9 miles | Shuttle available |
Transport Between Terminals
A free monorail connects North and South Terminals every 3 minutes.
Getting to Hotels
| Option | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Hoppa shuttle | £4.50 | Every 20-40 min |
| Local bus (route 100) | £2-£3 | Every 15 min |
| Taxi | From £15.50 | On demand |
| Hotel shuttle | Varies | Check with hotel |
Parking
Hotels with parking:
- Travelodge Gatwick Central – Free parking (limited spaces, book ahead)
- Holiday Inn Gatwick – Secure parking for guests
- Premier Inn – Paid parking available
For longer trips, consider park-and-stay packages.
By Budget
Budget (Under £60/night)
- YOTELAIR – Capsule hotel, minimum 4-hour booking
- Travelodge Gatwick Central – Basic but clean, free parking
- Airport Inn Gatwick – Good breakfast included
Mid-Range (£60-£150/night)
- Holiday Inn Gatwick – 24-hour shuttle, restaurant
- Hampton by Hilton – Direct North Terminal connection
- Courtyard by Marriott – Restaurant and fitness center
Premium (£150+/night)
- Sofitel London Gatwick – 4-star, runway view rooms available
- Hilton London Gatwick – 4-star, gym, restaurant, meeting rooms
Tips
- Early flights: Book on-site at Sofitel, Bloc, or YOTELAIR
- Late arrivals: Hotels with 24-hour shuttle or on-site options
- Layovers: YOTELAIR’s 4-hour minimum booking works for short stays
- Families: Hilton and Sofitel have family rooms
- Business: Sofitel and Hilton have meeting facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Gatwick terminal is my hotel connected to?
The Sofitel and Hampton by Hilton connect directly to the North Terminal via covered walkway. The Hilton London Gatwick and Bloc Hotel are at the South Terminal with 2-minute walks. A free monorail runs between terminals every 3 minutes, so your hotel terminal does not matter much. Check your flight terminal and choose accordingly, or use the monorail.
Do I need to book airport parking separately from my hotel?
Some hotels include parking in their rates, while others charge separately. The Travelodge Gatwick Central offers free parking but spaces are limited and must be booked ahead. Premier Inn charges for parking. Holiday Inn Gatwick includes secure parking for guests. Always confirm parking availability and cost when booking, especially for early morning flights.
How early should I arrive at Gatwick for my flight?
For short-haul flights within Europe, arrive 2 hours before departure. For long-haul international flights, arrive 3 hours before. On-site hotels like the Sofitel and Bloc allow you to walk to security in minutes, giving you more flexibility. Off-site hotels require factoring in shuttle bus time, typically adding 15-30 minutes.
Is it worth paying more for an on-site Gatwick hotel?
For very early flights before 6am or late arrivals after 10pm, on-site hotels eliminate transport stress and let you sleep longer. The Sofitel, Hampton, Hilton, and Bloc hotels connect directly to terminals. For daytime flights or longer stays, off-site hotels offer better value and are perfectly adequate with shuttle services running regularly.
What shuttle services connect Gatwick hotels to the terminals?
The Gatwick Hoppa shuttle costs £4.50 and runs every 20-40 minutes to most nearby hotels. Local bus route 100 costs £2-£3 and runs every 15 minutes. Many hotels also operate their own free shuttles – check when booking. Taxis are available on demand from around £15.50 but add up quickly for multiple passengers.
