When planning a trip through Gatwick Airport, one of the most common questions travelers face is whether to pick the North Terminal or the South Terminal for their car hire. Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-largest airport and a major hub for both international and domestic flights, features two bustling terminals that cater to millions of passengers every year. While both terminals are well-equipped with excellent facilities and amenities, there are some key differences to consider when arranging a car hire.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to London, a business traveler, or someone looking to embark on a scenic road trip across the UK, the right terminal for car hire at Gatwick Airport can make your journey smoother and more convenient. In this blog post, we’ll explore the unique aspects of each terminal, highlight their key features, and dive into what makes them special. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Understanding Gatwick Airport: A Two-Terminal Powerhouse
Gatwick Airport, located roughly 45 kilometers south of central London, is a major gateway to the UK. Despite having only two terminals—North Terminal and South Terminal—Gatwick offers an impressive range of services and handles over 46 million passengers annually.
Both terminals are connected by a free automated shuttle train that takes just two minutes to travel between them. This ensures that passengers can quickly move between terminals if needed. However, when it comes to car hire, the decision of which terminal to choose can depend on factors such as flight arrival, rental company preferences, and convenience.
North Terminal: A Sleek and Modern Gateway
The North Terminal is the newer of the two and is often praised for its modern design and efficient layout. It serves as a base for many long-haul carriers, including British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates. If your flight is landing in the North Terminal, you’ll find a host of car hire options, excellent facilities, and streamlined services.
Key Features of the North Terminal
- Extensive Car Hire Facilities The North Terminal is home to multiple reputable car hire companies, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. These rental counters are conveniently located within the terminal building or just a short walk away, making it easy to pick up your car shortly after landing.
- Modern Amenities Travelers at the North Terminal will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including spacious lounges, a variety of restaurants and shops, and excellent signage to guide you through the terminal. For those looking to refresh after a long flight, there are shower facilities available.
- Luxury Lounges The North Terminal boasts several premium lounges, such as the Club Aspire Lounge and No1 Lounge, ideal for business travelers or anyone seeking a quiet, comfortable space to relax before picking up their rental car.
- Proximity to Major Routes The North Terminal offers easy access to the M23 motorway, which connects Gatwick to London and other parts of the UK. This makes it a convenient choice for travelers planning to drive directly to their destination without any hassle.
Why Choose the North Terminal for Car Hire?
- If your flight lands here, hiring a car from this terminal is the most straightforward option.
- The modern design and layout ensure a stress-free experience.
- Many car hire companies offer exclusive services and deals tailored to North Terminal arrivals.
- It’s ideal for long-haul travelers who need to get on the road quickly.
South Terminal: The Heart of Gatwick
The South Terminal is Gatwick’s original terminal and remains the larger of the two. It serves as a hub for many budget airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, making it popular with leisure travelers. Despite its age, the South Terminal has undergone numerous renovations and continues to offer world-class services.
Key Features of the South Terminal
- Diverse Car Hire Options Like the North Terminal, the South Terminal is home to several leading car hire providers, including Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, and National. These companies are located conveniently within the terminal, ensuring a seamless car hire process.
- Wide Range of Dining and Shopping The South Terminal offers a vibrant array of shops, from high-street brands like WHSmith and Boots to luxury retailers such as Harrods. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of dining options, ranging from fast food to fine dining.
- Family-Friendly Services Families traveling through the South Terminal will appreciate the dedicated play areas, baby-changing facilities, and kid-friendly restaurants. These features make it an excellent choice for those traveling with young children.
- Historic Significance As Gatwick’s original terminal, the South Terminal has a rich history and a unique charm. Over the years, it has been continuously upgraded to match the standards of modern airports, blending tradition with innovation.
Why Choose the South Terminal for Car Hire?
- It’s the go-to terminal for budget-conscious travelers flying with low-cost airlines.
- The variety of dining and shopping options makes it a great place to spend time before picking up your rental car.
- If your flight lands here, hiring a car from this terminal saves you the hassle of transferring to the North Terminal.
- Families might find the South Terminal more accommodating, thanks to its kid-friendly facilities.
North Terminal vs. South Terminal: Head-to-Head for Car Hire
Now that we’ve explored the unique aspects of each terminal, let’s compare them head-to-head to help you decide which one is better suited for your car hire needs.
1. Car Hire Availability
Both terminals offer a wide range of car hire companies, so you’ll have access to a similar selection regardless of where you land. Major providers like Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt have a presence in both terminals, ensuring high-quality service and competitive pricing.
Winner: Tie
2. Proximity to Flight Arrivals
If your flight lands in the North Terminal, it’s more convenient to hire a car from there, and the same goes for the South Terminal. While the shuttle train allows you to move between terminals, sticking to the terminal where your flight arrives saves time and effort.
Winner: Depends on flight arrival terminal
3. Accessibility to Motorways
Both terminals are equally well-connected to the M23 motorway, so you won’t face any additional challenges in reaching your destination regardless of which terminal you choose.
Winner: Tie
4. Facilities and Amenities
While both terminals offer excellent facilities, the North Terminal has a more modern design and layout, making it easier to navigate. However, the South Terminal edges ahead in terms of variety, offering a broader range of dining and shopping options.
Winner: South Terminal (for variety), North Terminal (for modern layout)
5. Traveler Type
- North Terminal: Ideal for business travelers, long-haul passengers, and those looking for a quick and seamless experience.
- South Terminal: Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, families, and leisure travelers who want to explore the terminal’s many offerings.
Winner: Depends on traveler type
Tips for Hiring a Car at Gatwick Airport
Regardless of which terminal you choose, here are some handy tips to ensure a smooth car hire experience at Gatwick Airport:
- Book in Advance: Booking your car hire in advance not only guarantees availability but also often results in lower prices.
- Compare Prices: Use online comparison tools to find the best deals across different car hire companies at Gatwick Airport.
- Check for Extras: Some car hire companies offer extras like GPS, child seats, and additional drivers. Be sure to ask about these when booking.
- Inspect the Car: Before driving off, inspect the vehicle for any pre-existing damage and ensure it is documented to avoid disputes later.
- Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with UK driving rules, especially if you’re visiting from abroad. Drive on the left side of the road and be mindful of speed limits.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal and South Terminal for car hire, the decision ultimately depends on your flight arrival terminal, personal preferences, and travel needs. Both terminals offer excellent car hire options and convenient access to major routes, ensuring a hassle-free start to your journey.
The North Terminal is perfect for travelers who value a modern and efficient experience, while the South Terminal caters to those seeking variety and family-friendly amenities. No matter which terminal you choose, Gatwick Airport makes it easy to hire a car and begin exploring the UK.
With this guide, you’re now equipped to make an informed choice and enjoy a seamless car hire experience at Gatwick Airport. Happy travels!
Booking British Car Transfer at Heathrow Airport is a simple and hassle-free process. Visit their official website, enter your travel details, select your desired vehicle, and make a secure online payment.
