Access Guide
Getting To The Airport
- The airport is located to the north of Crawley, just off J9 of the M23.
- For more information on getting to London Gatwick Airport by road please click here (opens new tab).
- Bus and coach stops vary in distance from the terminal.
There is a help point to contact the airport's Special Assistance service who can come and take you into the terminal if needed. - For more information on Coach and Bus travel to London Gatwick Airport please click here (opens new tab).
- The nearest Railway Station is Gatwick.
- There is step-free access via lift from all platforms to the airport. The train station is at the South Terminal. There is a free shuttle within the airport to take passengers from the South to the North Terminal.
- There is an assisted travel handover process from the train station to the airport. Please contact the Airport Special Assistance Team to make arrangements.
- For more information on Gatwick Airport station please click here (opens new tab).
- For information on getting to the airport via Gatwick Airport railway station.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Airport Parking Summary (North Terminal)
- The car parks with Blue Badge parking bays are Car Park 5 and 6, and the North Terminal Long Stay Car Park.
- The car parks with height restrictions are Car Park 5 and 6.
- The car parks with step-free access to the terminal via ramp/slope are Car Park 5 and 6.
- The car parks with pedestrian walkways/crossings and dropped kerbs with tactile paving are Car Park 5 and 6.
- There is a bus service available between the car park and terminal.
- The bus serves the North Terminal Long Stay Car Park and the terminal. Other car parks are connected via pedestrian walkways.
Parking (Long Stay)
- The car park is located along Perimeter Road North.
- This is an open air car park with a block paved surface.
- The car park has a ticket, a push button, an intercom and an automatic number plate recognition barrier control system.
- There are more than 30 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- Blue Badge parking is signposted but has markings which are faded.
- The Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm x 470cm.
- There is a marked zone on both sides and to the rear.
- There are no help points available.
- There are not parent and child parking bays available.
- Customers wishing to take their Blue Badge with them should press the assistance button at the entry barriers. A member of staff will come to them and make a copy of the badge to display in the car.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for pick up and drop off.
- Free pick-up and drop-off is limited to 120 minutes.
- Clearly presented payment terms signs are provided.
- Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park.
- For information about booking airport parking please click here.
- If parking has not been pre booked payment is due when exiting the car park.
- There is a bus service available that runs between the car park and the terminal.
- There is step-free access via slope from the Blue Badge bay to the nearest bus stop.
- All bus stops are sheltered.
- All bus stops have seating.
- The following type of seating is available: bench seating without armrests.
- The buses will either have a ramp available, a lift available, or will be able to lower to kerb level.
- There is a designated space available for wheelchair users.
- The car park has a ticket and an automatic number plate recognition barrier control system at the exit.
Parking (Short Stay - Car Park 5)
- The car park is located by the North Terminal.
- This is a multi storey car park with a tarmac surface.
- The height of the height restriction barrier is 180cm.
- The car park has a ticket, a push button and an automatic number plate recognition barrier control system.
- There are more than 20 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- Blue Badge parking is clearly marked and signposted.
- The Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm x 450cm.
- There is a marked zone on both sides but not to the rear.
- There are low level help points available.
- There are not parent and child parking bays available.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is not free for pick up and drop off.
- Clearly presented payment terms signs are provided.
- Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
- There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- For information about booking airport parking please click here.
- If parking has not been pre booked payment is due when exiting the car park.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking to the terminal building has steep slopes/ramps.
- If passengers require assistance getting to the terminal there are help points available in the car park.
- The car park has a ticket, an intercom and an automatic number plate recognition barrier control system at the exit.
Parking (Premium - Car Park 5)
- The car park is located by the North Terminal, on level 3 of Car Park 5.
- This is a multi storey car park with a tarmac surface.
- The height of the height restriction barrier is 180cm.
- The car park has a ticket, a push button and an automatic number plate recognition barrier control system.
- There are more than 10 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- Blue Badge parking is clearly marked.
- The Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 247cm x 470cm.
- There is a marked zone on both sides and to the rear.
- There are low level help points available.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is not free for pick up and drop off.
- Clearly presented payment terms signs are provided.
- Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park and at the payment machines in the car park.
- Payment machines are located by the lifts.
- There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- For information about booking airport parking please click here.
- If parking has not been pre booked payment is due when exiting the car park.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking to the terminal building has steep slopes/ramps.
- The car park has a ticket, an intercom and an automatic number plate recognition barrier control system at the exit.
Lift (Car Park 5)
- The lift is located at the pedestrian exits from the car park.
- The floors which are accessible by the lift surveyed are 0-5.
- The lift does have a recommended turning space (150cm x 150cm) in front of it.
- The lift door has a high contrast.
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- The lift door opening width is 159cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 186cm x 278cm.
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Stairs (Car Park 5)
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0-5.
- There are 14 steps, which are clearly marked, with handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the highest step is 18cm.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Parking (Short Stay - Car Park 6 Including Valet Parking)
- The car park is located by the North Terminal.
- This is a multi storey car park with a tarmac surface.
- The height of the height restriction barrier is 210cm.
- The car park has a ticket, a push button and an automatic number plate recognition barrier control system.
- There are more than 20 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- Blue Badge parking is clearly marked.
- The Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 220cm x 440cm.
- There is a marked zone on both sides and to the rear.
- The marked zone is under 120cm wide.
- There are help points available, but not at a low level.
- There are parent and child parking bays available.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is not free for pick up and drop off.
- Clearly presented payment terms signs are provided.
- Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
- Payment machines are located at each level, by the lifts and pedestrian exits from the car park.
- There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- If parking has not been pre booked payment is due when exiting the car park.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking to the terminal building has slight ramps/slopes.
- The car park has a ticket, an intercom and an automatic number plate recognition barrier control system at the exit.
Lift (Car Park 6)
- The lift is located at the exit of each level of the car park.
- The floors which are accessible by the lift surveyed are 0-6.
- The lift does have a recommended turning space (150cm x 150cm) in front of it.
- The lift door has a low contrast.
- The external lift control buttons have a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- The lift door opening width is 140cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 193cm x 246cm.
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low colour contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There are other lifts which are similar in size at the same location.
Stairs (Car Park 6)
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0-6.
- There are 18 steps, which are clearly marked, with handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- Steps are split with a resting area.
- The height of the highest step is 17cm.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Entrance (Valet Parking Collection - Car Park 6)
- This entrance is located on the ground floor of Car Park 6.
- There is step-free access via a slope at the entrance.
- The slight ramp is over 150cm wide, with handrails on both sides.
- The ramp overcomes the steps.
- There are 5 steps, which are clearly marked, with handrails on both sides.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the highest step is 17cm.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There are double automatic doors which open away from you.
- The push pad for the automatic doors is at a height of 108cm.
- The width of the opening is 209cm.
- There is an oversized threshold at the opening.
- The doors have a low colour contrast.
- There is a second set of automatic doors which open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 170cm.
- The second doors have a low colour contrast.
Counter (Valet Parking Collection - Car Park 6)
- The counter is approximately 5m from the Valet Parking Reception entrance.
- The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 105cm.
- The counter has patterned backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- Some flooring is shiny .
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Pick up and Drop Off Points
- There is a clearly marked accessible drop off point available.
- There is a clearly marked drop off point available.
- The drop-off point is located either side of the drop-off lane before the North Terminal car parks.
- The drop-off point is limited to 30 minutes for up to £26 (£6 for 10 minutes, £1 for each additional minute).
- The most accessible route from the drop-off point to the terminal has a lift.
- Blue Badge holders are exempt from drop-off charges, but must register their number plate in advance, online. A dropped kerb drop-off point is available immediately outside the Special Assistance reception, marked "Permit Holders Only".
Entrance (Drop Off Special Assistance Reception)
- This entrance is located by the drop off points.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There are double manual doors which opens towards you.
- The width of the opening is 204cm.
- There is an oversized threshold at the opening.
- The doors has a high colour contrast.
Special Assistance (Drop Off Special Assistance Reception)
- The passenger services counter is located by the drop-off points.
- The passenger services counter is approximately 2m from the Drop Off Special Assistance Reception entrance.
- The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- The height of the counter is 100cm.
- The counter has patterned backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is step-free level access in this area.
- There is designated seating available for people who require assistance.
- There is space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- There are fixed chairs with armrests and fixed tables available in this area.
- The tables are not suitable for wheelchair users (between 70cm - 80cm and free from obstruction).
Toilet with Adaptations (Drop Off - Left Hand Transfer)
- This toilet is located between the drop off point lifts and travelators.
- There is step-free level access into the toilet.
- There is pictorial, written text, dementia friendly and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
- The door to enter opens outwards and has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the toilet door opening is 90cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a medium colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
- The dimensions of the cubicle are 239cm x 236cm and it has a turning space of at least 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left of the seat but it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 158cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- There is a wall sensor flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 113cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 70cm from the floor.
- The wash basin tap type is sensor.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- The vertical grab rails have a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 101cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 84cm from the floor.
- There is a push button emergency alarm.
- There is a full length mirror.
- There is an unobstructed shelf.
- The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- There are two coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 105cm and 140cm from the floor.
- The baby change facility when in use is at a height of 87cm from the floor.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a similar toilet in the same area with right hand transfer.
Lift (Drop Off to North Terminal Level 1)
- The lift is located by the drop off points.
- The floors which are accessible by the lift surveyed are 0, 1.
- The lift does have a recommended turning space (150cm x 150cm) in front of it.
- The lift door has a high contrast.
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- The lift door opening width is 129cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 197cm x 250cm.
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium colour contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There are other lifts which are similar in size at the same location.
Travelator (Drop Off to North Terminal Level 1)
- The travelator is located by the drop off points.
- The floors which are accessible by travelator are Level 1.
- The escalator only goes up.
- The foot (bottom) and head (top) of the travelator are clearly marked.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There are two similar travelators.
Shuttle Train
- The Shuttle Train runs between the South and North Terminals.
- There is step-free level access and clear directional sigange from both terminals to the departure points.
- The departure point on the South Terminal is located to the left of the check in area.
- The departure point on the North Terminal is located outside of the Level 1 Departures Check In building.
- There are information boards to indicate the next train arrival time.
- There is fixed seating with some armrests near the departure points.
- There is step-free level access onto the train from the platform.
- There is a small gap between the platform and the carriage.
- The doors open automatically when the train arrives and the door opening is 210cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout the carriage
- The central carriages have dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and priority seating.
Lift (Levels 1 and 2)
- The lift is located outside the entrances to Level 1 and 2, to either side.
- The floors which are accessible by the lift surveyed are 1, 2.
- The lift does have a recommended turning space (150cm x 150cm) in front of it.
- The lift door has a high contrast.
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- The lift door opening width is 160cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 197cm x 254cm.
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low colour contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There are other lifts which are similar in size at the same location.
Escalator (Level 1 to 2)
- The escalator is located outside the Level 1 and 2 entrances.
- The floors which are accessible by escalator are 2.
- The escalator only goes up.
- The escalator step markings are not clearly visible.
- The foot (bottom) and head (top) of the escalator are clearly marked.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a similar escalator to the other side of the Level 1 and 2 entrances.
Related Access Guides (Departures Check In)
- North Terminal - Departures Check In - Level 1 - EasyJet link (new tab) - click here.
- North Terminal - Departures Check In - Level 2 link (new tab) - click here.
- North Terminal - Meeting Arriving Passengers link (new tab) - click here.
- North Terminal - Domestic Arrivals link (new tab) - click here.
- North Terminal - International Arrivals Gates 46-54 link (new tab) - click here.
- North Terminal - International Arrivals Gates 101-113 link (new tab) - click here.
- North Terminal - International Arrivals Gates 557-574 link (new tab) - click here.
- North Terminal - International Arrivals Gates 45 A-L Coaching link (new tab) - click here.