Arrivals Information Gatwick Airport ‘Arrivals’ is a dual purpose phrase. On the one hand it relates to those flying into Gatwick and on the other to those meeting people flying into Gatwick. In this section we deal with those flying into Gatwick Airport from outside the UK. Please see ‘Meeting People’ for further information. A brief word about Taxi and ‘Private Hire’ vehicles at Gatwick Airport. BAA control both the Taxi and Private Hire service and have ‘sold’ the businesses to local contractors, which is fair enough BUT this means there is little, if any, competition. Taxi prices are controlled by a meter for a set distance but rates for further afield are negotiable. Private Hire vehicles are all ‘negotiated’ prices but set trips are always a set cost. In general terms these costs are significantly higher than other local companies would charge for the same trip. You should also beware of pirate hire car drivers touting for business. To obtain competitive prices for the longer trips you could use the telephones dotted around the airport terminals to obtain other prices for ‘private hire’ rates. Arrivals - Flying into Gatwick Airport General Information Allow about 40 minutes from touchdown to clearing customs and walking into the main ‘arrivals’ concourse. If you are arriving on a domestic flight, it may be quicker. It may also be quicker if you have only hand baggage. If you are being met then it would be advisable to tell the party meeting you that you will have only hand baggage so that they are aware of possible early arrival. Gatwick Airport has two terminals - North Terminal & South Terminal - which are connected by the “Transit” monorail train that runs 24x7 every 5 minutes. North Terminal has two arrival areas - UK arrivals and International arrivals. They are both on the ground floor (lowest level). South Terminal has only the one arrival area for both International arrivals and domestic flights. This is on the main level. (1st floor) The Gatwick Airport mainline railway station is at the south building with access from the main level. Arrivals - North Terminal Immigration is on the first floor (one floor up from ground level). Pass through Immigration and either down the ramp or escalator and into the baggage reclaim area. Collect your baggage and head for the customs hall. From customs you pass through the duty free shop and into the International Arrivals Hall. The exits are straight ahead. (Taxi & local bus stops) to reach the South Terminal take the transit which is up one level (lifts, stairs or escalator). The Tansit is free of charge and runs every few minutes. Arrivals - South Terminal The business of flying, at the South Terminal, is all dealt with on one level, the 1st floor (one up from ground level). The leisure part of the business - Shopping, eating and drinking is available on the 2nd floor. As you exit the customs hall (via the duty free shop) you emerge into what is effectively the north west corner of the terminal building but you are facing south. The rail station, coach park and taxi (cab) rank is to your left (at about 10 o’clock. Clear overhead signs point the way. At both terminals there are many clear signs pointing the way to the arrivals areas. | 
