Gatwick handles around 24% percent of London’s flights. This means if you are departing or arriving in London by a flight, there’s a fair chance you might be using the Gatwick airport. In this case, it makes sense to know the right places to stay near Gatwick, if you don’t like unpleasant last-minute surprises. This blog covers the list of hotels, specifically near to the North Terminal of Gatwick airport. So go over the list and pick the perfect hotel for your stay at Gatwick.
Gatwick North Terminal Hotel Guide – Quick Overview
| Category | Summary |
| Key Options | On-site hotels like Sofitel and Premier Inn, plus nearby hotels accessible by shuttle or taxi |
| Best For | Business travellers, families, and budget travellers depending on hotel type |
| Distance Range | Walking distance to 10–15 minutes via shuttle or taxi |
| When to Stay | Ideal for early flights, layovers, or travellers coming from outside London |
| Transport Options | Free shuttle train, taxis, and prebooked transfers for easy access |
| Key Benefit | Saves time, reduces stress, and ensures a smooth airport experience |
Which Hotels Are Within Walking Distance of Gatwick North Terminal?
For ultimate convenience, these hotels are right at the North Terminal. You can literally walk from your room to the check-in area in just a couple of minutes.
1. Sofitel London Gatwick
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4-Star
Distance from North Terminal: ~2 minutes via covered walkway (on-site)
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5GfnepVPoXk3EgEC9
Perfect for: Stress-free departures, business trips, premium stays
It’s the only hotel directly connected to Gatwick’s North Terminal via a covered walkway.
The hotel features 4 restaurants, 2 bars, and 11 purpose-built meeting rooms accommodating up to 300 guests. Inside, you’ll find 518 modern, soundproofed rooms with a calm atmosphere. For an even better experience, you can book Club Millésime rooms for your stays. They boast runway views and allow you access to an exclusive lounge.
If you happen to have business in central London, The Gatwick Express rail link is easily accessible from your hotel and provides 30-minute direct journeys to Central London.
Yes, it’s pricier than other options nearby, but if you are someone who values comfort, a touch of luxury, and zero-hassle transfers, then the price is justified.
For booking your stay, you can visit sofitel.accor.com
2. Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport – North Terminal
⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star
Distance from North Terminal: ~1 minute walk / under 100 metres
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RnQhsHZpJ3UdF41X8
Ideal for: Families, affordable overnight stays
The Premier Inn is another hotel that is just a short walk from the North Terminal. Here, the rooms are modern, quiet, and feature the chain’s famously comfortable Hypnos beds. The larger rooms and kids-eat-free meal deals make this hotel the top choice for families with kids.
There’s also a Costa Coffee, a Thyme restaurant on-site for evening dining and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. If you just want a simple, affordable place to rest without worrying about transport, Premier Inn is a great pick.
You can book your stay directly at: premierinn.com
Hotels Near Gatwick North Terminal that require a Taxi or Shuttle
If you don’t mind a five to ten minute taxi drive or a bus ride, you’ll find several more options around Gatwick. These hotels can be a little cheaper, or offer extra facilities like gyms and bigger restaurants with more diverse menus.
3. Hilton London Gatwick (South Terminal)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4-Star
Distance from North Terminal: ~10 minutes (free monorail + short walk)
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gx9HHoLyifr9VY1z8
Good for: Larger groups, family stays
The Hilton is connected to the South Terminal by a short, covered walkway, making it one of the most convenient hotels in the local area, with soundproofed rooms, spa baths, and walk-in showers as standard. It remains a top choice for North Terminal travellers thanks to roomy family suites, a 24-hour fitness centre, and multiple dining options including a buffet restaurant and casual café. The free monorail between terminals takes just 2 to 3 minutes, so reaching the North Terminal is effortless.
Book directly at hilton.com
4. Bloc Hotel Gatwick (South Terminal)
⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star (Boutique)
Distance from North Terminal: ~10 minutes via monorail + short taxi
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d6GKrwsRNwrr4Gbo6
Best for: Solo travellers, couples, short stays
Bloc is a stylish, compact boutique hotel located inside the South Terminal itself, and one of the few hotels that lets you go directly from your bed to the departure gate with no outdoor exposure whatsoever. Rooms are small but cleverly designed, with smart tech controls and comfortable beds. If you just need somewhere to rest before a flight, it’s ideal. A short taxi ride or the free monorail is all it takes to reach the North Terminal.
For booking, visit: blochotels.com
5. Holiday Inn London Gatwick Airport
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4-Star
Distance from North Terminal: ~5 to 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p296TBfTotuxgq1j9
Recommended for: Families with longer stays, travellers who want on-site dining
Just a few minutes’ drive from the airport, the Holiday Inn has all the familiar comforts. Spacious rooms, a lounge bar, and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The hotel is notably recognised for its strong business facilities, being close to a business park occupied by companies like Virgin Atlantic, BT, and TUI.
It’s also preferred by families, but for a different reason. Children aged 11 and under can eat for free when they order from the dedicated Kids’ Menu. Some properties provide specially designed family suites with child-focused features such as themed décor, special bedding, gaming consoles, and even separate bathrooms for kids. In addition, complimentary baby cribs or cots are also available on request.
Book directly at: ihg.com
6. Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick
⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star
Distance from North Terminal: ~10 minutes by taxi / shuttle
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NYN8H74ysvQdX9418
Best for: Business travellers, those who like modern design
The Courtyard by Marriott offers impressive runway views and offers fast, simple transfers to the terminals, approximately 10 minutes to the North Terminal. This Marriott-branded hotel offers sleek, contemporary rooms with big desks and comfortable beds, perfect if you need to catch up on work before flying. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre and a bright, open restaurant.
Book your stay directly at: marriott.com
7. Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central
⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star
Distance from North Terminal: ~0.4 miles / 0.6 km (approx. 10 to 15 mins by Hoppa bus)
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hf8c2wQqksicq6RW7
Good for: Budget-conscious travellers, groups, families wanting rock-bottom prices
The Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central is located on the border of the airport grounds for the North Terminal, making it one of the closest budget hotels to the airport.
The hotel has 400 rooms and features an on-site bar, outdoor terrace, and an ATM on site. The Gatwick Hoppa bus connects the hotel directly to the North Terminal and runs regularly from 4:30am, so early morning departures are well catered for.
A single Hoppa journey costs £3.20 per adult, with family tickets available, and the journey to the North Terminal takes around 15 minutes. There’s also a 24-hour Tesco supermarket within 400 yards of the hotel, a great bonus if you need last-minute travel snacks.
Note: WiFi is free for the first 30 minutes, then chargeable.
To book your stay, visit: t ravelodge.co.uk
8. Crowne Plaza London Gatwick
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4-Star
Distance from North Terminal: ~3.5 miles / 15 minutes by taxi or paid shuttle
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XLg6bwkgEedBpcNfA
Ideal for: Business travellers, leisure travellers wanting upscale comfort away from the airport buzz
The Crowne Plaza sits 3.5 km from the Gatwick Airport North Terminal, next to the business district of Crawley.
The hotel runs a paid shuttle bus from 4:30am to 10:30pm, and its Sleep Advantage programme includes deluxe bedding, complimentary aromatherapy products, quiet zones, and guaranteed wake-up calls.
For dining the award-winning Cube Restaurant serves some of the finest locally sourced foods. But if you happen to crave a snack at odd times, the Bar 92 operates late and serves amazing drinks and snacks.
The hotel also has a 24-hour gym which is free for guests. It’s a strong pick if you are not willing to compromise on comfort.
Book your stay at: ihg.com
When Does it Make Sense to Book Your Stay Near the North Terminal?
When you have a connecting flight to catch at North Terminal?
The first scenario when staying at a hotel near Gatwick’s North Terminal is a choice is when you have a connecting flight leaving from Gatwick’s North Terminal.
Layovers can be long and tiring, and the last thing you want is to spend those hours sitting in an airport chair. A hotel room gives you a proper bed, a hot shower, and a quiet place to rest before your next flight. The closer your hotel is to the terminal, the lesser your risk of missing your connection because of traffic, a delayed bus, or a long queue at security.
Hotels like the Sofitel and Premier Inn are within walking distance of the terminal, so on the morning of your next departure you simply pick up your bags and walk straight to check-in.
When travelling from other cities to catch a flight at Gatwick?
The second scenario where you should consider staying near the terminal is when you live outside London and your flight leaves early in the morning from Gatwick North Terminal. In this case, arriving the night before and staying near the North Terminal is a far more sensible option than waking up at 3am and rushing across the country.
Train delays, motorway traffic, and roadworks are all things that can go wrong on the day, and none of them are worth the risk when you have a flight to catch. By checking in the evening before, you give yourself a comfortable buffer. You can have a meal, get a good night’s sleep, and walk to your departure gate feeling relaxed. For travellers coming from cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds or Edinburgh, an overnight stay near Gatwick is often cheaper and far less stressful than an early-morning journey on the day itself.
When visiting London for a short trip?
If you are visiting London for just a few days, staying near Gatwick North Terminal at the start or end of your trip is a practical and often cost-effective choice. Hotels at the airport tend to be more affordable than central London options. For visits to central London, the Gatwick Express train gets you there in around 30 minutes and operates throughout the day.
Taxi Services to/from North Terminal
If you are planning to get to your hotel by Taxi, then Taxi ranks are located right outside arrivals, and most cars accept contactless payments and credit cards. However for travellers with prams, heavy bags, or mobility challenges, a rank taxi can sometimes fall short of satisfactory.
In these scenarios, it’s best to have a prebooked Taxi for a smooth Gatwick airport transfer to any hotel. By opting for this option, you get to choose your preferred vehicle based on luggage, request a child seat on demand or add multiple stops on your journey for entertainment or shopping.
FAQs
Several hotels are within walking distance of Gatwick North Terminal, including Sofitel (directly connected), Hampton by Hilton, and YOTELAIR (inside the terminal). Other nearby hotels may require a short shuttle or taxi ride.
Most Premier Inn locations near Gatwick are not within walking distance. You will usually need a shuttle bus or a short taxi ride to reach the North Terminal.
No, Travelodge hotels near Gatwick are generally not within walking distance. A shuttle bus or taxi is the easiest way to get to the North Terminal.
Hilton London Gatwick is connected to the South Terminal. From there, take the free shuttle train to the North Terminal, which takes about 2 minutes.
Radisson RED Gatwick is located near the South Terminal. Take the free shuttle train from the North Terminal to the South Terminal, then walk or take a short taxi ride to the hotel.
Recap
Staying near Gatwick’s North Terminal is the simplest way to make your journey smoother. If convenience is your top priority, the Sofitel and Premier Inn are unbeatable, as you can be at check-in in minutes.
For budget conscious travellers, the Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central is a strong choice, just a short Hoppa bus ride away.
If you prefer more facilities or a touch of luxury at a slightly greater distance, hotels like the Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott are just a short taxi ride away, with plenty of London airport transfer options for seamless connections.
Whatever your budget or travel style, booking a hotel near the North Terminal means you can focus on your trip, not the journey to the airport.
Lastly, if you need a ride to or from your hotel, always pick a reliable service like My London Transfer to make your trips stress-free.
