What County Is Gatwick In? Everything Travellers Need to Know
What county is Gatwick in is a question that surprises many travellers even those who have flown through the airport dozens of times. London Gatwick Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, yet its exact geographic location remains a point of confusion for passengers, researchers, and even some travel writers. This guide provides a clear, authoritative answer along with everything else worth knowing about Gatwick’s location, surroundings, and how that affects your journey.
What County Is Gatwick in and Why Does It Matter?
Gatwick Airport is located in the county of West Sussex, England. More specifically, it sits within the borough of Crawley, a town approximately 28 miles south of Central London. Despite being widely referred to as a London airport, Gatwick does not fall within Greater London’s administrative boundaries at all it is entirely within the county of West Sussex.
This distinction matters for several practical reasons. It affects how local transport is organised, which county council has jurisdiction over nearby infrastructure, and even how the airport is described in legal and planning documents. For travellers, understanding that Gatwick is in West Sussex helps set expectations about travel times, road routes, and the general character of the surrounding area.
The Borough of Crawley
Crawley is the nearest town to Gatwick and effectively acts as its host community. The town is a post-war new town, developed rapidly after World War II to ease housing pressure on London. Today, Crawley has a population of around 115,000 people and its economy is closely tied to the airport and the businesses that have grown up around it.
The airport itself sits on the northern edge of Crawley, straddling the boundary between the town and the surrounding rural areas of West Sussex. The Gatwick Diamond, as the local business region is known, is one of the most economically productive areas outside of Greater London.
West Sussex as a County
West Sussex is a historic English county on the south coast, bordered by East Sussex to the east, Surrey to the north, and Hampshire to the west. It is home to the South Downs National Park, the cathedral city of Chichester, and the seaside town of Worthing. The county is predominantly rural and suburban in character, which makes the presence of a major international airport on its northern edge somewhat distinctive.
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Gatwick Airport’s Precise Location
Gatwick Airport is positioned at a latitude of approximately 51.15°N and a longitude of 0.18°W. Its postcode is RH6, which covers the Horley and Gatwick area in Surrey and West Sussex. Interestingly, the RH postcode prefix stands for Redhill, a town in Surrey which is one reason why some people mistakenly associate Gatwick with Surrey rather than West Sussex.
The Surrey Confusion Explained
The nearby town of Horley, which borders the airport to the north, is in Surrey not West Sussex. This geographical overlap creates the impression among some travellers that Gatwick is in Surrey. However, the airport terminals, runways, and main operational areas are firmly within West Sussex.
When people search for Gatwick on a map, they often see Horley and Redhill appearing nearby, both of which are in Surrey. This proximity has perpetuated the misconception. For the record: Gatwick Airport is in West Sussex, in the borough of Crawley.
Getting to Gatwick Airport from London
Understanding Gatwick’s location in West Sussex helps explain why travel times from Central London are what they are. The airport is approximately 28 miles south of London Victoria, and the journey by train takes around 30 minutes on the Gatwick Express a testament to how well-connected the airport is despite being outside the capital.
By Train
The Gatwick Express runs non-stop between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport every 15 minutes during peak hours. Southern Rail and Thameslink also serve the airport with frequent services from multiple London stations including London Bridge, City Thameslink, Farringdon, and St Pancras International.
By Road
Gatwick is accessed via the M23 motorway, which connects to the M25 London orbital motorway to the north. Journey times by car or taxi from Central London vary between 45 and 90 minutes depending on traffic, time of day, and specific origin point.
By Coach
National Express operates regular coach services to Gatwick from Heathrow, Stansted, Victoria Coach Station, and other major transport hubs. This is one of the most affordable options for inter-airport travel or for passengers arriving from outside London.
Gatwick Airport: North and South Terminals
Gatwick has two terminals the North Terminal and the South Terminal both located within the borough of Crawley in West Sussex. The two terminals are connected by a 24-hour transit system that operates continuously throughout the day and night.
North Terminal
The North Terminal primarily serves airlines including easyJet, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and TUI. It is directly connected to the railway station via a short covered walkway, making it the more convenient terminal for passengers arriving by train.
South Terminal
The South Terminal handles British Airways, Vueling, and several other major carriers. It connects to the railway station via the inter-terminal transit system. Passengers arriving at the wrong terminal should allow extra time for the transit transfer.
Comparing Gatwick to Other London Airports
London is served by six airports in total. Understanding where each one sits geographically helps travellers plan inter-airport transfers and choose the most convenient hub.
| Airport | County / Region | Distance from Central London | Nearest Town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow (LHR) | Greater London (Hillingdon) | 15 miles west | Hounslow |
| Gatwick (LGW) | West Sussex (Crawley) | 28 miles south | Crawley / Horley |
| Stansted (STN) | Essex | 40 miles north-east | Bishop’s Stortford |
| Luton (LTN) | Bedfordshire | 35 miles north | Luton |
| London City (LCY) | Greater London (Newham) | 9 miles east | Stratford |
| Southend (SEN) | Essex | 42 miles east | Southend-on-Sea |
As the table shows, Gatwick is the only major London airport located in West Sussex. It is also one of the furthest from the city centre among the primary airports, yet thanks to the Gatwick Express it remains one of the fastest to reach by rail.
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The Gatwick Diamond Business Region
The area surrounding Gatwick Airport is known as the Gatwick Diamond, a business and economic zone that spans parts of West Sussex and Surrey. The region is home to numerous logistics firms, aviation support businesses, hotels, and technology companies that benefit from proximity to an international gateway.
Economic Significance of West Sussex Location
Gatwick’s location in West Sussex gives the county significant economic weight. The airport supports tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the region, contributes billions to the local economy, and attracts international investment into what would otherwise be a primarily rural county.
The local authority, Crawley Borough Council, works closely with airport management on planning, transport, and environmental matters. Issues such as aircraft noise, road congestion, and land use around the airport are all matters of considerable public interest within West Sussex.
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Gatwick’s Potential Expansion
In recent years, there have been ongoing discussions about expanding Gatwick Airport through the reactivation of its emergency runway as a second operational runway. Any such development would require planning approval from West Sussex County Council and would have significant implications for communities across the county.
Supporters argue that expansion would bring economic benefits to West Sussex and the wider south-east of England. Opponents highlight concerns about noise pollution, carbon emissions, and the impact on local communities in Crawley and surrounding villages.
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Conclusion
What county is Gatwick in has a clear and definitive answer: West Sussex. Specifically, the airport is situated within the borough of Crawley, approximately 28 miles south of Central London. Despite being commonly referred to as a London airport, Gatwick sits entirely outside Greater London’s boundaries and is administered as part of West Sussex for all planning, transport, and local government purposes.
For travellers, this knowledge helps clarify journey times, transport options, and the geographic context of one of Europe’s most important aviation hubs. Whether you are flying from Gatwick, transferring between airports, or simply curious about its location, West Sussex is the answer and Crawley is the town that calls it a neighbour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Gatwick in?
Gatwick Airport is located in West Sussex, England. It sits within the borough of Crawley, a town on the northern edge of the county approximately 28 miles south of Central London.
Is Gatwick Airport in Surrey or West Sussex?
Gatwick Airport is in West Sussex, not Surrey. The nearby town of Horley is in Surrey, which causes some confusion, but the airport terminals and runways are entirely within West Sussex in the borough of Crawley.
What is the nearest town to Gatwick Airport?
The nearest town is Crawley, which is located immediately south of the airport. Horley, in Surrey, is the nearest settlement to the north. Both towns are within a few miles of the terminals.
Why is Gatwick called a London airport if it is in West Sussex?
Gatwick is referred to as a London airport because it serves the Greater London travel market and is well-connected to the capital by fast rail services. The Gatwick Express reaches London Victoria in around 30 minutes. The “London” designation is a commercial and geographic convention rather than an administrative one.
How far is Gatwick from Central London?
Gatwick Airport is approximately 28 miles south of Central London. By rail on the Gatwick Express, the journey from London Victoria takes around 30 minutes. By car via the M23 and M25, journey times typically range from 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
Does Gatwick Airport fall under Greater London or West Sussex for planning purposes?
For all planning, local government, and administrative purposes, Gatwick Airport falls under West Sussex County Council and Crawley Borough Council. It does not fall within the administrative boundaries of Greater London.
What postcode is Gatwick Airport?
Gatwick Airport uses the postcode RH6, which covers the Horley and Gatwick area. The RH prefix stands for Redhill, a town in Surrey, which contributes to the occasional confusion about whether the airport is in Surrey or West Sussex. The airport itself, however, is in West Sussex.
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