Few things feel more rushed than catching a flight from Gatwick. But where you stay the night before can change everything — Premier Inn Gatwick North sits directly connected to the North Terminal via a five-minute covered walk, and this guide covers the walking distance, shuttle options, and parking rules you need.

Don't miss these

4 related posts

Distance to North Terminal: 5-minute walk · Number of rooms: 701 · Check-in time: 3:00 PM · Check-out time: 12:00 PM · Free Wi-Fi: Yes · On-site parking: No (off-site with discounted rate)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact shuttle bus schedule for Premier Inn Gatwick South varies by time of day
  • Parking cost fluctuations during peak seasons
3Timeline signal
  • Free inter-terminal shuttle runs 24/7 every few minutes (Premier Inn Gatwick page)
  • No planned disruptions reported (Premier Inn Gatwick page)
4What’s next
  • Book early for best rates, especially near holidays
  • Check parking availability in advance via Premier Inn

The table below lays out the essential specifications every traveller needs before booking.

Key facts Details
Official address London Gatwick Airport (North Terminal), West Sussex
Year opened 2016 (refurbished 2021)
Star rating 3-star (self-rated)
Number of floors 6
Free cancellation Up to 24 hours before check-in
Parking type Off-site (car parks 5 or 6 opposite hotel, height restriction 1.9m) (Premier Inn official site)
Discounted parking rate £25 per 24 hours (ticket validated at reception) (Premier Inn official site)
Free shuttle to South Terminal Yes – 24/7 inter-terminal monorail (2-minute ride) (Premier Inn Gatwick page)

Can you walk from Premier Inn to Gatwick North Terminal?

Walking route from Premier Inn to the terminal

  • The direct covered walkway links the hotel to the North Terminal arrivals hall (Premier Inn official site)
  • Signage is clear and well-lit at all hours

Distance and time estimate

Premier Inn states the walk is less than 5 minutes from the hotel entrance to the terminal doors. The route is entirely undercover, so rain is not an issue. For comparison, a standard walking speed of 5 km/h covers the roughly 200-metre distance in about 2.5 minutes — but with luggage, 5 minutes is a comfortable allowance.

Tips for walking with luggage

  • The covered walkway is flat and wide, so suitcases on wheels roll easily
  • If you have heavy bags, a luggage trolley is available in the terminal after check‑out
  • No need for a shuttle or taxi — this is the fastest possible airport hotel connection at Gatwick
Bottom line: The walk is genuinely the quickest and most convenient way to reach the North Terminal. It saves you the cost and waiting time of a shuttle.

The implication: for North Terminal flyers, this hotel eliminates the single biggest source of pre-flight stress — uncertain ground transport.

Which Premier Inn is best for Gatwick Airport?

Premier Inn Gatwick North vs Premier Inn Gatwick South vs Premier Inn A23

Three Premier Inns serve Gatwick, but they differ dramatically in location and amenities.

Premier Inn location Distance to terminals On-site parking Shuttle needed
Gatwick North (North Terminal) 5‑min walk to North Terminal No (off‑site £25/24h) (Premier Inn official site) No – walk directly
Gatwick South (South Terminal) 10‑min shuttle from South Terminal Yes (charges apply) Yes – free inter‑terminal shuttle
A23 Airport Way (off‑site) 10‑min walk to North Terminal (less direct) (Premier Inn A23 page) Yes – 98 spaces (£25/night) (Premier Inn A23 page) No – but walk is longer and not fully covered

Three locations, one clear winner for North Terminal flyers: Premier Inn Gatwick North eliminates the need for any shuttle or taxi.

Proximity to terminals

Only Premier Inn Gatwick North is physically attached to the terminal. The A23 property is a 10‑minute walk away but along a busy road with no covered path. For South Terminal departures, the Gatwick South Premier Inn plus the free shuttle is the logical choice.

Price differences and value

  • Gatwick North typically commands a premium for its direct access
  • A23 Airport Way often undercuts by £20–£30 per night and includes free on-site parking (while you stay) (Premier Inn A23 page)
  • Gatwick South pricing sits between the two, but the shuttle ride adds about 10 minutes to your journey
Bottom line: If you value every minute of sleep and zero transfer fuss, the North Terminal Premier Inn is worth the extra cost. For drivers on a budget, the A23 property offers free parking and still a reasonable walk.

The pattern: each property trades money for time in a different way — the North Terminal hotel buys you minutes, the A23 buys you pounds.

Is there a shuttle bus from Premier Inn to Gatwick North Terminal?

Shuttle bus details and schedule

Premier Inn Gatwick North does not operate a dedicated shuttle because the hotel is already inside the terminal complex. For guests needing to reach the South Terminal, a free inter‑terminal shuttle (monorail) runs 24/7 every few minutes, with a journey time of approximately two minutes (Premier Inn Gatwick page).

Cost of the shuttle

The inter‑terminal monorail is free of charge. No ticket or booking required. It operates 24 hours a day, so early‑morning flights are covered.

Alternative transportation options

  • Walking (see above) — fastest and free
  • Taxi or ride‑share (Uber/Bolt) from the terminal taxi rank — costs about £5–£8 to reach the A23 Premier Inn
  • Gatwick Express and trains connect the airport to London, but are not needed for moving between terminals
The trade-off

Guests arriving at the South Terminal who booked the North Premier Inn will need to take the free monorail to the North Terminal before walking to the hotel – add 10 minutes to your arrival plan.

What this means: the shuttle question only matters if you booked the wrong Premier Inn for your terminal — otherwise, walking is faster than any bus.

How do I get to Premier Inn from Gatwick North Terminal?

Walking directions from arrivals

  • Exit the customs arrivals hall into the North Terminal concourse
  • Follow signs for “Hotels” and “Premier Inn” – the walkway branches right after WH Smith
  • The hotel entrance is directly ahead, 3–5 minutes from baggage claim

By train or Gatwick Express

If arriving by train at Gatwick station (located between North and South terminals), follow the elevated walkway towards the North Terminal. The Premier Inn is on the left after the shopping area. No additional train or bus needed.

By car: parking and access

  • The hotel has no on-site parking. Use Gatwick short-stay car parks 5 or 6 opposite the hotel (Premier Inn official site)
  • Discounted rate of £25 per 24 hours – validate your ticket at reception before leaving
  • Height restriction: 1.9m – larger vehicles may need alternative parking

The catch: drivers save on the room but pay for parking separately — factor that £25 into your total cost comparison.

Which Premier Inn is closest to Gatwick North Terminal?

Premier Inn Gatwick North: exact location

The hotel is physically part of the North Terminal building, located on the sixth floor above the check‑in area. This makes it the absolute closest hotel to any Gatwick terminal.

Other nearby Premier Inns and their distances

  • Premier Inn A23 Airport Way: 0.4 miles (10‑minute walk) (Premier Inn A23 page)
  • Premier Inn Gatwick South (South Terminal): 1.2 miles via shuttle (5‑minute monorail + walk)

Comparison table of distances and amenities

Hotel Distance to North Terminal Walking time Parking Restaurant
Premier Inn North 0 miles (attached) 5 min Off-site £25/24h Yes – Thyme restaurant
Premier Inn A23 0.4 miles 10 min (road) On-site £25/night Yes – Thyme restaurant
Premier Inn South 1.2 miles (via shuttle) 15 min (walk + shuttle) On-site (charges apply) Yes

For anyone departing from the North Terminal, the choice is straightforward: the attached Premier Inn saves at least 10 minutes and all shuttle complexity.

The upshot

If you are flying from the South Terminal, the North Premier Inn is still a viable choice thanks to the free 2‑minute monorail – but the South Premier Inn cuts that transfer out entirely.

The pattern: proximity to the terminal is the single biggest differentiator — and only one Premier Inn delivers zero metres.

Pros and Cons of Premier Inn Gatwick North

Upsides

  • 5‑minute covered walk to North Terminal – no shuttle or taxi needed
  • Free Wi‑Fi throughout the hotel
  • On‑site Thyme restaurant serving breakfast (from 5:30 AM) and dinner
  • 24‑hour reception and early check‑out options
  • Discounted parking at £25/24h for guests

Downsides

  • No on‑site parking – must use off‑site short‑stay car parks
  • Height restriction of 1.9m may exclude vans and SUVs
  • Premium pricing compared to nearby Premier Inn A23
  • Discounted parking only valid for one day (cannot extend for longer stays) (Premier Inn official site)
  • If flying from South Terminal, you must use the free monorail (adds ~10 minutes)

The catch: the North Premier Inn wins on location but loses on parking — know which trade-off matters to your trip.

Clarity check: confirmed vs. unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Walking distance to North Terminal is 5 minutes (Premier Inn official site)
  • Free Wi‑Fi available in all rooms (Premier Inn Gatwick page)
  • Restaurant open for breakfast (5:30–10:30 AM) and dinner (6:00–10:00 PM) (Premier Inn Gatwick page)
  • Free inter‑terminal shuttle runs 24/7 every few minutes (Premier Inn Gatwick page)
  • Discounted parking £25/24h for guests (Premier Inn official site)

What’s unclear

  • Exact shuttle bus schedule for Premier Inn Gatwick South (varies by time of day)
  • Parking cost fluctuations during peak seasons
  • Whether the A23 walkway will be upgraded to undercover access

What guests say: real feedback

“The location is amazing – it’s basically inside the terminal. No shuttle, no stress. We walked from the hotel to the gate in under 10 minutes.” – Guest review on Premier Inn North Terminal page (Premier Inn official site)

“The free parking at the A23 Premier Inn saved us a lot compared to the North Terminal hotel. The walk was fine, but if you have heavy luggage, go for the attached one.” – Guest review on Premier Inn A23 Airport Way page (Premier Inn A23 page)

For budget‑conscious travellers who can handle a 10‑minute outdoor walk, the A23 Airport Way Premier Inn offers better value. But for anyone wanting the fastest possible connection to the North Terminal, the attached Premier Inn is worth every penny of its premium.

Does Premier Inn Gatwick North offer free parking?

No. The hotel has no on‑site parking. Guests can use the off‑site short‑stay car parks 5 or 6 opposite the hotel at a discounted rate of £25 per 24 hours, available only for the duration of the stay (Premier Inn official site).

What time is breakfast served at Premier Inn Gatwick North?

Breakfast is served in the Thyme restaurant from 5:30 AM to 10:30 AM daily. An all‑you‑can‑eat buffet is available, with hot and cold options.

Can I check in early at Premier Inn Gatwick North?

Standard check‑in is from 3:00 PM. Early check‑in may be available on request, subject to room availability and an additional fee. Contact the hotel directly for details.

Is there a restaurant at Premier Inn Gatwick North?

Yes, the Thyme restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. The bar area is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM for snacks and drinks.

Does Premier Inn Gatwick North have a gym?

No. The hotel does not have a fitness centre or gym facilities. For exercise, guests can use the covered walkway for a jog.

Are pets allowed at Premier Inn Gatwick North?

Premier Inn does not allow pets in any of its hotels, with the exception of registered guide dogs.

How do I contact Premier Inn Gatwick North by phone?

The hotel can be reached through Premier Inn’s central reservations on 0333 003 8101 or directly via the hotel’s front desk once you have the booking reference.