Gatwick Airport (LGW) South Terminal Traveller’s Guide

The journey from Bournemouth to Gatwick South Terminal typically takes approximately 2 hours, but the experience can vary greatly depending on the route we choose. We have two primary options: the fast, functional M3 and M25 motorway route, which is ideal for a straightforward trip, or the significantly more scenic ‘Southern route’ via the A31 and A3.

While the motorway is often the default choice, the A3 route offers a much more pleasant drive through charming villages, historic towns, and the beautiful English countryside, providing a refreshing alternative to the monotonous motorway scenery. Whether you prefer the efficiency of the M25 or a more relaxed journey with a view, I monitor the live traffic on both routes to ensure we reach the South Terminal on time and in total comfort. Whichever path we take, your trip back to Dorset begins with a smooth, professional transfer tailored to your preference.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up at Airport

Navigating the South Terminal at Gatwick is straightforward, as we offer two distinct options for your arrival and departure, depending on your budget and time preferences.

For those looking for the most economical journey, a Remote Drop-off option is available. This service is free of charge; however, it requires a transfer from the long-stay area to the terminal building via a shuttle bus. Please allow an additional 10 minutes for this transfer to ensure you reach your check-in desk on time.

Alternatively, for maximum convenience, I provide a Terminal Drop-off service. This allows me to set you down directly at the South Terminal entrance, just steps away from the departures hall. Please note that Gatwick Airport charges a mandatory fee for this premium access. This £10 terminal fee is already included in your booking price, ensuring a seamless “door-to-door” experience without any need for shuttle buses or extra payments upon arrival.

Drop-Off Options

Remote Drop-off (no airport fee)

If you prefer to avoid the airport’s terminal access fees, the Long Stay Car Park is the designated area for a free drop-off. From this location, you will need to use the complimentary airport shuttle bus to reach the South Terminal.

Please factor in that the transfer typically takes around 10 minutes during the day, while during night-time hours it can take up to 20 minutes due to less frequent service. This option is ideal for budget-conscious travellers who have a comfortable time buffer before their flight.

Drop-off at the Terminal

For those who prioritize speed and convenience, I offer a direct drop-off at the South Terminal entrance. This allows you to step out of the vehicle and walk straight into the departures hall within seconds.

While Gatwick Airport charges a mandatory £10 fee for this premium access, I have already included this cost in your booking price for complete transparency. This is the most efficient way to start your journey, especially when travelling with heavy luggage or on a tight schedule.

Pick-Up Options

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Remote Pick-Up (no airport fee)

For arrivals, you can also opt for a complimentary collection at the Long Stay Car Park to avoid any airport parking charges. After clearing customs, simply follow the signs for the free Long Stay shuttle bus and exit the bus at the very first stop. The journey from the terminal to this point takes approximately 10 minutes.

To ensure a smooth connection, it is essential that you send me a text message or call me as soon as you are boarding the shuttle bus. This allows me to time my arrival at the pick-up area perfectly, so you don’t have to wait with your luggage. This option is perfect for those who don’t mind a short bus ride in exchange for a lower transfer price.

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Pick-Up at the Terminal

For maximum comfort upon your arrival, I offer a premium pick-up service directly at the terminal. I typically enter the airport 30 minutes after your plane arrives at the gate. I will be waiting for you with a digital tablet displaying your name, positioned directly opposite the exit from the Baggage Reclaim and Customs area.

By timing my entry this way, you effectively receive 60 minutes of waiting time for the price of 30 minutes of parking, providing you with a generous buffer for passport control. Once we meet, I will assist you with your luggage and guide you to the vehicle. Please note that the walk from the arrivals hall to the Short Stay car park takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes before we can begin our journey back to Bournemouth.

Meet & Greet Service

For the ultimate arrival experience at Gatwick South, my Meet & Greet service ensures you are met personally as soon as you step into the arrivals hall. I monitor your flight in real-time and enter the terminal 30 minutes after your plane arrives at the gate. I will be waiting for you with a digital tablet displaying your name, located directly opposite the Baggage Reclaim exit.

This service is designed to be highly cost-effective; by timing my arrival, you effectively receive 90 minutes of waiting time for the price of 60 minutes of parking. This provides a stress-free buffer for even the longest passport control queues. Once we meet, I will take care of your luggage and lead you to the Short Stay car park, ensuring a smooth and prestigious transition to your chauffeur-driven vehicle for the journey back to Dorset.

Airport Services & Terminal Information

For a comprehensive overview of all available amenities, including detailed maps, shopping options, and specific lounge services, we recommend visiting the airport’s official website. While I ensure your seamless arrival and departure, the official website provides the most up-to-date information regarding real-time terminal facilities.

Personalised Airport Transfers & Long-Distance Travel

Thank you for visiting from a mobile device.

I apologise for the simplified mobile version of this website — the booking software I use is not fully optimised for mobile browsers, and I don’t want you to struggle with a limited experience.

To give every customer a smooth, fast and reliable way to book rides on the go, I provide a state‑of‑the‑art mobile app, designed specifically for iOS and Android. It offers the full functionality, clarity and comfort that a mobile browser cannot.

I am a professional, licensed private driver providing dedicated airport transfers between Bournemouth and all major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted. To ensure you receive a seamless and stress-free service on your mobile device, I offer my dedicated booking app and direct personal contact.

1. Book via My Dedicated App

For the most efficient way to secure your journey and see my fixed rates instantly, I recommend using my professional booking app. It allows me to provide you with the same level of precision and clarity on your phone as I do on the road.

  • Real-Time Tracking: Follow my progress as I head to your location.
  • Automatic Flight Sync: I personally monitor your flight to ensure I am there exactly when you land.
  • Secure Management: Manage your bookings and receipts directly in one place.

You can download the version that matches your device directly from the App Store or Google Play.

2. Direct Personal Support

Do you have a specific request or prefer to speak with me directly? You can reach me instantly through any of these channels:

WhatsApp – For an immediate response or urgent bookings.
Call – Perfect for quick quotes and easy updates.
Email Inquiry – For detailed itineraries or future travel planning.

Just click on the icon of the type of contact, most suitable for you:

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My Commitment to Your Journey

Guaranteed Fixed Pricing: I provide transparent quotes with no hidden terminal fees or surge pricing.
Punctual Meet & Greet: I will always be at the terminal 30 minutes after your plane arrives, giving you plenty of time for customs.

Your Personal Driver: A licensed, insured, and reliable service focused entirely on your comfort and safety.