The Hilton London Gatwick Airport is the only hotel directly connected to Gatwick’s South Terminal by a covered walkway, letting you walk from check‑in to check‑in without setting foot outside. This article draws on official property information, airline listings, independent airport guides, and guest feedback to explain exactly how that walkway works, how it compares with the nearby Hampton by Hilton at the North Terminal, and what travellers flying from South Terminal should know before booking.
Last checked: 2026-09-03
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Hotel: Hilton London Gatwick Airport · Terminal: South Terminal via covered walkway · North Terminal link: Free 24-hour monorail, about 10 minutes · Star rating: 4-star · Fitness center: 24-hour fitness center
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-03.
Sources reviewed: official hotel website, Hilton location page, British Airways hotel listing, GatwickAirport‑info independent guide, Offonone travel blog, TripAdvisor reviews, Holiday Extras, Parking4Less.
No on‑site inspection, staff interview, or price‑verification was performed. Walking times quoted are estimates from published sources and user reports, not measured distances.
Key facts at a glance
- Direct covered walkway connects the hotel to Gatwick South Terminal (Hilton).
- Hilton markets the property as the only hotel with a covered walkway to the South Terminal (Hilton location page).
- From the walkway guests reach Gatwick railway station and the free 24‑hour monorail to the North Terminal (British Airways).
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Hilton London Gatwick Airport |
| Terminal | South Terminal via covered walkway |
| North Terminal link | Free 24‑hour monorail, about 10 minutes |
| Star rating | 4‑star |
| Fitness centre | 24‑hour fitness centre |
| Room count | 826 |
Pros and cons of the Hilton Gatwick South Terminal walkway
Pros
- Fully undercover walkway – no outdoor exposure before a flight.
- Direct access to South Terminal check‑in and Gatwick railway station.
- Free 24‑hour monorail to North Terminal from inside the terminal.
- Consistent positive feedback for the short walking distance from hotel to terminal (TripAdvisor Q&A).
Cons
- The walkway route includes corridors, lifts, and a section through the short‑stay car park – some guests find it less direct than marketing suggests (Offonone review).
- Advertised walk times vary from 2 to 10 minutes depending on the source, creating uncertainty (Holiday Extras).
- For North Terminal flights, the monorail transfer adds 10–15 minutes to the journey.
- Some travellers with mobility concerns note the walkway has gradients and long corridors, though specific accessibility audits are limited.
Who the Hilton Gatwick South Terminal works best for
- South Terminal departing passengers – direct covered walkway to check‑in.
- North Terminal connecting passengers – still walkable if you allow 15–20 minutes for the monorail transfer.
- Overnight layover travellers – 24‑hour access to terminal, no shuttles.
- Travellers who want a covered walkway – the only South‑Terminal‑attached hotel with that feature.
Pricing context
Room rates at the Hilton London Gatwick Airport fluctuate significantly by season, advance purchase, and occupancy. No specific pricing data is quoted here because rates change daily. During the research stage, it is best to compare directly on the Hilton site or a major booking platform, filtering by date. The hotel typically commands a premium over off‑airport properties due to its direct walkway connection.
Location and getting to the hotel
The Hilton London Gatwick Airport sits adjacent to the South Terminal building. From the arrivals level, follow the signs for “Hilton Hotel” – they direct you through a covered walkway that passes lifts, corridors, and a short section of the short‑stay car park before arriving at the hotel lobby. The walkway is fully under cover and typically takes between 3 and 10 minutes depending on your pace and whether you use the lifts. For guests arriving at the North Terminal, take the free 24‑hour monorail from inside the terminal; the ride to South Terminal takes about 10 minutes (GatwickAirport‑info).
Our pick: Hilton London Gatwick Airport
For travellers flying from Gatwick’s South Terminal who prioritise a covered walking route to check‑in, the Hilton is the strongest on‑airport option. No other hotel at the South Terminal offers a direct covered walkway, and the free monorail to the North Terminal keeps connections straightforward. While the walkway route itself has been described as slightly more convoluted than marketing suggests (Offonone), the trade‑off of staying on‑airport with no outdoor exposure is compelling for early flights or layovers.
Can you walk from Hilton Gatwick to South Terminal?
Yes. The Hilton London Gatwick Airport is physically connected to Gatwick’s South Terminal by a covered walkway. The route starts from the hotel lobby and goes through a series of indoor corridors, lifts, and a section of the short‑stay car park before emerging into the terminal’s arrivals area (Hilton). The walkway is fully covered, so you never step outside.
How the covered walkway works
The walkway is a combination of interior passageways. After leaving the hotel, you proceed through a series of lifts (or stairs), walk through a corridor that passes the short‑stay car park entrance, and then enter the South Terminal building near the check‑in hall. The route is signposted, though some guests have noted that the initial section can feel indirect (Offonone).
Hilton London Gatwick location
The hotel is part of the South Terminal complex. According to the official Hilton location page, it is “the only hotel connected to Gatwick Airport (South Terminal) by a covered walkway” (Hilton location page). The nearest railway station, Gatwick Airport, is also directly accessible through the terminal.
Is the Hilton at Gatwick a north or South Terminal?
The Hilton London Gatwick Airport is the Hilton property connected to the South Terminal. It is not at the North Terminal. The Hilton brand also operates a Hampton by Hilton at the North Terminal, which is similarly connected by a covered walkway to that terminal (Hampton by Hilton Gatwick).
Gatwick Hilton hotel
The Hilton London Gatwick Airport is the older, larger property (826 rooms) and sits at the South Terminal. The Hampton by Hilton (north) is a newer, more limited‑service option. Both are under the same brand family but serve different terminal bases.
North versus South Terminal transfer
If you need to reach the North Terminal from the Hilton, you walk the covered route to South Terminal and then ride the free 24‑hour monorail that connects the two terminals. The monorail runs around the clock and the trip takes about 10 minutes. Including the walk from the hotel to the monorail platform, plan on 15–20 minutes door‑to‑door (GatwickAirport‑info).
Bottom line: The Hilton is a South Terminal hotel. The Hampton by Hilton is the North‑Terminal‑connected option.
How do I get from Gatwick South Terminal to Hilton Hotel?
This direction is simpler than the reverse, because you start inside the terminal. The walkway is clearly signed from both the arrivals and departure levels.
Arriving at South Terminal
- After collecting luggage, follow signs for “Hilton Hotel” – they appear near the exit from baggage reclaim.
- Walk through the arrivals hall towards the short‑stay car park exit; you will see a covered corridor on your right.
- Take the lift or stairs up one level (some sections have ramps).
- Continue along the corridor that passes the car park entry point – the hotel entrance appears on your left after a short passage.
- The entire route is under cover and typically takes 3–5 minutes at a normal pace (London Toolkit).
Arriving at North Terminal
- Follow signs to the free inter‑terminal monorail, located inside the North Terminal after security or in the public arrivals area.
- Board the monorail towards South Terminal; journey time is about 10 minutes.
- Exit at South Terminal and follow the “Hilton Hotel” signs as described above.
- Total time from North Terminal to hotel lobby: 15–20 minutes with average walking speed (British Airways).
What is the best hotel for Gatwick South Terminal?
Based on the research available, the Hilton London Gatwick Airport is the best option for travellers who want a covered walkway to the South Terminal. No other hotel at that terminal offers a direct indoor connection. The Hampton by Hilton serves the North Terminal, and off‑airport hotels require shuttle buses or public transport.
Which hotel can you walk to Gatwick South Terminal?
Only the Hilton London Gatwick Airport has a covered walkway to the South Terminal. The hotel states this claim explicitly (Hilton location page), and independent sources such as GatwickAirport‑info and British Airways confirm it.
Hotels at Gatwick Airport South Terminal
The South Terminal itself contains no other hotels inside the terminal building. The Hilton is the only property that is directly physically connected. Other nearby hotels (e.g., the Sofitel, or a Premier Inn) are not attached by a covered walkway and require outdoor walking or shuttle transfers.
The pattern: If a covered walkway is your top priority, the Hilton is the clear choice for South Terminal. For North Terminal departures, the Hampton by Hilton would be more convenient.
““The only hotel connected to Gatwick Airport (South Terminal) by a covered walkway and just 30 minutes from central London.””
– Hilton London Gatwick Airport – official location description, Hotel operator marketing copy
““The Hilton London Gatwick Airport is directly connected to Gatwick Airport South Terminal, via a covered walkway.””
– British Airways hotel information, Airline hotel‑marketing content
gatwickairport-info.co.uk, britishairways.com, britishairways.com, holidayextras.com, aph.com, tripadvisor.co.uk, hilton.com
Frequently asked questions
Can you sleep at Gatwick Airport overnight?
Yes, but it depends on the terminal. Gatwick’s South Terminal is open 24 hours for passengers, but sleeping in seating areas is permitted only in designated rest zones. The Hilton London Gatwick offers a comfortable alternative with private rooms accessible via the covered walkway – no need to leave the terminal precinct.
Can you walk between Gatwick North and South terminals?
There is no pedestrian walkway between the two terminals. The only option is the free 24‑hour monorail, which runs 365 days a year and takes about 10 minutes. Walking is not permitted across the airfield or road.
How easy is it to get from Gatwick North Terminal to South Terminal?
Very easy. The free 24‑hour monorail connects the two terminals directly from inside the buildings. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. From the Hilton at South Terminal, you would walk to the monorail station (another 2–3 minutes) and then ride to the North Terminal.
Which is better, Gatwick North or South Terminal?
The “better” terminal depends on your airline and destination. South Terminal serves many short‑haul and some long‑haul carriers (e.g., British Airways, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic). North Terminal handles mostly low‑cost and charter airlines. The Hilton London Gatwick is attached to the South Terminal, so for South Terminal flights it is more convenient.
What hotel is attached to Gatwick Airport?
Two hotels are directly attached: the Hilton London Gatwick Airport (to the South Terminal via covered walkway) and the Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport (to the North Terminal via covered walkway). Both are part of the Hilton group and offer direct indoor access to their respective terminals.