If you’re arriving by National Rail, your adventure begins at Gatwick Airport station, which sits directly beneath the South Terminal. The real magic, however, is the inter-terminal transit—a driverless shuttle that carries you to the North Terminal in just two minutes. It’s like a monorail from a sci-fi movie, but with better lighting and fewer aliens.
Fun fact: The shuttle runs every few minutes, making it one of the most reliable connections in British transport. You could argue it’s more punctual than your average London bus. And yes, it’s free—a rare gift in an expensive world.
Pro tip: Hang on tight during the acceleration. It’s surprisingly zippy, and you might lurch into a stranger’s suitcase. That’s not a great start to a holiday in Barbados.
Walking: The Grounded Alternative
For the purists, there’s the option to walk between terminals. It’s a 10-to-15-minute stroll along a covered walkway, complete with travelators for the extra lazy. The walls are lined with art installations, turning a mundane corridor into a mini gallery. Think of it as a pavement gallery where the featured works are “Man Struggling with Rolling Luggage” and “Woman Reading Departure Board with Deep Sigh.”
Walking also gives you fresh air before being sealed in a metal tube. It’s a small act of rebellion against the industrialized travel experience. Plus, you get to avoid the shuttle’s mysterious groaning noises—the ones that make you wonder if you’re on a ride at Alton Towers.
Stewart Wingate | New Civil Engineer
