About flights from London (LGW)
Gatwick doesn't always get the love it deserves — Heathrow hogs the spotlight, but honestly? This place punches hard. With 216 direct routes across 71 countries, it's quietly one of the most connected airports in Europe. I've flown out of the South Terminal more times than I can count, usually chasing a cheap easyJet fare to somewhere sunny. The setup is straightforward, the trains into central London are fast, and you're not fighting through six terminals to find your gate. Two runways, two terminals, and a reach score of 89 out of 99. That's not nothing.
Quick stats for LGW
- Direct destinations: 216
- Countries served: 71
- Continents reached: 4 of 6
- Average flight distance: 2,648 km
- Longest non-stop: Singapore (SIN) — 10,870 km (~13h 35m)
- Shortest non-stop: Guernsey (GCI) — 257 km (~19 min)
- Reach score: 89/99
Why fly to London?
Spain alone has 22 direct routes from Gatwick — 22! Whether you're after Barcelona, Malaga, or somewhere quieter like Almería, you've got options. France covers 19 routes, Italy 17, Greece 14. So if your idea of a good holiday involves good food and a warm coastline, you're sorted before you've even packed. But here's what surprises people: Gatwick also reaches Singapore — a 10,870 km haul that makes it genuinely useful for long-haul travel, not just quick European hops. On the shorter end, Guernsey is just 257 km away. A day trip, practically. The airline mix is solid too. British Airways, Air France, and Air India all fly from here, which means competitive fares and real choice on routes that actually matter to travelers.
Longest non-stop flights from LGW
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from London:
- Singapore, Singapore (SIN) — 10,870 km, approximately 13h 35m
- Mauritius, Mauritius (MRU) — 9,747 km, approximately 12h 11m
- Cape Town, South Africa (CPT) — 9,642 km, approximately 12h 3m
- Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) — 9,569 km, approximately 11h 58m
- Guangzhou, China (CAN) — 9,499 km, approximately 11h 52m
Short-haul flights from LGW
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from London:
- Guernsey, Guernsey (GCI) — 257 km, approximately 19 min
- Jersey, Jersey (JER) — 260 km, approximately 20 min
- Paris, France (CDG) — 309 km, approximately 23 min
- Paris, France (ORY) — 325 km, approximately 24 min
- Newquay, United Kingdom (NQY) — 348 km, approximately 26 min
Top countries by direct connections from LGW
Gatwick connects to 71 countries. Here are the most served:
- Spain — 22 destinations (Alicante, Almeria, Asturias, Barcelona and 18 more)
- France — 19 destinations (Basel, Switzerland/Mulhouse, Bastia, Biarritz, Bordeaux and 15 more)
- Italy — 17 destinations (Bari, Bolzano, Brindisi, Cagliari and 13 more)
- Greece — 14 destinations (Athens, Chania, Heraklion, Kalamata and 10 more)
- Germany — 8 destinations (Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and 4 more)
- United Kingdom — 7 destinations (Aberdeen, Belfast, Belfast, Edinburgh and 3 more)
- Norway — 6 destinations (Aalesund, Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger and 2 more)
- Morocco — 6 destinations (Agadir, Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat and 2 more)
Where to fly from London
Flights to Spain
London has 22 direct routes to Spain:
- Bilbao (BIO) — 896 km
- Asturias (OVD) — 952 km
- Girona (GRO) — 1,053 km
- La Coruna (LCG) — 1,069 km
- Barcelona (BCN) — 1,109 km
- Santiago De Compostela (SCQ) — 1,109 km
- ...and 16 more destinations
Flights to France
London has 19 direct routes to France:
- Paris (CDG) — 309 km
- Paris (ORY) — 325 km
- Rennes (RNS) — 360 km
- Brest (BES) — 428 km
- Nantes (NTE) — 456 km
- La Rochelle (LRH) — 558 km
- ...and 13 more destinations
Flights to Italy
London has 17 direct routes to Italy:
- Turin (TRN) — 880 km
- Milan (MXP) — 898 km
- Milan (LIN) — 942 km
- Bolzano (BZO) — 989 km
- Verona (VRN) — 1,038 km
- Venice (VCE) — 1,116 km
- ...and 11 more destinations
Tips for travelers at LGW
The Gatwick Express is your best friend — it runs every 15 minutes between the airport and London Victoria, taking about 30 minutes. Don't bother with a taxi unless you're traveling in a group with heavy luggage. Thameslink trains also connect to St Pancras, Farringdon, and Blackfriars if you're heading somewhere other than Victoria. Summer is peak chaos, especially for Mediterranean routes — book early if you're flying to Greece or Spain between June and August. The North Terminal and South Terminal are connected by a free shuttle, so factor in a few extra minutes if your airline switches things up last minute.
Airlines operating from LGW
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Gatwick:
3O, 4M, A2, A3, AF, AI, AT, B6, BA, BJ, BQ, BT, CA, CZ, D7, D8, DE, DY, EK, ET, EW, FI, FR, G9, GF, GQ, GR, HH, HY, IB, J2, JD, KM, KQ, LS, LX, MK, MU, OU, P4, QR, RC, SQ, SV, T5, TK, TP, TS, TU, U2, UD, UR, UX, VY, W2, W6, W9, WS, XC, XQ, XR
Frequently asked questions about flying to London
What's the easiest way to get from Gatwick Airport to central London?
The Gatwick Express train is your quickest option at just 30 minutes to Victoria Station, or you can take the Southern Railway for a cheaper alternative that takes about 45 minutes. Minicabs and coaches are also available if you prefer door-to-door service.
When is the best time to fly from London Gatwick?
Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) are typically cheaper and less crowded than weekend departures, while flying in shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offers better prices than peak summer. Early morning flights also tend to be more affordable and have better on-time performance.
How many places can I fly to directly from Gatwick?
Gatwick offers an impressive 216 direct destinations, making it one of Europe's most connected airports for non-stop travel. You can reach major cities across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas without any connections.
Do I need a visa to travel through London Gatwick?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination—UK entry rules have changed post-Brexit, so EU/EEA citizens now need a valid passport. Check the official UK government website or your destination country's requirements before booking, as rules vary significantly.
What's a helpful tip for Gatwick Airport?
Download the Gatwick app before you arrive to check real-time flight info, find restaurants, and locate facilities—it's much easier than wandering around. Also note that Gatwick has North and South terminals with separate train stations, so confirm which one your airline uses when you book.
How much should I budget for airport transfers and parking at Gatwick?
The Gatwick Express train costs around £20 return, while a minicab typically runs £25-40 depending on your destination in London. If you're driving, short-stay parking starts at roughly £5-8 per hour, but booking online in advance can save you 30-40% compared to paying on the day.
Plan your trip from London
Browse the complete list of 216 destinations below to find your next flight from Gatwick. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.