Gatwick late-night arrival: how to organise your onward transport

Landing at Gatwick after the main public transport services have finished for the day can leave you with fewer options than you expect. The airport operates two terminals, North and South, and they are linked by an inter-terminal shuttle, so confirm which terminal your flight uses before you arrange a pickup or meet a driver. If you are being collected, tell the person meeting you which terminal to go to, because the two sides of the airport are separate.

Arriving tired and with luggage makes it harder to sort out transport on the spot, so it is worth deciding your plan before the plane touches down. Gatwick Airport station is served by trains to London and across the South East, but services do not run around the clock. Before you land, check National Rail Enquiries for your destination station and confirm whether any trains are running at your arrival time. Planned engineering work and short-notice cancellations can change the position, so check again closer to your travel date.

If you plan to combine a train with a taxi or bus, build in time for the connection and check the station facilities at your destination. Remember that the last service to some places may be earlier than the last service to others, so do not assume that a train will be available just because the airport is open. If you need a car, know the legal difference between a hackney carriage and a private hire vehicle. Private hire journeys must be pre-booked through a licensed operator; they cannot be hailed at a rank. Drivers are licensed by the local council.

For the Gatwick area, the licensing authority is Crawley Borough Council. Licensed drivers must pass background checks. When you contact operators, ask about the terms of the booking, including whether the driver will wait if your flight is delayed and what happens if your flight lands early or later than expected. Confirm the arrangements before you agree to the journey. It is also sensible to ask whether the operator will meet you inside the terminal or wait at a designated pickup point, and to get the driver's name and vehicle details in advance so you know who to look for.

If you have not pre-booked, you may find licensed vehicles at airport taxi ranks, but availability late at night is not guaranteed. Booking in advance through a licensed operator lets you confirm the vehicle and driver details before you travel. Keep your booking reference and the operator's phone number with you in case your flight lands earlier or later than expected. It is also worth checking whether your hotel runs a shuttle from the airport, though this is not offered everywhere.

If you are stranded without a pre-booked vehicle, stay in the terminal and contact a licensed operator rather than accepting an offer from an unlicensed driver. Before you set off, check National Highways for any incidents or roadworks on the motorways and A-roads around Gatwick, and re-check your rail connection if you plan to combine a train with a taxi or bus. Confirm your terminal, save your operator's details, and allow extra time if you are travelling during a period of disruption.

A little preparation before you land can make the difference between a straightforward journey home and a long wait at the airport. The right choice depends on where you are going, how much luggage you have and whether you want to travel alone or share a ride. A pre-booked private hire vehicle gives you a fixed arrangement and a driver who knows your flight details, while a train may be an option if one is running to your destination. A rank taxi can work if you are lucky enough to find one, but it can be less predictable late at night.

Whatever you choose, confirm the details before you land and keep your phone charged.