Finding a calm space to pray while travelling through Gatwick Airport (LGW) can make a big difference to your journey. Whether you’re departing, arriving, or in transit, Gatwick offers several multi-faith prayer rooms designed for people of all religions. This detailed guide explains the exact locations, facilities, opening hours, and wudu (ablution) availability in both the North and South Terminals, along with practical directions and travel tips for your visit.
South Terminal Prayer Room – Location, Facilities & Wudu Access
The South Terminal Prayer Room is located on Level 3, right beside Caffè Nero, and is clearly marked as the Chapel & Multi-Faith Room. It sits before the security gates, meaning both arriving and departing passengers can access it easily. The space is open 24 hours a day, providing a quiet environment for prayer, meditation, or reflection.
Inside the South Terminal prayer room, you’ll find a peaceful and inclusive atmosphere. The room includes prayer mats, Qibla and Mizrach signs, and a dedicated area for Muslim prayer. There are also comfortable seating areas and shelves containing multi-faith literature for anyone who wishes to read or spend a few quiet moments.
A key feature here is the wudu facility — fitted with hygienic units designed for travellers. This makes it convenient for Muslim passengers to perform ablution without leaving the terminal. The space is regularly maintained by the Gatwick Chaplaincy team, ensuring it stays clean and accessible at all times.
To reach the prayer room, follow the overhead signs for “Chapel & Prayer Room”. From Arrivals, take the lift or escalator up to Level 3 and turn left past Caffè Nero. From Departures, it’s only a short walk before the security gates.
Many of our passengers appreciate that TappAXI includes free waiting time after flight landing, allowing them to perform wudu and prayers calmly before leaving the airport. If you’ve booked a taxi from Gatwick south terminal, you can always message your driver through our system if you need a few extra minutes inside the chapel or multi-faith room.
North Terminal Prayer Room – Landside Chapel & Facilities
In the North Terminal, the main multi-faith chapel and prayer room is located on Level 1, close to the Hampton by Hilton hotel and the check-in area. Like the South Terminal’s facility, it’s open 24/7 and welcomes passengers, airport staff, and visitors alike.
The North Terminal chapel mirrors the same thoughtful design — offering prayer mats, clear Qibla and Mizrach directions, and a dedicated quiet section for reflection or prayer. The wudu area is equipped with safe and practical washing units, allowing travellers to perform ablution comfortably before prayer. You’ll also find chairs for reading, multi-faith literature, and a tranquil setting away from the main terminal noise.
To find the chapel, walk towards the Hampton by Hilton entrance from the check-in area. You’ll see signs pointing to the Prayer Room / Chapel. For arriving passengers, it’s on the same level as Arrivals, opposite the hotel walkway.
North Terminal Airside Prayer Area – After Security
If you’ve already cleared security, you’ll still find a prayer space at Gatwick’s North Terminal inside the Departure Lounge, near the lounges and duty-free section. This airside prayer area was initially created during Ramadan to support fasting passengers, but it has since been made a permanent feature due to high demand.
This area opens between 04:00 and 22:00 daily. It’s smaller than the landside chapels but designed for convenience, offering prayer mats, a clearly marked Qibla, and a women’s section for privacy. However, it’s important to note that no wudu facilities are available here, so you’ll need to perform ablution beforehand in the landside prayer room.
The airside area remains quiet and respectful, making it perfect for travellers catching connecting flights or preparing to board soon. Its location close to the lounges also means you can easily return to your gate once prayers are completed.
Wudu, Etiquette, and Accessibility at Gatwick Prayer Rooms
Both the North and South Terminal chapels have dedicated wudu areas, installed with WuduMate systems that meet hygiene and accessibility standards. These units provide comfortable facilities for travellers who need to perform ablutions, without the discomfort of using public toilets.
When visiting Gatwick’s prayer rooms, it’s best to keep in mind the shared and multi-faith nature of the spaces. Please remove your shoes before entering the designated prayer zone, keep conversations to a minimum, and avoid using the room for sleeping or storing luggage. Maintaining silence and cleanliness ensures everyone can use the rooms peacefully.
The Gatwick Chaplaincy Team supervises both prayer rooms. They welcome travellers of every faith and provide guidance, pastoral support, or inter-faith resources if needed.
Terminal Maps and Chaplaincy Assistance
If you’re unfamiliar with the terminal layout, Gatwick provides downloadable terminal maps on its website showing all facilities, including the “Chapel & Prayer Room” labels for each terminal. You can also ask any airport information desk for directions — staff are trained to help visitors find the prayer rooms quickly.
The Chaplaincy Office is part of the airport’s welfare support network. It can be reached through the information desk or via the official Gatwick website for anyone needing further information about prayer times, special services, or inter-faith meetings.
Mosque Near Gatwick Airport
For passengers who have long layovers or wish to attend Friday (Jummah) prayers, the Crawley Islamic Centre and Mosque (CICM) is located around 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from Gatwick Airport. It’s a full-service mosque offering daily prayers and community support. TappAXI provides fixed-fare taxis to Crawley, so you can travel there conveniently before returning for your flight.
FAQs
Is there a prayer room at Gatwick Airport?
Yes. Gatwick Airport provides multi-faith prayer rooms in both North and South Terminals.
Where is the South Terminal prayer room located?
It’s on Level 3, beside Caffè Nero, before security. It’s open 24 hours.
Where is the North Terminal prayer room located?
You’ll find it on Level 1, near Hampton by Hilton and the check-in area, open 24/7.
Is there a prayer room after security?
Yes. The North Terminal airside prayer area is near the Lounges, open from 04:00 to 22:00 daily.
Does Gatwick have wudu facilities?
Yes. Both landside chapels in the North and South Terminals have dedicated wudu facilities. The airside area does not.
Can anyone use Gatwick’s prayer rooms?
Yes. They are multi-faith spaces, open to passengers, staff, and visitors of all religions.
