Gatwick Airport and Network Rail have announced a £53m improvement to the airport's train station.
A new platform will be created and the concourse area will be refurbished.
Transport minister Theresa Villiers cited the upgrade as an example of the government's commitment to making airports "better rather than bigger".
She said: "The refurbished station will make rail a more attractive choice for everyone travelling through Gatwick... Travellers arriving at one of the UK's key gateways will be greeted by facilities designed to improve the passenger experience."
Other developments planned include an upgrade of the track and signaling to improve the performance and reliability of trains.
On platforms 5 and 6, passenger circulation will be made better by replacing a stairway with an escalator and installing a new lift.
The work on the train station, which dates from when the original south terminal was built in the 1950s, will be joint funded by the airport and Network Rail. It is due to be completed by 2013.
www.gatwickairport.com www.networkrail.com