Gateways and their associated corridors often consume valuable land within the context of our cities and metropolitan regions. The advantages of agglomeration efficiencies for firms locating in relation to the gateway or corridor are juxtaposed against the concentration of negative externalities related to their activity which often spill over into adjoining areas. In contrast, the advantages to the broader regional and national economy of gateway activities are dispersed through a much larger geography and society at large. The challenge for stakeholders, local and beyond is to provide an environment in which a balance is struck between these opposed elements. The goal of this paper is to explore this balance through a comparative analysis of land use planning practice and related transportation, environmental and development policies drawn from a cross section of global jurisdictions. This paper synthesizes the state of practice for gateway planning at the urban scale in order to provide understanding and insights into the manner in which the competing interests are addressed in successful gateway developments and operations. Of particular focus is the interplay between the levels of government, private firms and public and professional interest groups. Lessons drawn from the experiences are summarized and presented as set of guidelines for urban planners.