GATWICK AIRPORT ULTIMATE GUIDE
Even though it’s technically located in West Sussex, Gatwick Airport remains to be London’s second largest and busiest airport after Heathrow. Situated 29.5 miles (47,5 km) south of central London, Gatwick Airport is one of the most efficient single-runway airports in the world, and reaches over 200 destinations in 90 different countries. And even though it only has two terminals, approximately 35 million passengers pass through Gatwick Airport each year. This is definitely one of the gateways to a dream holiday in London, its museums, free tours and pubs!
There are a number of different rail and bus transport options for anyone hoping to get to and from Gatwick Airport, and although the train tends to be the most popular option for passengers, they can certainly put a dent in your wallet if you’re not careful.
If you’re looking around for cheaper transportation options to get both to and from Gatwick Airport, here are some tips to keep in mind:
How to get to and from Gatwick Airport by train
How long does it take?
- 30 minutes (Gatwick Express)
- 35 minutes (Southern)
- 30 to 50 minutes (Thameslink)
- 30 to 35 minutes (Great Western Railway)
How much does it cost?
- £23 (single) to £45.80 (return) for Gatwick Express
- £20.50 (single) or £40.80 (return) for Gatwick Express (when purchased online in advance)
- £14 (single) or £28 (return) for Southern to Victoria
- £10 (single) or £20 (return) for Southern to Victoria (with an Oyster card)
- £14.40 (single) or £25.70 (return) for Thameslink trains (to St. Pancras from Gatwick Airport)
- £21.20 (peak) or £12.80 (off peak) for Thameslink Trains with Oyster card (to King Cross St. Pancras from Gatwick Airport)
Where are the pick-up points?
- Gatwick’s South Terminal for all trains (from Gatwick)
- London Victoria station for Gatwick Express (from London)
- East Croydon, London Bridge, London Blackfriars, Clapham Junction, and Victoria for Southern (from London)
- Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon, and St. Pancras for Thameslink (from London)
- Reading for Great Western Railway (from London)
The Pros:
- Fast
- Convenient
- Reliable
- Comfortable
The Cons:
- Expensive
- Can get crowded during peak times
- May have to stand with your luggage on a carriage for long periods of time
The Gatwick Express train is by far the most preferred method of transportation to get to and from central London and Gatwick Airport.
Non-stop trains run every 15 minutes, and take about 30 minutes (or 35 minutes on Sundays) between both pick-up points. With the first train departing at 5:28 a.m. and the last train departing at 11:55 p.m., the Gatwick Express is ideal for anyone arriving or departing during the late hours of the night, or the early hours of the morning.
The Gatwick Express only arrives and departs from the South Terminal, so if you happen to be arriving and/or departing from the North Terminal, you can follow the signs to the South Terminal, and then take the free transit shuttle which operates between both terminals 24/7 and takes about two minutes of travel time.
Southern runs the same route as the Gatwick Express, with four trains running every hour between Gatwick and Victoria station. The Southern trains take about 15 minutes longer as they make stops at Clapham Junction and East Croydon, so if you happen to be staying somewhere close to either of these stops, purchasing a ticket for a Southern would probably be a more convenient option. You can also save a ton of money on train tickets by booking them online beforehand, or by using an Oyster card.
Another option for travelling by train to and from Gatwick Airport is the Thameslink service, which is usually cheaper than both the Gatwick Express and Southern. However, because Thameslink runs through the centre of London, its services are more prone to delays, and can be unreliable if you plan on travelling during the peak hours of the morning. However, Thameslink may be a better option if you happen to be staying in a hotel near St. Pancras or Bloomsbury, as it conveniently connects to both districts in London.
Great Western Railway (GWR) operates frequent services between Gatwick Airport and London, running approximately every half hour. The route includes stops at stations such as Redhill, Reigate, and Guildford. Trains are modern, with amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach central London. GWR also offers refund options.
How to get to and from Gatwick Airport by coach
How long does it take?
- 1 hour and 5 minutes for National Express (from London Victoria station)
- 1 hour and 40 minutes for National Express (from Gatwick to Victoria station)
- 1 hour and 25 minutes for Megabus (from Gatwick South to Victoria Coach Station)
- 2 hours and 30 minutes for The Airline (from Oxford to Gatwick South Terminal)
How much does it cost?
- From £8 - £9.40 (single) and from £16 - £18.80 (return) for National Express
- £30 (single) and from £40.50 (return) for The Airline
- £8 from Gatwick South to Victoria Coach Station for Megabus
Where are the pick-up points?
- Gloucester Green, St. Clements, Westgate, Speedwell Street, Queens Lane, HeadingtonThornhill P&R and Lewknor Turn for The Airline (from London)
- Lower level outside International Arrivals at Gatwick Airport North Terminal for National Express (from Gatwick)
- Lower forecourt at stops 1 to 5 at Gatwick Airport South Terminal for National Express (from Gatwick)
- Victoria Coach Station, Earl's Court and Hammersmith for National Express (from London)
- Gatwick Airport (South Terminal), Bus Station, Stop 6 for Megabus (from Gatwick)
- Victoria Coach Station for Megabus (from London)
The Pros:
- Cheap
- Discounts for group bookings
The Cons:
- Takes longer (especially during peak hours)
- Delays due to traffic
- Can be unreliable during the peak travelling hours
The majority of coach companies operate to and from the South Terminal forecourt, and a few may make a stop at the North Terminal just outside the international arrivals on the lower level as well.
National Express coaches tend to be the most popular company for travelling by coach to and from Gatwick Airport, and although it takes about three times longer than the train, it is a much cheaper option for anyone on a strict budget.
From Gatwick Airport, the National Express makes several stops between the Victoria coach station and both the South and North terminals which include Vauxhall, Stockwell, Streatham, Mitcham, Rosehill, Sutton Centre, Sutton Rail Station, Belmont, Banstead, and Lower Kingswood.
If you want flexibility when purchasing your ticket, there are some options available. For an additional fee of £5, the Change & Go Add-on ticket allows you to amend your travel plans on the day of travel and choose any available coach up to 12 hours before or after your original departure time. Otherwise, you can opt for the Fully Flexible Tickets, which offer greater flexibility, including the option to refund your ticket up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure without incurring any fees.
You can purchase a National Express ticket at one of the National Express desks in either the North and South Terminal. Each passenger is allowed two 20kg suitcases as well as a piece of hand luggage, and must show the driver either a printed or electronic ticket before boarding the bus.
How to get to and from Gatwick Airport by bus
How long does it take?
- Anywhere from one to three hours for Metrobus (many lines available departing from different points in the city)
How much does it cost?
- £5 - £13 (single)
Where are the pick-up points?
- Just outside the South Terminal entrance (from Gatwick)
- Anywhere along the Fastway 10, Fastway 20, 22, Fastway 100, 200, 400, 420 and 460 routes (from London)
The Pros:
- The cheapest transportation option
- Valid for Travel Cards and Oyster Cards
- Great for late night/early morning departures and arrivals
- Convenient if you’re travelling somewhere other than London
The Cons:
- Not convenient if you’re staying in central London
- Takes the longest amount of time to get to and from the airport (especially during peak hours)
- Transferring buses mid-journey (and sometimes more than once)
- Researching the various routes and stops for your journey
- Waiting outside at a bus stop for possibly long periods of time
There are approximately 30 buses running every hour which operate to and from Gatwick 24 hours a day; however, most connect Gatwick Airport to the various towns and cities surrounding London rather than central London itself. Nevertheless, if you happen to be staying outside of London and you’re hoping to save money on transportation costs when travelling to Gatwick Airport, then the local buses are by far the best option in terms of cost (but not necessarily the most convenient).
There are several Metrobus routes to choose from, and while some run every six minutes, others may only run every two hours (so make sure you do your research beforehand).
The Fastway 10 route runs every six minutes daily and serves Bewbush, Broadfield, Crawley, Manor Royal, and City Place, while the Fastway 20 runs up to every 20 minutes, and serves Broadfield, Three Bridges Station, Manor Royal, City Place. The Fastway 100 route also runs every 20 minutes, every day of the week, and serves Maidenbower, Three Bridges Station, Manor Royal, Horley, Salfords, and Redhill.
Other daily routes include the Route 200 (every 30 minutes, between Gatwick and Bewbush), and the Route 460, which operates every 60 minutes and stops at Crawley Town Centre, Manor Royal, City Place, Horley, Redhill, Reigate, Lower Kingswood, Walton-on-the-Hill, Tadworth, Preston, Tattenham Corner and Epsom.
Some routes only operate during the weekdays, like Route 22 (serving Crawley, Horley, Charlwood, Leigh, Dorking and Holmbury St Mary), which runs every two hours, and Route 400 only operates on Sunday every 60 minutes (serving East Grinstead, Copthorne, Three Bridges, Crawley Town Centre, Manor Royal, City Place, Redhill, Godstone, Caterham).
There are normally bus route timetables at every stop so you can see when the next bus is arriving, and where the final stop will be. You can purchase your ticket in cash when boarding the bus from the driver, although paying by cash or credit/debit card at a Metrobus travel shop is usually cheaper.
How to get to and from Gatwick Airport by shuttle
How long does it take?
- 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic
How much does it cost?
- Anywhere from £34 to over £100
Where are the pick-up points?
- Wherever you want! (from London)
The Pros:
- Convenient
- Ideal for groups, families
- Assistance with luggage
The Cons:
- Expensive
- Delays due to traffic
- May take longer during peak hours
If you’re staying at a hotel in London with a large group and/or with your family, then hiring a shuttle van to get you to and from Gatwick Airport would be the most convenient option. Although it’s expensive, if you’re travelling in a large group it can be economical if each of you divide the costs, however, if you’re travelling alone or even in a group of two or three people, hiring a shuttle van will put a huge dent in your bank account.
Nevertheless, if you want to avoid the hassle of carrying your luggage around and figuring out various timetables, hiring a van shuttle can save you a ton of stress. You can ask the driver to come meet you or a member of your group in the Arrivals Hall after you pass through customs and collect your luggage, and they can drop you off right at your hotel doorstep in London.
Jayride provides airport shuttle and private transfer services to and from London Gatwick Airport. They offer various transportation options including economy, business, and luxury rides in sedans, SUVs, vans, and buses. You can book transfers with 37 different transport companies, ensuring a reliable and convenient travel experience. The service includes professional drivers who assist with luggage and offer door-to-door transport. Pre-booking is available to avoid delays and ensure timely arrival.
How to get to and from Gatwick Airport by taxi
How long does it take?
- 1 hour and 45 minutes to and from central London
How much does it cost?
- Around £80 to £150
Where are the pick-up points?
- Wherever you want!
The Pros:
- Convenient
- Reliable
- Assistance with luggage
The Cons:
- Expensive
- May experience delays due to traffic
- Takes longer
Unfortunately, the iconic black taxis of London do not operate at Gatwick Airport as it is too far out of the city centre; however, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a wealth of different taxi companies to choose from (around 600 of them to be exact).
Airport Cars Gatwick is the official private hire operator at Gatwick, offering clean and comfortable cars. Other operators also serve Gatwick Airport, but all are subject to a £6 drop-off charge, which will be added to your fare. These companies inclue Gatwick Airport Taxi, Gatwick Taxi, AirportCars, Western Cars & Taxis Gatwick, and Jewel Cars Gatwick Taxi, just to name a few.
There are taxi kiosks located outside both terminals of the airport, and you can always call and book your taxi beforehand so the driver can meet you in the Arrivals Hall after you clear customs.
Taxis usually charge by the meter, however, some minicab companies offer fixed fares to and from London.
Uber connects Gatwick Airport and central London with an average price of approximately £78 for a standard UberX ride, though this can vary based on factors such as the time of day, traffic, and demand. Services like UberXL or Uber Black tend to be more expensive.
If you are coming to Gatwick Airport, you might also want to join any of the free tours in London that are available on offer.
