Getting From Gatwick Airport to Central London

Gatwick airport serves more than 35 million passengers travelling to 200 destinations spread across 90 countries (annually) and comprises the world’s most efficient single-runway airport. It is the second largest airport in the UK, located some 28 miles (45 km) south of London. There is a wide range of transport options for travellers using Gatwick Airport, heading towards the heart of London. Below, we highlight the most common ones.

Image from: Simply Park

From Gatwick Airport to Central London:

1. By Train

You will find a plethora of trains to get you to central London.

The Gatwick Express (30 minutes) – It is the fastest way to get to central London. The trains are accessible from both South and North airport terminals and run every 15 minutes. From 5 a.m. to 30 minutes after midnight, you can catch a train that will take you to London Victoria Station without making any stops on the way. Tickets cost £19.90 per person (one-way ticket) and slightly less if you book them in advance (£17.80).

Image from: Gatwick Airport

Thameslink trains (between 32 and 42 minutes) – A cheaper alternative to Gatwick Express. Trains leave every 15 minutes and stop at several stations between the airport and Central London (mostly in the business area of the capital, as well as St Pancras and London Bridge). It will cost you around £9.00 for a one-way ticket and 2 pounds less if you pre-book. The journey can take slightly over half an hour if you stop at London Bridge and around 42 minutes if your end destination is London Blackfriars.
Southern trains (33 minutes) – Another cheap option to get from Gatwick to Victoria Station with only two extra stops along the way (at Clapham Junction and East Croydon). You may also use Southern trains to reach London Bridge, but you will need to switch trains at East Croydon station. The trip costs £14.20 during peak season and £8.10 at off-peak times.

Transport for Disabled Passengers:

You will find dedicated areas for persons with wheelchair provided by the Gatwick Express rail service, and other features to make travelling easy for you. Southern trains will send a taxi (free service) to take disabled passengers from stations with restricted access and drive them to the next accessible station. Also, they provide alighting and assistance boarding from trains. If you travel with National Express, ensure you contact them 36 hours before the due date of travel so they can make the necessary arrangements for you.

2. By Bus

National Express coaches (Approx. 1 ½ hours) – Their coaches run on a 24/7 basis and connect Gatwick and London Victoria (approximately every 30 minutes). Although the fares are significantly lower than the train, it will take you almost 3X longer than rail (about 1 hour and 20 mins).
easyBus (a bit more than 60 minutes)– They offer low-cost bus service from the airport to West Brompton/Earl’s Court Underground (convenient terminus only if you stay in the Kensington area). There are several minibus shuttle buses that run both day and night with no stops whatsoever. Fares vary (current price is incredibly low - 2 GBP per person if you want to go from Gatwick airport to London Victoria coach station). Just make sure you go through their luggage policy.

Image from: easyBus

NOTE: Please note that both trains and buses will only take you to a specific area in Central London and not right outside your hotel. From there, you will need to call/hail a black cab or a taxi. This could be quite inconvenient if you have a lot of luggage or come with children or a large group of friends.

3. Airport Transfers with Minicab/Taxi Services

It is the most convenient means of transfer from Gatwick Airport to anywhere in the British capital, including Central London. Book your taxi or minibus in advance and have your personal driver waiting for you at arrivals. Right after you get your luggage and exit the airport, you will step into a spotlessly clean, perfectly-maintained, air-conditioned, wheelchair-friendly (if required) car to head to your hotel fast and easy, without waiting for a train or bus to come, without enduring stops along the way, and without having to put up with crowded rails and coaches. The experienced driver will choose the best route, away from traffic jams and unnecessary delays.