With over 46 million passengers annually, Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the UK’s second-busiest airport and a major hub for both international and budget airlines. Located 30 miles south of Central London, getting there requires some planning—whether you’re catching an early flight, arriving late at night, or traveling with luggage.
This guide covers every possible way to travel from London to Gatwick Airport, including:
✔ Fastest routes (Gatwick Express vs. Thameslink)
✔ Cheapest options (coaches & budget trains)
✔ Private transfers (taxis, Uber, and chauffeur services)
✔ Driving & parking tips
✔ Accessibility & night travel
✔ Luggage hacks & money-saving tricks
By the end, you’ll know exactly which option fits your schedule, budget, and travel style.
1. How to Get to Gatwick Airport Overview: Why It Matters
Before deciding how to get to/from Gatwick, it’s helpful to know its structure, airlines, and flight routes—since these factors can influence your transport choices.
Key Features of Gatwick Airport:
- Two Terminals:
- North Terminal: Primarily serves long-haul international flights (e.g., flights to the U.S., Asia, or the Middle East). Airlines like Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways often operate here.
- South Terminal: Focuses on short-haul and European flights, including budget airlines like easyJet and Norwegian.
- Pro Tip: Check your terminal in advance, as transferring between them takes time (a free shuttle runs every few minutes).
- Major Airlines:
Gatwick hosts a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers, such as:- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- easyJet (Europe’s largest base here)
- Norwegian
- Emirates (for long-haul routes)
- Global & Domestic Connections:
- International: Direct flights to major hubs like New York (JFK), Dubai, Bangkok, Los Angeles, and more—ideal for intercontinental travelers.
- UK & Regional Flights: Frequent routes to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, and the Channel Islands, making Gatwick a gateway for both international and domestic trips.
Why Transport Planning is Crucial:
- Location: Gatwick is ~30 miles south of Central London (unlike Heathrow, which is closer to the city). This means:
- Longer travel times to London (typically 45–90 minutes, depending on the method).
- Higher costs for taxis/private transfers compared to Heathrow.
- Early Flights/Late Arrivals:
- Some transport options (like trains) may not run very early/late, so check schedules if you have a red-eye flight.
- Luggage Considerations:
- If you have heavy bags or a family, trains (with stairs/crowds) may be less convenient than a taxi or coach.
Key Takeaway:
Gatwick is a major international hub with extensive flight options, but its distance from London means choosing the right transport (train, bus, taxi, or rental car) depends on your budget, time, and luggage. Planning ahead ensures a smoother trip!
2. Best Ways to Get from London to Gatwick Airport
Option 1: Train (Fastest & Most Convenient)
Travel Time: 30-50 mins
Cost: £10-£20 (one-way)
Trains are the quickest and most reliable way to reach Gatwick from London. Three main rail services operate:
A. Gatwick Express (Non-Stop, Premium Service)
- Route: London Victoria → Gatwick Airport (direct)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Frequency: Every 15-30 mins (5 AM–1 AM)
- Cost:
- Walk-up fare: £19.90 (one-way)
- Advance booking: £17.80 (save 10%)
- Best for: Business travelers, tight schedules
Pro Tip: If you book a return ticket (£36.20), it’s valid for 1 month, making it flexible for round trips.
B. Thameslink (Best for North & East London)
- Routes:
- London Bridge → Gatwick (30-35 mins)
- St Pancras International → Gatwick (45-50 mins)
- Farringdon/City Thameslink → Gatwick (40-45 mins)
- Cost: £10-£15 (off-peak)
- Best for: Travelers near King’s Cross, Camden, or East London
Key Perk: Thameslink runs 24/7 on weekends, making it ideal for late-night flights.
C. Southern Railway (Cheaper Alternative)
- Routes:
- London Victoria → Gatwick (35-40 mins, stops at Clapham Junction)
- London Bridge → Gatwick (same as Thameslink)
- Cost: £12-£18
- Best for: Budget travelers who don’t mind a slightly slower ride
Train Travel Hacks:
✔ Use contactless/Oyster (works on Thameslink/Southern, not Gatwick Express).
✔ Book in advance (Save 10-20% via Trainline or National Rail).
✔ Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM & 5-7 PM) when fares are higher.
Option 2: Coach (Cheapest but Slower)
Travel Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Cost: £5-£15
If you’re on a tight budget, coaches are the most affordable way to Gatwick, though slower due to traffic.
A. National Express (Most Reliable Coach)
- Departures: Victoria Coach Station, Stratford, Heathrow
- Frequency: Every 30-60 mins
- Cost: From £8 (book early)
- Luggage: 1x suitcase + hand luggage (included)
B. easyBus (Super Budget Option)
- Departures: Baker St, Earl’s Court, West Brompton
- Cost: As low as £5 (if booked weeks ahead)
- Downside: Less luggage space
Coach Tips:
✔ Check traffic updates (M25 can have delays).
✔ Pre-book luggage if traveling with extra bags.
Option 3: Taxi & Private Transfers (Door-to-Door Comfort)
Best for: Families, groups, travelers with heavy luggage, or those with late-night/early-morning flights.
Key Details:
- Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours (highly dependent on traffic; can be longer during rush hour).
- Cost Range: £60–£120 (varies by vehicle type, time of day, and booking method).
A. Black Cabs (Official London Taxis)
- Fixed Fare: ~£100–£120 from Central London (no surprise charges).
- Pros:
- Available 24/7 at taxi ranks (no need to pre-book).
- Spacious for 4–5 passengers + luggage.
- Drivers know Gatwick’s layout well.
- Cons:
- Most expensive option.
- No price negotiation (metered fares apply if not fixed).
Tip: Use the TfL Taxi Fare Finder (link) to estimate costs.
B. Uber/Bolt (Rideshare Apps)
- Cost: £60–£80 (usually cheaper than black cabs).
- Pros:
- Often quicker to book via app.
- Transparent pricing (estimate shown before booking).
- Cons:
- Surge pricing: Prices can double during peak times (rush hour, bad weather, or late-night shortages).
- Availability issues: Fewer drivers early morning (e.g., 4 AM) or at remote locations.
Tip: Compare Uber and Bolt in real-time—Bolt is sometimes cheaper!
C. Pre-Booked Minicabs (Reliable & Fixed Price)
- Companies: Addison Lee, Airport Direct, Gett, or local Gatwick transfer services.
- Cost: £70–£90 (often discounted for advance bookings).
- Pros:
- Fixed price (no surge pricing).
- Meet-and-greet options (driver waits at arrivals).
- Wide range of vehicles (sedans, minivans, luxury cars).
- Cons:
- Requires booking ahead (last-minute may cost more).
Tip: Book via minicab comparison sites (e.g., Minicabit) for the best deals.
Essential Taxi Tips for Gatwick:
- Pre-book for early/late flights – Uber may not have drivers at odd hours; minicabs guarantee a ride.
- Confirm terminal drop-off – Gatwick has North and South Terminals (some drivers get confused).
- Check for extra fees – Some companies charge for waiting time or airport parking fees.
- Group savings – Splitting a taxi 4 ways can be cheaper than train tickets!
When to Choose a Taxi Over Trains/Buses:
✔ Late-night arrivals (after midnight, when trains stop).
✔ Early flights (before 5 AM, when public transport isn’t running).
✔ Heavy luggage/kids (no dragging suitcases on stairs or trains).
✔ Going to areas with poor transit links (e.g., South London suburbs).
Alternative: For budget solo travelers, consider Gatwick’s drop-off/pickup zones with a friend’s car (free for 10 minutes).
Option 4: Driving & Parking (For Flexibility)
If you’re renting a car or driving to Gatwick, here’s what you need to know:
A. Driving Route
- From Central London: M23 motorway (no tolls)
- Travel Time: ~1 hour (longer in rush hour)
B. Parking Options
| Type | Cost (Per Day) | Walking Time |
| Short-Stay | £8-£12/hour | 2-5 mins |
| Long-Stay | £30-£50 | 10-15 mins (shuttle) |
| Valet | £50-£70 | Direct terminal drop |
Parking Hacks:
✔ Pre-book online (Save up to 60% vs. drive-up rates).
✔ Use “Meet & Greet” for fastest access.
3. Special Travel Scenarios
A. Late-Night/Early-Morning Travel
- Thameslink (runs 24/7 on weekends)
- Night buses (N87 from Trafalgar Square, but slow)
- Pre-booked taxi (only guaranteed option after midnight)
B. Traveling with Heavy Luggage
✔ Trains: Gatwick Express has luggage racks.
✔ Taxis: Best for multiple bags.
❌ Coaches: Limited space (pre-book extra luggage).
C. Accessibility (Disabled Travelers)
- All trains have wheelchair spaces.
- National Express offers assisted travel.
- Gatwick Airport has free wheelchair services.
4. Final Tips for a Smooth Journey
✔ Check live updates (use National Rail Enquiries for train delays).
✔ Arrive 2-3 hours early for international flights.
✔ Download offline maps (Gatwick’s terminals are far apart).
5. FAQs (Quick Answers)
Q: What’s the absolute cheapest way to Gatwick?
A: easyBus (£5 if booked early) or Southern Railway off-peak (£10).
Q: Is there a direct night train?
A: Only Thameslink on weekends (runs 24/7). Otherwise, use taxis.
Q: Can I use my Oyster card?
A: Yes, but only on Thameslink/Southern (not Gatwick Express).
Conclusion: How to Choose the Best Gatwick Transfer
Your ideal option depends on budget, time, luggage, and travel style. Here’s a quick guide:
| Priority | Best Option | Why? | Cost | Travel Time |
| Speed | Gatwick Express | Non-stop train to Victoria in 30 mins (fastest rail link). | £20–£25 | 30 mins |
| Budget | easyBus/National Express | Coaches from £5 (book early)—cheapest but slowest. | £5–£15 | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Comfort | Private taxi/minicab | Door-to-door, no crowds, ideal for families/luggage. | £60–£120 | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Convenience | Pre-booked minicab | Fixed price, meet-and-greet, no surge pricing. | £70–£90 | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Balance | Thameslink/Southern Rail | Cheaper than Gatwick Express (~£15), but stops frequently. | £10–£18 | 45–60 mins |
Key Scenarios & Recommendations:
- “I’m running late for my flight!”
- Choose: Gatwick Express (every 15 mins) or a pre-booked minicab (avoids train delays).
- Avoid: Buses (traffic risk) or Uber (surge pricing may waste time).
- “I’m on a tight budget.”
- Choose: easyBus (£5) or National Express (£10–£15).
- Tip: Book weeks ahead for the lowest fares.
- “I land at 2 AM and need to get to London.”
- Choose: 24/7 black cab or pre-booked minicab (Uber may not be available).
- Alternative: Night bus (N9 to Central London + taxi, but slow).
- “I have 3 suitcases and 2 kids.”
- Choose: Private transfer (e.g., Addison Lee minivan) or black cab (spacious).
- Avoid: Trains (stairs, crowds) and buses (limited luggage space).
Final Tips:
- Early flights? Trains start around 5 AM—if your flight is before 7 AM, book a taxi.
- Return trips: Gatwick Express/Thameslink offer round-trip discounts.
- Group savings: 4+ people splitting a taxi can cost less per person than train tickets!
Safe travels! ✈️ Let me know if you need help booking a specific option.
