6 Best ways to travel between Gatwick Airport and London
London's second-busiest international airport, Gatwick Airport serves as a vital gateway to the UK for millions of travelers each year. Located south of central London, Gatwick is very traveler-friendly: its efficient two-terminal setup offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and lounges, all designed to enhance the passenger experience!
Its connectivity to London and other regions also adds to its appeal as a convenient entry and exit point for both business and leisure travelers: travelers can easily transit to London and beyond through the Gatwick Express, trains, buses, and taxis, depending on what suits theire fancy.
To make sure that your trip to the UK goes as smoothly as it can, check out this guide on how to best travel between Gatwick and London. We’ll show you the best ways to get from the airport to your hotel and back, whether you plan to take public transit or rent a private car for total ease and comfort.
Gatwick Airport to London via Train
If there’s one thing any traveler to London has to try at least once, it’s taking on the the city’s extensive rail network: comprised of the London Underground (locally known as the tube,) the Overground, and national rail services that connects London to the rest of the UK and Europe, you’ll likely be traveling via train more often than not (maybe even at the very start of your trip!)
Klook Tip: If you’ll be traveling via the London Underground or any Transport for London service, you can either pay using a contactless credit card, mobile pay, or an Oyster card. Since the first two options will levy a foreign transaction fee if you have an overseas card, we recommend purchasing an Oyster card and topping it up as you go!
1. Gatwick Express
As one of the most efficient rail links in the UK, the Gatwick Express operates a non-stop service from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria Station, one of the city's major transport hubs. The journey on the Gatwick Express takes approximately 30 minutes, providing a fast and direct route into the heart of London. This service is renowned for its frequency, with trains departing twice an hour, ensuring that travelers have prompt access to the city regardless of their arrival time at the airport.
The trains themselves are designed with the traveler in mind, offering spacious seats, ample luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to relax or work during the transit. Once you alight, you can then take the tube or a taxi to reach your accommodation.
Gatwick Express Operating Hours
Direction | Operating hours (weekdays) |
Gatwick Airport → London Victoria Station | 05:41 - 23:10 |
London Victoria Station → Gatwick Airport | 05:14 - 22:59 |
*Train operating hours change throughout the year. Please check the timetable on the official website for more information, as well as details on changes or planned disruptions on your travel date.
2. Local Trains
You can also travel between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria Station with either the Southern Railway or with Thameslink Railway. While taking slightly longer than the Gatwick Express (40-55 minutes per way depending on the time of day,) Southern and Thameslink trains offer more frequent stops in London, making them a versatile option for reaching different parts of the city. The routes taken by Southern and Thameslink also offer a scenic journey, showcasing a mix of London's urban and suburban landscapes.
The trains are comfortable and equipped with standard amenities, including seating and space for luggage. Overall, it's an excellent choice for those looking for a combination of convenience, coverage, and cost-effectiveness, providing a seamless and comfortable journey from Gatwick Airport to various parts of London and the surrounding regions.
Klook Tip: Operating hours vary per route — check the journey planners on the National Rail website to check for available routes on the day of your travel.
Gatwick Airport to London via Bus
3. National Express Coach Services
Equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable ride, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and power sockets, the National Express coach from Gatwick Airport to London offers travelers a comfortable and budget-friendly alternative to train services. While journeys between Gatwick and London Victoria take longer than train services (one way trips take around 90-120 minutes depending on traffic,) coaches offer the advantage of a direct route without the need for transfers, making it a convenient choice for those with heavy luggage or who prefer a straightforward journey
With operating hours from 03:35-23:30, taking the National Express between Gatwick Airport and London is a pretty convenient option no matter what time you arrive.
Gatwick Airport to London via Private Car Transfer
4. Private Airport Transfers
Unlike public transport, a private airport transfer delivers passengers straight to their hotel or chosen address, making it an ideal option for those laden with luggage, traveling in a group, or travelers who just want to sit back and relax after a long flight. This door-to-door service eliminates the need to navigate public transport or waiting in queues, and you won’t have to deal with carrying your luggage through train stations and the city streets.
While private car transfers are typically more expensive than other modes of transport, they offer unmatched convenience and comfort, and you won’t have to worry about queuing up for taxis or spikes in fares during peak hours. The journey time can vary based on traffic, usually taking about an hour to central London, but having a dedicated driver ensures a smooth and efficient route is taken, adjusting as necessary to avoid congestion.
Private transfers offer a range of vehicle options, from standard sedans to luxury cars, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. Smaller groups will prefer sedans, hatchbacks, or similar, while bigger groups can opt for vans and even buses! Prices for private airport transfers start from GBP100 for economy class 5-seaters.
5. Taxis / Ride-sharing Services
Similar to a private airport transfer, taxis and ride-sharing services offer a convenient door-to-door service between Gatwick Airport and your accommodation in London. You can flag a taxi directly at Gatwick Airport or from your accommodation, or you can use apps for ride-sharing services like Uber to book one through your phone. From there, you can enjoy a stress-free and comfortable journey to your destination (bar the usual London traffic jams, of course.)
However, it's important to note that taking a taxi is generally more expensive compared to other modes of transport. The fare can vary significantly, often influenced by factors like the time of day, traffic, and the specific destination in London. Taxi and Uber fares from Gatwick to central London can cost around GBP100 or more, subject to surge pricing during peak hours, during which booking a ride also becomes more difficult. The journey time will take around an hour, depending on the traffic conditions.
6. Car Rental
Planning to drive around London and to nearby areas like Manchester, Bath, and Oxford? Why not book your car rental on Klook and pick it up at Gatwick Airport so you can drive directly to your accommodation, then use the car to drive wherever you want? Just select your pick up and drop off dates and locations accordingly, and everything else should be good to go!
Check out some recommendations of places to visit during your drives outside of London:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way to get from Gatwick Airport to Central London?
The fastest way to get from Gatwick Airport to Central London is with the Gatwick Express, which can take you to London Victoria in just 30 minutes!
Q: What options are available if I'm arriving at Gatwick Airport late at night?
The Gatwick Express and the National Express coaches stop operation before midnight; if you’re arriving after this time, you can book a private airport transfer or take a taxi instead.
Q: What is the most convenient method to get from Gatwick Airport to my hotel in Central London?
For door-to-door service, the best way to get from Gatwick Airport to your hotel in Central London is with a private airport transfer. This will allow you to avoid having to carry your luggage up and down stairs and navigate the train stations and even take a nap as you’re driven to your destination. Pre-booking your airport transfer will prove to be much cheaper than hailing a taxi or a ride-sharing service on-the-spot, especially if it’s during peak hours.
Q: How much does it cost to travel between Gatwick Airport to Central London?
This would depend on the transportation method you choose — the cheapest options are either the Southern Railway or with Thameslink Railway. The most expensive options will be booking a taxi or a ride-sharing service on-the-spot.
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