How to Get from Gatwick Airport (LGW) to London Downtown

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Gatwick Airport to London city centre for most travelers is the train. The Gatwick Express (30 minutes, £20-25/$25-31 to Victoria) is fastest, while Thameslink (30-45 minutes, £12-18/$15-22 to multiple central stations) offers better value. For budget travelers: National Express coach (60-90 minutes, £10-15/$12-19 to Victoria Coach Station). Avoid taxis unless necessary - they're expensive (£80-120/$99-149) and often slower due to traffic. Remember: there's no direct Tube from Gatwick; you need a train or coach first.

Trains from Gatwick Airport: The Best Overall Choice

Trains are the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Gatwick Airport to central London. The airport has its own train station conveniently located in the South Terminal, with a free shuttle to the North Terminal. You have three main train services: Gatwick Express (fastest, most expensive), Thameslink (best value, multiple destinations), and Southern Railway (slower, cheaper alternatives). All trains have luggage racks and run frequently throughout the day.

Transport Option	Travel Time	Approximate Cost	Best For	Key Notes
Gatwick Express	30 minutes	£20-25 ($25-31) one-way	Speed, convenience to Victoria	Non-stop, every 15 minutes, dedicated airport train
Thameslink	30-45 minutes	£12-18 ($15-22)	Value, multiple London stations	Goes to London Bridge, Blackfriars, St Pancras, Farringdon
Southern Railway	35-50 minutes	£10-15 ($12-19)	Budget, different destinations	Goes to Victoria, London Bridge, other stations
National Express Coach	60-90 minutes	£10-15 ($12-19)	Budget, 24/7 service	Cheapest, but slow and traffic-dependent
Taxi/Private Hire	60-90+ minutes	£60-120 ($74-149)	Door-to-door, groups	Expensive, traffic-dependent, convenient for hotels

Finding and Taking Trains at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport has two terminals: North and South. The train station is in the South Terminal. If you arrive at the North Terminal, take the free inter-terminal shuttle (runs every few minutes, takes 2 minutes). Follow the "Trains" signs. The station has ticket machines, ticket offices, and clear departure boards. Trains run from approximately 5 AM to midnight, with Thameslink running 24 hours on weekends. I've taken these trains dozens of times; the station is easy to navigate even with luggage.

Gatwick Express: The Premium Option

The Gatwick Express is a dedicated non-stop service to London Victoria. It runs every 15 minutes, takes exactly 30 minutes, and is the most comfortable option with guaranteed seating and ample luggage space. However, it's the most expensive at £20-25 for a walk-up ticket. You can save by booking online in advance. I use it when I'm tired and want the simplest option, but Thameslink is often better value.

Thameslink: The Best Value Train

Thameslink is my recommended option for most travelers. It takes 30-45 minutes to central London and serves multiple useful stations: London Bridge (for The Shard, Borough Market), Blackfriars (on the River Thames), City Thameslink (for the City financial district), Farringdon (for Barbican), and St Pancras International (for Eurostar, King's Cross, and British Library). Fares are £12-18 with contactless/Oyster. Trains run every 15-30 minutes.

Southern Railway: Alternative Routes

Southern Railway trains also serve Gatwick, going to London Victoria and London Bridge via different routes. They're slightly slower (35-50 minutes) and sometimes cheaper (£10-15). They're useful if your timing coincides with a departure or if you're going to specific South London destinations. Check departure boards for the next train - sometimes a Southern service is leaving sooner than Thameslink or Gatwick Express.

Why I Recommend Trains Over Other Options

London traffic is notoriously bad. A taxi can take 2+ hours during rush hour, while the train takes 30-45 minutes regardless of traffic. The train is also 3-4 times cheaper. I once took a taxi from Gatwick to Central London that cost £110 and took 2.5 hours. The train would have cost £18 and taken 35 minutes. Unless you have excessive luggage or mobility issues, the train is almost always better.

Coach/Bus from Gatwick Airport to London

The National Express coach is the main bus service from Gatwick to London. It's the cheapest public transport option at £10-15 one-way, but also the slowest at 60-90 minutes. Coaches go to Victoria Coach Station, which is a 5-10 minute walk from Victoria train and Tube station. While it's budget-friendly, I need to be honest: for most travelers arriving with luggage after a long flight, I don't recommend it unless you're on a very tight budget.

Taking the National Express Coach: The Reality

Coaches depart from outside both the North and South terminals. The journey takes 60-90 minutes, but can be longer during rush hour (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM) due to traffic on the M25 and M23 motorways. Coaches have luggage compartments underneath. The main advantage is price and 24/7 service. The main disadvantage is time and comfort - it's a bus, not a train. I've taken it when I was young and broke, but now I value my time more.

Other Coach Services

National Express: Main service to Victoria Coach Station. Runs 24/7, every 15-60 minutes.
easyBus: Budget service to Earl's Court/West Brompton. Can be as cheap as £5 if booked far in advance, but usually £8-12. Less frequent.
Oxford Bus Company: Service to Oxford, not London.
For London, National Express is the main option.

Who Should Actually Take the Coach?

The coach is suitable for: 1) Travelers on an extreme budget. 2) Those with lots of time. 3) People arriving in the middle of the night when trains aren't running (on weekdays). 4) Those going to Victoria area specifically. It is not suitable for: Business travelers, families with children, travelers with lots of luggage, people in a hurry, or anyone who values comfort after a long flight. For £5-10 more, the train is vastly superior.

A Real-Life Scenario: The Coach vs Train Dilemma

You arrive tired with a suitcase. To save £8, you take the coach. It leaves 20 minutes late. Traffic is heavy. The journey takes 100 minutes. You're exhausted. The train would have taken 35 minutes. You saved £8 but wasted over an hour and much comfort. Meanwhile, the train traveler arrived an hour ago, checked into their hotel, and is already enjoying London. Time has value too.

Taxis & Private Transfers from Gatwick Airport

Taxis and private transfers offer door-to-door convenience but at a high cost. A black cab from Gatwick to central London costs £80-120 and takes 60-90+ minutes depending on traffic. Minicabs (pre-booked private cars) cost £60-100. While convenient, especially with lots of luggage or a group, they're expensive and often slower than trains due to London's notorious traffic.

Black Cabs at Gatwick Airport

Official black cabs are available at the taxi ranks outside both terminals. They charge by meter, with the fare to central London typically £80-120. The meter starts at £3.20 and increases with distance and time. There's no fixed fare from Gatwick, so traffic jams increase the cost. Black cabs can carry 5 passengers and have large luggage space. They're regulated and safe, but expensive.

Minicabs and Private Transfers

Minicabs must be pre-booked (it's illegal for them to pick up at the rank without a booking). Companies like Addison Lee, Airport Direct, and others operate from Gatwick. Prices are usually fixed in advance: £60-100 to central London. You can book online or at the minicab desks in the arrivals hall. Always agree the fare before getting in. I've used minicabs when traveling with a group - splitting the cost makes it reasonable.

Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber, Bolt, etc.)

Uber operates at Gatwick. Pickup is at the designated area. Prices vary with demand: typically £60-100 to central London. During surge pricing (peak times, bad weather), prices can exceed black cabs. Other apps like Bolt and Free Now also operate. The advantage is app-based payment and tracking; the disadvantage is unpredictable pricing and wait times during peak periods.

When a Taxi Makes Sense

A taxi makes sense when: 1) You're in a group of 3-5 people (splitting the cost). 2) You have excessive luggage. 3) You have mobility issues. 4) You're traveling outside train operating hours (though coaches run 24/7). 5) Your hotel is far from a train station. For a single traveler or couple, the train is almost always better value and faster.

A Common Mistake: The Expensive Taxi Ride

You're tired. You see the taxi rank. You think "just this once." The meter starts. Traffic is heavy. 90 minutes later, you arrive. The meter shows £115. You're shocked but pay. The train would have cost £18 and taken 35 minutes. You just paid £97 for the "convenience" of sitting in traffic. I've made this mistake so you don't have to.

London Underground Connections from Gatwick Airport

Many people ask about taking the Tube (London Underground) from Gatwick. There is no direct Tube service from Gatwick Airport. The nearest Tube stations are in central London. To use the Tube, you must first take a train or coach to London, then transfer. Here's how it works:

How to Connect to the Tube from Gatwick

Step 1: Take a train from Gatwick to a central London station with Tube connections:
- Gatwick Express to Victoria (Victoria line, Circle line, District line)
- Thameslink to London Bridge (Jubilee line), Blackfriars (Circle line, District line), City Thameslink (walk to St Paul's Central line), Farringdon (Circle line, Hammersmith & City line, Metropolitan line), St Pancras (Victoria line, Northern line, Piccadilly line, Circle line, Hammersmith & City line, Metropolitan line)
- Southern to Victoria or London Bridge

Step 2: At the London station, follow signs for the Underground. Use your Oyster card, contactless payment, or buy a ticket.

Using Oyster/Contactless from Gatwick

You can use contactless bank cards or Oyster cards on Thameslink and Southern trains from Gatwick to London, but NOT on Gatwick Express. Just tap in at Gatwick and tap out at your London destination. The fare is around £12-18 off-peak, £20-25 peak. This is usually the best walk-up fare. Then use the same card on the Tube for the rest of your journey (capped at daily limits).

The Myth of the "Gatwick Tube"

Some tourists think Gatwick is on the Tube map. It isn't. The Tube only serves Greater London, and Gatwick is in West Sussex, outside London. The only rail links are National Rail services. Don't waste time looking for Tube signs at Gatwick - look for "Trains" instead.

Detailed Train & Coach Routes from Gatwick Airport

Understanding the exact stops helps you choose the best service for your destination. Here are the detailed routes for the main transport options.

Gatwick Express: Route and Stops

The Gatwick Express runs non-stop from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria. At Victoria, you can connect to:

• Victoria Underground station: Victoria line (light blue), Circle line (yellow), District line (green)
• Victoria Coach Station: 5-10 minute walk for National Express and other coaches
• Local buses: Numerous bus routes serve Victoria

Total journey time: 30 minutes exactly.

Thameslink: Key Stations and Connections

Thameslink services from Gatwick Airport stop at:

1. Gatwick Airport (start)
2. East Croydon (for South London connections)
3. London Bridge (for Jubilee line Underground, The Shard, Borough Market) - 30 minutes
4. Blackfriars (for Circle/District lines, River Thames) - 35 minutes
5. City Thameslink (walk to St Paul's for Central line) - 38 minutes
6. Farringdon (for Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines) - 40 minutes
7. St Pancras International (for Eurostar, King's Cross, 6 Underground lines) - 45 minutes

Some trains continue to Luton Airport, Bedford, Cambridge, or Peterborough.

Southern Railway: Route Options

Southern services from Gatwick go to:

To London Victoria: Gatwick Airport → East Croydon → Clapham Junction → London Victoria (35-50 minutes)
To London Bridge: Gatwick Airport → East Croydon → Norwood Junction → London Bridge (30-45 minutes)
Some services stop at additional stations.

National Express Coach: Main Route

Coaches from Gatwick to London typically take this route:
Gatwick Airport → M23 motorway → M25 motorway (often congested) → A23 → Vauxhall → Victoria Coach Station
The coach makes no intermediate stops in London (it's not a bus with multiple stops). Total time: 60-90+ minutes.

Gatwick Airport to London Route Map

Gatwick Airport is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) south of central London. The train routes follow the main railway line north into London, while road routes use the M23 and M25 motorways.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria on Google Maps

The distance from Gatwick Airport to central London is approximately 30 miles (48 km). By train it's 30-45 minutes; by road it's 60-90+ minutes depending on traffic.

Ticketing, Fares & Travel Cards

Peak vs Off-Peak Fares

Train fares are higher during peak times: Weekdays 6:30-9:30 AM and 4-7 PM. Outside these times is off-peak, with lower fares. If you can travel off-peak, you'll save money. Gatwick Express has a fixed fare, but Thameslink and Southern are cheaper off-peak.

Advance Tickets vs Walk-Up Fares

You can save money by booking train tickets online in advance, especially for Gatwick Express. However, advance tickets are for a specific train - if your flight is delayed, you may miss it and need to buy a new ticket. Walk-up fares with contactless are often the best balance of convenience and value.

Oyster and Contactless Payment

You can use contactless bank cards or Oyster cards on Thameslink and Southern trains from Gatwick to London. Just tap in at Gatwick and tap out at your destination. The system calculates the correct fare. You cannot use Oyster/contactless on Gatwick Express. The same card can then be used on London Underground, buses, and other TfL services.

Traveler Experience: Arriving at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick is London's second busiest airport. After clearing passport control and collecting baggage, you'll enter the arrivals hall. Follow signs for your transport choice. The atmosphere is busy but well-organized. I've arrived at Gatwick dozens of times; here's what to expect.

First-Time Visitor Walkthrough

Exit baggage claim. Need cash? Use an ATM. Follow signs:
For trains: Follow "Train Station" signs. If in North Terminal, take the free shuttle to South Terminal for trains.
For coaches: Follow "Coach Station" signs. Coaches depart from both terminals.
For taxis: Follow "Taxi" signs to the rank outside.
The whole process from plane to transport takes 20-40 minutes depending on queues.

Navigating Gatwick's Two Terminals

Gatwick has North and South Terminals connected by a free shuttle that runs every few minutes (2-minute journey). The train station is in the South Terminal. If you arrive at the North Terminal and want the train, take the shuttle. The shuttle is well-signed and easy to use even with luggage.

The Reality of London Traffic

London traffic is some of the worst in Europe. The M25 and M23 motorways, which connect Gatwick to London, are frequently congested, especially during rush hours (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM). A taxi or coach journey can double in time during these periods. The train is unaffected by road traffic. I cannot stress this enough: unless you have a specific need for a taxi, take the train.

A Common First-Timer Mistake: The Wrong Train Ticket

You see the Gatwick Express counter. You buy a ticket for £25. You wait 10 minutes for the next train. Meanwhile, a Thameslink train to London Bridge leaves, costs £15, and takes 35 minutes. You've paid £10 more for essentially the same service. Or worse, you buy a Gatwick Express ticket when you're actually going to King's Cross (which Thameslink serves directly). Do your research before buying.

Best Option by Travel Scenario

• Solo Traveler with Luggage: Thameslink train with contactless payment (£12-18). Fast, good value.
• Couple on a Budget: Thameslink or Southern train (£20-36 total). Much better than coach.
• Family of 4 with Kids: Train is still best (£48-72 total). Taxi would be £80-120 but might be worth it for door-to-door with lots of luggage.
• Business Traveler: Gatwick Express or Thameslink. Fast, professional, reliable.
• Budget Backpacker: National Express coach (£10-15) if you must, but consider the train for £2-3 more.
• Late Night Arrival (Weekday): National Express coach (24/7). Trains stop around midnight.
• Late Night Arrival (Weekend): Thameslink (24-hour service Friday and Saturday nights).
• Early Morning Departure: From London to Gatwick for a 6-7 AM flight: First train of the day (check times, usually around 5 AM).
• Group of 5+: Consider minicab (split cost £12-20 each). Or two taxis.
• Person with Mobility Issues: Taxi/minicab for door-to-door. Trains have steps.
• Going to East/Central London: Thameslink to Farringdon/St Pancras.
• Going to West London: Gatwick Express to Victoria, then Tube.
• Going to South London: Southern train to appropriate station.
• Excessive Luggage: Taxi/minicab if you have more than you can manage on a train.
• Peak Rush Hour (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM): Definitely train. Road traffic is at its worst.

Frequently Asked Questions: Gatwick Airport to London