Having flown in and out of Gatwick countless times, I know all the ways to get from Gatwick to London.
I'm using my experiences as well as input from my other local guides while writing this post, which covers all the options, including the cheapest options and the most popular train services.
I also asked the members of our popular London Travel Tips Facebook group what they thought was the best mode of transport.
- Gatwick Express
- Southern Rail
- Thameslink Trains
- Tips From Locals And Travelers
- Cheapest Way to Reach Gatwick
- How to Use the London Underground
Gatwick Express
Although the Gatwick Express is the most expensive option on the list, I do occasionally use the service.
Pros:
- It's fast: it's 30 minutes from the Airport to Victoria Station in Central London and the Victoria Line from there is connected to the rest of the city which makes it convenient for me to get those and for most visitors to get to their hotels.
- It's frequent: trains depart every 15 minutes, although I have rarely ended up waiting a full 15 minutes for the train to arrive.
- I always get a seat: The train starts at Gatwick so nobody is onboard when I get on, which I think is a bonus.
- I can store my luggage easily: There are dedicated luggage racks which is great for those who travel heavy (like me!).
- It's step-free: Great for those with mobility issues and also for travellers with large bags.
- It runs at almost all times: Trains run from around 5:00am until midnight which means even those flying in from Europe on the late night flights, like me, can still use the service.
- It's comfortable: This might seem like something small but trust me, some train seats are more comfortable than others!
Cons:
- It's the most expensive option: Previously, I would need to buy a ticket in advance, which I still can (it costs around £20.50), but these days you can use your contactless debit or credit card on the service without prebooking (it's a little more expensive at £22.90). I prefer spending the extra money so that I can take whichever train comes in, and just tap on.
- It's not the only fast option: It's approximately a 30-minute train ride. But note that some of the Southern services take just 30 minutes to get to Victoria, anyway, so aside from a slightly nicer train, I don't think you're getting much value for money when choosing this option.
- If you're not staying centrally, it may be inconvenient: If you are staying in the north of the city, or even the suburbs, you might be better off with other services that take you to stations like St. Pancras.
To know more about the express, visit our post on Gatwick Express.
How Much does the Gatwick Express Cost?
- £20.50 single and £40.80 return for adults
- £10.25 single and £20.40 return for children (5-15)
- Under 5 travel for free.
- Explore tickets.
How Long does the Gatwick Express Take?
The travel time between Gatwick and London is approximately 30 minutes on average.
Where Does the Gatwick Express Stop?
This train follows a route that stops at 7 different stations from Brighton on the south coast to London Victoria.
There are NO stops between Gatwick Airport and Victoria Station.
If you’re planning to go the other direction, you can take the route straight to the south coast.
Southern Rail
Southern Rail is another transportation option between Gatwick Airport and London available to you.
This is similar to the Thameslink trains (outlined below).
Oftentimes, after I land at Gatwick Airport, I just go to the platform and take the first train that comes in, regardless of if it is Thameslink or Southern.
Both will take me into the city where I can get the tube to my flat - and where you can get to your hotel or hostel.
Pros:
- It's cheap: The flights I book are usually in the early afternoon, and that's the cheapest time to travel so I am usually just paying £10.00 for the journey, using contactless debit/credit cards. If your flight is early or late, you may have to pay off peak fares which are around £18.00 for contactless cards.
- It's frequent: Southern trains are constantly coming in and out and I've never waited longer than 10 minutes for a train.
- It's convenient: You don't need to purchase tickets in advance for this train line. Just use your contactless card - or even ApplePay - like I do. Remember, for this particular train line you pay MORE if you book in advance.
- It's good for groups: Offers concessions for tickets purchased online or as a group.
- It has good transport links: Arrives at Victoria Station. Victoria Station is fantastic as it links you with lines to go to any part of the city. I have taken the train into Victoria Station and then gone straight up north on the Victoria Line. It's very easy and is a great option for my visitors who are staying in the centre of the city.
- It stops a lot: If you are staying in the southern part of London, you may find better connections using Southern service as it stops at places like Clapham Junction and East Croydon.
Cons:
- It's a little slow: It takes about 45 minutes to get into the centre of town. After a quick jaunt from Europe I don't mind it, but after a transatlantic flight it can feel drawn out!
- It can be busy: Trains don't start at the airport so there will already people on board when you get on. There was only ever one time I boarded and did not get a seat - but it can happen.
- Luggage space is minimal: I travel with large bags usually and have found it tricky to get good space to store my suitcases on this train.
- It's not always cheap: If you book your ticket online, rather than using your contactless card, you can be looking at paying up to £23.00, which is basically the same as the Gatwick Express. Londoner never book tickets in advance anymore, we use contactless as often as possible!
- It stops a lot: I've had experiences on the Southern service where it was standing room only by the time we got into Victoria, as it picks up passengers at every stop in between.
To know more about the Cheapest Way to Get From Gatwick to London, click here.
How Much is the Southern cost?
An adult anytime ticket will cost between £14.00 - £23.00 when booked online.
Using your contactless card can you get there from between £10.00 - £18.00 making this one of the cheapest trains from Gatwick to London.
How long does the Southern Rail take?
The travel time between Gatwick and London is approximately 45 minutes on average.
Where Does the Southern Rail Stop?
Like the Gatwick Express, this train also stops at Victoria Station.
However, you can easily swap lines to get to other destinations like London Bridge and Wembley.
Thameslink Trains
This is genuinely my preferred way to get to/from Gatwick airport.
As I live in Islington, I can walk to St. Pancras and take the train straight down - and vice versa. It's fast and also convenient.
Pros:
- It's well-connected: If you are staying in North London (like me), this is the train you want. It takes you straight to King's Cross St. Pancras. It also goes into London Bridge where a lot of visitors stay, as well as straight into the city centre near St. Paul's Cathedral.
- It's cheap: A single journey is £14.80 and I love that I can pay with my contactless card.
- It's got reasonable storage: The luggage space here is not as generous as the Gatwick Express but is, in my opinion, better than Southern trains. I have rarely had a problem stowing my suitcases on Thameslink trains.
- It's good for groups: If you are traveling in a group or purchasing tickets online, Thameslink also offers concessions on ticket prices - this has come in handy for many a hen-do trip!
Cons:
- It's slow: It takes a minimum of 45 minutes to get from central London to Gatwick Airport. Depending on how far north you are staying, the journey can take over an hour.
- It's busy: This is another commuter service so I have found that it can get a bit cramped during rush-hour, although I usually am boarding at the airport or at King's Cross so I've never not had a seat. However, if you are coming at the midway point you may find yourself standing.
- It's a bit shabby: I'm just being honest here...these trains aren't all in the best condition! This may not matter to you (personally it's worth trade off for me because of the station location) but if you are used to a little more comfort, you may find that Thameslink trains can be a bit grubby.
To know more about the Cheapest Way to Get From Gatwick to London, click here.
How Much are the Thameslink Trains?
An adult anytime ticket will cost approximately £14.80, making this only a bit cheaper than the Gatwick Express.
How long do the Thameslink Trains take?
1 hour on average.
Where Do the Thameslink Trains Stop?
Thameslink’s route from Gatwick to London includes stops at several stations in north London, including London Bridge and St. Pancras.
It does not stop at Victoria Station.
Tips From Locals And Travellers
One of the most frequently asked questions on our popular London Travel Tips group on Facebook is “What is the best way to get to London from Gatwick?”
Group members were all too happy to answer!
Many people recommended the Southern Rail or Thameslink, mainly because it is cheaper than taking the Gatwick Express.
Some preferred the convenience and frequency of the Gatwick Express.
Here’s great advice from two group members to help you choose which train is best.
If you do go by the train, here’s a tip to make sure you don't go the long way around!
If you have other questions about traveling to London, take a look at our London Travel Tips Facebook group.
You don't have to join the group to read posts and comments. Why not even ask some questions yourself?
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