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Trains From Gatwick to London

Updated: March 27, 2023

This is an overview of the best options for catching a train from Gatwick to London, including tips on the cheapest options and the most popular train service available.


Gatwick Express

The Gatwick Express is one of several transportation options between Gatwick Airport and London available to you.

There are many benefits to taking the Gatwick Express.

First off, with departures every 15 minutes between 5:00 AM till midnight, it's probably the quickest and most frequent choice you have.

It is also the most comfortable choice.

Additionally, there are designated baggage racks and more space for bag storage on the Gatwick Express.

Getting on and off their trains with baggage is simple. In contrast, some commuter trains necessitate a flight of stairs.

To know more about the express, visit our post on Gatwick Express.


How Much is the Gatwick Express?

  • £18.50 single and £36.80 return for adults
  • £9.25 single and £18.40 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, including Victoria Station in London.

If you’re planning to go the other direction, the route also extends all the way south to Brighton.


Why Choose Gatwick Express?

It’s likely to be the fastest and most frequent option available to you, departing every 15 min between roughly 05:00 and midnight.

It is a 30-minute direct trip from Gatwick Airport to London’s Victoria Station.

It’s a dedicated service that starts from Gatwick, so nobody is already on the train when you board the airport.

And if your hotel or final destination is located near Victoria Station or points north and west, then Gatwick Express will be the quickest option.

In addition to all these, the Gatwick Express also has dedicated luggage racks and more room in general to store your bags.


Southern Rail

The Southern Rail is another transportation option between Gatwick Airport and London available to you.

The train approximately takes 45 minutes between Gatwick Airport and Victoria Station.

As compared to the Gatwick Express Trains, prices vary but are consistently cheaper.

It also offers discounts for tickets purchased online or as a group.

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 approximately £16.70, 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.


Why Choose Southern Rail?

The first reason to consider Southern Rail is that it is cheaper than both its counterparts.

An adult ticket cost of Thameslink and Gatwick express cost £18.30 & £18.50 respectively, but on Southern, it only cost £16.70.

So, if you travel more frequently between Gatwick and London, Southern becomes the most economical option.

During off-peak hours, the savings you will realize by taking the Southern commuter trains between Gatwick can really start to add up.

And second, these Southern trains also make stops before reaching Victoria Rail Station, including several areas south of the river, most notably Clapham Junction.

These stops make the trip shorter and easier for those commuters looking to get around there.


Thameslink is another noteworthy option to travel between Gatwick and London.

Gatwick route trains of Thameslink stop at several stations in London, including St Pancras, which makes it an attractive option for visitors staying in North London.

It is also a cheaper option than Gatwick Express.

Thameslink vs Gatwick Express

Also, if you are traveling in a group or purchasing tickets online, Thameslink also offers discounts on ticket prices.

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 £18.30, making this only a bit cheaper than the Gatwick Express.


How long do the Thameslink Trains take?

The travel time between Gatwick and London is approximately 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.


Why Choose Thameslink Trains?

Cost-wise, it is the second most economical option.

An adult ticket cost of Gatwick express cost £18.50, but Thameslink is a bit cheaper at the price of £18.30.

But the biggest advantage of choosing Thameslink is its stops.

The stops include St Pancras and London Bridge Station, so if your final destination is anywhere near the north or east of these stops, then the Thameslink trains will likely be a faster (and cheaper) option for you.


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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and Europe, and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: March 27th, 2023
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