Getting to Central London from Gatwick Airport

Gatwick is located approximately 30 miles to the south of central London. London Gatwick (LGW) is the second largest airport in the UK after Heathrow. The two terminals, North and South, are linked by an efficient monorail service, with a journey time of two minutes.

Traveling by Train between Gatwick Airport and Central London

The Gatwick Express is the quickest way into central London. The station is in the South Terminal and is connected to other parts by escalators and lifts. Gatwick Express operates four trains per hour to and from London Victoria, with a journey time of about 30 minutes. However, there is no service between 12:32 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. from London, and between 1:35 a.m. and 4:35 a.m. from Gatwick. Other rail operators provide services through the night. Fares start from £17.80 for a single ticket. It’s important to note that tickets cannot be purchased on the train; instead, travelers should use online services and self-service machines to print tickets.

Since early 2016, passengers can utilize contactless payment methods (by touching a bank card with the contactless payment symbol on the card reader) or an Oyster card for travel between Gatwick Airport and London on the Gatwick Express.

Note: Due to ongoing circumstances, operations on the Gatwick Express may be affected. Please visit the site for the latest rates and schedule.

These “pay as you go” options provide the most flexibility for those in a hurry, as there is no need to queue for tickets. Remember to touch your card (Oyster card or an accepted bank card) on the yellow card reader at the start of your journey, and use the same card to touch out at the end. The system will automatically charge the appropriate fare to your account.

If planning a return journey, purchasing a paper return ticket online can be more economical, followed by printing it out at self-service vending machines.

• Thameslink provides up to six trains per hour to and from four central London stations, with tickets starting from £12 and an average journey time of around 30 minutes. An hourly service is available throughout the night.
• Southern offers a rail service to London Bridge and Victoria, with four trains an hour. The journey to Victoria takes approximately 30 minutes, with fares starting from £17.60 for a single ticket.

Coach Services between Gatwick Airport and Central London

• National Express provides an hourly coach service to and from Victoria Coach Station, with the fastest journey time around two hours. Fares start from £8.
• easyBus operates from 3 a.m. to 11:25 p.m. from Gatwick (North and South Terminals) between 4:25 a.m. and 1:10 a.m. The journey time is roughly 65 minutes. Online fares tend to be more affordable than paying the driver, starting at £2 for a single ticket. Note: This route may be affected by ongoing circumstances. Please check the easyBus site for real-time updates.

Private Shuttle between Gatwick Airport and Central London

There are several private shuttle options available. For larger groups requiring a vehicle for 6-8 passengers, a larger airport shuttle is ideal. For standard-size vehicle needs, services are typically available 24/7. If looking to travel in style, private executive transfers are also an option. Additionally, set-price shared transfers from the airport to your hotel can be arranged. All services can be booked conveniently through Viator.

Taxi from Gatwick Airport to Central London

Black cabs are generally available in queues at both terminals. Fares are metered, but be alert to extra charges for late-night or weekend journeys. While tipping is not mandatory, a gratuity of 10-15 percent is standard. Expect fares to start at £100 for a trip to Central London. Always opt for reputable mini-cab services and avoid unauthorized drivers offering rides at airports or stations.