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City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport train ticket prices
€15.27
On Sun 6
City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport train timetable
Travelling from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport, the fastest train takes 38m with an average travel time of 53m. 30 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:07 and the last at 20:21. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
20:11 City Thameslink | 45m, 1 change | 20:56 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
20:11 City Thameslink | 54m, Direct | 21:05 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
20:19 City Thameslink | 45m, 1 change | 21:04 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
22:06 City Thameslink | 38m, Direct | 22:44 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
22:11 City Thameslink | 57m, Direct | 23:08 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport train tickets and times
Plan your journey from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Travelling from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport on Thameslink
Thameslink runs all direct services from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport on its Class 700 trains, with both Standard and First Class. Here's what to expect onboard.
Class | Best for | Seating | Catering | Power & Wi-Fi |
Standard | Everyday travel and budget-conscious flyers | Forward-facing pairs and table seats, first-come, first-served | No catering or trolley service — bring your own food and drink | Free Wi-Fi; power sockets at seats |
First Class | A quieter ride with more room for hand luggage | Wider seats and more space, in the front carriage of the train | No catering, complimentary or otherwise | Free Wi-Fi; power sockets at seats |
- First Class location: First Class is only at the front of the train. The rear First Class compartment is nearly always declassified to Standard, so don't head to the back expecting an upgrade. Note that First Class isn't available on all Thameslink trains.
- Onboard facilities: There are standard and accessible toilets on board.
- Passenger assistance: Book at least 2 hours before travel through the Passenger Assistance app, by calling 0800 022 3720 (option 1), or texting 60083 (Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00).
Is Gatwick Express or Thameslink cheaper?
How much is the train ticket from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport?
Can I use Oyster on Thameslink trains to Gatwick?
Yes. You can tap in and out with Oyster, contactless or your mobile wallet at both City Thameslink and Gatwick, as the airport is part of the contactless PAYG zone. Just be aware that the contactless cap doesn't apply on this journey.
How much luggage can I take on Thameslink trains to Gatwick?
You can take three pieces per passenger onboard — usually one suitcase, one cabin bag and one personal item. Smaller bags go in the overhead racks, while large suitcases are best stored in the dedicated luggage areas at the end of each carriage by the doors. Just be sure to keep an eye on your possession at all times.
Thameslink trains from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport
Departure from City Thameslink
- Getting to the station by bus: Buses stop on Ludgate Hill at "City Thameslink Stn / Ludgate Circus (F)" and "Fleet St City Thameslink (L)". Daytime services include routes 4, 8, 11, 15, 17, 23, 25, 26, 76, 100 and 172. Night routes N11, N15, N21, N26, N47 and N76 also call at these stops.
- Nearest Tube stations: Farringdon (Circle, Metropolitan, Elizabeth) is a 3–4 minute walk north via the Holborn Viaduct entrance. Blackfriars (District, Circle) is 5–7 minutes south — and also the station for Sunday and night Gatwick services. St Paul's (Central) is around 5 minutes east.
The concourse has toilets, accessible toilets, baby changing, sheltered seating, refreshments and shops. There's no public Wi-Fi or First Class lounge.
The journey from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport
- The "you're nearly there" cue: After East Croydon, the train heads south through Surrey. Gatwick is the next major stop, so start gathering your bags and move toward the doors before the train arrives.
- Getting to Blackfriars: Turn left out of the Ludgate Hill entrance of City Thameslink, walk straight to Ludgate Circus, then turn left down New Bridge Street towards the Thames — you'll then see Blackfriars station is on your left just before the bridge across the river.
During the week, there are departures through the night from Blackfriars to Gatwick, with departures at 00:21, 00:51, 01:29, 02:29, 03:29, 04:29. On Sundays, services start at 09:22.
Arriving at Gatwick Airport
- Heading to South Terminal: Just take the lift or escalator up from the platform to the concourse and follow the Departures signs. Check-in zones are labelled A–J and clearly signposted. Allow 5–10 minutes from the platform to check-in.
- Heading to North Terminal: From the platform, head up to the South Terminal concourse, then follow the red Inter-Terminal Shuttle signs. The free shuttle runs 24/7 every few minutes and takes around 2 minutes to ride between terminals. Allow 15–20 minutes total from platform to check-in.
- Luggage trolleys: Free trolleys are available at terminal concourse level in both terminals.
- Passenger assistance: There's a meeting point at the station — book at least 2 hours before you travel.
Why book City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport start from just €15.27 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., Southern, Thameslink, London Underground on the City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport train travel guide
Taking the train from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from City Thameslink, you can arrive at Gatwick Airport in just 38m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport?
The average ticket fare from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport is about €15.27, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
How do I find the best train route from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport?
What is the fastest train from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport?
The fastest train journey time from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport is 38m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport train timetables?
City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport route?
The train from City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport is operated by Southern. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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