City Thameslink to Gatwick Airport Trains From £13.80*

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.

• 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.

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.