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East Croydon to Gatwick Airport train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€8.52
On Tue 27
Live timetable and departures
From East Croydon to Gatwick Airport, take the fastest train in 14m, typically 15m. Daily, 113 trains depart from East Croydon, with the first at 00:24 and the last at 18:17. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
17:40 East Croydon | 15m, Direct | 17:55 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
17:47 East Croydon | 29m, Direct | 18:16 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
17:50 East Croydon | 15m, Direct | 18:05 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
17:53 East Croydon | 15m, Direct | 18:08 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
17:56 East Croydon | 40m, Direct | 18:36 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport
- Thameslink
- Southern
Standard
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from East Croydon
Address:
Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LF, United Kingdom
Public Transport Links:
London Underground: There is no Tube station at East Croydon or nearby. Take a 29-minute tram ride to Wimbledon station for the Underground (District line).
Bus: Many local bus routes operate from the front of the station and along Dingwall Road or Cherry Orchard Road, serving nearby destinations including Bromley and Penge.
Tram: East Croydon is on three tram routes: Wimbledon to Elmers End, Wimbledon to Beckenham Junction and New Addington to West Croydon.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: A taxi rank is on the eastern side of the main entrance; waiting isn’t allowed at the pick-up/drop-off point.
Platforms:
Nine platforms in total: six National Rail platforms and three London Trams platforms. Fast trains to London Victoria usually depart from platform 1, while services to London Bridge use platform 4. Fast services to Brighton, Eastbourne and Southampton tend to use platform 3, and trains towards Uckfield, Oxted and East Grinstead stop at platform 6.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Instead of deciphering the main departure board, you can quickly find your platform by checking the dedicated fastest train displays. During busy periods, covered platform waiting spaces keep you comfortable. If you need to switch platforms, taking the side footbridge gives you a noticeably quieter, smoother walk through the station."
FAQs about East Croydon Station
What zone is East Croydon station in?
East Croydon is in fare zone 5.
How many exits are there at East Croydon station?
East Croydon station has two exits. The main exit on the western side is by BOXPARK Croydon, the tram platforms and the bus station. An additional exit leads to Dingwall Road.
Is there a taxi rank at East Croydon station?
Yes, the taxi rank is to the east of the main entrance to East Croydon station.
What facilities are available at East Croydon rail station?
East Croydon station offers step-free access to all platforms, accessible toilets, heated waiting rooms, shops and kiosks on the platform.
When does East Croydon station close?
East Croydon is open and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Arriving at Gatwick Airport
Address:
South Terminal, Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, RH6 0RD, United Kingdom
Onward Transit Options:
Bus: Local Metrobus routes operate to/from towns and villages around Gatwick Airport, such as Crawley, Redhill and Horsham. Buses stop on either side of the A23 (connected by a pedestrian walkway) and by the Lower Forecourt.
Coach: There are coach stops (numbered 1-5) by the Lower Forecourt, offering access to National Express services to numerous cities and airports.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: A taxi rank is available outside the station by the Upper Forecourt.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Riverside Garden Park (14-min walk)
Picketts Wood (21-min walk)
Gatwick Aviation Museum (34-min bus journey)
National Cycle Route 21 (1.5-hour bike ride)
Airport Transfers:
Free shuttle transfers between North and South terminals. Frequent Gatwick Express and Southern (slower, stopping) trains between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria (31-57 minutes) / Brighton (26-38 minutes). More trains are operated by Thameslink (Bedford via London Bridge, Brighton, Cambridge) and Great Western Railway (GWR) (Reading, Guildford).
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Gatwick Airport station is directly connected to the South Terminal, making transfers with luggage smooth and easy. If you’re using the North Terminal, the free 24-hour monorail shuttle takes just two minutes to reach the station. To avoid peak-hour crowds on the main concourse, follow the signs to the upper-level walkways for a quicker route to platform lifts and ticket barriers."
FAQs: Gatwick Airport Station
Can you use contactless at Gatwick Airport station?
Yes, contactless pay-as-you-go is accepted on Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink services between London and Gatwick Airport station.
Does Gatwick Airport station have a ticket office?
Yes, the ticket office at Gatwick Airport station is open 24 hours.
Is Gatwick Airport station in the North or South terminal?
Gatwick Airport station is in the South Terminal. A free 24-hour shuttle runs between the North and South terminals, taking only two minutes.
What shops are at Gatwick Airport train station?
There is a Hi Coffee Express between platforms 1 and 2. Passengers can also grab drinks and a bite from M&S or Black Sheep Coffee close to the station entrance.
Are there toilets at Gatwick Airport station?
Yes, male, female and accessible toilets are located on platforms 1 and 2.
Southern vs Thameslink: Which service should you choose?
There are two main operators running trains from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport, both serving the airport’s South Terminal. But how do the journey times, stops and amenities vary? Easily compare services at a glance with this table:
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Southern | 15m | East Croydon | Speed | More fast trains each hour, First Class seating, non-stop routes available |
Thameslink | 22m | East Croydon | Nighttime and early morning trains | 24-hour service, First Class seating and non-stop routes on some trains |
- Southern services often have no stops in between. There are around six trains an hour. The last train departs at 00:32 on weekdays, 00:33 on Saturday and 00:31 on Sunday.
- Thameslink trains run almost every ten minutes, with fast 15-minute services departing East Croydon four times an hour during the day. The operator also continues running hourly services from 02:00 to 05:10 - perfect if you have to catch the first flight.
Train travel from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport
The Croydon to Gatwick train offers affordable and hassle-free transfers to the airport around the clock. Here’s how to get from rail to runway with ease.
Departure from East Croydon
Conveniently located next door to Boxpark Croydon and in front of the Tramlink station, East Croydon is also within easy reach by bus.
- Finding your platform: East Croydon has six platforms, accessible via ramps from the ticket hall. There are also lifts from the footbridge if you have heavy luggage. Services from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport tend to stop at platforms 3 or 6. Check the departure boards and give yourself enough time to reach the platform.
- Pre-boarding facilities: There’s no shortage of kiosks with refreshments to fuel up on before your train arrives or save for the journey. Order a sandwich to go at Choo Choo or pick up a coffee at Nero Express on the main concourse. Already passed the ticket barriers? You have more options at the platform level, including AMT Coffee. While you wait for your train, stay cosy in the heated waiting rooms - located on each platform and open 24 hours a day.
On board trains from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport
Each operator provides a relaxing and convenient onboard experience for commuters and airline passengers alike.
- Luggage areas: You’ll find handy luggage storage racks on Southern and Thameslink trains. Bring up to two large suitcases and an item of hand luggage.
- Suburban views: Take a seat on the left side of the train to watch the landscape transform from suburban south London life to greener, more open countryside on the way into the airport.
- Complimentary WiFi: The majority of trains from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport will have free WiFi access, allowing you to keep up to date with information on your flight. Simply look for the blue WiFi signage on the door and select the operator’s network to log on.
Arriving at Gatwick Airport
Trains to Gatwick Airport stop right below the airport’s South Terminal. Gatwick Airport station is well-connected to the rest of the airport, local hotels and even green spaces.
- South Terminal exit: It takes only five minutes to walk from Gatwick Airport station to the South Terminal.
- Getting to the North Terminal: A free shuttle service to the North Terminal is available, taking just two minutes and running every couple of minutes.
- Transport links: The 24-hour Gatwick Hoppa bus service takes you to and from several hotels and both terminals. Gatwick Airport station has links to over 100 destinations and direct interchange with national coaches and Metrobus services.
- Walking routes: Gatwick Airport is surprisingly close to a number of green spaces. If you’ve got hours to spare, take the public footpath towards Horley or Crawley and pay a visit to Riverside Garden Park.
FAQ
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How much is a train from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport?
Tickets from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport typically cost €8.65, but can be as cheap as €8.52 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport?
The journey should take, on average, 15m, though it can be as quick as 14m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport?
Yes, there is a direct train between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport?
You can typically book tickets from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do East Croydon to Gatwick Airport trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is East Croydon from Gatwick Airport?
The distance between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport is approximately 15 miles (25km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport?
There is 113 train running from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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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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