Gatwick Airport to London Blackfriars Trains From £15.10*

Landing at Gatwick and heading straight into central London? Thameslink is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get there. The direct service to London Blackfriars takes around 35 minutes to cover the 25-mile journey, with trains running almost around the clock. Services start at 02:25 and continue right through until 02:20 the next day, giving you plenty of choice whether you land in the early hours or late at night.

The journey is quick but varied, with glimpses of Surrey’s green countryside giving way to London’s suburbs and, finally, the River Thames as you approach the heart of the city. It is a route well-suited to tourists eager to start exploring, business travellers on tight schedules and holidaymakers heading home.

Thameslink is one of the region’s most established train operators, connecting London with destinations including Brighton, Bedford and St Albans. With modern trains, comfortable seating and reliable services, it offers a smooth and practical link between Gatwick Airport and central London.

Departing from Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport railway station is located close to the North and South terminals, making it convenient for passengers departing from the airport. Covered walkways connect the airport to the station, and it’s easy to reach by airport shuttle, taxi or local bus services.

The station offers frequent train services to destinations across London and the South East. Key routes include London Blackfriars, London Victoria, Brighton and Luton, providing excellent connections for both business and leisure travellers.

Gatwick Airport is primarily served by ThamesLink and Gatwick Express, with the two operators providing a combination of fast, direct trains and frequent regional services.

Main stops

With 184 trains running a day, there are various routes to take, with different stops along the way. If you choose the shortest ThamesLink service from Gatwick Airport to London Blackfriars, the main stops are East Croydon and London Bridge. But, if you choose one of the longer services, you will also likely stop at Horley, Redhill, Merstham and Coulsdon South.

Arriving at London Blackfriars

There are a lot of train stations in London, and London Blackfriars is one of the main ones. Located in the centre of the city and on the north bank of the River Thames, London Blackfriars is perfectly situated for travellers looking to explore the city or connect to other destinations.

The station is well connected by the London Underground, with the Circle and District lines nearby, as well as local buses and walking routes. Whether you’re exploring London after you fly into Gatwick Airport, or you’re using London Blackfriars to catch a connecting service, you won’t struggle to get from A to B.

London Blackfriars station is served mainly by ThamesLink, offering frequent services to destinations across London and the South East, including Gatwick Airport. Once you arrive, you can explore nearby landmarks such as the South Bank, the Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge.

The area surrounding London Blackfriars also offers walks along the river, pubs, shops and restaurants. Whether you're staying nearby for a holiday in London or you're heading elsewhere later on, London Blackfriars is a great place to start your exploration of central London.

ThamesLink train classes

• Standard Class: ThamesLink offers comfortable Standard Class seating with free wifi on most services, and this is the train class the majority of travellers choose. Plug sockets are also available on many trains, making it easy to stay charged and connected as you travel from A to B. Standard Class is a great option for travellers looking to buy cheap train tickets from Gatwick Airport to London Blackfriars, especially if you have a railcard, which can save you up to a third on your fare.
• First Class: Some ThamesLink services have First Class ticket options, which offer more spacious seating, quieter carriages and complimentary refreshments on certain routes. These tickets tend to be more expensive, so they're not always the ideal choice if you're hoping to buy cheap train tickets. Not all ThamesLink trains include First Class, so it’s worth checking in advance if you want to upgrade your Gatwick Airport to London Blackfriars journey.

ThamesLink train travel advice

If you're thinking about travelling from Gatwick to London, and your destination station is London Blackfriars, here's everything you need to know about the popular ThamesLink service.

• Luggage - ThamesLink trains have storage and designated luggage areas for suitcases and large items, making it easy to bring multiple bags with you.
• Bicycles - Folding bikes are welcome on ThamesLink services, but full sized bicycles may be restricted during peak times, especially on busy trains travelling from the airport.
• Children - Children under 5 travel for free on ThamesLink trains, and children aged between 5 and 15 can take advantage of reduced fares.
• Pets - You can bring up to two pets on ThamesLink trains at no extra cost, including dogs and other small animals. Dogs must be kept on a lead, be well behaved and not disturb other passengers.
• Passenger Assist - ThamesLink is there to help passengers that need assistance. This can be arranged in advance or provided on the day, making travel easier for those who need it.