Horley to Gatwick Airport Trains From €2.85*

It’s just a short hop from the village of Horley to Gatwick Airport, making it the perfect base for overnight stays before catching a flight or parking nearby. With direct Thameslink trains from Horley to Gatwick Airport reaching the airport terminal in under five minutes, catching your flight couldn’t be easier.

Take the stress out of airport travel and climb aboard this short but scenic route from Horley to Gatwick Airport, gliding through Surrey’s leafy suburbs before arriving into Gatwick Airport station, your global gateway to destinations all across the world.

With routes spanning both north and south of the capital, Thameslink runs high-frequency trains through central London, connecting cities such as Bedford and Cambridge in the north with Brighton, Horsham and Rochester in the south.

Departing from Horley

Just a short five-minute walk from the town centre, Horley station sits on the busy Brighton Main Line, connecting Surrey with both London and the South Coast.

With handy drop-off and pick-up points right outside and bus stops just a short walk away, Horley station is easy to reach by car, taxi, bus or on foot.

Managed by Southern, the station is served by both Thameslink and Southern services, offering frequent trains north to London Bridge, Bedford and Peterborough, and south to Three Bridges and Horsham.

Main stops

Horley might be just one stop from the airport, but this direct Horley to Gatwick Airport train runs non-stop, getting you to the airport in just a few minutes.

Arriving at Gatwick Airport

Set beneath Gatwick’s South Terminal and connected to the North Terminal by a free shuttle, Gatwick Airport station is your gateway to the world. It’s easily reached by bus, coach or car, with convenient pick-up and drop-off points right outside, though the quickest and most convenient way to arrive is by train.

Just 30 miles from central London, the station is served by Gatwick Express, Southern, Thameslink and Great Western Railway, offering direct services to London Victoria, London Bridge, Brighton, Cambridge and beyond.

With direct flights to over 200 destinations worldwide, including major cities across Europe such as Paris, Barcelona and Rome, and long-haul routes to New York, Dubai and Orlando, Gatwick Airport is one of the UK’s busiest international gateways. And if your journey continues on the ground and not in the air, it’s also ideally situated for exploring nearby destinations like Crawley, Hever Castle and the South Downs National Park.

Thameslink train classes 

• Standard Class: Travel in comfort aboard Thameslink’s standard class, featuring modern seating, complimentary Wi-Fi and charging points available on many trains.
• First Class: Travel Horley to Gatwick Airport first class for a peaceful journey with extra room to stretch out – perfect for relaxing ahead of your upcoming flight

Thameslink train travel advice

Take a moment before boarding your Horley to Gatwick Airport train to check out this quick guide, covering everything from travelling with luggage and bikes to children’s fares, pets and mobility assistance.

• Luggage: Use the overhead racks and storage areas onboard Thameslink trains to stow suitcases and larger bags, making sure they don’t block aisles or doorways.
• Bicycles: Folding bikes are welcome onboard all Thameslink services at any time, while standard bikes can travel free of charge outside central London’s weekday peak hours (07:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00). Space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Children: Kids under five travel free of charge, while children aged 5-15 are eligible to receive half-price fares. Older children can also access a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver railcard. Families travelling together can save with a Family & Friends railcard, offering a third off adult fares and 60% off children’s fares, or on selected routes during off-peak hours, up to four children can travel with an adult for just £2 each.
• Pets: Passengers may bring up to two pets onboard Thameslink services for free. Dogs, however, must be kept on a lead or transported in a secure carrier, and all pets must stay off the seats.
• Passenger Assist: For help with boarding, station transfers or handling luggage, Passenger Assist can be booked online or with staff at larger stations on the day of travel.

Just a couple of miles north of Gatwick Airport, Horley offers jetsetters an easy start to their journey with boutique airport hotels and park-and-fly options. Just hop onboard a direct Thameslink train from Horley to Gatwick Airport and you can be at the airport in under five minutes.

Watch the planes take off and land as you leave the Surrey village of Horley behind, skirting the perimeter of Gatwick Airport on your Horley to Gatwick Airport train with Southern.

Operating from London Victoria and London Bridge, Southern runs frequent commuter and regional services across South London, Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire, with direct routes to key destinations such as Brighton, Eastbourne, Portsmouth and Gatwick Airport.

Southern train classes 

• Standard Class: Stay connected on board your Southern service with free Wi-Fi and power sockets at most seats, making it easy to catch up on work or unwind online.
• First Class: Travel Horley to Gatwick Airport First Class and enjoy spacious seating, extra legroom in calm and relaxed carriages – ideal for relaxing before your flight.

Southern train travel advice

Take the stress out of travel and start your Horley to Gatwick Airport journey well prepared, with everything you need to know before you go – from bringing luggage, bikes and pets on board to family travel and accessibility assistance.

• Luggage: Passengers can bring up to three items on board Southern trains free of charge, including suitcases, holdalls and rucksacks. Larger items should be stored in luggage racks, so that aisles and doorways are kept clear.
• Bicycles: Standard bikes are not permitted on Southern services into central London during peak hours on weekdays between 07:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00. During off-peak times, you can take your bike on board without a reservation, though space is limited and subject to availability. Folding bikes are welcome at any time, provided they are stored as luggage.
• Children: Kids under five travel free, while children aged 5-15 pay only 50% of the standard fare. Teenagers can get half-price travel with a 16-17 Saver railcard, and families can save even more with a Family & Friends railcard, which offers a third off adult fares and 60% off children’s fares, plus £2 child fares on selected routes when travelling with a paying adult.
• Pets: Passengers can bring up to two pets on board Southern trains free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead or travel in a secure carrier, and all pets must stay off the seats.
• Passenger Assist: If you need a helping hand with boarding, carrying luggage or finding your platform, you can book Passenger Assist up to two hours before you travel, or ask staff at the station on the day of travel.