Travel from central London to Gatwick Airport with Thameslink trains departing from London Bridge. Journeys take just 45 minutes on average, and you can buy cheap train tickets when you book ahead. Sit back and relax as you zoom past the Surrey and West Sussex towns and suburban landscape.
Thameslink runs trains from Bedford, Peterborough and Cambridge to Horsham, Brighton, Sevenoaks and Rainham. Services pass through central London, with trains alighting at Orpington, Three Bridges, Welwyn Garden City and other destinations.
Departing from London Bridge
The London to Gatwick train operated by Thameslink departs from London Bridge station. It is one of the two mainline stations south of the River Thames, located just south-east of the bridge from which it takes its name. You can reach London Bridge by Tube (on the Northern or Jubilee line), bus or taxi.
There is a wide range of travel options available from London Bridge, with services operated by Thameslink, Southeastern and Southern. Destinations include Stevenage, Hastings, Hayes and Gravesend.
Main stops
Trains from London Bridge to Gatwick Airport may alight at East Croydon and Redhill. Stops vary according to the service, route and operator.
Arriving at Gatwick Airport
Direct services from London Bridge arrive at Gatwick Airport station. It is in the airport’s South Terminal and is only five minutes away from departures and arrivals on foot. The free shuttle takes you to the North Terminal in two minutes. Trains are operated by Thameslink, Great Western Railway(GWR), Southern and Gatwick Express. Destinations include St Pancras International, Portsmouth and Cambridge.
Situated near Crawley in West Sussex, Gatwick Airport station has great links to about 120 stations via direct trains, local Metrobus routes, Gatwick Hoppa buses serving local hotels and national coaches including National Express and Flixbus. London Gatwick is on the National Cycle Route 21 (NCR 21) from Greenwich in south-east London towards Groombridge, Eastbourne and Pevensey via Horley and Crawley.
There are many walking routes to/from surrounding towns to choose from, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and greenery. Nearby is Riverside Garden Park, a beautiful open space with woodland and a lake.
Thameslink train classes
- Standard Class: Thameslink’s Standard Class trains offer plenty of luggage racks, comfortable seats and live information about your journey and seat availability on screen. All seating is in a two-by-two formation. When the blue WiFi logo is on the train doors, you can connect to the free WiFi network.
- First Class: London to Gatwick First Class amenities include roomier, more comfortable seats in a quieter carriage at the front of the train. Carriages are also fitted with plug sockets by your seat and large, family-sized tables.
Thameslink train travel advice
- Luggage: Up to two larger pieces (under 90 x 70 x 30 centimetres) and an item of hand luggage are allowed.
- Bicycles: Non-folding bikes and e-bikes can’t be taken on board during busier hours. E-scooters and hoverboards are not permitted on any service.
- Children: Children under 5 travel free, while those aged 5–15 receive a 50% discount on most tickets, and up to four kids can travel for £2 each off-peak with an adult.
- Pets: Bring no more than two pets on board. They must be kept on a lead or in a carrier.
- Passenger Assist: Services, including help boarding and finding your seat, can be booked online or by phone. Assistance is also available if you haven’t booked.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.