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London to Gatwick Airport train ticket prices
£12.50
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London to Gatwick Airport train timetable
From London to Gatwick Airport, take the fastest train in 24m, typically 33m. Daily, 353 trains depart from London, with the first at 00:02 and the last at 23:58. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
18:05 London Bridge | 30m, Direct | 18:35 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
18:05 London Victoria | 33m, Direct | 18:38 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
18:08 London Victoria | 57m, Direct | 19:05 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
18:14 London Blackfriars | 55m, Direct | 19:09 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
18:15 London Bridge | 29m, Direct | 18:44 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
London to Gatwick Airport train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London to Gatwick Airport with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Southern, Gatwick Express, or Thameslink: Which should you choose?
There are three train services connecting London to Gatwick Airport. See below all the details to choose the best option for your trip.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Southern | 35m | Travel in comfort and on a budget | First Class option, Wi-Fi and roomy seat | |
Gatwick Express | 30m | London Victoria | Speed and work onboard | Standard and Premium fares both offering large tables and a fast connection for work |
Thameslink | 45m | Leaving from the city centre | Connecting London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras to Gatwick |
- Southern is often the cheaper option, with tickets starting from about 10£ if booked in advance. It also offers a first-class option with roomier seats and larger tables in a dedicated carriage for a guaranteed quiet journey.
- Gatwick Express connects London Victoria and Gatwick directly, with no intermediate stops. The train is very efficient and fast, with plenty of space for work in both standard and first class.
- Thameslink departs from London Bridge and connects central London to Gatwick. A handy option if you’re in the area.
Train travel from London to Gatwick Airport
London Victoria and London Bridge: Getting to the Platform
London Victoria is one of the busiest stations in London, located in Westminster near Buckingham Palace. While the southern trains to Gatwick don’t have a set platform (check the board inside the station), the Gatwick Express usually departs from Platforms 13 and 14, located at the far end of the station away from the main concourse.
London Bridge is located on the south bank of the Thames. The station underwent a complete rebuild completed in 2018, and is now one of the most modern and best-signed stations in the capital, so finding your way around is straightforward. Check the departure boards as you enter from either the Borough High Street or Tooley Street entrances, then follow the signs to your platform. All platforms are at street level and accessible directly from the main concourse
Onboard trains from London Gatwick Airport
The trip to Gatwick is pretty quick, just the time to finish some work on the go or take a moment to relax. You will cut through London suburbs, travelling from the centre toward South London. The Thameslink train crosses the River Thames on Blackfriars Bridge, giving an interesting point of view over the city. The rest of the trip is pretty straightforward, moving through urban scenery.
Arriving at Gatwick Airport
The train station is located at the South Terminal, just a five-minute walk from both departures and arrivals. If you need to reach the north terminal, you can take the free inter-terminal shuttle service stopping at the station – it will get you there in just a few minutes.
The correct Exit
Related travel guides
Why book London to Gatwick Airport trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from London to Gatwick Airport start from just £12.50 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., Thameslink, Southern, Gatwick Express on the London to Gatwick Airport route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
London to Gatwick Airport train travel guide
Taking the train from London to Gatwick Airport is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can arrive at Gatwick Airport in just 24m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Gatwick Airport?
Ticket prices from London to Gatwick Airport average around £12.50, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from London to Gatwick Airport?
What is the fastest train from London to Gatwick Airport?
The fastest train journey time from London to Gatwick Airport is 24m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from London to Gatwick Airport?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London to Gatwick Airport. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from London to Gatwick Airport?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find London to Gatwick Airport train timetables?
London to Gatwick Airport trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do London to Gatwick Airport trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London to Gatwick Airport route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the London to Gatwick Airport route?
The route from London to Gatwick Airport is operated by Thameslink. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. 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 assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap London to Gatwick Airport train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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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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