Peterborough to Gatwick Airport Trains From £12.45*

If you’re catching a flight from Gatwick, Thameslink makes the trip from Peterborough as simple, direct and surprisingly scenic as can be. In just 2 hours and 22 minutes, you can cover the 98 miles without changing trains once, giving you a smooth ride from start to finish. With around 80 services running each day, it is easy to find a train that fits your schedule. Instead of stressing about traffic or airport parking, you can settle into your seat, relax and let the journey take care of itself.

Thameslink is a well-regarded train operator in the UK, trusted for its reliable connections between Peterborough, Gatwick Airport and many points in between. Whether your trip is for business or leisure, Thameslink offers a comfortable and efficient way to get to the terminal with time to spare.

As you leave Peterborough, the route takes you past the wide open countryside of Cambridgeshire before heading through London. South of the capital, the scenery shifts to Surrey and Sussex, where rolling hills, woodland and traditional villages offer a glimpse of rural England. The train then glides straight into Gatwick Airport station, right beside the South Terminal, ready for your onward journey.

Departing from Peterborough

As you’re travelling from Peterborough to Gatwick, you’ll start your journey from the city’s main station. Peterborough Station is located in the city centre, and it’s easy to get to via bus, taxi or on foot, depending on where you’re arriving from. The station is a major railway hub in Cambridgeshire, with services going to a wide range of regional and long distance routes.

Peterborough Station offers a variety of passenger facilities, so you’re unlikely to find yourself struggling to find what you need. You can expect seating areas, lifts, step-free access to all platforms, refreshments, shops, ticket machines, parking, pick up points, drop off points and accessible toilets.

If you have time to explore the area surrounding the station before you begin your journey to Gatwick Airport, you’ll find local amenities, restaurants and historic attractions within easy reach. This includes the famous Peterborough Cathedral, which is just a short walk away. 

Main stops

Though the route from Peterborough to Gatwick Airport is direct, it does stop at a fair few stations along the way. After leaving Peterborough, the ThamesLink service stops at Huntingdon, St Neots, Sandy, Biggleswade, Arlesey, Hitchin, Stevenage, Finsbury Park, London St Pancras International, Farringdon, City Thameslink, London Blackfriars, London Bridge, East Croydon, Coulsdon South, Merstham, Redhill and Horley, before eventually arriving at Gatwick Airport. 

Arriving at Gatwick Airport

As you step off the train at Gatwick Airport, you’ll quickly see why so many people choose to travel there by train. Located directly beneath the South Terminal, the station puts you just minutes from check-in desks, shops and airport lounges, making it ideal for both business travellers and holidaymakers. You can step off the train, knowing you’ll be in the airport and starting the next leg of your journey in no time.

The station itself is modern, bright and packed with amenities to make your arrival stress-free. You’ll find ticket offices, self-service machines, cafes, and retail outlets, as well as luggage trolleys and accessible facilities including lifts and ramps. Passenger assistance is also available. 

Beyond the station, ThamesLink and Gatwick Express services take you straight into central London, while local buses, taxis, car hire, and airport shuttles make reaching nearby towns and hotels quick and convenient. 

ThamesLink train classes

• Standard Class: If you want to buy cheap train tickets for Peterborough to Gatwick Airport, it’s best to focus your attention on ThamesLink’s Standard Class offering. It’s a convenient, comfortable and affordable way to travel between the two locations. ThamesLink offers wifi, plug sockets and tables in many of the Standard Class carriages, helping you to relax and stay connected throughout your journey. If you have a railcard, you can save even more, as railcards reduce ticket prices by up to a third.
• First Class: If you want to treat yourself to a more luxurious train experience, consider travelling from Peterborough to Gatwick Airport First Class. Many ThamesLink services offer First Class seating, which gives you access to wider seats, a quieter carriage environment and complimentary refreshments on some services. First Class tickets are more expensive than Standard Class, though using a railcard can reduce the cost by a third.

ThamesLink train travel advice

When it comes to travelling from Peterborough to Gatwick Airport with ThamesLink, we know all there is to know about making the journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

• Luggage - On ThamesLink trains, there are designated storage areas for suitcases and larger items, making it easier for you to travel to Gatwick with multiple bags. However, you are encouraged to pack efficiently, as storage space can be limited during busy services.
• Bicycles - Folding bikes are allowed on ThamesLink trains, but be mindful that space is limited when it comes to full size bikes. There's no guarantee you'll find a bike space on busy services heading to the airport.
• Children - Children under 5 travel for free and passengers aged 5 to 15 get a reduced fare. Additional discounts are available if you have a railcard.
• Pets - You can take up to two small pets with you on ThamesLink services for free. This includes dogs and cats, but pets must be well behaved and kept off of the seats.
• Passenger Assistance - ThamesLink offers support for passengers who need extra help at any stage of their journey. Assistance can be arranged ahead of time or on the day of travel.