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Gatwick Airport (LGW): Getting to London

Every way to get from Gatwick Airport into London — compared by speed, price and how easy each is with luggage. Then route the whole journey offline with CityNav.

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Terminals at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick has two terminals: North and South. They're linked by a free automated shuttle (about 3 minutes). The railway station is at the South Terminal, so allow extra time if you land at North.

All ways to get from Gatwick Airport to London

Transport options from Gatwick Airport (LGW) to London, compared
Option Duration Price Frequency / Hours Luggage
🚄 Gatwick Express ~30 min from £20 (cheaper in advance) every 15 min
roughly 05:00-23:30
excellent — luggage racks, non-stop
🚆 Thameslink ~30-45 min from £12 every 10-15 min
roughly 05:00-00:30 (some 24h)
good — direct to several central stations
🚆 Southern rail ~35-45 min from £11 every 10-20 min
roughly 05:00-00:00
good — stops more often, cheaper than the Express
🚌 National Express coach ~90 min from £8 hourly-ish
24/7 on some services
good — hold underneath
🚕 Taxi / Uber ~70-100 min from £90-£120 on demand
24/7
excellent — door to door

Each option in detail

🚄Gatwick Express

→ London Victoria

⏱ ~30 min 💷 from £20 (cheaper in advance) 🔁 every 15 min 🕒 roughly 05:00-23:30

Luggage: excellent — luggage racks, non-stop

⚡ Fastest🧳 Best with luggage
🚆Thameslink

→ London Bridge / Blackfriars / King's Cross St Pancras

⏱ ~30-45 min 💷 from £12 🔁 every 10-15 min 🕒 roughly 05:00-00:30 (some 24h)

Luggage: good — direct to several central stations

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for families
🚆Southern rail

→ London Victoria

⏱ ~35-45 min 💷 from £11 🔁 every 10-20 min 🕒 roughly 05:00-00:00

Luggage: good — stops more often, cheaper than the Express

💷 Cheapest
🚌National Express coach

→ London Victoria Coach Station

⏱ ~90 min 💷 from £8 🔁 hourly-ish 🕒 24/7 on some services

Luggage: good — hold underneath

💷 Cheapest🌙 Late night
🚕Taxi / Uber

→ Central London

⏱ ~70-100 min 💷 from £90-£120 🔁 on demand 🕒 24/7

Luggage: excellent — door to door

🌙 Late night

Insider Tips

💡 Southern and Thameslink trains cost far less than the Gatwick Express for a similar journey time — compare before you board.
💡 Contactless pay-as-you-go works on all Gatwick trains to central London; tap in and out.
💡 The rail station is at the South Terminal — use the free shuttle from North Terminal first.
💡 Overnight arrivals are best served by National Express coaches or a pre-booked minicab.

Popular routes from this airport

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Gatwick to central London?

Southern/Thameslink trains start around £11-£12 with contactless; the Gatwick Express is from £20. Coaches are from about £8 and taxis £90-£120.

What's the fastest way from Gatwick to London?

The Gatwick Express reaches Victoria in about 30 minutes non-stop. Thameslink is similar and may be faster to your specific destination.

What's the cheapest way from Gatwick to central London?

Standard Southern rail to Victoria (from ~£11 with contactless) or a National Express coach (from ~£8).

Which option is best with luggage?

The Gatwick Express has dedicated luggage racks and no stops. Any train is fine; a taxi is easiest door-to-door.

How do I get to London if I land at Gatwick late at night?

Thameslink runs some 24-hour services, and National Express coaches operate through the night. Otherwise a pre-booked minicab or taxi.

Can I use contactless on Gatwick trains?

Yes, contactless pay-as-you-go covers Gatwick to central London on Southern, Thameslink and the Express (though the Express is a fixed higher fare).

Data last checked: 2026-08-14 · Sources: National Rail, Gatwick Express, TfL. Fares are approximate and can change.

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