Best Way from Gatwick Airport to London.

To see which airlines operate at Gatwick see my post:- ARRIVING LONDON, WHICH AIRPORT?, For information guidance, not definitive. Always look at your ticket/boarding pass for terminal/gate. For more Information: gatwickairport.com

Upon landing, the fundamental steps are consistent:

• Follow the signs: Once you disembark, you will follow the signs to either “Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim” (yellow signs) or “Flight Connections” (purple signs).
• Passport Control/Immigration: All passengers must go through this step. For eligible travelers with a biometric passport, eGates offer a faster process. If not, you will need to see a Border Force Officer.
• Baggage Reclaim: If your final destination is Gatwick and you have checked bags, you will proceed to the baggage carousels. If you have a connecting flight on a single ticket, your bags are usually checked through to your final destination, and you will not need to reclaim them.
• Customs: After collecting your bags (if applicable), you will pass through customs before entering the public arrivals hall.

Onward Connections

Onward connections at Gatwick Airport refer to the process of transferring from an arriving flight to a departing flight. This can be either a traditional connecting flight booked on a single ticket with an airline or a “self-connecting” journey where a traveler books two separate flights to create a single trip

Best Way from Gatwick Airport to London.

Arriving Gatwick North/South Terminal

Trains

On exiting North Terminal arrivals, and to access all train services, passengers must first take the Free Inter-terminal Shuttle service to the South Terminal. This automated shuttle runs every few minutes and the journey takes about two minutes, and is clearly sign posted in the North arrivals area. Exiting shuttle at South Terminal, look up, and follow signs for “Railway Station”.

On exiting South Terminal arrivals, and to access all train services, passengers only have to, look up, and follow the signs for “Railway Station

Unlike Heathrow, Gatwick Airport has only one railway station, located at the South Terminal. All train operators, including Gatwick Express, Southern Rail, Great Western Rail (GWR), and Thameslink, depart from here. To find the station, simply, follow the signs for the “Railway Station.”

Trains from Gatwick

Gatwick’s rail network is superb, offering direct, frequent links not just into the heart of London, but also to the South Coast, the North of England, and across to the West. Your choice of operator depends entirely on your final destination.

Gatwick Express.

Key Feature: It is the fastest way to get to Central London (Victoria station) with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. However, it is also the most expensive option.

Main Destination: London Victoria (with easy connections to the District, Circle, and Victoria Tube lines, and national bus services).

Southern Rail.

Key Feature: Besides Central London, it provides vital connections to South and South-West London, and many commuter towns that Thameslink and Gatwick Express bypass.

Main Destinations:

• Central London Termini: London Victoria Station and London Bridge Station.
• South London: Clapham Junction, East Croydon, Sutton.
• South Coast: Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Littlehampton, Portsmouth & Southsea, Southampton.
• Surrey & Sussex: Horsham, Dorking, Guildford, East Grinstead.

Great Western Railway (GWR).

Key Feature: This is the best option if your destination is in West London, Berkshire, or for connections to South Wales and the West Country. It bypasses central London entirely.

Main Destinations: Reading (a major hub for connections to Oxford, Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea, Penzance, and the West).

Thameslink.

Key Feature: Its trains run through London, stopping at central London stations like London Bridge, Blackfriars, and St Pancras International, meaning you never have to change trains or use the Tube to cross the city.

• Main Destinations:
  • North of London: St Pancras International (for Eurostar), Luton Airport Parkway (for London Luton Airport), Bedford.
  • Central London: London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon (for Elizabeth Line connections).
  • South of London & Sussex: Brighton, Haywards Heath, Three Bridges, Redhill, East Croydon.

Train Fares.

There is no need to queue at the ticket machines, which can have long queues, and be very confusing, particularly when there others waiting.

The key thing to understand is that Gatwick Airport is within the Oyster operational system,but NOT in a standard TfL travel zone (1-9). Therefore, the daily and weekly fare caps for zones 1-6 or 1-9 do not apply to a journey that includes Gatwick. The oyster/contactless fare is higher from Gatwick Airport, therefore a different max. daily rate will apply on the airport travel day.

Exceptions for Children

Children can travel at a reduced rate or, in some cases, for free from Gatwick Airport, but it depends on their age and the type of ticket you buy.

Here is a breakdown of the rules for the main train operators from Gatwick:

Children Under 5

• Free Travel: Children under 5 years old can travel for free on all trains (Gatwick Express, Southern, and Thameslink) when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
• No Ticket/Card Needed: They do not need a ticket or an Oyster/contactless card.
• No Seat Guarantee: They can only occupy a seat that is not needed by a fare-paying passenger. If you want to guarantee a seat for them, you would need to buy a child ticket.

Children Aged 5-15

This is where it gets a little more complex, as there are different fare options:

• Standard Child Fares: For children aged 5-15, the standard fare is typically 50% of the adult fare. You can purchase these tickets at the station, a ticket machine, or online.
• Kids for £2 Offer: This is a fantastic and popular option. Up to four children can travel for just £2 each on a Southern, Thameslink, or Gatwick Express service, provided they are accompanied by a fare-paying adult. This offer is only valid during Off-Peak times.
  • Important Caveat: The “Kids for £2” offer is not valid if the adult is paying with Oyster or a contactless card. The adult must have a valid paper ticket (such as an Off-Peak, Single, Return, or Advance ticket).
  • You can buy the adult ticket online or from a ticket machine, but if you already have your adult ticket, you’ll need to buy the children’s £2 tickets from a ticket office.
  • Proof of Age: It’s a good idea to carry proof of age for children who may look older than their age (e.g., a passport, birth certificate, or a rail-issued photocard

UK Rail Cards that CAN be linked to an Oyster Card:

• Senior Rail Card: This is a popular one to link. It gives you 1/3 off on off-peak pay-as-you-go fares.
• 16-25 Rail Card: Also known as the Young Person’s Railcard, this gives a 1/3 off off-peak fares.
• 26-30 Rail Card: This is the equivalent for those in their late 20s and also offers a 1/3 off discount.
• Disabled Person’s Rail Card: This is a great one as it gives you a 1/3 off on both peak and off-peak fares.
• HM Forces Rail Card: This offers a 1/3 off on off-peak fares.

All other UK Rail Cards, are NOT eligible for Oyster Card linking.

Best Way from Gatwick Airport to London.

Coach

National Express coaches run from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria Coach Station up to 32 times daily. The journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes and tickets start at £7 one-way. Coaches depart from both North and South Terminals.

Other coach companies also operate on this route. These services often stop at additional locations in London, including Earl’s Court and Hammersmith.

Coaches are equipped with luggage storage and offer comfortable seating. Many provide free Wi-Fi and power outlets for passengers.

For those with accessibility needs, most coaches have wheelchair lifts and designated spaces. It’s best to contact the company in advance to ensure proper assistance.

Coach travel can take longer than trains, especially during peak traffic hours. However, it’s often the cheapest option for getting to Central London from Gatwick.

Private and Rented Transport

Travelers can choose from several private transport options to get from Gatwick Airport to Central London. These services offer convenience and comfort for those who prefer a more personalized journey.

Taxis

Black cabs are a classic London icon and can be found at Gatwick Airport. These taxis are spacious and wheelchair-accessible. Drivers know London streets well, ensuring a smooth trip to your destination.

Licensed minicabs are another option. Book these in advance for a fixed price. Many accept contactless payment, making transactions easy.

The journey to Central London takes about an hour, depending on traffic. Fares vary but expect to pay £60-£90.

Car Rentals and Rideshares

Type of Service	Provider Examples	Location at Gatwick	Key Features & Notes
RENTAL CARS (Hire)	Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt	South Terminal: All major companies have desks in the Arrivals concourse.	– Must be pre-booked for best rates and availability. – Shuttle buses to car rental compounds run just outside the terminal.
		North Terminal: All major companies have desks in the Arrivals concourse.	– You will need your driving licence, passport, and a credit card in the main driver’s name.
MEET & GREET (Valet)	APH Meet & Greet, Meteor, SkyParkSecure	Driver meets you at the terminal.	– Most convenient. A driver meets you at the terminal, you hand over the keys, and they park your car. – Typically the most expensive option.
PARK & RIDE (Off-Site)	NCP, Purple Parking, APH	Off-site compounds with shuttle buses.	– You drive to a secure compound, park, and take a frequent shuttle bus to the terminal (5-10 min journey). – Good value for money.
ON-AIRPORT PARKING	Gatwick’s Own Long Stay & Short Stay	Located on the airport perimeter.	– Short Stay: Closest to terminals, very expensive, best for short trips or pick-ups. – Long Stay: Further away, connected by shuttle bus, better for longer holidays.
MINICABS / PRE-BOOKED TAXIS	Streamline Cars (Gatwick’s official partner), Addison Lee	Pre-booked driver meets you in arrivals.	– Fixed price, pre-paid. Driver meets you with a name sign. – Not a “car hire” but a chauffeur service for a journey.
PRIVATE HIRE (Uber)	Uber	Designated pick-up zones.	– South Terminal: Follow signs to the Official Uber Pick-up Point in the Long Stay car park (free shuttle bus). – North Terminal: The pick-up point is on the same level as arrivals.
BLACK CABS (Hackney Carriage)	London Taxis	Rank outside both terminals.	– Available immediately, no need to pre-book. – Metered fare, so price can vary with traffic. Often the most expensive taxi option.

Key Things to Remember:

• Pre-booking is Essential: For rental cars and all parking services, you must pre-book online. This guarantees availability and saves you a significant amount of money compared to turning up on the day.
• Check Your Terminal: Gatwick has a North and a South terminal. Always confirm which terminal you are flying from/to, as this affects pick-up and drop-off points.
• Documents for Rental:
  • Full, valid driving license (often must have held it for 1+ years).
  • Photo ID (e.g., passport).
  • A credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
• Travel Time: Allow extra time for shuttle bus transfers to off-site parking or rental car compounds.

For the most up-to-date information and to book, it is always best to visit the official Gatwick Airport website or the websites of the individual providers listed.

Best Way from Gatwick Airport to London.

Concise List of FAQ’s

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