Gatwick to Central London: Gatwick Express, Thameslink or Private Car
Gatwick is further from central London than Heathrow, so choosing the right way in matters. Here are the options and who each one suits.
Gatwick Express
Non-stop trains to Victoria in about half an hour. Fast and frequent, but it only goes to Victoria; from there you need the Tube or a taxi.
Thameslink and Southern trains
Thameslink runs to London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras; Southern runs to Victoria. Slightly slower than the Express and usually cheaper.
Coach
Coaches run to Victoria Coach Station. The cheapest option, but the slowest, especially in traffic.
Private car
Door to door. In normal traffic, allow about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes to central London. Fares start from about £101 to London Bridge and £110 to Oxford Circus in an Economy Sedan for up to 4; a Standard Van for 6 is about £186 to Oxford Circus. The price is per vehicle and fixed.
Which to choose
- Travelling light to a station area: the train.
- Budget first: the coach or Thameslink with an advance ticket.
- Family, group or lots of luggage: a car – one fare for everyone, no changes.
- Late-night arrival: a car; night trains are less frequent.
Booking
Enter Gatwick and your address on the booking form. The driver waits in arrivals with your name; the first 60 minutes after landing are free. See Gatwick transfers and Gatwick taxi prices.
Popular destinations
London Bridge, Canary Wharf, Croydon and Lewisham.
Late arrivals
Many holiday flights land at Gatwick late in the evening. Trains run less often at night, and some night journeys involve replacement buses. A pre-booked car is waiting whatever time you land, at the same fixed price.
Outside London
If you are going to Surrey, Sussex, Kent or the south coast, the train often means a change. A car goes straight there – see our routes to Crawley and Southampton.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way from Gatwick to London?
The Gatwick Express to Victoria, about half an hour.
How long does a car take?
About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in normal traffic.
How much is a car to central London?
From about £101 per vehicle.
Is a car worth it for a family?
Often, as the fare is shared.
Do you work at night?
Yes, at the same fixed price.
