Gatwick happens to be the second busiest airport in London. That means once you are at the airport, you have a major challenge at hand. Getting done with the boarding process in time so you don’t miss risking the flight. By the way, around 3 percent of passengers miss their flights at Gatwick. So, you need time for clearing luggage, collecting the boarding pass, moving through security, and then actually boarding the aircraft all take time. 45 minutes if you are lucky, and upwards of an hour if things go normally.
But that’s only AFTER you arrive at the airport. Talking of arriving at the airport on time, that’s precisely another challenge. The roads from central London to Gatwick airport are extremely busy during morning and evening.
Hence, if you or someone you know has a flight from Gatwick Airport, or is landing there to catch a connecting flight at another airport, then knowing how to get to Gatwick, the right way, is the key to arriving on time reducing the risk of missing the flight.
For that reason we have put together this guide. It covers everything you need to know about travelling between Gatwick Airport and Central London. The recommendations vary based on whether you are travelling solo or with a family, looking for budget-friendly ways or are happy to spend for convenience.
| Quick Summary: Getting to Gatwick Airport |
| The best way to get to Gatwick Airport from London depends on your priorities such as speed, budget, and comfort. |
| • Fastest option: Gatwick Express train (around 30 minutes from London Victoria) |
| • Cheapest option: Bus or Southern train services |
| • Most comfortable option: Private airport transfer or taxi |
| • Best option for families or groups: Private transfer from London to Gatwick Airport |
What is the Best Way to Get to Gatwick Airport?
The best way to get to Gatwick Airport from Central London is by train. The Gatwick Express takes about 30 minutes from London Victoria Station and offers the fastest and most reliable connection. For travelers on a budget, Southern and Thameslink trains provide cheaper alternatives, while taxis or private airport transfers are the most convenient for families or groups.
The Gatwick Airport Overview
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If it’s your first time traveling to Gatwick, it helps to understand how the airport is mapped, so you are never uncertain or lost. London Gatwick airport has two terminals, both serving slightly different types of passengers.
North Terminal
The North terminal is newly constructed. It primarily serves long-haul and international carriers. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and the like. If you are arriving from a destination outside Europe or catching a long-haul flight, there is a good chance you will be using the North Terminal.
South Terminal
The South Terminal is home to short-haul UK and European carriers. Airlines like easyJet and British Airways on shorter European routes tend to use this terminal. It also has the advantage of being directly connected to Gatwick’s railway station, making train travel the most seamless option for South Terminal passengers.
Getting Between Terminals
If your transport connection or hotel is better suited to Gatwick north terminal to south terminal and your flight is at the other, do not worry. The free inter-terminal shuttle runs continuously, takes around two minutes, and operates frequently throughout the day and night. To get to the pickup point, just follow signs for the shuttle within either terminal building.
How to Travel from London to Gatwick Airport?
There are several ways to get to Gatwick from London, but the best option depends on the purpose of your trip. If you’re planning a transfer from London to Gatwick Airport, the right choice can vary based on your schedule, budget, and luggage. To give you the best recommendation, we’ll cover the most common scenarios for why you might be traveling to Gatwick.
Traveling to Gatwick to Pick Up a Guest
On your commute to the airport, your transport options are endless. But it’s on your way back home along with your valued guest, that you need the comfort of a private car, to show that you care for them.
Once you’ve welcomed your guest, you’ll want a smooth, comfortable return journey. For that, the three options below will serve you best.
1. Private Taxi
Hail or pre-arrange a licensed taxi at the arrivals rank outside either terminal. No booking required, though availability can vary at busy times.
2. Personal Car
Drive yourself and park in one of Gatwick’s short-stay car parks, which are a short walk from both terminals’ arrivals halls. It’s the most flexible option and lets you leave on your own schedule once your guest has cleared arrivals.
3. Pre-Booked Transfer
Gatwick airport transfer from the airport to your address. This also works if you are too busy to pick your guest yourself. You can just book a transfer in their name and the driver will pick them for you.
Traveling to Gatwick to Board a Flight
When traveling to board a flight, there’s an added pressure to reach on time and luggage to take care of. Hence for departures at Gatwick, we recommend the following commute options.
When Traveling with Family?
When traveling with family, it’s almost a given you will be carrying substantial luggage. The luggage alone limits your commute options to Gatwick.
The transport options for getting to Gatwick airport?
Both terminals are served directly by road via the M23 (Junction 9) and the A23. Both terminals have their own dedicated road access and drop-off zones, so whichever terminal your airline uses, you can be dropped directly outside it. Bear in mind that a £10 minimum drop-off charge applies at both terminals, so factor that into your plans. A pre-booked taxi or minicab is the most practical choice for families with heavy bags, as it gets you door-to-door without the strain of lugging luggage through stations or onto trains.
If you prefer the train, the station is at the South Terminal, just a five-minute walk from departures and arrivals. For the South Terminal this is straightforward, but if your flight departs from the North Terminal, you’ll need to take the free inter-terminal shuttle after arriving by train. Its manageable for solo travellers, but with a family and bulky luggage it adds unnecessary complexity. In that case, travelling by road directly to the North Terminal is the smarter call.
When Traveling Solo?
You have basically every option available at your hand if you are a solo traveller without luggage.
What Are the Best Commute Options?
The train is the fastest and most flexible option, with a service departing on average every four minutes and direct connections to over 120 stations. The South Terminal has the station on its doorstep, so if that’s your departure point, just step off the train and you’re there. The Gatwick Express from Victoria takes 30 minutes; Thameslink gives you connections from a wider spread of London stations.
For the North Terminal, simply take any train to Gatwick station (South Terminal) and hop on the free inter-terminal shuttle. It takes just two minutes and runs constantly. There’s no meaningful reason to drive to either terminal if you’re travelling light; the train-plus-shuttle combination is quicker, cheaper, and stress-free. If you’re coming from somewhere without a direct rail connection, National Express coaches serve both terminals and offer an affordable alternative.
Travelling from Gatwick Airport to London
If you are landing at Gatwick, then your journey to the commute option that will take you to central London will look like this:
Arriving at the North Terminal
When you come through arrivals at the North Terminal, look for signs directing you to Ground Transportation. You will find the taxi rank located directly outside the international arrivals exit. If you plan to take the train, head for the free inter-terminal shuttle to the South Terminal first, where the railway station is located.
Road Access
If you are being picked up by car or taking a taxi, the North Terminal has direct access to the M23 motorway, which links to the M25 and into Greater London. The A23 London Road is an alternative route that passes through South London areas like Croydon and Brixton before reaching Central London.
Taxis and Private Hire
The official taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals exit and operates around the clock. Licensed black cabs and approved airport taxis are available here without pre-booking.
If you have pre-booked a private hire vehicle, the designated pickup area is on Level 1 of the Short Stay Car Park, roughly a three to five minute walk from arrivals. Drivers cannot pick up passengers on the spot in this area; all private hire pickups must be pre-arranged.
Closest Hotels
The Sofitel London Gatwick is connected directly to the North Terminal via a covered walkway, making it the most convenient overnight option for North Terminal travellers. The Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport is accessible via the shuttle to the South Terminal.
Dining at the North Terminal
The North Terminal offers a range of dining options on both the landside and post-security sides:
- Halal options: Wagamama (halal chicken available) and Comptoir Libanais
- Vegetarian and vegan: Leon and Itsu
- General options: Pret A Manger and The Nicholas Culpeper Pub
- Kosher: There are limited dedicated kosher options at the terminal. Travellers with kosher dietary requirements are advised to bring pre-packed kosher meals.
Nearby Attractions
If you are spending time near the airport before heading into London, Crawley town centre is about ten minutes by car and has shops, cafes, and restaurants. Tilgate Park is a nearby nature reserve with a large lake and walking trails. A 30-minute train journey takes you directly to London Victoria, putting the whole of Central London within easy reach.
Arriving at the South Terminal
The South Terminal has the advantage of being directly connected to Gatwick’s railway station. Once you clear arrivals, the station is accessible without needing any shuttle transfer. The taxi rank is located directly outside the main arrivals exit.
Train Options
All the train services operate from the South Terminal station. From the arrivals hall, it takes a 5-minute walk to reach the station.
- Gatwick Express: Non-stop to London Victoria in approximately 30 minutes.
- Thameslink: Direct services to London Bridge (around 30 minutes), Farringdon, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, and St Pancras International (around 35 minutes).
- Southern Railway: Services to London Victoria and Clapham Junction.
Road Access
From the South Terminal, drivers can access the M23 directly, connecting to the M25 for orbital travel around Greater London. The A217 heads toward Reigate and South London boroughs. The M25 provides a link to all corners of London for those travelling from outer boroughs.
Taxis and Private Hire
The taxi rank at the South Terminal is outside the main arrivals exit and available 24 hours a day. Pre-booked private hire vehicles collect from the Short Stay Car Park Level 1, which is a two to four minute walk from the terminal exit.
Closest Hotels
The Bloc Hotel Gatwick is located inside the South Terminal building itself, which is as convenient as it gets. The Hilton London Gatwick Airport is connected via a covered walkway. Both options eliminate the need for any transfers if you are spending the night before or after a flight.
Dining at the South Terminal
The South Terminal has a solid mix of dining choices:
- Halal options: Wagamama and KFC (halal chicken available at selected branches; worth confirming on arrival)
- Vegetarian and vegan: Leon, Pret A Manger, and Itsu
- General dining: Giraffe and Nando’s
- Kosher: There are no dedicated kosher restaurants on-site. Pre-packed kosher meals are recommended.
Nearby Attractions
Horley town centre is just minutes from the airport and has local cafes and pubs for a quieter meal or drink. London Bridge is about 30 minutes by train, and St Pancras International is around 35 minutes, giving you quick access to the heart of the city.
How Do Different Commute Options Compare?
| Option | Speed | Cost | Convenience | Availability | Budget Range | Popular Services | Best For |
| Train | Fast | Mid-range | High | High (frequent) | £12–£25 | Thameslink, Southern Railway, Gatwick Express | Solo and budget travellers |
| Taxi / Private Car | Moderate | High | Very High | 24/7 | £60–£120+ | My London Transfer | Families and groups |
| Coach / Bus | Slow | Budget | Moderate | Moderate | £8–£15 | National Express, Megabus | Light luggage travellers |
| Self-Driving | Moderate | Variable | Flexible | 24/7 | £40–£100 (rental + fuel) | Enterprise, Hertz, Europcar | Maximum flexibility |
| Ride-Sharing | Moderate | Mid-High | High | High | £40–£90 | Uber, Bolt, Free Now | City travellers |
Practical Planning Tips
A few straightforward steps can make the entire journey smoother:
- Arrive early at Gatwick airport at least three hours before a long-haul flight and two hours before a European departure. Security queues at busy periods can be longer than expected.
- Always confirm your terminal before you travel. Airlines occasionally switch terminals with little advance notice, and arriving at the wrong one can cost you the inter-terminal transfer time.
- Check the National Rail website for any planned engineering works before a departure, particularly on weekends and public holidays.
- If you plan to drive into Central London, remember that the Congestion Charge applies on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
- If staying overnight near the Gatwick airport, choosing a terminal-connected hotel removes the stress of any transfer entirely. The Sofitel at the North Terminal and the Bloc Hotel inside the South Terminal are the most seamlessly connected options.
- During periods of industrial action affecting rail services, pre-booked coaches and private cars can fill up very quickly. Have a backup plan ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are traveling solo with no bags, and off-peak then train is the most direct and cheapest option. Take the train from London Victoria station (if traveling from central London), Clapham Junction railway station (if traveling from south London).
However, if traveling with family, then prebook a taxi to Gatwick Airport directly for the most convenient transfer. If you take a renowned service like My London Transfer, then you get additional benefits of choosing your preferred vehicle and having the driver assist you with loading and unloading luggage, which is extremely valuable when traveling with heavy luggage and kids.
It is generally recommended to arrive three hours before long-haul flights and two hours before short-haul or European departures. This allows enough time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and reaching your boarding gate without rushing.
The train is typically the fastest option. Services such as the Gatwick Express, Thameslink, and Southern Railway connect central London stations to Gatwick in around 30 to 35 minutes, with trains departing frequently throughout the day.
The railway station is located at the South Terminal. Passengers travelling to the North Terminal can take the free inter-terminal shuttle, which runs continuously and takes about two minutes.
The coach or bus is usually the cheapest option, with fares often starting between £8 and £15. However, travel times are longer than trains and may be affected by road traffic, so travellers should allow extra time before their flight.
Final Words
Travelling between Gatwick Airport and London does not need to be stressful. With a little advance planning, the journey is straightforward whichever option you choose. For most passengers, the train is the clear winner for speed and reliability. Private cars and taxis offer unmatched convenience for groups and families with heavy luggage. And for those watching their spending, coaches provide a budget-friendly alternative that, with enough time to spare, works perfectly well.
If you want your commute to be free of any and all worries, with everything handled by professionals from vehicle choice to luggage handling, then reserve your Gatwick airport transfer now with My London Transfer.
