Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in London and is located south of the UK capital. Both low-cost airlines like EasyJet and the national carrier British Airways operate flights to and from London Gatwick.
Reaching London from Gatwick Airport is simple, whether by public transport or private transfer. Note that the airport is not directly connected to the London Underground, but there are several transport alternatives to choose from.
Getting to London from Gatwick by Taxi
Taking a taxi is one of the most convenient ways to travel between Gatwick and London in either direction. Taxis are not cheap (average fares can reach around £80), but can be very practical if you have a lot of luggage or are sharing the ride. The airport is about 46 kilometers from central London, so travel times can vary based on traffic, but a one-hour journey is a reliable estimate.
Official London taxis, known as black cabs, can be booked in different ways. Black cabs offer accessible services for disabled passengers and transport dogs for free. You can book via the Transport for London website, by calling 0343 222 4000, or using the Cabwise app for Apple and Android. The easiest method remains to line up just outside the airport at the designated taxi rank and take the first available cab. Licensed private taxis are also available.
There are also unlicensed taxis in London that might offer rides in limousines; it’s best to avoid these.
To check if a taxi is available, just look for the yellow light on its roof.
Getting to London with the Gatwick Express train
A much more affordable and recommended option is the Gatwick Express train, connecting Gatwick Airport directly to central London, specifically London Victoria Station.
The Gatwick Express is a modern, comfortable train with air conditioning, spacious carriages, refreshments, and snacks in both Express and First Class. First Class passengers get larger reclining seats, spacious tables, and complimentary newspapers.
You can board from both the South and North Terminals. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and trains run every day of the week. Gatwick Express departures are every 15 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., with the last train from London Victoria leaving about 30 minutes after midnight.
Tickets cost €27 for adults (16 years and up) and €13.50 for children. Buying tickets online (up to three months in advance) is recommended, as there’s a £2 surcharge for onboard purchase and possible lines at airport machines. Booking online by the day before can include up to a 5% discount.
From London to Gatwick by Southern trains
You can also reach London from Gatwick by Southern Rail. Trains also depart every 15 minutes. From Gatwick, it takes about 40 minutes to London Victoria, stopping at Clapham Junction after 25 minutes. Trains depart from both South and North terminals. Tickets are cheaper than the Gatwick Express: around £12 if not bought the same day, or about £15.50 if bought at the last minute.
From Gatwick to London by Bus
Taking a shuttle bus from Gatwick Airport to London is another convenient option. Buses are usually found in front of the South Terminal, though some stop near the arrivals area. Buses operate continuously every day with waiting times varying between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. You can buy tickets online from National Express Coaches.
Another affordable service is easyBus.co.uk, a low-cost shuttle operated by the easyJet group. Fares start from as little as £2 when booked in advance and go up to around £13. The service connects Gatwick Airport to London with a stop at Fulham Broadway Underground.
Buses run every 20 minutes, and the trip to central London (Fulham Broadway) takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Fulham Broadway station, you can transfer to other local buses or take the Underground to reach your final destination. Departures leave from the North Terminal exit.
Driving to London
It’s also possible to rent a car at Gatwick Airport. However, this is not recommended: entering central London will cost about £10 per day due to congestion charges, you’ll have to drive on the left, and parking is difficult to find. Given London’s excellent public transport, renting a car makes little sense, but daily rental rates can be as low as £12.
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer with driver, where the driver will greet you at arrivals with a sign. This is ideal if you want a hassle-free trip or aren’t comfortable with local transport.
Transfers between Gatwick North and South Terminals
Gatwick Airport provides a free shuttle service connecting the North and South terminals. For passengers in transit, the journey between terminals takes just 2 minutes using the new shuttle, which operates 24/7. To reach the service, follow the signs for the opposite terminal – from North to South and vice versa.
