Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located approximately 28 to 30 miles south of Central London, near Crawley in West Sussex. It's the second busiest airport in the UK after Heathrow and ranks as the ninth busiest in Europe. Despite its considerable distance from central London, Gatwick is a common arrival point for many budget flights. Due to its distance, finding the cheapest way to get from Gatwick to London is crucial for many budget travelers and frequent flyers.
If you're considering an airport taxi from Gatwick to London, be prepared for a journey that could take between 1.5 to 2 hours, with costs ranging from £60 to £90! Yikes, in many cases, that’s more expensive than the flight you just took. To avoid such expenses, it's worth exploring more affordable alternatives.
For those looking for the cheapest way to get from Gatwick to London, this guide is for you. Before we delve into the most budget-friendly transportation options, a brief overview of Gatwick’s terminals will help you navigate efficiently once you land.
Gatwick Airport (EGKK, LGW) Terminals:
Gatwick Airport features two terminals: the North Terminal and the South Terminal. These terminals are linked by a 0.75-mile automated shuttle service, running non-stop every few minutes, with a quick two-minute travel time. Conveniently, regardless of your arrival terminal, you can easily switch to the other terminal if it's the starting point of your journey to London.
Planning your travel from Gatwick to London beforehand is wise, allowing you to benefit from lower prices available through advance booking. This pre-planning also means one less concern upon arrival, especially when you're likely to be tired from your flight.
1. National Express Bus: The cheapest way to get from Gatwick to London
Price: £10.49
Timings: 3:35am to 11:30pm
Pick up point: South Terminal and North Terminal
The National Express Bus is the cheapest way to travel from Gatwick to London. Operating 19 times daily, the service begins at 3:35am and ends at 11:30pm. Starting from the South Terminal at Gatwick, it conveniently stops at the North Terminal, making it accessible no matter where you land. The journey includes stops at strategic points like Heathrow Airport and its central bus station, taking about 90 minutes to reach London (depending on traffic and weather conditions).
Riding the National Express Bus, you'll enjoy amenities like air-conditioned coaches, reclining leather seats, plenty of space for luggage, complimentary Wi-Fi, charging outlets, and onboard restrooms. With a baggage allowance of two medium suitcases or one large plus hand luggage, it caters well to your needs. The route passes through scenic and urban areas, including the Surrey Hills, Banstead, and Mitcham, leading into central London.
There are multiple stops on the way to London. These are Lower Kingswood, Banstead, Belmont, Sutton Rail Station, Sutton Centre, Rosehill, Mitcham, Streatham, Stockwell, Vauxhall and finally Victoria Coach Station. Once you reach Victoria Station, you can hop off and easily continue your journey to London's extensive subway and bus networks.
2. Megabus
Price: £11.07
Timings: 2:30pm
Pick up point: North Terminal
Megabus is a relatively new player in the Gatwick Airport transfers game, with its launch in 2017. It offers a budget-friendly shuttle service between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria Coach Station. This direct service can transport you to central London in under two hours. The shuttle is equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets, and is enhanced with extra legroom and individual tables at each seat. Talk about comfort! Each bus also features restroom facilities at the rear for convenience during the trip.
For those looking for a panoramic view, front-view seats are an option, adding a unique touch to the travel experience. The service is designed to be inclusive, with wheelchair-accessible features and a supportive staff available to assist passengers. Megabus makes a daily stop at Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal at 2:30pm, offering a practical solution for travelers seeking efficient and comfortable airport transfers.
3. Gatwick Express Train
Price: £20.50 onward
Timings: 5:50am to 1:35 am
Pick up point: South Terminal
The Gatwick Express offers a rapid non-stop train service connecting Gatwick Airport with London's Victoria Station. With departures every 15 minutes, the journey takes just 35 minutes, making it the quickest route to Central London. The train travels the 40-kilometer distance much faster than a car, which could take around an hour and a half due to traffic.
Riding the National Express Bus, you'll enjoy amenities like air-conditioned coaches, reclining leather seats, plenty of space for luggage, complimentary Wi-Fi, charging outlets, and onboard restrooms. With a baggage allowance of two medium suitcases or one large plus hand luggage, it caters well to your needs. The route passes through scenic and urban areas, including the Surrey Hills, Banstead, and Mitcham, leading into central London.
The first Gatwick Express of the day departs from Victoria Station at 5am, with the last one at 12:30am. From Gatwick, trains start at 5:50am and run until 1:35 am.
Purchasing a round-trip ticket online in advance is cost-effective. The Anytime Return ticket offers flexibility, allowing you to return on any train within 30 days. Once you’re on board, you can enjoy comfortable seating and ample space for luggage. The Gatwick Express not only provides efficiency but also a comfortable and stress-free journey to and from one of London's major airports.
