Train

We are served by four train operators that provide direct services to over 120 stations, including 7 key stations across London and easy interchange to the Elizabeth Line, making your onward journey quick and easy.

• Gatwick Express provides a non-stop service direct to London Victoria. Departing twice an hour, it takes just 30 minutes. You can save 10% if you book online in advance directly through the Gatwick Express Website.
• Save 10% on the Gatwick Express
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• Southern provides services across London and the South-East, including London Victoria, Clapham Junction, Brighton, Horsham, Southampton, Eastbourne and Portsmouth, ​and​ many​ more​ local stations. 
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• Thameslink connects London Gatwick to the south coast at Brighton, as well as to several central London stations: London Bridge, London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras International. Trains then continue to Bedford, Peterborough and Cambridge. Thameslink services also provide direct services to Luton Airport Parkway, with an easy interchange to the DART that takes you directly to the airport in four minutes.
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• Great Western Railway direct services run between London Gatwick and Reading every half hour, getting you to the airport station in around 90 minutes. Book early and save, on average, more than 50%. For more information visit the GWR website.
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There are so many ways to pay for your train tickets that travelling by train to and from London Gatwick couldn’t be easier:

• Pay using your contactless payment card or Oyster card to travel to and from London by tapping in and out at the ticket barrier – you don’t even need to stop walking!*
• Buy your tickets online in advance and scan the barcode at the ticket barriers.
• If you prefer to buy your ticket on the day, there are plenty of ticket machines in the station in the South Terminal if you prefer to buy on the day.
• If you need to buy an Oyster Card, you can purchase one at the Your Service Centre desk - operated by SkyBreak - located in South Terminal check-in zone.

To help save some money on your journey:

• Buy your ticket in advance - many operators offer cheaper fares if you book ahead.
• Buy your Gatwick Express ticket online for a 10% discount.
• Southern offers £2 tickets for children when travelling with an adult.
• If you’re travelling as a group of three or more, you can save 33% through Groupsave tickets.
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*Contactless payment is not valid for travel to stations south of Gatwick Airport or outside of London. If travelling south to destinations such as Crawley, Horsham and Brighton or outside London to destinations such as Reading and Cambridge you will need to purchase a ticket.

The below are the average times for direct train services to or from London Gatwick along the most popular routes. Please be aware however that times can fluctuate and so we would always recommend allowing additional time for your journey.

• Bedford, 2 hours with Thameslink
• Brighton, 30 minutes with Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express
• Cambridge, 2 hours with Thameslink
• Eastbourne, 1 hour with Southern
• Guildford, 1 hour with GWR
• London (various stations), 30 minutes with Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express
• Luton, 1 hour 30 minutes with Thameslink
• Portsmouth, 1 hour 45 minutes with Southern
• Reading, 1 hour 30 minutes with GWR
• Reigate / Redhill, 15 minutes with GWR