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Gatwick Airport is located south of London, in West Sussex, and is the second busiest airport in the UK. Travellers can get to Gatwick Airport by train, coach, taxi, or car. The airport is accessible from both the North and South Terminals, with a free shuttle service connecting the two terminals in two minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 28 miles south of Central London |
| Road Connections | M23 at Junction 9, A23 London-Brighton road, M25 |
| Parking | Ample onsite parking, pre-booking recommended |
| Public Transport | Thameslink train, Gatwick Express train, Southern line train, Easybus or other coaches |
| Travel Time | Allow 2 hours due to potential delays |
| Travel Apps | City Mapper for up-to-date travel information |
| Electric Vehicle Charging | Electric Forecourt is open daily from 4:30 am to 10:00 pm with chargers available 24/7 |
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What You'll Learn
By train: Thameslink or Gatwick Express
If you're travelling to Gatwick Airport by train, you can take the Thameslink or the Gatwick Express. Thameslink offers fast, frequent trains from London to Gatwick Airport, with free Wi-Fi, tables, and power sockets onboard. The journey from central London to Gatwick Airport typically takes under 35 minutes. Thameslink also provides live travel updates, including departure and arrival times, alternative routes during disruptions, and lift availability at stations. You can also subscribe to receive real-time, personalised travel alerts via email.
The Gatwick Express provides train services exclusively to and from Gatwick Airport. The Gatwick Express was introduced in the 1980s as a non-stop service to London, with air-conditioned carriages. In 2008, the Gatwick Express franchise merged with the Southern train operating company, and additional rolling stock was introduced. The Gatwick Express offers cheap train tickets with no booking fees, and you can save up to 10% on adult single and return tickets when booking directly.
The Thameslink route through central London includes stops at St Pancras International, Farringdon, City Thameslink, Blackfriars, and London Bridge. During peak hours, there are additional trains to and from Orpington, with extended services to Welwyn Garden City. Thameslink also offers 2-for-1 punts when booking tickets in advance.
The Gatwick Express has experienced some criticism for overcrowded carriages and outdated rolling stock. In 2015, the service was merged into Govia Thameslink Railway, and all services were suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited services resumed in December 2021 but were quickly suspended again due to redevelopment works and COVID-related factors.
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By bus: Easybus or other coaches
If you're travelling to Gatwick Airport from London, you can opt for the bus, which is the cheapest transfer option. There are two competing coach services: National Express and Easybus.
National Express
National Express coaches arrive and depart from the lower level outside International Arrivals at Gatwick's North Terminal. The coaches also pick up and drop off at the South Terminal, with the London terminus at Victoria Coach Station, which is in the centre of London and a major transport hub. The service runs every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, and the journey time is around 90 minutes. Tickets are non-refundable and non-amendable, but you can change the journey date and time before your departure. You can also purchase a 'Change & Go Add On' for £5 each way, which allows you to choose any coach to and from the airport. You can bring one large suitcase or two medium cases, and one soft hand luggage item onboard.
Easybus
Easybus operates small minibuses to West Brompton Underground Station, which is less central than Victoria Coach Station. Journey time is typically around 90 minutes. Easybus has a dynamic pricing model, with the cheapest fares offered to those who book in advance. Tickets may be more expensive than National Express if purchased closer to the departure date.
Other Coaches
Other coach services are available from various locations across the UK, with arrival and departure services at both the North and South terminals.
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By car: M23 and A23 London-Brighton road
Gatwick Airport is conveniently located just 28 miles (45 km) south of London and is easily accessible by car via the M23 and A23 London-Brighton road. This route has been a major thoroughfare for centuries, offering a direct connection between London and the seaside town of Brighton.
The M23 motorway is the first part of the journey, providing a quick route to Gatwick Airport and bypassing Crawley. This motorway section is intensely busy, particularly between the M25 and Gatwick Airport, as it serves as the main access to the airport. Nevertheless, the M23 is an important road, even though it is only a portion of what was initially envisioned, as it was intended to extend further north into South London.
After the M23, you'll transition to the A23, which continues the journey to Brighton. The A23 is a more enjoyable drive, with interesting hills, curves, and iconic stone pillars lining the road. This section has been upgraded to a dual carriageway, providing a seamless transition from the motorway. The A23 has a rich history, dating back to the Romans, and has been an arterial route since the construction of Westminster Bridge in 1750.
When driving to Gatwick Airport, it is recommended to pre-book official airport parking to ensure a smooth experience. The airport also offers an Electric Forecourt with GRIDSERVE®, providing dedicated electric vehicle charging stations for passengers, staff, and commuters. This facility is open daily from 4:30 am to 10:00 pm, with chargers available 24/7.
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By motorbike
If you're travelling to Gatwick Airport by motorbike, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, motorcycle parking is available in designated bays within the short-term car parks. It is important not to park your motorbike in car parking bays, as it may be removed if found in the wrong place. Unfortunately, no secure anchor points are provided for motorbikes, so it is recommended that you use a secure wheel lock to prevent your bike from being moved.
Gatwick Airport has better cycle accessibility than other London airports, with National Cycle Route 21 (NCR 21) passing directly through the South Terminal and providing onward connections to the North Terminal. There are also several walking routes around the airport, which can be convenient if you prefer to walk instead of ride.
If you need to fill up your motorbike's tank, there are 24-hour petrol stations located just after the exits of both the North and South Terminals. Additionally, Gatwick Airport has an Electric Forecourt with 30 high-power and low-power electric vehicle chargers available via contactless payment. This forecourt also offers amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, a lounge area, and a coffee shop.
When riding to the airport, keep in mind that motorbikes are not allowed in car parking spaces. This restriction is in place for security reasons, and non-compliance may result in your bike being removed. Always park your motorbike in the designated areas to avoid any inconvenience.
Overall, travelling to Gatwick Airport by motorbike can be a convenient option, especially if you want to beat the traffic. Just remember to follow the parking guidelines and utilise the facilities provided by the airport for a smooth and stress-free experience.
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Via an airport shuttle service
London Gatwick Airport is easily accessible from nearby London and the southeast by both private and public transport. One option for getting to the airport is via an airport shuttle service.
The airport shuttle service connects the North and South Terminals at Gatwick Airport. The shuttle runs every few minutes, 24 hours a day, and the journey between terminals takes just two minutes. The shuttle station can be found by following signs to the North Terminal from the South Terminal, near the train station.
The Transit app provides detailed information about the route, including stop-specific alerts, real-time vehicle locations, and upcoming trip frequencies and departure times. The app also allows users to subscribe to notifications for any service alerts, helping to plan trips around disruptions.
In addition to the inter-terminal shuttle, there are other shuttle services operating to and from Gatwick Airport. The Gatwick Airport inter-terminal shuttle also operates a subway service between the North and South Terminal shuttle stations every five minutes, with a journey time of five minutes. FlixBus also operates an hourly bus service between the North and South Terminals.
For those travelling to the airport from central London, the Gatwick Express train service provides a non-stop connection between London Victoria Station and Gatwick Airport, running every half hour. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
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