Lois Larson
London Gatwick is one of the six airports serving London, the UK's capital. Located around 25-28 miles from the city centre, it is further out than Heathrow, which is 14-15 miles away. Gatwick is a popular choice for travellers taking short-haul European flights and those heading to the south coast. It is well-connected to central London, with the Gatwick Express train taking 30 minutes to reach Victoria Station. It is also served by Southern and Thameslink trains, which are cheaper but take longer. While Gatwick is a major base for low-cost carriers, it has fewer international and domestic flights than Heathrow, which is the primary hub for international flights to and from London. Heathrow is also more conveniently located and has better transport connections, but it can be extremely busy and crowded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 15 miles west of central London |
| Accessibility | Connected to central London by the Gatwick Express, Southern, and Thameslink trains |
| Travel time | 30 minutes by train |
| Cost | Cheaper than Heathrow |
| Domestic flights | Fewer domestic flights than Heathrow |
| International flights | Serves a large number of international destinations but fewer than Heathrow |
| Convenience | Less convenient than Heathrow |
| Efficiency | Efficient and well-connected |
| Environmental friendliness | Offers impressive cycle access |
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What You'll Learn
Transport options to central London
London Gatwick Airport is located about 30 miles south of London's city centre, near Crawley. There are various transport options available to get from Gatwick Airport to central London, including trains, buses, coaches, taxis, and ride-sharing services.
The Gatwick Express train service provides a direct connection between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria Station, a major transport hub with access to the Victoria, Circle, and District Underground lines. The Gatwick Express departs twice an hour, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes, and tickets can be purchased in advance for as little as £14.
Southern and Thameslink trains also offer routes to various parts of London, with journey times ranging from 30 to 50 minutes. Thameslink trains provide direct connections to London Bridge, London Blackfriars, and Kings Cross St Pancras stations, offering access to several Underground lines.
For those on a budget, National Express coaches provide an affordable option, with fares starting at £6 one-way. The coaches operate up to 32 times a day between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria Coach Station, with the fastest journey taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Additionally, taxi and ride-sharing services are available at Gatwick Airport for travellers who prefer a more direct and comfortable journey to their destination in central London.
Compared to other London airports, such as Heathrow and London City Airport, Gatwick offers similar transport options, with varying levels of convenience and cost. Heathrow Airport, located 15 miles west of central London, provides convenient connections via the Heathrow Express train, London Underground, and various bus and taxi services. London City Airport, the closest airport to the city centre, offers a streamlined experience with easy access to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and affordable fares.
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Cost of travel to the city
London Gatwick Airport is located 45km (28 miles) south of London. There are various transport options available to get to the city from the airport, including train, coach, taxi, and bus services.
The Gatwick Express is a non-stop train service between the airport and Victoria Station in central London, running twice an hour with a journey time of around 30 minutes. Tickets for this service can be purchased from the Gatwick Express app, website, or vending machines at the station. The standard single fare is £19.90, while the first-class single fare is £34.90.
Southern and Thameslink trains also offer services from Gatwick Airport to several London stations, including London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon, and St Pancras International. These trains are slightly slower than the Gatwick Express but are often cheaper. The journey time is typically around 45 minutes, and tickets start from £10.70 for a single fare.
National Express coaches provide a convenient and affordable option, with fares starting from £7 one-way. The journey time is typically between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the number of stops.
Taxi services are also available, with Gatwick Cars being the airport's official taxi provider. A typical taxi fare from Gatwick Airport to central London can range from £80 to £100, depending on traffic conditions and the exact destination.
Additionally, bus services are available from Gatwick Airport to various locations in London. The journey time and cost will depend on the specific bus route and destination.
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Range of international flights
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is a prominent international airport located about 25-28 miles from central London. While Heathrow Airport is London's primary hub for international flights, Gatwick also serves a large number of international destinations, particularly for shorter intra-Europe flights. It is a major base for low-cost carriers, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers.
Gatwick is well-connected to London by the Gatwick Express train service, which runs directly to Victoria Station in about 30 minutes. The Gatwick Express is slightly more expensive than other transport options. Southern and Thameslink trains offer cheaper routes to various parts of London and beyond, although connections can be tricky. National Express coaches also provide connections to destinations in and around London. For the environmentally conscious, Gatwick offers impressive cycle access, with bike parking facilities and bike lifts at the South Terminal.
Gatwick is a popular choice for short-haul European flights and travellers heading to south coast destinations. Norwegian Airlines, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic serve North American cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Orlando, and Miami from Gatwick, offering convenient options for transatlantic travellers.
Compared to Heathrow, Gatwick offers a less crowded experience, especially for shorter intra-Europe flights. However, Heathrow offers a wider range of destinations and airlines, as well as better convenience and efficiency. Heathrow is also more easily accessible by tube, whereas Gatwick is better connected to certain tourist areas in London.
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Domestic flight options
London Gatwick Airport is a good option for domestic flights within the UK. It is a major hub for low-cost carriers, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers. While the number of domestic flights is fewer compared to Heathrow, there is still a reasonable selection.
British Airways, for example, offers flights to a variety of destinations within the UK, including Glasgow. EasyJet also operates from Gatwick, providing cheap flights to and from the airport. In addition, Gatwick Airport is conveniently linked to London and the surrounding areas by various means of transport, making it a good option for those travelling domestically.
The airport is located just off the M23, providing easy access by car. It also has excellent rail services, connecting to over 120 stations directly and 700 with just one change. The Gatwick Express train takes passengers to London Victoria in 30 minutes, while Southern and Thameslink trains offer slightly longer but often cheaper routes to various parts of London.
Gatwick Airport is also well-connected by bus and coach services, with links to over 100 cities and towns. Additionally, it has better cycle accessibility than other London airports, with a national cycle route running through the airport. For those travelling by taxi, Airport Cars Gatwick is the official taxi partner operating from both the North and South Terminals.
Overall, London Gatwick Airport offers a good range of domestic flight options, with convenient transport connections to London and beyond. It is particularly well-suited for those seeking budget-friendly travel, with several low-cost carriers operating from the airport.
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Convenience and efficiency
London Gatwick Airport is situated approximately 25 to 28 miles south of central London. Despite being farther from the city centre than Heathrow, Gatwick offers efficient and well-connected transportation options, making it a popular choice for travellers. The Gatwick Express train service connects the airport to Victoria Station in central London in about 30 minutes. The Gatwick Express is a fast but expensive option, with cheaper alternatives available, such as the Southern and Thameslink trains, which offer slightly longer routes to various parts of London. The airport is also accessible by bus and taxi services.
Gatwick is a prominent international airport, serving a large number of international destinations, particularly for shorter intra-Europe flights, and is a major base for low-cost carriers, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers. It is also a popular choice for transatlantic travellers, with airlines such as Norwegian Airlines, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic serving North American cities.
In terms of convenience and efficiency, Heathrow Airport may have a slight advantage due to its proximity to downtown London and its extensive global connectivity. However, Gatwick offers a less crowded experience and efficient transportation options, making it a convenient choice for travellers.
When deciding between Heathrow and Gatwick, factors such as flight availability, airline preferences, transportation options, and cost should be considered. For travellers on a budget, Gatwick is often a preferable choice due to its cheaper flight options and efficient transportation connections to the city centre.
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Frequently asked questions
London Gatwick is a prominent international airport, but it serves fewer international destinations than Heathrow. It is a good choice for budget-conscious travellers as it is a major base for low-cost carriers.
London Gatwick is approximately 28 miles from central London. It is well-connected to the city centre by the Gatwick Express train, which arrives at Victoria Station in about 30 minutes. The Piccadilly Line on the London Underground is a more economical option for travellers using Heathrow, but it is slower.
London Gatwick is one of six airports serving London, the UK's capital. Heathrow is the primary hub for international flights and offers a wider range of destinations and airlines, but Gatwick is a popular choice for shorter intra-Europe flights and travellers heading to the south coast. London City Airport is the most convenient airport, but it is more expensive to fly from there.
