How to Get from Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Central London

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) stands as the city's second busiest airport, located 33 miles south of Central London. Although it lacks a direct connection to the Tube network unlike Heathrow, Gatwick offers a variety of transport options to reach the heart of the city efficiently. This guide aims to navigate you through these options, ensuring a smooth transition to central London.

Quick Picks:

Budget: Coach Services (National Express and easyBus)
Speed: Gatwick Express Train
Comfort: Taxi or Pre-booked Minicab
Night: Coach services, as they operate through the night

Coach Services (National Express and easyBus)

Offering economical fares, these coaches are a budget-friendly option to get to Victoria Coach Station.

Cost: Starts at £2 with easyBus, National Express from £6.
Journey Time: Approximately 90 minutes.
Frequency: Operates throughout the night.
Tips: Booking in advance can secure lower fares. Ensure to allow sufficient time post-arrival for immigration and baggage collection.

Train Services (Gatwick Express, Thameslink, and Southern)

Trains provide a faster alternative to coaches, with Gatwick Express being the quickest way to reach London Victoria.

Gatwick Express Cost: £19.90 at the station, with potential online discounts.
Thameslink and Southern Cost: Starts at £8.10 using Oyster or contactless.
Journey Time: 30 minutes via Gatwick Express; 30-60 minutes via Thameslink and Southern.
Frequency: Gatwick Express runs every 15 minutes from early morning till past midnight.
Tips: Advance booking for Gatwick Express is recommended for savings. Oyster or contactless payments are generally the cheapest options for Thameslink and Southern.

Taxi

For direct, hassle-free travel to your destination, taxis can be pre-booked or hired at the airport. You can also use apps like Uber or Bolt.

Cost: Starting from £55 for a minicab; around £60 for official taxis.
Journey Time: 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and exact location in London.
Tips: Economical for groups of four or five, offering door-to-door service.

Airport Transfer

Pre-arranged airport transfers provide a seamless experience to reach your central London location.

Cost: Starts at around £100 for a group of three.
Journey Time: 45 to 90 minutes, traffic and destination dependent.
Tips: A more expensive yet hassle-free option compared to public transport or taxis.

Comparison Table

Ensure the table is formatted cleanly, focusing on key comparisons that matter most to travelers, such as cost, time, and frequency, and consider accessibility when choosing.

Option	Service	Price (£)	Time (min)	Frequency	Distance (km)	Notes
Coach (National Express/easyBus)	Double decker	2+ (easyBus), 6+ (National Express)	90	Throughout the night	53	Pre-booking recommended
Train (Gatwick Express)	High-speed train	19.90+	30	Every 15 min	53	Fastest option, advance discounts
Train (Thameslink/Southern)	Train	8.10+	30-60	Various	53	Oyster/contactless cap applies
Taxi/Minicab	Metered taxi/Pre-booked	55+	60-90	On-demand	53-60	Fixed tariff, depends on time/traffic
Airport Transfer	Minibus	100+ for a group of three	45-90	Schedule/on-demand	53-60	Cost-effective for groups

Additional Considerations:

Accessibility: Check each service for accessibility options if needed.
Taxi and Private Hire: Prices vary with time, distance, and traffic.
Train Times: Can be shorter or longer depending on the service chosen.
Coach Frequency: Reliable throughout the night, especially for late arrivals or early departures.

Remember, prices and times are subject to change, so always check the latest details on official websites or apps.

Do you want to experience London like a local?

Wrapping things up, we've walked through the steps of getting from Gatwick Airport straight to the heart of London, all to make your travel as smooth and fun as possible. But don't stop now! If you're ready to dive into everything London has to offer, our detailed digital itinerary is exactly what you need. Packed with both iconic spots and hidden gems, it's crafted to make your trip hassle-free and filled with genuine discoveries.

Get your London’s itinerary HERE

Looking for other London airports?

For detailed insights and a direct comparison of all major London airports, check out our Comparison of all London Airports article.

If you're interested in specific information about each airport, here are direct links to our dedicated articles:

Each one provides focused information, helping you choose the right airport for your travel needs in and out of London.