The fastest way to get to central London from the airport is to take the Gatwick Express, it takes only 30 minutes to reach the London Victoria Station. Southern and Thameslink also offer services from Gatwick Airport railway station to the train stations in London.
Tip 3
When your train is late request a refund
It is important that your train is on time when travelling to Gatwick Airport. Unfortunately, services can be delayed causing your train to Gatwick could be late. If there is a delay, you may be eligible for a partial or full refund. Check with the operator to see if your journey is covered by the Delay Repay scheme.
Tip 4
Stay away from popular times of travel
Your journey can be expensive if you travel to a popular destination like Gatwick Airport at a busy time. If possible travel outside peak hours to make savings. Taking your trip on a weekday instead of at the weekend can also help save money. Consider travelling from a less popular station rather than the city centre.
Tip 5
Book as a group when travelling to Gatwick Airport
If you are travelling as a group, you can purchase your tickets and get a Groupsave Discount. You can get a discount of 1/3 when 3-9 people travelling together on an off-peak train. To avoid having lots of paper tickets, you can collect with e-Tickets and send them to your group.
Gatwick’s North Terminal has plenty of restaurants, shops, cafes, help desks, currency exchanges, and luggage facilities. There is a free entertainment zone for kids in this terminal, along with Internet kiosks, ATM machines, and mobile phone charging facilities.
Tip 6
Check whether two single train tickets are cheaper than a return
If you are going on a round trip to Gatwick Airport, it is worth checking if two single tickets are cheaper than a return. Split My Fare automatically finds you the cheapest combination of tickets.
Tip 7
Travel on a slower train to make savings
When travelling to London Gatwick Airport, you may want to get there as quickly as possible. If you aren't in a hurry, you can make savings by taking a slower train on a less direct route which may involve changes. SplitMyFare shows you slower trains if they are cheaper, though if you want to reach your destination quickly, you can choose only to see faster journeys.
Tip 8
First-class tickets can be cheaper than you think
You can sometimes save money by travelling 1st class. When demand for first-class tickets is low they will be reduced in price, you may be able to get them at a lower or similar cost to standard fares. You also get the benefits of free food and drink and bigger seats. The check-in desks at Gatwick Airport are located on the third floor of the North and South Terminals. When flying into Gatwick Airport passengers must first go through passport control. Once through security, there are signs to Baggage Reclaim to pick up luggage. You’ll then reach the arrivals hall where you'll find shops, cafes, restaurants, and currency exchanges.
Tip 9
Buy a Railcard if you travel regularly
You can get cheaper fares by buying a Railcard. There are savings of 1/3 to be made, it is worth buying a card even if you travel by train a few times a year. Railcards offer added benefits of free entry to attractions and other discounts. Most railcards cost £30 a year, such as the Two Together railcard which allows two adults to save on most journeys.
The Family and Friends railcard saves 60% for children and 1/3 off adult fares for up to four adults and four children.
The Senior Railcard is available for over 60s at £70 for three years.
Disabled passengers can purchase a Disabled Persons Railcard which gives them 1/3 off fares.
Other types of Railcard available include the 16-25, 26-30 and Network Railcard.
Check out the Railcard website for more information, you can buy Railcards from any National Rail Ticket Office.
Tip 10
Being flexible can help make savings
It might be challenging to be flexible when taking the train to London Gatwick Airport if you are catching a flight plane, but you can save money if you look at different train times, . Use our booking engine to find the cheapest trains to Gatwick Airport train station.
