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Cheap Train Tickets to Gatwick Airport

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Cheap Trains to Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick Airport is one of the major international airports in the UK. Located in West Sussex, Gatwick Airport has the busiest runway in the world. Thirty-five million passengers land at Gatwick Airport each year to visit the UK from 200 destinations in more than 90 countries. Gatwick Airport has two terminals, the South Terminal and North Terminal, connected by a free airport shuttle. The shuttle also links to Gatwick Airport Train Station in the South Terminal. With Brighton and the coast of England just 30 miles away from Gatwick Airport, it may be worth also visiting the cities of Brighton, Portsmouth, or Southampton.

The check-in desks at London Gatwick Airport are located on the third floor of the North Terminal and South Terminal. When flying into London Gatwick Airport, you 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.

London Gatwick Airport's North Terminal has many 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, ATMs, and mobile phone charging facilities.

London Gatwick Airport Train Station is located in the airport's south terminal, and trains are operated by Thameslink Trains, Southern Trains, Great Western Railways, and Gatwick Express. Airport parking is available near the South Terminal, allowing you to make your trip easily. You can quickly get through the gates at the train station in the South Terminal; there is a new gate line with extra-wide openings to improve access for passengers with luggage. National Express runs a regular bus from both terminals if you are looking for buses to go to the airport.

The quickest and most convenient train to reach the airport from London is to take the Gatwick Express from London Victoria Train Station. The Gatwick Express is a non-stop service that runs regularly from London Victoria Train Station all week, with trains running twice an hour. The Gatwick Express usually takes around 30 minutes. As well as taking the Gatwick Express from Victoria Train Station to the station in the south terminal, direct trains on the line can also be taken from London Bridge. If you take your trip from London St Pancras, Thameslink also runs direct services.

Search for timetables and find cheaper fares using our booking engine.

Tip 1 When possible, book early to get a cheaper fare
To get cheap rail travel, passengers should book their fares at the same time as their flight. Operators make fares available up to 12 weeks before departure. Advance fares often sell fast, so it is worth booking as early as possible. If you can't book early, advance fares may be available up to one hour before your journey.
Tip 2 Try to avoid booking fees
When you use Split My Fare, there is no booking or credit card fee to pay for your fares like with other retailers. We only charge 15% on any fare reduction you find with us.
Tip 3 When you are running late, request a refund
You may be running to tight schedules when travelling to Gatwick Airport. Unfortunately, services can be delayed, causing you to arrive late. You may be eligible for a partial or full refund if there is a delay. Check with the operator if the Delay Repay scheme covers your journey.
Tip 4 Stay away from popular times of travel
If you travel to a popular destination at a busy time, your journey can be expensive. If possible, ensure your departure time is outside peak hours to find cheaper tickets. Taking your trip on a weekday instead of at the weekend can also help lower costs. Consider travelling from a less popular station rather than the city centre.
Tip 5 Book as a group
If you travel as a group, you can purchase Groupsave tickets for a discount. You can get a discount of 1/3 when 3-9 people travel together on an off-peak service from the same departure station. To avoid having many paper tickets, you can collect e-tickets and send them to your group
Tip 6 Check whether two single train tickets are cheaper than a return
If you are going on a round trip, it is worth checking different ticket types to see if two single tickets are cheaper than a return. Split My Fare automatically finds you the cheapest combination of train 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 save by taking a slower train on a less direct route, which may involve changes. SplitMyFare shows you slower services 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 class. As well as getting to spend your journey in 1st class, you also get the benefits of free food and drink and bigger seats. Other ticket types are also worth looking at, including super off-peak.
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 Railcards available include the 16-25, 26-30 and Network Railcard.

Check the Railcard website for more information; you can buy Railcards from any National Rail Office.
Tip 10 Being flexible can help make savings
It might be challenging to be flexible when taking the train to the Airport if you are catching a flight, but you can save money if you look at different times. If you are able to travel during off-peak times, you may find cheaper tickets; a super off-peak fare may even be available. Use our split fare service to find the cheapest tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What trains go to Gatwick Airport?

Trains arrive at Gatwick Airport from all over the country. Thameslink and Southern operate the train from London.

How do I get to Gatwick by Train?

The quickest way to get to Gatwick Airport by Train is via the Gatwick Express. A train runs every 15 minutes and takes 30 minutes from London Victoria Station.

Do trains to Gatwick run all night?

A train runs to London Gatwick Airport all night, 24 hours. Even in the early hours, these still run regularly.