Start your adventure at Gatwick Airport. Here's your ultimate guide to a smooth Gatwick experience.
Getting to Gatwick Airport by train
Getting to Gatwick Airport by train is easy. Gatwick Airport is located roughly 50 km (31 miles) south of London city centre.
Direct trains connect to London Euston, the closest option on the LNR Network of stations from popular destinations such as Birmingham New Street and Northampton, which are ideal for flight changeovers.
Trains to Gatwick Airport from London go via London Victoria, Clapham Junction or central London stations such as London Bridge, London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras International.
From London Euston, either travel to the above stations via the London Underground (tube). Trains from London to Gatwick have a journey time of around 35 to 55 minutes.
Trains arrive at Gatwick Airport station next to the South terminal, just a five-minute walk from both departures and arrivals. A free shuttle train operating 24/7, connects South to North terminal taking just two minutes.
Handy Tip: If you didn’t have time to buy your train ticket from London, you can tap in/tap out using your Oyster card or other credit/debit cards to Gatwick Airport. It is applicable for the Gatwick Express, as well as the London Underground and bus routes.
How to get cheap Gatwick Airport train tickets
Want to grab the cheapest fares? Check out our top tips for finding cheap train tickets to Gatwick Airport:
- Book ahead and save with Advance tickets: Train companies (including us) usually release tickets 12 weeks before travel, offering the cheapest fares compared to last-minute purchases.
- Travel Off-Peak: Fares are typically cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends. Avoid peak hours for better deals.
- Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys with a National Railcard, ideal for anyone who catches the train a few times a year.
- Use GroupSave: Groups of 3 to 9 people can save up to 34% on off-peak journeys with GroupSave discounts.
About Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick (LGW) , the UK's second-busiest international airport, offers travel to more than 230 worldwide destinations.
Major airlines like British Airways, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic, TUI, Emirates, and Qatar Airways operate flights from Gatwick, offering convenient connections to a vast network of destinations.
Gatwick Airport consists of two terminals, North and South, connected by a free 24/7 light rail shuttle.
Relax before your flight with a variety of dining options available at the airport. Both the North and South terminals offer restaurants and cafes before security. In the South terminal, you'll find Giraffe, Starbucks and Wetherspoons, among others.
Post-security in the South Terminal, Black Sheep Coffee, Pret A Manger, and Starbucks offer sandwich and coffee options. Itsu, Nando’s, Wagamama and Wetherspoons provide sit-down meal options. For a touch of elegance, visit the Caviar House for caviar and South Downs wine bar for sparkling wines.
After passing through security, the North Terminal has a larger selection. Choose from sandwiches, coffee and sweet snacks at Pure, Pret A Manger, Krispy Kreme, Black Sheep Coffee and Starbucks. Alternatively, indulge in full meals and drinks at The Breakfast Club, Brewdog, Nando’s, Shake Shack, Wagamama and Wetherspoons. For a luxurious treat, consider caviar from the Caviar House.
Inside the airport you’ll find plenty of shopping to keep you occupied while you’re waiting to jet off.
Before security, you'll find an M&S Simply Food for snacks to take on board and a WHSmith where you can buy stamps for your unsent postcards (don’t forget to post them before you go through security).
Once past security in both terminals, you're greeted by a vast duty-free store offering fantastic deals on everything from sweets, chocolate and wine to make-up and travel accessories.
Stock up on travel essentials at WHSmith, JD Sports and Boots. Update your wardrobe with high-street favourites like Accessorize, Fatface and Superdry, or splurge on designer brands such as Boss, Dune, and Ted Baker. Find last-minute gifts at Harrods, or keep the kids entertained with toys from Hamleys (North Terminal only).
In need of some pre-flight pampering? The South Terminal's Aerospa offers massages and beauty treatments.
At London Gatwick Airport, you'll find ATMs, currency exchange options and free WiFi for convenience. Passenger service assistants are available to help.
For a smoother journey, consider taking advantage of the priority security lane with fast-track passes available for purchase.
Unwind before your flight at one of Gatwick's airport lounges , starting from around £38. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, food, drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere away from the crowds.
Gatwick Airport is quite large, with a maximum walking distance of up to 1.1 miles at the North Terminal. Keep an eye on the departure boards to make sure you reach your gate on time.
Water fountains are located throughout Gatwick Airport after security in both terminals. Look for them near toilets by WHSmith, Wagamama (North Terminal) and Harrods, Grain Store (South Terminal). Additional fountains are available in the Immigration halls before passport control.
Gatwick Airport’s multi-faith prayer rooms are available in both terminals before security.
For a secure place to store your luggage and personal items, consider using Excess Baggage Company in both North and South terminals offering safe short and long term storage solutions for travellers.
If you have an early or late flight, you may wish to stay at a nearby hotel to help cut the journey time. There are a number of nearby options. At the South Terminal, where you’ll come in by train to the station is the Bloc Hotel Gatwick . This convenient hotel is right inside the terminal building, steps from restaurants and the departure gate. The Hilton London Gatwick Airport is connected to the South Terminal via internal walkways.
Other comfortable options include the comfortable Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport opposite North Terminal or the slightly more affordable Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport (A23 Airport Way) , a short 10-minute walk from Gatwick North Terminal.
If you are extending your trip, or just fancy some entertainment before or after your flight, there are plenty of great options reachable from Gatwick. Fun for the whole family and just a 10-minute bus ride from the airport, the Gatwick Escape Rooms are not to be missed. The venue has 6 thrilling games to choose from, each with engaging mysteries to solve.
Another option is Picketts Wood, near the Hilton London Gatwick Airport. The scenic settings make for a relaxing walk, as you explore the award-winning ancient woodlands with hazel, hornbeam and bluebells as well as orchids and primroses. You can reach the grounds in 15 to 20 minutes from the airport, via a short bus journey and walk.