How to get from Gatwick Airport to London (+ ways to AVOID)

Visiting London and flying into Gatwick airport? You'll need to get to London's city centre from Gatwick but how do you know which mode of transport is the best option for you and your travel group? Well in this video Jess breaks down each option for getting from Gatwick airport to Central London and she tells you cost, convenience factor and which ways you should 100% avoid.
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About Love and London:
I'm Jess, I've lived in London for many years, and this channel is a London travel guide for anyone visiting the city that wants to experience it like you live here. Beyond talking about the usual London attractions, myself and my team show you some of the cooler things to do in London, that most travel guides don't mention. Watch our videos and you'll feel like you've got a Londoner friend telling you the best kept secrets in the city.

[@kiracarew6417]

This video saved my life. Watching it! Planning for my trip in June…. Happen to download the checklist she mentions….. my passport expires December 2024 it expire within the 6 month validity window. Had I not clicked on her checklist i legit would have been turned away from flight! Got it in expedited this morning and talked to the passport people saying I submitted in the perfect amount of time. If i had waited any longer i would have had to do an emergency thing! Man I am grateful for this lady!!!!!

[@loveandlondon]

OH WOW so glad you were able to work it out!!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@sunshinenative6220]

Thank you for your videos. I was in London last week and your tips and advice made my time there so smooth. You’re an asset to your adopted country.

[@JJ-zg1hh]

She is an asset. I'm British living in London and I use her tips and tricks all the time! She has a wealth of knowledge and she makes great content.

[@MsWerewolf21]

i recently was in the uk 2/4 until 7/4. I gotta say i stumble upon you a few months before i arrived and you where just awesome with all your tips. I felt like a Londoner! I even helped a few people with tips for the tube etc, just because of you! You're awesome keep making videos! Love from Greece!

[@maltesetony9030]

Another excellent video for visitors to London. Jess rocks!

[@lindasmith3978]

Thank you for this preview!

[@keithcheney5343]

Concise and very informative.

[@jamierobinson2338]

Thank you for this! My best friend and I are coming to the UK from the US and our flight lands in Gatwick. We're staying in Kensington so this should get us almost there!! Very much appreciated because it's much easier when someone explains it, than me trying to look at Google maps and figure it out. I love all your videos! We'll be there May13-June18 and can't wait!!! 🤗

[@john_smith1471]

There’s at least four underground stations with Kensington in their name also the borough of Kensington covers a large area, best if you can give the destination postcode or road name? .

[@Mbarnstein62891]

Jess is your go to guide for visitors to London and the UK as a while. I just had my best experience on the Elizabeth Line and the Jubilee Line.

[@Knee-ko]

Great advice as always jess. Almost a year since I was in London. I miss the old girl 😢😢

[@cgmc70]

Great tips!! Every time I visit UK, I arrive @north terminal .. get shuttle to south terminal then get national rail ticket from there to St. Pancras station.. best view over the Thames to come into London!!

[@pknark]

I’m flying into Gatwick and staying in Tooting with friends in July, this video came at a good time

[@travish3130]

Literally just mapped/googled it. Thank you

[@scotthutchinson7606]

I'm going to lanzorote in June and America in August both flying from Gatwick and this video has been a MASSIVE help! Thankyou so much!

[@loveandlondon]

You're so welcome!

[@subashmagimithu1223]

Nice , informative

[@TravellingTorunn]

If you want to go to Paddington, take a train heading for Bedford or Cambridge or Peterborough Rail station and change to Elizabeth line at the stop named Farringdon. That will take you to Paddington station.

[@Pte1643]

Easier to get the train to Victoria, then get the circle line.

[@TravellingTorunn]

@@Pte1643 That is possible too, but then I guess you have to take all the luggage through the underground, which I sometimes find is a bit of a struggle and packed with people. 😊 I prefer the easy way through Farringdon and further on with the Elizabeth line 🙂 It is only one change of transportation anyway.

[@nigellong51]

If your final destination is west of London, such as Bath, Bristol, Oxford, Cardiff, Devon and Cornwall, there is no need to take a train into London and have the hassle of transporting your luggage across to Paddington station. Instead take the direct train from Gatwick Airport to Reading, which is a modern major rail hub 30 miles west of London. Changing trains at Reading is very easy and the ride through the Surrey Hills is picturesque when the sun is shining. This service runs every 30 minutes Monday - Saturday and hourly on Sundays.

[@TravellingTorunn]

@@keithparker1346 I have had no problem bringing luggage onto the Elisabeth line frome Gatwick and Heathrow, and it is very much cheaper than Gatwick express and Heathrow Express. But that is my personal preference.

[@TravellingTorunn]

@@keithparker1346 OK

[@barbaram5214]

I took a pre-booked taxi from my hotel in central London to Gatwick this past July. There was a train strike (“industrial action”) that day and I didn’t want to take the bus for my late morning flight. It was expensive but I must admit it was really nice and I enjoyed the scenery. I might take a taxi again!

[@singbike5832]

Completely off the topic of this video, but I'd be interested in seeing a video about best places to food shop in London. I know you did a video on markets, but I mean places like supermarkets, quick-stop places, bakeries, and/or specialty shops (like cheese, chocolate, that kind of thing). It's nice to have this kind of info if you need to grab snacks or something quick, or if you are staying somewhere you can actually cook and don't want to eat out all the time. Thanks!

[@williamreynolds1163]

Very good advice ,as the coach is often overlooked .If you are going to Oxford and a few other places there are direct coaches from Gatwick .As someone who lives about 12 miles North of Gatwick (ie towards London ),only get a cab if you are staying on the outskirts like Bromley or Kingston etc .If going to central London always get a train (you can get a cab from the end station if you want ).Taking a cab into central London is not only expensive it could easily take 2 hours ! The drive through South London on the A23 is not what I would call picturesque either.Also if coming back to Gatwick the train is far more predictable re timings .You dont want to miss the flight due to being stuck in traffic .Clearly it might be necessary if flights are 5 am or whatever.

[@muratyilmaz7027]

Thank you so much.

[@zoek9574]

I live on the southbank and always take the Thameslink train to Gatwick. A tip is to check the timings on the national rail app, as a slower training can overtake an earlier train. The fastest trains are 35 minutes from Blackfriars, which is why the train is so much better than the coach, for not much more cost.

[@AlonsoRules]

In my travel experience, an airport train/bus with the name of the airport in it is usually a rip off compared to other methods. Usually the best method for a given airport is hidden in the back, not marketed. A good one is the Boston Silver Line which is Free for inbound visitors and you can enter the Boston Metro as well. So much cheaper than other advertised methods.

[@videotravelsonline]

Very informative and timely for our first visit to London via Gatwick. What are the normal rush hour times for the city?

[@TheUluxian]

Spent the 2022/23 holiday season in London. Got into Gatwick just fine, but after I got there, the rails decided they were going to have a work stoppage on the day I was scheduled to leave. Cost me an extra £120 for an Uber to get from Kensington to Gatwick, but at least I got to see some areas I might not have otherwise if I had taken the Southern or Thameslink. In general, though..Don't be afraid of using just the regular national train service. It's super easy, and staff are really friendly and helpful if you have questions

[@RDSimpson]

yeah me yoo , cost me $1100 to get the next flgiht out

[@steventagawa6959]

I always fly into and out of Gatwick, on Norse or its predecessor, Norwegian, and have always taken either the ThamesLink or whatever other train is going into the city. Last fall I had to go directly from Gatwick to Heathrow, and ended up taking the National Express.

[@Funeeman]

I have only used Gatwick Airport twice in my many years of travelling.

[@teenoso4069]

National rail train services can be split into 2 further categories - fast trains with minimal stopping and the commuter (local) services = plenty of stopping

[@Caambrinus]

If you go into London from Gatwick during the evening rush hour (4:30 - 7:00 p.m.), then National Rail commuter trains are fine, because they're running against the flow.

[@ianlove1215]

Until about a year or so ago, the Gatwick Express was just that, a fast shuttle train between Victoria & Gatwick. Now they have extended it to stop at Haywards Heath & Brighton. Yes, it still costs more than the conventional trains which use the same line, but there will be people that will pay for it. If you have big bags and/or children or it is peak times (7am - 10am / 4pm - 7pm) use GE otherwise go by the normal Southern Rail service. It is cheaper. GE anytime is £19.50 for 30 min non stop trip every 30 mins, Southern £13.90 for 33 min 2 stop trip 4 times an hour

[@PhilosophicalBum21]

Thank you for the great detailed info! I am going from Gatwick to Brighton in the summer time (most likely during morning rush hour), so the tips are greatly appreciated!

[@laura_likes_books9788]

I would love a video like this for the Stansted Airport! Handling all the airport stuff makes me kind of nervous.😥😅

[@loveandlondon]

Read this! loveandlondon.com/how-to-get-from-airport-to-london/

[@Joan-COYI]

Brilliant video Jess. Everyone should check out your channel. And subscribe! I live in West London and I love your content and learn something from every video that you post. Thank you.

[@br3bid10]

Last time I visited London (Xmas 2019), we arrived at Gatwick flying from NZ and the train wasn’t running. Between the flight, immigration, and the fact that a bunch of other people were trying to find a way to London as well, we ended up jumping in a taxi to our hotel in Cricklewood. £80 and 2 hours later but at that time that felt like the best money I ever spent>_

[@Sporadic_Si]

I live fairly local to Gatwick and there is another option if people would like a challenge. A regular service bus. Metrobus provide these and perhaps if someone is visiting the fringes of the capital its an option to get you into Zone 6 in the South. I do add that it may only be appropriate for those seeking to really live like a local and have the time and patience to do so. It could also be potentially the cheapest method to hop via bus. Would need some research though, easier for me to say!

[@loveandlondon]

This sounds like a nightmare!! haha but you do you!

[@anlerden4851]

I love You and London so much Dear Jess.🥰😍🤗

[@jamiejames124]

Really love your video. Lived there 8 years back and is planning to go back this September, can't wait for it. Could anyone share how is different between the Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line - going to King's Cross station ?

[@terrym3837]

I would get Elizabeth line from Heathrow to Farringdon then Metropolitan or circle line to King’s Cross time about 40 mins

[@jamiejames124]

Thanks@@terrym3837 , may be I should try the new Elizabeth line as suggested. Would it be ease/not crowded by 9.00 pm?

[@terrym3837]

@@jamiejames124 it has Air con now I’ve used it and it was excellent by 9 pm it will be well used but not over crowded

[@nigellong51]

@@jamiejames124 Transport for London's recommended route is to take the Elizabeth Line to Farringdon and and change there for a Thameslink service to St Pancras International. St Pancras and Kings Cross stations are adjacent to each other - a one minute walk apart, maybe two minutes with luggage.

[@jamiejames124]

@@nigellong51 Thank you very much!

[@barbtitus312]

Thank you so much for this informative video covering all the travel options. For anyone who can help me…we are arriving Gatwick Oct 11 with a rolling suitcase each plus a carryon each to travel to Blackfriars, hotel is Leonardo Royal St Paul’s. I want to take Thameslink Cambridge but noticed the comment about crowded on Thameslink if you have luggage. I think it’s about 3:30 when we would be attempting to board. I don’t see Gatwick Express in my Google directions as an option. I do see Bolt mentioned for taxi with estimated cost of 45 - 52 pounds. I successfully used Bolt a year ago when I was in London. Would Thameslink be difficult for us (a senior female & 25 yr old daughter) with the luggage? Do you take it with you to your seat and you’re all crowded in? Google maps doesn’t even suggest Gatwick Express, I guess because of the area I’m going to? Can I believe the Bolt estimate and I noticed that Jess stated the taxis are only offered through the airport service at 100 - 150 pounds. Thanks for anyone reading this and helping!

[@loveandlondon]

You're over thinking it, the Thameslink will be fine!

[@tonym480]

Fun Fact that might catch out the unprepared, the Gatwick Express, Southern Trains and Thameslink are all part of the same company. It is not unknown for Southern Trains services and Gatwick Express services to be run by trains in each others livery. It can be a touch confusing to be waiting for a Southern Trains service (green/white livery) and have one in Gatwick Express colours (red livery) turn up instead 🤔

[@N1120A]

The only reason I could see to use National Express is to do a Gatwick to Heathrow transfer, if you dont know how to manage the train connection (faster, but more complex). Otherwise, probably much better off finding a way to get to Gatwick by train.

[@RaedGamer]

I got back from London a couple of weeks ago and and they kicked my ass out from the train at Croydon on my way from Gatwick to London and then on my return a few days later the trains weren’t operating because of the same reason which was a strike. I was staying at the Gantry hotel in Stratford and ended uk taking a cab at 3:45am to Victoria Coach station to take a bus at 5:00 am to take me to Gatwick south terminal. The tube wasn’t operating that late at night/early morning. Ended up spending 110£ from Croydon to Stratford and 40£ from Stratford to Victoria coach. Everyone trying to rip you off as 3 different taxi drivers took the price from 65£ to 55£ to 50£ and then finally to 40£

[@Darnell37c]

Me and my wife are going to Heathrow airport it's not so complicated like Gatwick airport and the underground tube is right there at Heathrow

[@mikkeljeppesen7696]

Can you make one about getting from standsted to London and back?

[@terrym3837]

You have coaches but you are at the mercy of London traffic, the Stansted Express to LIVERPOOL ST or West Anglia trains into same place

[@loveandlondon]

No plans to do that but we cover that here: loveandlondon.com/how-to-get-from-airport-to-london/

[@carlapinheiro1950]

Hello, the train tickets (timeslink) its better to purchase online or on-site?

[@loveandlondon]

From Gatwick, you don't even need to purchase, you can just pay with contactless like we mentioned!

[@carlapinheiro1950]

@@loveandlondon the price its the same? The kids with 9 and 15 pay? Another question, for aldgate wich train destination should I pick? Blackfriars, Victoria ir London Bridge? Thank you

[@warsongtristan6649]

Southern service - can’t go wrong

[@john_smith1471]

Depends on the end destination, Southern terminates at Victoria station, Thameslink calls at London Bridge/Blackfriars/City Thameslink/Farringdon/St Pancras/

[@mystyredz]

Where can I get a regular oyster card? I learned about the visitor's oyster card too late, so I might not be able to get one before coming.

[@loveandlondon]

You truly don't need the visitor one. Read this article loveandlondon.com/how-to-pay-for-public-transport-in-london/

[@nigellong51]

As a local, I strongly suggest not taking road transport from Gatwick to central London as the road network on the south side of the city is not good and gets jammed up easily. It's far quicker to use the very frequent trains, just take a little care to avoid the services that make frequent stops on their way into London. During the day, there are 8 fast services to London Victoria each hour (best for the west London hotels), and 5 fast services to London Bridge (best for the City district). The London Bridge services go on to call at London St Pancras International (which is adjacent to Kings Cross station), which is the best option if travelling onward on Eurostar to Paris etc and to cities such as York, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

[@terrym3837]

Especially on days like today the jams on 25 were horrific my mate was stuck on it for over 5 hours

[@dionb5174]

Should I have my friend pick me up at the airport or take public transport?

[@richardb3363]

It depends on where you are going to. If it's in to London then this video is spot on. Just take the regular trains or the Gatwick Express train. Once in London there are trains to almost everywhere.

[@yaowsers77]

i say the same about driving in nyc. don't. just don't. lol i was born in nyc and raised in jersey and i absolutely refuse to ever drive in nyc. ever.

[@MariadeLourdesAniesSanch-ze7hf]

I like help me in London I guess

[@MariadeLourdesAniesSanch-ze7hf]

I like the job and study in the school

[@MariadeLourdesAniesSanch-ze7hf]

I think the best way but I like people change

[@MariadeLourdesAniesSanch-ze7hf]

for me I like people past because is hard other people

[@marvinvaughn806]

I will land at Gatwick Airport this Friday and the hotel is in Canary Warf. I looked up the company. Jess suggested in this video and they want almost $300. Is there any other Car Service options that perhaps can get me to where I need to get to cheaper?

[@loveandlondon]

Or take the train!

[@marymckinnon6180]

I'm flying into heathrow but need to get to the excel convention center with lots of luggage...please help!

[@loveandlondon]

Use Google Maps to see transport options, or book a taxi: www.book-online-transfers.com/en/loveandlondon-airport-taxi

[@IKsmille]

I apologize for 2 very specific questions, but I can not figure them out from web (1) I travel with 12 year old (from EU) and I understand with Oyster she could get 50% discount with pay and go. I understand that I could by Oyster in Gatwick and later would need to ask a person to apply this discount, but I don't understand is how to check and top the Oyster card, can I do it from my debit card or at some "oyster topping machine" or how? (2) I have found that there there is 2for1 discount with several London attractions if you show train tickets (we would be interested in London tower), but I do not understand if it is possible to book online then (probably not)?

[@loveandlondon]

There are machines in every station to top up the card. Sorry we don't know much about 2for1

[@omabayoungisaubameyang3242]

What are the normal trains like at 8PM? Is it going to be like Japan rush hour?

[@williamreynolds1163]

Normal trains at that time should be pretty clear ,really whichever way you are going (ie to or from Gatwick) .Rush hour in the pm is pretty much over by 7/7.30pm

[@AndyKing1963]

that's after the rush hour and by then they'll be much quieter (and cheaper)

[@omabayoungisaubameyang3242]

@@williamreynolds1163 thanks man

[@omabayoungisaubameyang3242]

@@AndyKing1963 when does the city quiet down in terms of people on the streets?

[@terrym3837]

@@omabayoungisaubameyang3242 in the summer its rammed most days

[@Wassim_Hellal]

If I pay with a contactless card, how does the system know that I traveled with southern or Gatwick Express?

[@loveandlondon]

There are separate exit gates at Victoria.

[@sunflowerfields4409]

Random question: After staying in London, I'm taking the Chunnel train which leaves from St Pancreas at 6:00am 😳 I know I can take the tube from the Victoria Station (Pimlico) but are they running that early? The Chunnel says I should be there 90 minutes before departure meaning 4:30?! That's insanity but I have only myself to blame. Advice?

[@sunflowerfields4409]

@@keithparker1346 Thank you! Those are really good ideas.

[@loveandlondon]

Prob will need to take a taxi!

[@Mbarnstein62891]

Much like the Heathrow Express, avoid the Gatwick Express if you don't want to pay so much.

[@DJ_BROBOT]

Jess! How tall are you?

[@Funeeman]

Close to my height I would say, I'm 6'1

[@wendicandiff1969]

Hello! I have some specific questions regarding a tight connection, getting from Heathrow airport to Gatwick. How can I private message you? Would you mind? Thank you :-)

[@loveandlondon]

We don't currently offer 1-to-1 consultations but use the coach to get between the airports

[@YTAO-qn7lh]

Hi, Can I buy an oyster card in gatwick airport? I am going to London in April, but I do not have oyster card before. Many thanks in advance!

[@nigellong51]

Yes, at the airport train station (be prepared to queue though - it's a busy station). However an Oyster Card is not essential to travel around London, you can just a use a contactless debit card, Apple Pay or Google Wallet. The ticket prices are the same, as is the daily cap (the maximum chargeable in one day).

[@loveandlondon]

Yup but you can also just pay with contactless debit or credit or google/apple pay!

[@lopezjuan316jl]

I went to London in October and I decided to take the bus to Victoria in order to save some cash + Ryan Air gave me a discount. Although the buses are very confortable I would absolutely pay more for the train, the traffic in London is just TERRIBLE, I got stuck in the traffic within the city for a lot of time

[@terrym3837]

I’m from London I feel your pain never ever drive in London it’s jammed up all day long

[@098saw]

creepy crawley! the taxis are fairly expensive, a 10 minute drive from gatwick is still around 17 pounds

[@davidneufeld26]

The "recommended" partner service seems to be a scam. A) pricier than booking a frigg'in Black Cab B) Rest of the website was "page not found".

[@loveandlondon]

Hello, it's not a scam. It's more expensive because booking in advance for peace of mind always costs a bit more plus the driver tracks your flight and meets you in the terminal and takes your bags for you, so you're paying for additional service. You're welcome to use whatever service you think will be best for you.

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

Why do people think it's hard to bring kids on public transit? We did it all the time when I was a kid. Even with luggage it's fine.

[@thephoenix3155]

Gatwick Airport is in Sussex, not in London at all.

[@loveandlondon]

as mentioned

[@philradbourne]

Avoid the Gatwick Express. A rip off.

[@loveandlondon]

As we said!

[@RDSimpson]

NEVER take the bus !!