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Transfer Options from Gatwick Airport to Central London

When travelling from Gatwick airport (LGW) to the city centre of London, you have 3 different modes of transport to choose from; taxi, train and bus. The most convenient transfer option to get downtown is by hiring a Gatwick airport taxi. A taxi ride will cost around €68 (£63) based on a taximeter and it will take you just over an hour to reach your desired destination. Taking the Gatwick Express train is by far the quickest way to reach the city centre from Gatwick airport. Train tickets cost €22.50 (£19.90) one-way and the journey into London will take only 30 minutes. A cheaper, but much slower alternative is the easyBus or National Express bus. The price of a bus ticket is only €9 (£8) and the trip takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to London at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €90 60min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €68 60min 24/7
Train €45 30min 05:51–23:54
Bus €18 80min 24/7

How to get from Gatwick airport to the city centre by taxi

Gatwick airport taxis can provide the most convenient and stress-free services when it comes to travelling from Gatwick airport to the city centre of London. Keep in mind that Gatwick airport is very busy, so you may have to wait in line to get a taxi. When the traffic flow is moderate, a taxi ride to central London takes approximately one hour.

To ensure you are using an official Gatwick airport taxi, look for the white plate at the back of the car and a sticker on the windshield displaying the unique license number.

Taxi fare from Gatwick airport to city centre

Since Gatwick airport taxis don’t offer a fixed price for the trip from the airport to the city centre of London, your taxi fare will be calculated by a taximeter based on distance. Additional charges may also apply for things such as tolls and late-night surcharges. However, the estimated cost of the journey into London is €68 (£60).

If you book your taxi ride in advance you will be given a flat rate fee that may be cheaper than the airport taxis.

Taxi prices
Day time
(05:00–24:00)
Night time
(00:00–05:00)
Duration
FROM LGW - TO HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE
€68
€68
60 min
FROM LGW - TO CITY CENTRE
€68
€68
60 min
FROM LGW - TO HEATHROW AIRPORT
€180
€180
50 min
FROM LGW - TO OXFORD
€207
€207
1h 45 min
FROM LGW - TO CAMBRIDGE
€234
€234
1h 50 min
FROM LGW - TO BRIGHTON
€72
€72
40 min
FROM LGW - TO COLCHESTER
€201
€201
1h 50 min
Cost

€68

Trip Duration

60 Min.

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Gatwick airport taxis are available 24/7.

Where do I get it from?

You will find a taxi rank with the black cabs lined up right outside of each terminal at Gatwick airport.

Convenience

Hiring a taxi for your airport transfer is ideal if you do not want to wait around for public transport or try to drag heavy luggage around after a long flight. No matter what time you land, there will be a taxi waiting to whisk you off to your hotel, as they are available 24/7.

Editor’s Note

Although taking a taxi from Gatwick airport to the city centre of London is convenient, it's very costly. However, if you're travelling in a group, splitting the cost of a taxi may equate to the same amount as taking one of the public transport options.

Useful Tips

Taxis in London can fit up to 3 people with 3 pieces of luggage.
Never accept taxi services from random individuals that approach you at the airport.
You can ask your driver for an estimated cost for your journey, but it may differ from the actual price if traffic is heavy.
Make sure your driver resets the taximeter once you get in the taxi and that the correct base fare is showing.

How to get from Gatwick airport to city centre by train

The none-stop Gatwick Express train connects Gatwick airport London Victoria train station in the city centre of London. This highly efficient train is the fastest mode of transport from the airport to downtown and they run every 15 minutes, so waiting time is minimal. The average travel time is only 30 minutes and tickets cost €22.50 (£19.90) one-way.

There are other train companies, such as Southern and Thameslink, that operate the route from Gatwick airport to the city centre of London. However, their services are much slower and less frequent.

How much is the train from Gatwick airport to city centre?

One-way standard tickets from Gatwick airport to London Victoria train station in London cost €22.50 (£19.90).

Tickets can be bought online or from the ticket counters and automated ticket machines in Gatwick airport train station, which is located just next to the South Terminal.

If you are going to be spending a few days in London, it is advisable to purchase an Oyster card, as you will save money on each journey and have access to special offers. You can purchase this card from the Skybreak Service Centre in both terminals at Gatwick airport.

Cost

€22.50

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Waiting time is around 15 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Gatwick Express trains run to London Victoria train station from 05:00 to 00:30.

Where do I get it from?

The Gatwick airport train station is a 5-minute walk from the South Terminal. Simply follow the clearly marked signs for the train station after exiting customs and passing through baggage claim.

If you arrive in the North Terminal, you will have to take the free shuttle train that travels between the terminals 24/7 every 15 minutes. Travel time is only 2 minutes.

Convenience

The train journey from Gatwick airport to the city centre of London is much cheaper and faster than taking a taxi. It’s also not dependent on traffic, so a great option if you land during or just before rush hour. Gatwick Express trains also provide free WiFi, toilets and comfortable seating.

Editor’s Note

London Victoria is one of the major train stations of London. Once you get there, you will have access to multiple bus and underground lines that will get you to your hotel in no time.

Useful Tips

Gatwick Express train tickets are much cheaper if you book them online in advance.
Children under 5 years of age travel for free.
The direct journey from the airport to the city centre takes around 30 minutes.
There are limited luggage racks throughout the train to store your luggage safely.

How to get from Gatwick airport to city centre by bus

The easyBus and National Express buses provide the cheapest services when it comes to travelling from Gatwick airport to the city centre of London. However, they are rather slow. Bus tickets cost only €9 (£8) one-way and the travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes on average, but much longer during rush hour.

How much is the bus from Gatwick airport to city centre?

The cost of your easyBus or National Express bus ticket depends on how far in advance you purchase it. easyBus tickets start at £2 and National Express bus tickets start at £1.90, then go up to €9 (£8) if purchased on the day of travel.

You can buy your tickets online in advance or from the automated ticket machines and ticket desks in the arrivals hall. The ticket desks operate on a daily basis from 06:00 to 22:00.

Cost

9€

Trip Duration

80 Min.

Waiting time is around 30 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The easyBus and National Express buses run 24/7 from Gatwick airport to Earl's Court/West Brompton and London Victoria Coach Station respectively.

Where do I get it from?

Both the easyBus and National Express buses can be found at the bus stops located just outside of each Terminal’s exit doors.

Convenience

Bus journeys from Gatwick airport to London Victoria Coach station may be inexpensive, but the trip can be long and tiring for travellers who want to get to their accommodation as soon as possible. If you are in a rush or not travelling on a tight budget, you may want to look at an alternate transfer option.

Editor’s Note

Due to the speed and efficiency of the train service at Gatwick airport, the only reason to choose a bus over a rail transfer service is the low ticket price.

Useful Tips

You cannot buy a ticket straight from the bus driver, you must purchase them before entering the bus.
Children under 6 years of age travel free.
If you miss the bus, your ticket is valid for the next one.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in London. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Gatwick airport to city centre?

The average price of a taxi ride from Gatwick airport to the city centre of London is €68 (£60). There is no set rate for this journey, instead, the price will be determined by a taximeter based on distance travelled. Without traffic, the journey will take approximately 60 minutes.

How much is a train ticket from Gatwick airport to city centre?

Off-peak Gatwick Express train tickets from Gatwick airport to Victoria Train Station in the city centre of London cost €22.50 (£19.90). Tickets can be bought at Gatwick Airport Train Station from the ticket desks and ticket machines, or online. If you choose to purchase your tickets in advance online, prices may be lower.

How far is it from Gatwick airport to the city centre?

The distance between Gatwick airport and the city centre of London is approximately 45 km. You can expect a journey time of 30 minutes by train, 1 hour 20 minutes by bus and around 1 hour by taxi or car.

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