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.
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Transfer Options from Gatwick Airport to Central London
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Comparison of the options
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.
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Taxis at Gatwick airport
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
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.
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+1Gatwick Express & Thameslink
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
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.
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National Express at Gatwick airport
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
Welcome Pickups transfer
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.
Read more Book Welcome Pickups transferFrequently 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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