Using the Southern or Thameslink trains to get from Gatwick Airport to Central London is easy, fast and affordable. This guide shows you exactly how to do it.
Determine Your Route
Southern trains run every 10-15 minutes from Gatwick to:
- East Croydon
- Clapham Junction
- London Victoria (the Gatwick Express also serves Victoria)
Thameslink trains run every 10-15 minutes from Gatwick to many stations, including:
- East Croydon
- London Bridge
- Blackfriars
- City Thameslink
- Farringdon
- St Pancras (for King’s Cross)
Therefore you’ll need to decide in advance which train to get, and where to get off. You may also need to transfer to a further Tube line once you’re in London.
To do this, simply use transit directions within Google/Apple Maps, or download the Citymapper app. These apps will give you step-by-step instructions on which trains and stations to use to get to your destination.
Walk to the Train Station
At Gatwick, all trains leave from the same station. Once you’ve arrived and collected your bags, look out for signs to the Train Station. The station is located in the South Terminal – if you arrive into the North Terminal, follow signs to the South Terminal & Train Station, which will direct you onto a quick shuttle train between the terminals.
Buy Tickets, or Use Contactless
Once you get to the rail station, you’ll see machines selling tickets, and a row of ticket gates.
You have three options to chose from to pay for your travel:
- Use contactless (or Oyster) – The easiest way to travel is to use a contactless credit/debit card or device, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay on a phone. This way, you don’t need to buy a ticket at all – simply walk up to the ticket gate and touch your card or phone on the reader. The gate will open, and you can walk through with your luggage. Each adult needs their own card or device. The fare to stations in central London is £10.70 or £19.20 during the weekday morning peak (Mon-Fri 6:30am – 9:30am).
- Buy Tickets Online – You can use the Southern or Thameslink websites to purchase tickets in advance, and then display them on your phone as e-tickets. The price varies depending on where you need to get to, and is generally more expensive than using contactless or Oyster. It’s often cheaper to purchase a return ticket in one transaction. Beware – the cheapest tickets are often ‘Advance Singles’ which are only valid on the specific train selected. This isn’t ideal when you’re coming from a flight. Instead, look for the ‘Anytime’ tickets, which are valid on any train that day.
- Buy a paper ticket from the machine – you can also use the machines to buy tickets at the airport. Given the large number of routes and stations served from the airport, it can be slightly confusing to know which option to select. Ask staff if you’re not sure.
Children: Children under 5 travel free and do not need a ticket. Children 5-15 can purchase discounted child tickets – either in advance via the website, or using the ticket machines at the station.
Locate the Correct Platform
Gatwick Airport station has seven platforms. Whilst in the main ticket hall, look at the screens above the ticket gates to see which trains are leaving from which platforms. If you’re not sure which platform you need, ask staff. If you’re using Google/Apple Maps or the Citymapper app to navigate, these apps will tell you which platform your train is departing from.
Follow the signage and take the lifts of escalators down to the platform you need. Once on the platform, screens and announcements will let you know when your train is coming.
Ride the Train
When the train arrives, board and take a seat. You can either keep your luggage with you where you sit, or place it in the racks by the doors. Screens and announcements will announce upcoming stations, so it’s easy to know when to get off.
