London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London region, United Kingdom, United Kingdom — what to expect on the ground before, between and after flights.
You will continue to an approved travel provider to complete your booking.
Airport overview
Gatwick ground transport
Official information checked September 23, 2026. Times below are indicative train journeys to the named station, not terminal-to-hotel times. Add arrival procedures, the station walk, waiting and any onward journey. Use the linked operator for current fares, last trains and engineering works.
Swipe the table horizontally to see every column.
| Airport and service | London endpoint / indicative time | When it may fit |
|---|---|---|
| LGW: Gatwick Express | Victoria: about 30 minutes | A Victoria-area stay. The station is at South Terminal; North arrivals add the shuttle. |
| LGW: Southern / Thameslink | Southern serves Victoria; Thameslink serves London Bridge, Blackfriars and St Pancras | Pick the service nearest your hotel rather than boarding any London-bound train. |
North Terminal arrivals taking a train
Follow signs for the free shuttle to South Terminal, then the railway station. Its approximately two-minute ride excludes the walk and waiting. Check the train’s destination before boarding: Victoria and St Pancras are useful for different hotel locations.
If you miss the last useful train
Look up the full journey, including your onward connection, after the time you expect to collect bags. If it no longer works, compare an authorized road transfer with a confirmed airport-area room. Confirm vehicle capacity, the total quote and the hotel’s late check-in arrangement. Do not assume the terminal shuttle means city trains also run overnight.
Terminals and layout
Gatwick has North and South terminals. The free inter-terminal shuttle runs around the clock and takes about two minutes in transit; add walking and waiting time. The railway station is at South Terminal, so North Terminal passengers need this extra step. Recheck the airline terminal before the return journey.
Connections and transfers
An itinerary that changes between Gatwick and Heathrow needs a road or rail transfer plus the next airport’s check-in process. Ask the seller about ticket arrangements and disruption support. Price the ground transfer and give it its own time allowance.
Ground transport
The railway station is at South Terminal. Compare Gatwick Express, Southern, and Thameslink services against your hotel’s location and travel time. Check the operator’s live timetable and fare conditions rather than assuming every London-bound train has the same price or destination.
Nearby hotels
Check whether your hotel is attached to a terminal or requires a transfer. For an early flight, confirm the first shuttle or walking route and compare it with the airline’s check-in deadline. Include transfer costs when comparing rooms.
Family facilities
Include any North-to-South terminal movement when planning a train journey with children. Keep tickets and essential supplies accessible so you can manage the transfer without unpacking large bags in a busy area.
Accessibility
Check assistance with the airline and rail operator before travel. A terminal transfer and the onward station may have different arrangements, so describe the complete journey when requesting help.
Content updated