Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the second-largest airport in London, and although it does not have a direct connection to the London Underground, you can easily reach it by combining the Tube and train services.
In this guide, we’ll explain the best routes and options to get to Gatwick from central London, both day and night.
How to Use the London Underground to Get to Gatwick
Even though you cannot reach Gatwick directly using the Tube, you can use the London Underground network to connect to train services that do go to the airport. The most effective way is to travel to one of the following stations: London Victoria, London Bridge, or St Pancras International. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Tube to London Victoria and Gatwick Express
The fastest way to get to Gatwick is by using the Gatwick Express, which departs from London Victoria station. To reach London Victoria, take any of the following Tube lines:
- Victoria Line (light blue): Quickly connects North and Central London with Victoria.
- Circle Line and District Line (yellow and green): Useful if you’re coming from the west or east of the city.
Once at London Victoria, follow these instructions to board the Gatwick Express:
- Travel time: 30 minutes.
- Cost: From £17.80 with an Oyster or contactless card. It can be cheaper if booked online.
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes during the day.
- Schedule: From 5:40 a.m. to 11:10 p.m.
2. Tube to London Bridge and Thameslink
If you are near London Bridge station, take the Tube using the Northern Line or Jubilee Line. From London Bridge, connect to the Thameslink trains, which will take you directly to Gatwick Airport. This is a more affordable option than the Gatwick Express.
- Travel time: Between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on your starting point.
- Cost: From £10 with an Oyster or contactless card.
- Frequency: Trains every 15-30 minutes.
- Schedule: 24-hour service, with lower frequency during the night.
This route is ideal if you are in the east or north of London and prefer not to travel all the way to London Victoria.
3. Tube to St Pancras International and Thameslink
St Pancras International is a major transportation hub in central London. If you are near King’s Cross or Euston, this is your best option to reach Gatwick. Use the Victoria, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Northern, or Piccadilly lines to get to St Pancras.
- Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes.
- Cost: From £10 with an Oyster or contactless card.
- Frequency: Trains every 15-30 minutes.
- Schedule: 24-hour service.
Night Options for Reaching Gatwick
If you are traveling at night and the London Underground is closed, you can use night buses to get to London Victoria or London Bridge stations and then take a night train to Gatwick.
- Bus N38: Departs from Trafalgar Square and arrives at Victoria Station.
- Bus N343: Departs from Aldgate and arrives at London Bridge.
Once at Victoria or London Bridge, you can take the Thameslink service, which operates throughout the night with reduced frequencies.
Additional Tips for Traveling to Gatwick
- Use an Oyster card or a credit/debit card with contactless technology to pay for transportation. This will allow you to access all train options, including the Gatwick Express and Thameslink, and benefit from cheaper fares.
- If traveling in a group or with a lot of luggage, consider booking in advance to secure a seat and avoid overcrowding.
- The Gatwick Express and Thameslink accept Oyster and contactless cards but do not offer 2×1 discounts on London attractions.
Summary
Although you can’t get directly to Gatwick Airport using the Tube, the combination of the London Underground and trains such as the Gatwick Express or Thameslink makes the journey fast and convenient. Choose the nearest train station to your location, use the available Tube lines, and plan ahead to enjoy a hassle-free trip. Have a great journey to Gatwick!