Gatwick Airport to London Trains From £12.50*

The rail journey from Gatwick Airport to London is straightforward, well signposted, and takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Below is what you can expect at each stage of the trip.

Departure from Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport railway station sits directly beneath the South Terminal, so once you’ve cleared arrivals, it’s just a few minutes to the platforms.

Specific transport links

• Shuttle: Free North to South Terminal train every few minutes.
• Buses: Metrobus services stop directly outside both terminals.
• Taxi: Ranks located outside terminal entrances for quick onward travel.

Station layout

• Platforms: Seven in total, accessed via escalators and lifts; fully step-free.
• London-bound departures: Usually Platforms 3–7, but always check the live departure boards.

Pre-departure essentials

For a coffee or a quick meal before your journey, Gatwick offers several convenient options. Starbucks, Pret A Manger, and M&S Simply Food are all within a few steps of the station entrance, ideal for grabbing refreshments before boarding your London-bound train.

Onboard trains from Gatwick Airport to London

Trains on this route are modern commuter stock designed for airport passengers and daily travellers alike. Free Wi-Fi is standard across all three operators, and many services now provide plug sockets and USB charging points.

The scenic side

Sit on the right-hand side when travelling north towards London for the best skyline views as you approach the city.

Key landmarks

If you’re on Thameslink towards London Bridge, look for The Shard dominating the skyline as you approach central London.

On the Gatwick Express or Southern into Victoria, you’ll pass Battersea Power Station just before crossing the Thames. Approaching Victoria, watch for the miniature clock tower known locally as “Little Ben” near the station forecourt.

Arriving at London Victoria Station

London Victoria Station handles tens of millions of passengers each year and sits firmly in the heart of Westminster.

The correct exit

• Terminus Place (Main Exit): The primary way out for city centre access. This exit leads directly onto Victoria Street and towards the Apollo Victoria Theatre and Westminster beyond.
• Victoria Place Exit: Best for the covered shopping centre and indoor route connections.
• Plaza (Upper Level above Platforms 1–7): Follow signs here for the official black cab taxi rank.

Onward travel

• London Underground: The Victoria Line (fast north–south route), plus the District and Circle lines, operate directly beneath the station.
• London Buses: A major bus hub sits immediately outside the main Terminus Place exit, serving routes across central and south London.
• National Coach Services: Victoria Coach Station is around a 10-minute signed walk via Buckingham Palace Road.

Walkability

Everything central is within easy reach. Buckingham Palace is roughly 10–15 minutes on foot, Westminster Abbey around 20 minutes, and St James’s Park even closer.

Arriving at London Bridge station

If travelling via Thameslink, you may instead arrive at London Bridge station, a major interchange on the south side of the Thames.

The correct exit

• Tooley Street Exit: The main exit for the riverside, offering immediate access towards The Shard and the Thames Path.
• Borough High Street Exit: The quickest route to Borough Market and Southwark.
• St Thomas Street Exit: Best for Guy’s Hospital and the clearly signposted taxi rank.

Onward travel

• London Underground: The Jubilee and Northern lines operate directly below the station, providing fast links to Canary Wharf, the West End and north London.
• River Services: London Bridge City Pier is around a five-minute walk from the Tooley Street exit for Thames riverboat services.
• London Buses: Multiple routes run along Tooley Street and Borough High Street with stops directly outside the station.

Walkability

The area is exceptionally walkable. The City of London financial district is around 10 minutes across the bridge, while the South Bank’s cultural attractions begin almost immediately along the river.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.