Updated: February 2012
Traveling by Train between Gatwick Airport and Central London
Gatwick Express is the quickest way into central London. The station is in the South Terminal and linked to other parts by escalators and lifts. Gatwick Express operates four trains per hour to and from London Victoria, journey time 30 minutes. There is no service between 00:32 and 03:30 from London and between 01:35 and 04:35 from Gatwick. Other rail operators run services through the night. Fares are from £15.95 single. Do note, you can no longer buy your ticket on the train. Note, you can buy an eticket in advance from the VisitBritain Shop (Buy Direct).
Southern operates a frequent service to and from London Victoria. Fares from £4.50 single (online price), journey times from 37 minutes. An hourly service operates through the night.
A service operates to and from London Bridge every 30 minutes. Fares are from £5 single (online price), average journey time 45 minutes.
First Capital Connect (formerly Thameslink) operates up to four trains per hour to and from London Bridge, City Thameslink, Blackfriars, Farringdon, and St. Pancras International stations. (Please note Blackfriars Underground station is closed until early 2012, as part of Network Rail's Thameslink upgrade program). Fares from £5 single (online price), journey time from 35 minutes. An hourly service operates through the night.
Coach Services between Gatwick Airport and Central London
National Express operates an hourly coach service to and from Victoria Coach Station. Journey time is 65-95 minutes. Fares are from £8.50 single (online price).
A new service to and from Gatwick Airport now operates calling at various locations in South London including Sutton, Mitcham and Stockwell. Fares from £8.00 (online single fare).
easyBus operates from 03:00 to 23:25 and Gatwick (North and South Terminals) from 04:25 to 01:10. Journey time is from 65 minutes. Online fares are always better than paying the driver. Prices from £2 single (online price). Read my easyBus Review.
By Taxi between Gatwick Airport and Central London
You can usually find a queue of black cabs at both terminals. The fare is metered, but watch for extra charges such as late night or weekend journeys. Tipping is not compulsory, but 10% is considered the norm. Expect to pay at least £100 to get to Central London. Only use a reputable mini-cab and never use unauthorized drivers who offer their services at airports or stations.
