Drop-off and parking pain point
GBP 10 for 10 minutes Payment: By midnight the day after use. Alternative: Long Stay car parks up to 2 hours free with shuttle. Unpaid drop-off charges can become a Parking Charge Notice.
Airport cost guide
Gatwick Airport costs
Gatwick has direct rail links to Victoria and several central London stations, but the best route depends on the final stop and whether the flight uses North or South Terminal.
Quick answer
Gatwick's train station is at South Terminal. Gatwick Express serves Victoria, while Thameslink is often the more direct choice for London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras. North Terminal passengers use the free two-minute shuttle, which runs every few minutes 24 hours a day. Check live fares for the exact journey, and keep drop-off, pickup and parking charges separate.
Journey time to LondonAbout 30 minutes to Victoria on Gatwick Express; Southern and Thameslink journey times vary by stopping pattern and destination.
One public transport optionGatwick Express
Drop-off costGBP 10 for 10 minutes
TerminalsNorth Terminal, South Terminal
Compare routes
Public transport, transfer and drop-off choices
Use this as the planning view before checking live times, disruptions and ticket availability.
| Option | Typical fare | Typical time | Useful for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Express | Check live operator fare | around 30 min to Victoria | A direct, non-stop Victoria journey | Victoria may be the wrong London terminus for the final destination. |
| Thameslink | Check live fare for the route | direct to London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras | Direct access across central London and beyond | Contactless is not valid for every destination beyond London. |
| Southern | Check live fare for the route | Victoria, Clapham Junction and south London links | Victoria, Clapham Junction and south-east connections | The stopping pattern changes the journey time. |
| Coach | Check the operator's live fare | around 1 hr 45 min to London; regional times vary | Regional links, Heathrow and luggage-heavy trips | Road traffic can change the arrival time substantially. |
Plan your departure time
Work backwards from your airline's check-in and bag-drop deadline. Add the live journey time, parking or terminal transfers, and a disruption margin suited to the route. A fixed allowance cannot cover every starting point or flight.
Pain points
What usually catches travellers out
The station is at South Terminal
The railway station is connected to South Terminal. North Terminal passengers use Gatwick's free inter-terminal shuttle, which takes about two minutes and runs every few minutes, 24 hours a day. The shuttle is frequent, but the walk from the platform, waiting time and onward walk still belong in the airport buffer.
The fastest airport train may finish at the wrong station
Gatwick Express runs non-stop to Victoria, but Thameslink serves London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras directly. Southern also serves Victoria and Clapham Junction. Compare the final London address and any interchange before paying for the first train brand shown in an advert.
Drop-off and pickup use different areas
The terminal drop-off zones cost £10 for 10 minutes and are for setting passengers down. Collections belong in Short Stay or the free Long Stay option, not the drop-off lane or a red route. Agree the terminal and meeting point before the flight lands so the driver does not pay for the wrong area or circle the airport roads.
Plan the whole journey
Match the Gatwick route to the terminal and final stop
A useful Gatwick comparison starts with the terminal, the best London or regional station for the destination, and the real collection or parking plan. These checks cover the decisions that change the total cost or add avoidable walking and waiting.
Check the terminal before choosing the route
Gatwick has North and South terminals, and airline allocations can change. The Gatwick Airport train station is at South Terminal, around a five-minute walk from arrivals and departures. North Terminal is reached by the free inter-terminal shuttle. The Gatwick Airport shuttle journey takes about two minutes and services run every few minutes throughout the day and night.
The short shuttle ride is only part of the transfer. A traveller still has to leave the train platform, follow signs to the shuttle, wait, ride and walk into North Terminal. Build that into the airport arrival time rather than treating the train's arrival at Gatwick Airport station as arrival at North Terminal security.
- Confirm North or South Terminal in the airline app before leaving.
- Follow the South Terminal signs directly from the railway station.
- For North Terminal, keep luggage together for the lift, shuttle and terminal walk.
- Luggage trolleys can travel on the inter-terminal shuttle.
- Recheck the terminal if the airline sends a schedule or gate-area update.
Choose the London station that reduces the onward journey
Gatwick Express is a direct, non-stop service to Victoria and Gatwick currently describes the journey as about 30 minutes. Southern also serves Victoria and Clapham Junction. Thameslink runs directly to London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras International before continuing north.
The best choice depends on the final address. Victoria can work well for Westminster, Pimlico and parts of west London. London Bridge is often more useful for the South Bank and the City. Farringdon connects with the Elizabeth line, and St Pancras is useful for King's Cross, Eurostar and northbound rail. Compare the complete door-to-door route, not only the airport-to-terminus time.
- Victoria: compare Gatwick Express with the relevant Southern departure.
- London Bridge or Blackfriars: check a direct Thameslink service first.
- Farringdon: include the Elizabeth line or Tube connection in the comparison.
- Clapham Junction: a Southern service may remove a central London backtrack.
- Read the live stopping pattern because not every train calls at every station.
Contactless and Oyster do not cover every Gatwick journey
Contactless and standard Oyster can be used for eligible rail journeys between Gatwick and London by tapping in and out. That does not make them universal Gatwick tickets. Gatwick's official train guidance states that contactless is not valid for travel south of the airport to places such as Crawley, Horsham and Brighton, or for destinations outside London such as Reading and Cambridge.
For a journey beyond the accepted area, buy the correct ticket before boarding. Advance, GroupSave, Railcard and child offers can also change the comparison, so a single tap-in fare is not automatically the lowest available price for every group. Use the operator or National Rail journey for the exact origin, destination, date and passenger mix.
- Tap in and out with the same card or device on an eligible contactless journey.
- Do not mix a phone and its physical bank card for the two taps.
- Buy a ticket for destinations outside the contactless acceptance area.
- Check Railcard and GroupSave eligibility before paying.
- Keep enough time to use a ticket machine at South Terminal if needed.
Regional rail can avoid central London
Gatwick is connected directly to more than 120 stations. Southern and Thameslink serve Brighton and other south-coast or south-east destinations. Thameslink continues through London towards Bedford, Peterborough and Cambridge. Great Western Railway runs direct services between Gatwick and Reading, which can be more practical than travelling through central London from parts of Berkshire and the Thames Valley.
A direct service is not always frequent, and engineering work can change the route. Gatwick currently describes the GWR service to Reading as half-hourly with a journey of around 90 minutes. Check live Gatwick Airport rail departures for the travel date, especially for early flights, Sundays and late arrivals.
- Brighton: compare Southern and Thameslink times and stopping patterns.
- Reading: check the direct GWR service before routing via London.
- Cambridge or Bedford: look for a direct Thameslink train, then verify late-night coverage.
- Redhill and Reigate: compare the short rail connection with local Metrobus services.
- For a flight connection via Luton, include the separate DART interchange from Luton Airport Parkway.
Coaches and local buses use terminal-specific stops
National Express coaches use both terminals. Gatwick lists North Terminal stops 4 and 5 on the lower level outside International Arrivals, while South Terminal services use lower-forecourt stops 1 to 5. FlixBus and the Airline also operate Gatwick routes. Confirm the operator, terminal and stop on the live ticket because not every coach follows the same pattern.
Metrobus serves Crawley, Horley, Redhill, Reigate, Horsham and other local areas. Some routes call at both terminals and others use South Terminal only. North Terminal Metrobus stops 9 and 9a are on Furlong Way, about a five-minute walk from arrivals. South Terminal stops sit on both sides of the A23, reached by lift or the pedestrian link.
- Book national coaches ahead when rail disruption is likely to increase demand.
- Check whether the service calls at North, South or both terminals.
- Allow for M23, M25 and central London traffic on coach journeys.
- Request National Express wheelchair assistance at least 36 hours before travel where required.
- For a hotel shuttle, confirm the hotel and bus stop rather than boarding by brand colour alone.
Treat drop-off, pickup and parking as separate products
Gatwick's terminal drop-off charge is £10 for the first 10 minutes, then £1 for each additional minute up to 20 minutes, with a £30 daily maximum and a 30-minute maximum stay. Payment is due by midnight on the day after the visit. The drop-off areas use number-plate recognition and are for set-down, not waiting or collection.
For pickup, Gatwick directs drivers to Short Stay. North Terminal collection is in Car Park 6, Level 4; South Terminal collection is in Car Park 3, Ground Floor. The driver should remain with the vehicle. Long Stay is free for up to two hours and includes a shuttle, which can suit a collection when the passenger is willing to meet away from the terminal.
- Agree the terminal and collection area before the aircraft lands.
- Do not stop or wait on Gatwick's red routes.
- Use Short Stay when the passenger needs time to reach the vehicle.
- Register an eligible Blue Badge visit through Gatwick's published process.
- Keep the payment or parking receipt until the journey is settled.
Driving is straightforward until the airport roads split
The main road approach is via the M23 at junction 9, followed by the airport approach roads from the A23. Traffic around the M25, M23 and local Crawley junctions can turn a predictable map estimate into a poor flight-day plan. Check live conditions before leaving and keep the terminal visible in the navigation instructions.
North and South Terminal routes divide as the vehicle reaches the airport. Missing the correct branch can lead to another circuit, another timed entry or the wrong car park. If the driver needs to help with luggage, a child seat, mobility equipment or check-in, use an option that allows enough time instead of trying to complete the job inside the 10-minute forecourt period.
- Use M23 junction 9 for the standard airport approach.
- Check the flight terminal before following the final airport signs.
- Pre-book parking against the correct terminal and vehicle registration.
- Keep a separate road-delay buffer for peak periods and incidents.
- If the flight is delayed, check the parking amendment rules before arrival.
Plan assistance from the first transport stop
Gatwick recommends booking Assisted Travel through the airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before the flight. Help points are available at bus stops, terminal entrances and Short Stay car parks, and Assisted Travel receptions are located at the terminal drop-off points and inside the terminals. A late request may still receive help, but pre-booked passengers are prioritised.
The free inter-terminal shuttle takes wheelchairs, luggage and trolleys, but an accessible airport transfer still depends on the rest of the route. Check lifts at the departure station, platform-to-train boarding, the terminal stop and the distance to check-in. Gatwick also provides AccessAble guides and a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard; the lanyard signals a possible need for support but does not provide fast-track access.
- Book airport assistance with the airline at least 48 hours ahead where possible.
- Tell the airline about mobility aids, medical equipment or an assistance dog.
- Check live lift status for every rail interchange.
- Use the help point if assistance is needed before entering the terminal.
- Allow more time for assistance handovers and a North-South terminal transfer.
Small airport costs matter when luggage or timing goes wrong
Baggage trolleys are available around both terminals and use a refundable £1 or €1 coin deposit. Gatwick says trolleys and luggage can travel on the inter-terminal shuttle. If bags need to be stored, staffed left-luggage facilities operate before security in both terminals; Gatwick states that there are no self-service lockers for security reasons.
A late arrival or rail disruption can also turn a low-cost plan into a taxi, hotel shuttle or extra parking stay. Save the last workable train or coach, check whether the hotel shuttle is Gatwick Hoppa or another operator, and keep the terminal stop in the booking notes. Hoppa currently uses North Terminal stop 11 on Furlong Way and South Terminal stop 9 on the lower forecourt.
- Carry a £1 or €1 coin if a trolley will be needed immediately.
- Check the airline's luggage allowance before choosing rail or coach on price alone.
- Use staffed left luggage rather than looking for lockers that are not provided.
- Confirm the last service for the actual day, not a generic weekday timetable.
- Save the hotel-shuttle stop and operator before leaving arrivals.
Airport-to-airport journeys need more than the coach time
Gatwick has direct coach links to Heathrow and some other airports, but the advertised road time is not a safe flight-connection allowance. Gatwick currently lists Heathrow at around one hour by coach and Luton at around two hours 35 minutes, with both subject to traffic. A rail alternative usually involves central London and one or more interchanges.
For separate tickets, include immigration, baggage reclaim, the walk to the coach or station, road or rail disruption, a new bag drop, security and the walk to the next gate. Check whether baggage is transferred automatically and whether the second airline protects the connection. If it does not, the cost of a missed flight belongs in the decision.
- Confirm the second flight's check-in and bag-drop deadline.
- Check which Gatwick terminal the coach uses.
- Allow for M25 delays on a Heathrow connection.
- Keep passports, tickets and essential medication accessible during the transfer.
- Prefer a protected itinerary when a missed connection would be expensive.
Local fixed-fare routes
Gatwick Airport route cost pages
Each route below has a dedicated URL with route-specific pricing context and calculator defaults.
FAQ
Gatwick Airport traveller questions
Short answers to the airport-specific issues travellers are most likely to get wrong before booking.
Which Gatwick terminal do I need?
Check the airline app, boarding pass or Gatwick's terminal checker before travel. Gatwick has North and South terminals, and an airline's usual terminal is not a safe substitute for the live flight information.
Which Gatwick terminal has the train station?
Gatwick Airport railway station is connected to South Terminal, about a five-minute walk from arrivals and departures. North Terminal passengers use the free inter-terminal shuttle from South Terminal.
Is the Gatwick inter-terminal shuttle free?
Yes. Gatwick's shuttle between South and North terminals is free, runs every few minutes and operates 24 hours a day. Gatwick describes the ride as taking about two minutes. Luggage and airport trolleys can travel on it.
Can I walk between Gatwick North and South terminals?
Use the free inter-terminal shuttle. The terminals are separate buildings and the signed passenger connection is the shuttle, not a normal indoor walk between terminal halls.
How much is the Gatwick Express?
The fare depends on the date, ticket type, passenger eligibility and how it is bought. Gatwick advertises a 10% discount for eligible tickets booked online, but a live quote from the operator is the reliable figure. Compare it with Southern and Thameslink for the same journey before paying.
Can I use Oyster or contactless at Gatwick Airport?
Oyster and contactless can be used for eligible rail journeys between Gatwick and London. They are not valid for every destination beyond the airport or outside London. Gatwick specifically warns that contactless is not valid south of the airport to places such as Crawley, Horsham and Brighton, or for routes to Reading and Cambridge.
Which Gatwick train is best for central London?
Match the train to the final London stop. Gatwick Express runs non-stop to Victoria. Southern also serves Victoria and Clapham Junction. Thameslink serves London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras directly. A slightly longer airport train can still produce the shorter door-to-door journey.
Where do National Express coaches stop at Gatwick?
Gatwick lists North Terminal coach stops 4 and 5 on the lower level outside International Arrivals. South Terminal coaches use lower-forecourt stops 1 to 5. Check the live ticket because the assigned stop can vary by operator and service.
Where should a driver pick up passengers at Gatwick?
Use Short Stay for terminal pickup. Gatwick directs North Terminal collections to Car Park 6, Level 4, and South Terminal collections to Car Park 3, Ground Floor. The driver should stay with the vehicle. Long Stay is free for up to two hours and has a terminal shuttle.
How do I pay the Gatwick drop-off charge?
The terminal drop-off charge is paid after the visit through Gatwick's published payment service, by midnight on the following day. The areas use number-plate recognition and do not have a payment barrier. The current charge is £10 for 10 minutes, followed by £1 for each extra minute up to 20 minutes.
Is Gatwick drop-off free for Blue Badge holders?
Eligible Blue Badge holders can receive Gatwick's drop-off exemption, but the visit must be registered through the airport's process. Do not assume the camera system recognises the badge automatically. Check the evidence and timing requirements before travel.
Can a driver wait on the roads outside Gatwick?
No. Gatwick's red routes are no-stopping areas. Waiting, loading or collecting passengers there can lead to a £100 Parking Charge Notice, reduced to £60 when paid within 14 days. Use Short Stay or the free Long Stay period instead.
How much is a luggage trolley at Gatwick?
Gatwick trolleys use a refundable £1 or €1 coin deposit. Trolleys can be taken on the inter-terminal shuttle, which helps when a rail passenger has to continue from South Terminal station to North Terminal.
How early should I book Assisted Travel at Gatwick?
Gatwick recommends requesting Assisted Travel through the airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before the flight. Help may still be available without that notice, but passengers who booked ahead are prioritised.
What is the cheapest way to reach Gatwick late at night?
There is no fixed cheapest answer because the last usable train or coach changes by day and destination. Check the exact arrival date, allow for immigration and baggage reclaim, and compare the final rail, coach, hotel-shuttle and taxi options. Do not rely on a generic weekday timetable for a Sunday or disrupted service.
How much time should I allow between Gatwick and another airport?
Use a door-to-door connection allowance, not the advertised coach time. Include immigration, baggage reclaim, the terminal walk, road or rail disruption, a new bag drop and security at the second airport. Separate-ticket passengers also carry the financial risk if the onward airline does not protect the connection.