What’s the best way to get to London from Gatwick Airport?

 

If you’re visiting London from abroad chances are you’ll be arriving at Heathrow airport and getting into London from there is no problem. But what happens if you’re arriving via Gatwick Airport, how easy is it then?

When you’re buying your ticket to London, you might not think it makes that much difference if you arrive at Gatwick or Heathrow, but take it from me it does. That reduced airfare you got that lands you at Gatwick may not seem such a bargain depending on where you’re staying in London.

But hey, you’ve done your research and you’re going to take the Gatwick Express. And even if you haven’t done the research, when you arrive at Gatwick, tired and slightly confused, you’ll see plenty of signs telling you the Gatwick Express is the fastest way to get into London. So what’s there to worry about, the Gatwick Express must be the best way into London.

Victoria station is always very busy

Well if you’re staying in Victoria there’s nothing to worry about, the Gatwick Express will get you into Victoria with no problems. But here’s the important part. If you’re not staying in Victoria, chances are the Gatwick Express is not your best way to get into London.

You see the problem with arriving at Victoria with luggage is that it seems every other tourist in London is arriving at Victoria with luggage.

Add to that normal commuters going to Victoria, tourists queuing for tickets and other tourists trying to work out what train to take. Without doubt Victoria becomes the last place you want to be with luggage trying to get a connection to another underground train line.

The Gatwick Express isn’t the only train that gets you into London

So here’s what to do, when you arrive at Gatwick, get one of the other trains going into London.

The trains run roughly every 20 minutes and the fare is much cheaper than the Gatwick Express. You can buy a ticket from one of the machines at the airport or go to the train ticket counter. The staff at the ticket counters are very helpful so if you’re not sure of your route, ask them and they’ll be able to help.

But the real bonus is the trains stop at various stations that have good links to other underground lines. This means you can avoid bottleneck stations and you’ll have an easier journey to your accommodation.

And that’s the thing about travelling through London. To make your journey easier avoid getting on trains at bottleneck stations like Victoria. You want to already be on the train when it gets to a bottleneck station.

Now if that means getting on at a station before or even from the other direction, it’s often worth it to get a seat. Get this wrong and your first journey through London will be an absolute nightmare.

I never use the Gatwick Express

Personally, if I have to use Gatwick airport, I always use the other trains instead of the Gatwick Express.

I’ve never had any problems getting to or from the airport and I don’t see why you should have any problems either.

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Tagged as: Essential London info, Gatwick Airport, London tips and tricks