Taxi vs Train at London Gatwick (LGW)
Take Train — recommended by locals over the alternative.
Side by side
| Factor | Taxi | Train |
|---|---|---|
| Option | Licensed Taxi Rank | Thameslink / Southern Rail |
| Cost | £100–£140 | £10–£24 |
| Journey | 60–120 min | 30–55 min |
| Wait | 0–10 mins | Every 5–15 mins |
| Payment | Card & Cash | Card |
| Locals recommend |
- ✓ Metered
- ✓ Door-to-door
- ! Slowest option in rush hour
- ! Expensive
- ✓ Cheapest
- ✓ Direct to St Pancras / Victoria
- ✓ Frequent
- ! Limited luggage racks
Scams to watch either way
- Gatwick Express upsell
Staff or touts steer tourists onto the Gatwick Express despite cheaper trains running the same route.
Avoid: Thameslink and Southern stop at the same platforms for half the price.
- Unbooked taxi touts
Men offering taxis at inflated fixed prices, often £200+.
Avoid: Use the official rank outside South Terminal or book Uber / Bolt.
Frequently asked
Q.Taxi or Train from LGW — which is better?
Train — recommended by locals over the alternative. Thameslink / Southern Rail: £10–£24, 30–55 min.
Q.How much is Taxi from London Gatwick?
£100–£140 typical. Journey 60–120 min, wait 0–10 mins. Payment: Card & Cash.
Q.How much is Train from London Gatwick?
£10–£24 typical. Journey 30–55 min, wait Every 5–15 mins. Payment: Card.
Q.What should I watch for on arrival at LGW?
Gatwick Express upsell: Staff or touts steer tourists onto the Gatwick Express despite cheaper trains running the same route. — Thameslink and Southern stop at the same platforms for half the price.
Fare tiers, first-30-minute checklist, all transport options ranked, and every reported scam.