How to get from London Gatwick to Central London
High confidenceChecked May 2026
Take Thameslink or Southern to London Bridge / Victoria — typically £10–£25, half the cost of Gatwick Express.
Best options
Best overall
Thameslink direct to London Bridge or St Pancras.
Cheapest safe
Off-peak Thameslink/Southern single with contactless.
Best at night
Thameslink runs through the night on key routes.
With luggage / kids
All rail options have luggage space.
Taxi fare
Pre-booked private hire roughly £80–£130 to central London. Fares vary with traffic.
Ride-hailing
Uber and Bolt both operate — designated pickup point, short shuttle from the terminal.
available
Public transport
Thameslink, Southern Rail, Gatwick Express, National Express coach.
Compare your options — LGW → Central London
Distance ~45 km, typical journey 30–60 min.
| Option | Typical fare | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport | Thameslink, Southern Rail, Gatwick Express, National Express coach. | Cheapest safe option |
| Official taxi | Pre-booked private hire roughly £80–£130 to central London. Fares vary with traffic. | Late arrivals, heavy luggage |
| Ride-hailing | Uber and Bolt both operate — designated pickup point, short shuttle from the terminal. | available |
After landing — step by step
- 1Follow 'Trains' signs from arrivals
- 2Tap contactless or buy at the machine — Thameslink/Southern usually cheaper than Gatwick Express
Scam warnings
Unbooked minicab touts inside the terminal
Avoid this
- • Anyone offering a 'taxi' inside arrivals
- • Defaulting to Gatwick Express if you're not in a rush
Frequently asked
Q.How much is a taxi from London Gatwick to Central London?
Pre-booked private hire roughly £80–£130 to central London. Fares vary with traffic.. Always confirm the fare or that the meter is on before pulling away. Watch for: Unbooked minicab touts inside the terminal.
Q.What is the cheapest safe way from LGW to Central London?
Off-peak Thameslink/Southern single with contactless.
Q.Does Uber or ride-hailing work at London Gatwick?
Uber and Bolt both operate — designated pickup point, short shuttle from the terminal.
Q.What's the best way from LGW to Central London at night?
Thameslink runs through the night on key routes.
Q.What scams should I watch for going from LGW to Central London?
Top reported: Unbooked minicab touts inside the terminal. Use the official taxi rank, never accept a fare from someone approaching you in arrivals.
SOURCES