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.

After landing — step by step

  1. 1Follow 'Trains' signs from arrivals
  2. 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
SOURCES
Full LGW airport guide