Gatwick Airport to London City Center

The bus from Gatwick Airport to central London typically takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and your final stop in the city.

Bus Operators:
The two main coach companies operating between Gatwick and London are:

• National Express: The largest and most comfortable option, with frequent departures (every 20–30 minutes). Buses run 24 hours a day from both the South and North Terminals.

• Most services terminate at London Victoria Coach Station, which is centrally located and well connected by London Underground (Victoria, District, and Circle Lines). Some routes also stop at Earl’s Court, Vauxhall, or Hammersmith before reaching Victoria.
  

• The National Express stop is located just outside Gatwick South Terminal, with a free shuttle connecting to the North Terminal.

• If you have large luggage or a late-night flight, buses are a safer and more comfortable option than public trains.

• Expect heavier traffic during rush hours (07:00–10:00 and 16:30–19:00), which can add 30–40 minutes to your journey.

Standard bus fares in London range from £8-£15 one-way when booked online in advance. Day tickets: May be slightly more expensive. Tickets can be purchased from official websites, self-service machines, or directly from drivers (card payment preferred).

Journey Time:
A taxi ride from Gatwick Airport to Central London typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact destination. Travel time can be longer during peak hours or bad weather.

Gatwick Airport is located about 47 kilometres (29 miles) south of Central London. Unlike some other airports, London Gatwick doesn’t have metered black cabs waiting at the terminal in large numbers; instead, most travelers use pre-booked private transfer services or licensed minicabs.
Travel time to popular destinations:

Victoria Station: ~75 minutes, London Bridge: ~70 minutes, Canary Wharf: ~85 minutes

Journey Time:
There is no direct London Underground (Tube) connection from Gatwick Airport. However, fast and frequent train services connect Gatwick to Central London in 30–50 minutes, depending on your route and destination.

1. Gatwick Express (Fastest Option)

Route: Gatwick Airport → London Victoria Station
Duration: About 30 minutes non-stopFrequency: Every 15 minutes
Fare: Around £20–£25 per adult (one way)
Tickets: Can be purchased online, at the station, or via contactless/Oyster card.
Best For: Travelers heading to Westminster, Victoria, or central London hotels.

2. Thameslink Train (Budget-Friendly Option)

Route: Gatwick Airport → London Bridge → Blackfriars → City Thameslink → Farringdon → St Pancras International
Duration: 30–40 minutes to central stations
Fare: Around £12–£15 per adult (one way)
Best For: Reaching The City (financial district), King’s Cross, or northern London
Tip: Trains run 24 hours (with reduced frequency overnight).

3. Southern Railway

Route: Gatwick Airport → London Victoria (with some stops)
Duration: Around 35–45 minutes
Fare: Around £15–£18 per adult
Best For: Passengers staying in South or West London.

• All train services depart directly from Gatwick Airport Station, located at the South Terminal (connected to the North Terminal via a free 24/7 shuttle). 

• Once you arrive at stations like Victoria, London Bridge, or Farringdon, you can easily transfer to the London Underground (Tube) network for onward travel.

• Oyster cards and contactless payment are accepted on all these train routes and onward Tube connections.

Group bus transfers are an affordable and efficient option for large groups traveling from Gatwick Airport to London City Centre. Bus rental in London offers spacious vehicles tailored to group travel, ensuring that everyone travels together comfortably and on time.

These services are ideal for corporate groups, families, or tour groups looking to simplify logistics. Group transfers are cost-effective, as the overall fare is shared among passengers. Additionally, buses are equipped with ample luggage space and modern amenities, such as air conditioning and reclining seats, to ensure a pleasant journey. It's economical for groups, customizable schedules, and environmentally friendly.

Contact us to book a group transfer today.

AirportTransfer.com specializes in providing reliable London hotel transfers from Gatwick Airport to popular London accommodations, such as The Langham London and Claridge’s. These services guarantee a smooth transition from the airport to your hotel, allowing you to start your trip stress-free. Booking hotel transfers from London Gatwick Airport ensures comfort and punctuality.

Here are some of the popular and luxury hotels closest to Gatwick:

Sofitel London Gatwick, Hilton London Gatwick Airport, Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick Airport, Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport North Terminal, Bloc Hotel Gatwick, Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa, Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel, Holiday Inn London Gatwick Airport, Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport, Crowne Plaza London Gatwick Airport, Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central, Ibis London Gatwick Airport, Holiday Inn Express London Gatwick Crawley, Arora Hotel Gatwick Crawley, Europa Gatwick Hotel & Spa.