London Victoria Station is located in Victoria, Westminster, within the inner circle of London, connected to the London Underground. As the second busiest train station in the UK, it is a major hub for Thameslink, Gatwick Express, Southeastern, and Southern trains.
From London Victoria to Gatwick Airport Station, the Gatwick Express typically takes around 30 minutes with no stops throughout the journey, operating two trains per hour during Off-Peak hours. Southern also offers a direct journey of around half an hour but, when combined with Thameslink, requires a transfer at East Croydon Station. Onboard, you can enjoy premium services like larger seating space and first-class sections.
You'll arrive at Gatwick Airport Station, located on the Brighton Main Line in West Sussex, England. The station entrance and exit are directly connected to the South Terminal of the airport and are linked to the North Terminal of the airport via airport shuttle buses. Train services are provided by Southern Railway, Gatwick Express, Thameslink, and Great Western Railway. They respectively provide access to Littlehampton, Brighton, Three Bridges, and Reading, but also many more.
First-class tickets
You can travel from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport in even greater comfort with First Class Tickets.
As this route is covered by multiple providers, it's best to check whether this is applicable for your specific journey when booking and what is included with the ticket. Depending on provider, this ticket may include:
- Access to the London Victoria First Class lounge
- Wider seats with extra legroom for greater comfort onboard
- Tables with plug and USB sockets – perfect for those using laptops
- Enhanced Wi-Fi onboard for those working, streaming or browsing
- A range of drinks and snacks, including teas, coffees, juices, sodas, biscuits, cakes and crisps.
For more details about First Class Tickets, please check our Change, Refund, and Delay Repay Policy.
How much does it cost to get from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport?
The average price of a train ticket from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport is around £23 for a single journey but can be as low as £8.85 when booked in advance. Prices often vary depending on the time of travel and how far in advance you book, so it's a good idea to check the latest fares and book early to get the best deal.
Can you get the Tube from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport?
No, you cannot get the Tube directly from London Victoria Station to Gatwick Airport. The London Underground, also known as the Tube, is a network of underground trains that primarily serves central London and some surrounding areas. Gatwick Airport is located outside of this network.
How long does the Express train take from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport?
The Gatwick Express offers a direct, non-stop service from London Victoria Station to Gatwick Airport, and takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, Southern and Thameslink trains provide routes from various London stations, such as London Bridge, St Pancras International, and Blackfriars, with slightly longer travel times but more flexible departure options.
Can I use my Oyster card from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport?
Yes, you can use your Oyster card or a contactless payment card to travel between London and Gatwick Airport on Southern and Thameslink services. However, when using Oyster with PAYG (pay as you go) on this route, you'll be charged a higher fare compared to a standard Southern Rail ticket. This is because it's treated as an out-of-zone journey. Also, the Gatwick Express does not accept Oyster cards, so you will need to purchase a separate ticket or use contactless payment if you choose to travel on that service.
How can I get to Gatwick Airport from London Victoria cheaply?
A cheap way to travel from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport is by taking a Southern or Thameslink train, with tickets starting at around £13 when booked in advance. While these trains take a bit longer than the Gatwick Express, they offer a more budget-friendly option. Additionally, using a Railcard (available on Trip.com) can provide further discounts, making your journey even more economical.
National Express offers coach services between Victoria Station and Gatwick Airport. While coach journeys generally take longer than trains (usually around 1 hour and 15 minutes), they can sometimes be cheaper, especially if you book in advance.
Is it cheaper to use an Oyster card to get to Gatwick Airport?
No, using an Oyster card to get to Gatwick Airport is not generally cheaper than the other options mentioned previously (Southern Rail or National Express Coach). When using Oyster with PAYG (pay as you go) on this route, you'll be charged a higher fare compared to a standard Southern Rail ticket. This is because it's treated as an out-of-zone journey.
*Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. Prices shown do not include split ticket and Railcard discounts.