Gatwick to the City of London

Is Thameslink quicker than a car?

At busy times, usually. Thameslink trains run from Gatwick through London Bridge to Blackfriars, City Thameslink and Farringdon, all in or beside the City, without a change. On a weekday morning, the train will beat a car comfortably, and for a single traveller with light luggage it is often the right choice.

A car makes more sense with heavy luggage, with several colleagues or family members, for addresses away from the Thameslink stations, and for arrivals very early or late at night. It also allows private calls on the way and a drop at your office door.

Which route does the chauffeur take?

Usually the M23 and the A23 north through Croydon, Streatham and Brixton to the Elephant and Castle, then across the river at Blackfriars Bridge or London Bridge into the City. When the A23 is slow, the chauffeur may use the M25 and the A3, or come in from the east via the A20 and the A2, depending on where in the City you are going.

How long should you allow?

About 73 minutes off-peak and up to 106 minutes in the weekday rush, according to our route data. The slowest sections are the A23 through south London and the approach to the river crossings, particularly the Elephant and Castle. Early morning and late evening journeys are much quicker.

Where does the car drop you in the City?

At the entrance your office uses for taxis and couriers. Several City streets are restricted to buses and cycles for much of the working day, and some courts and lanes are closed to vehicles. Tell us the building and the entrance, and the chauffeur will go straight there. For the Barbican and the residential areas, the chauffeur will stop at your block’s entrance.

Coming back from a European trip?

Many City travellers use Gatwick for short trips to European cities, often returning on an evening flight. With hand luggage only, you can often be out of the terminal within 30 minutes of landing, and on a weekday evening the drive into the City is usually easier than the morning run. If you land after about 20:00, the car is often the quicker option.

Does it matter which Gatwick terminal you land at?

For the train, yes. The station is part of the South Terminal, so passengers arriving at the North Terminal take the inter-terminal shuttle first, which adds time and a transfer with luggage. For the car, it makes no difference: the chauffeur waits in your terminal’s arrivals hall and walks you to the car park beside it. If you are landing at the North Terminal with a lot of bags, that is one more reason to choose the car.

Returning from a family holiday on a Friday night?

Friday evenings at Gatwick are busy with returning holiday flights, and trains into London are crowded with commuters and weekend travellers. A family landing at 21:00 with luggage and tired children will usually find a car the easier choice. By that hour, the roads into the City are clear, and the drive often takes under an hour. Tell us the children’s ages so we can fit the right seats before you land.

Does the Congestion Charge apply?

Yes, during charging hours. The whole City is inside the zone, so a journey arriving between 07:00 and 18:00 on a weekday, or between 12:00 and 18:00 at weekends and bank holidays, incurs the £18 daily charge. It is included in your fixed price whenever it applies.

Where will the chauffeur meet you at Gatwick?

In the arrivals hall of your terminal, North or South, with a board showing your name. The chauffeur follows your flight and adjusts to delays. For company travellers, we can put your firm’s name on the board if you prefer.

What about the journey back to Gatwick?

From the City on a weekday afternoon, allow about three hours before a long-haul flight and two and a half before a short-haul one, because the A23 southbound is slow from about 16:00. Thameslink is again a strong option for light travellers. Gatwick’s £10 drop-off charge is part of the fixed price. Companies that book regularly can use an account with monthly invoicing.