The Gatwick Express (GX) is perhaps most known for shuttling travelers back and forth between central London and Gatwick Airport. However, the train’s route map also extends south of Gatwick to include trips to Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, and finally, the seaside resort town of Brighton.
Because Gatwick Express trains offer a quick, easy and inexpensive means of getting to the airport, most travelers prefer it to taking a bus or taxi. After all, it’s only a 28-minute trip between the Gatwick Airport station and London Victoria station, with train departures just 15 minutes apart. From the airport to Brighton, it’s an even shorter, 23-minute commute. To ride the entire length of the Gatwick Express line between London and Brighton: a mere 54 minutes!
London Gatwick is the 2nd-busiest airport in Britain and the 8th-busiest in Europe. Its actual location is in the county of West Sussex, approximately 45 kilometers south of the English capital. Gatwick operates as a single-runway airport with two terminals: the North Terminal and South Terminal. It is regarded as the UK’s best-connected airport by train, providing fast and frequent services to London plus direct services to 129 stations across the territory.
Gatwick Airport ̶̶ London
Travel time: 28m
Train stations: Gatwick Airport and London Victoria
London ̶̶ Gatwick Airport
Travel time: 28m
Train stations: London Victoria and Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport ̶̶ Brighton
Travel time: 23m
Train stations: Gatwick Airport and Brighton
Brighton ̶̶ Gatwick Airport
Travel time: 23m
Train stations: Brighton and Gatwick Airport
London ̶̶ Brighton
Travel time: 54m
Train stations: London Victoria and Brighton
Brighton ̶̶ London
Travel time: 54m
Train stations: Brighton and London Victoria
The Gatwick Airport railway station can be found in the South Terminal, which is accessible from the North Terminal by way of a free shuttle service. The station features a number of convenient facilities, including:
When booking a Gatwick Express train ticket, you’ll notice there is one general travel fare available:
Children between the ages of 5 and 15 receive a discount on the adult ticket price. Children under 5 years of age travel for free.
Most Gatwick Express services are supplied by British Rail Class 387/2 Electrostar trains. Boasting a maximum speed of 177km/h, these modern high-speed commuters are designed for passenger comfort as well as travel efficiency.
Every Gatwick Express coach has dedicated luggage racks. Storage spaces can also be found under each seat. A same-day luggage delivery service is available through the company’s partnership with “AirPortr”.
Passengers can carry their completely folded or encased bicycle on board free of charge at all times. Non-folded bikes are also permitted, but not during peak hours due to space restrictions on the train.
Up to 2 pets per passenger are allowed to travel at no cost. Additional animals will be charged a fee. Dogs must be kept on a leash and properly restrained throughout the trip.
GX trains are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility and special needs. If travel assistance is required, the company should be contacted at least 24 hours before the train departure time.