Gatwick Airport arrival & departure transfers
The quickest and most efficient way to transfer from Gatwick Airport to your central London hotel is by Gatwick Express.
Traveling by road from Gatwick to central London can be quite slow, as the journey often gets stuck in the stop-and-go traffic typical of urban areas.
However, most trains terminate at London Victoria, which means that many travellers need to take a taxi or find another way to reach their hotel in London. A door-to-door service can save a significant amount of that travel time.
The hotel van shuttle is quite a common service in many countries. However, in the UK only a small percentage of travellers take advantage of it, and many are unaware that the Gatwick Airport – London hotel van shuttle service is available.
Unlike the public transport alternatives run by huge corporations the shuttle service is run by small independent operators.
Be aware, the van shuttle service is costly and potentially slow compared with popular public transport alternatives. However, it is much cheaper than a private car or taxi and above all the service is door to door unlike public transport.
Airport arrival & departure transfers
Gatwick Airport arrival transfer
Gatwick Airport has two passenger terminals. It normally takes 45 to 75 minutes after landing to clear customs and collect your luggage.
Once you’ve picked up your luggage, you’ll find your driver waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall, typically near the information desk at the designated meeting point.
The service provides transport for all flights, whatever time of day. Transfers into London normally take 60-90 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Hotel and apartments are the only valid destinations in all the major hotel districts in central London, which generally align with zone 1 of the London public transport network.
These include: Bayswater, Belgravia, Bloomsbury, Chelsea, Covent Garden, Earl’s Court, Euston, Hammersmith, Holborn, Kensington, King’s Cross, Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Paddington, Pimlico, Regents Park, Soho, St James’s, St John’s Wood, Tower Bridge, Victoria, West End, Waterloo, Westminster and Whitehall.
Baggage allowance
Each traveller is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions.
Please inquire prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable.
Gatwick Airport departure transfer
Departure transfers are essentially the opposite of the arrival process.
The same hotel districts in London are included. You will be collected from your hotel or apartment and taken to the departure area of the passenger terminal at Gatwick from which you are flying out.
London – Gatwick comparison of public transport 2025
| Service | Standard Adult Fare* | |||
| One way | Return | |||
| Bus/Coach options | ||||
| National Express Bus to Victoria | From £10.50 | From £18.80 – £22.60 | ||
| Train options | ||||
| Southern Train to Victoria (Advance) | From £13.50 | From £21.50 | ||
| Southern Train to Victoria (Anytime) | From £23.00 | From £38.80 | ||
| Thameslink Train to St Pancras International (Advance) |
From £13.90 |
From £26.90 |
||
| Thameslink Train to St Pancras International (Anytime) |
From £15.10 |
From £26.90 |
||
| Gatwick Express Train (Anytime) |
From £21.50 |
From £42.70 |
||
| Hotel Van Shuttle |
From £54.43pp |
Price on request |
||
| Saloon/Sedan Car (Based on 2 people sharing) |
From £87pp |
Price on request |
||
| Small Bus (8 People) |
From £34pp |
Price on request |
||
* Standard adult ticket. Other promotional fares may appear from time to time.
Public transport from Gatwick takes you to the heart of central London
