Hello all,
My daughter (age 11) and I are flying into London Gatwick from Vanouver, BC Canada, arriving 8:40am London time. We will be tired! And my daughter has not flown a transatlantic flight before so jetlag will be new for her. Question: best transportation options from Gatwick to our hotel in London (about 90km away says google maps). Weighing up cost of a taxi given our tired state vs other options.
Thanks for any suggestions or feedback!
Amanda
Road transport is never recommended when travelling from Gatwick to central London, the train is much quicker. It would be helpful if you said where the hotel is for the best advice.
A taxi will take well over an hour. A train will take 30 minutes. Trains go to Victoria, London Bridge, Blackfriars, Kings Cross and other city destinations.
The National Express Bus is slow because it routes via Heathrow.
Would be helpful to provide an answer if you would name the accommodation.
Thank you- our hotel is Lords Hotel in Leinster square (not Leicester Square).
Simplest public transport route is train to Victoria, Circle Line to Bayswater and around a 10 minute walk. If the latter part is too much on the day take a taxi from Victoria.
And you might want to grab a snack for breakfast from one of the shops in the terminal before you leave it, so that you have a bit more energy for the last lap of your journey. I’ve often popped into the Marks and Spencer there and got some coffee and protein to get me home when I get off an early flight, and it does help your energy level.
Driving from Gatwick into central London is the very definition of purgatory. There are hardly any dual carriageways and the route is through suburban south London in more or less constant traffic. The train is so much easier, quicker and cheaper. You could just use a cab from the station when you get into London to take away the tube bits at the end.
I'm going to also suggest the train from Gatwick to Victoria and then a cab to your hotel.
It really is simple and easy.
You could also take the tube from Victoria as it is cheaper than a cab but it is more of a hassle considering your concerns. Plus the cab drops you off in front of your hotel. No walking.
THANKS everyone! Will take train to Victoria station then a taxi (if we are too tired to figure out the Tube). Also, Pro Tip on stopping at M&S at train station to stock up on snacks :)
I always miss Marks & Sparks when I leave the UK. :o)
This American woman living in London is a professional travel vlogger (yes apparently that's now a job possibility) and she did a whole video about this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J_BVQQOrEk
In case you enjoy her work, she has posted HUNDREDS of travel videos about her adopted city.
Great Vlog! Thanks for the suggestion!