Is it true that the Gatwick Express no longer originates at Gatwick Airport? Previously it originated at Gatwick and the price premium you paid to use it was partly offset by the fact it was going to be less crowded at rush hour. If that is no longer true I'm reluctant to pay extra over the regular train.
Posted by
London
291 posts
Its partially true, the services Monday to Friday between 7:05 and 8:50 at Gatwick start at Brighton with stops at key commuter towns along the way and so will be full of commuters by the time they reach Gatwick. Such is the force of the voting commuters against the non-voting visitors that the commuters initially convinced the politicians to axe the Gatwick Express completely and use the track for more commuter trains.
Once big business/airlines started getting involved and objecting a classic compromise was agreed where the Gatwick Express was reprieved on condition that the voting commuters could get access to the half empty airport trains at peak times.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33829 posts
So most still originate at LGW. Only at the rush do you get the others.
Posted by
chicago, il
113 posts
1. If you are using a Britrail pass the Gatwick Express is included for no additional charge. 2. If not check whether First Capital Connect from Gatwick to St Pancras is an option if you are staying closer to St Pancras Kings Cross or Euston. If you are staying closer to Victoria the Gatwick Express is non stop to Victoria whereas the Southern Railway has trains making local stops into Victoria. 3. The Brighton extension only concerns 6 trains during the peak period in the peak direction only
http://www.gatwickexpress.com/en/download/791.7/updated-brighton-extension-timetable/