I'm landing in the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport. My flight arrives at 7:20 AM. I'll have to de-plane, pick up luggage, go through customs, and get to the train. I'm not sure how long it takes to get luggage and through customs in Gatwick. I read that the Gatwick Express train ride to Victoria station is only 30 minutes. What time can I expect to get to Victoria Station if my flight arrives on time?
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
You could arrive as early as 8:45, but more likely it will be sometime after 9:00- possibly after 9:30. We didn't check bags, so I am not certain how much time to allow for that, but it seemed to be effcient. Immigration (customs is for declairing items you bring in, Immigration for checking your passport) was usually only 15-20 min. and sometimes less - but it can take longer- just depends on how many other planes land at the same time as yours). In addition to the Gatwick Express, there is service from Gatwick on Southern Trains. Those do make other stops and some go to Victoria and some to other London stations. They seem to take about 10-20 min. longer than the Express. But they are considerably cheaper. We have always used the Express- it was easy, fast and we wanted to go to Victoria station because we stayed at the Victoria Thistle (now Grosvenor) Hotel. Plus we used BritRail Passes most of the time and it didn't cost us extra.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33820 posts
Figure an hour or so from touchdown to walking through Customs and into the main part of the airport. YMMV. If time is more important than money and you stick with Gatwick Express, you still have to buy a ticket so maybe you will make the 8:50, so maybe 9:20. Takes no account of any delays on flight, getting off the plane, taking a toilet break, waiting for misplaced luggage or delays in the immigration or customs halls. Or delays with the trains or queues for tickets. You now have to buy all tickets prior to travel - you can now no longer buy Gatwick Express tickets from the lady on the train. ... but I wouldn't put money on it ...
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
13 posts
Thanks to both replies. It is very helpful.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Travelling towards London at that time you will be better off using the more expensive Gatwick Express. It is likely that the other trains will be filled with commuters so little if any room for you let alone your luggage.
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
13 posts
We will be arriving on a Sunday morning.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33820 posts
If you will need to use the Underground after you arrive on a Sunday you should check for engineering works before you arrive. Otherwise you may have a surprise.