Gatwick Train Station

Posted by Frank II (Freedonia) on 07/25/09 02:27 PM

It's been 18 years since I've flown through Gatwick so I have the following question:

I arrive at LGW (North Terminal) at 10:45 AM on a flight from Luxembourg. I want to catch a 12:05 PM train to Reading. Will one hour and 15 minutes be long enough to go through Immigration, Customs (carry-on only), get from the North Terminal to the South Terminal and then to the train station? Or should I plan on the 1:05 instead? (I want to buy a ticket in advance so save some money. I don't want to take a bus because I'm actually changing trains in Reading and I prefer the comfort of a train.)

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

07/25/09 05:04 PM

32220 posts

Frank II,

I usually use Gatwick when I'm heading for London, as it's somewhat smaller than Heathrow and therefore easier to get around. Also, I like the Victoria station area, so it's convenient to the Gatwick Express.

However, my memory is a bit "foggy" on the time it took to get to the trains after my flight landed. I assume you're using the "regular" train rather than the Gatwick Express?

As I recall, it was a bit of a walk from the aircraft to the Customs area, and then about a 15-20 min. wait to get through the inspection. If there are a lot of flights arriving at the same time, it could be a bit longer. There are separate lanes for E.U. and non-E.U. citizens.

I'm assuming you've checked This and other sites regarding the trains at Gatwick.

IMHO, 1H:20M should be enough under ideal conditions, but the circumstances at the time will have a bearing on how quickly you can get to the trains.

Sorry I can't be more specific. Be sure to let us know how the timing worked out when you get back.

Good luck and happy travels!

Posted by Tim

Minneapolis, MN, USA

07/25/09 06:01 PM

8700 posts

Even if your plane is on time and you don't have any delays at immigration/passport control, you'll be cutting it close. Since you want to buy a discount train ticket--which I assume will be non-exchangeable and non-refundable--book the 13:05 train.

Posted by Frank II OP

Freedonia

07/25/09 09:02 PM

15213 posts

Thanks...Tim....I realized it would be best to get the 13:03 train....(it's about a $50 saving buying in advance over walk up--and that's just to Bath.)

Considering I'd arrive at North Terminal, have to go through immigration, walk to the tram, take the tram to the South Terminal, walk to the train station--I'd be cutting it very close. And as you mentioned, the discount ticket is non-refundable and non-changeable--but only 8.50 GBP.

Posted by Kristen

Pittsburgh, PA, United States

07/26/09 06:58 AM

10 posts

Hi Frank. I flew into Gatwick last month (June '09), and the line for non-EU held us up for an extra 40 mins, due to a group of people who must've been under some sort of suspicion. Unfortunately, there were only 3 employees on duty at the time, with one of them tied up to handle the situation. I believe the only people in line were those from just our flight. The EU line was through in a total of 10 mins. So, you never know what will happen.