Gatwick Airport bus services to London

The cheapest airport transfer option, but slower than the alternative trains

National Express Gatwick bus at London Victoria

The Gatwick Airport Bus services to and from London offer the cheapest airport transfer options between London and Gatwick Airport.

 

There are two competing coach services, National Express and easyBus.

 

National Express run into London's Victoria coach station in the centre of London with large coaches with toilets.

The other Gatwick airport bus service - easyBus - runs small minibuses to West Brompton Underground Station, less central than London Victoria, located in the inner suburbs of London.

There is no direct motorway route into central London so progress is comparatively slow and peak hours traffic congestion can cause delays. Journey time is typically around 90 minutes - at least double the journey time of the train alternative.

 

The only real reason why you would use the bus service between Gatwick and central London in preference to the train is the cheaper price.

 

It should be noted that the National Express Gatwick Airport Bus runs a true 24/7 timetable running throughout the night at the same regular frequencies.

National Express bus between Gatwick & London Victoria

National Express coaches pick-up and drop at both Gatwick terminals, north and south, with the London terminus at Victoria Coach Station in the very centre of London.

Victoria Coach Station is a major London transport hub in the heart of London and a major budget hotel district.

The National Express service runs broadly every 30 minutes running 24 hours a day.

Journey time is around 90 minutes.

National Express fares - the key points

Remember: with National Express you book a seat on a specific bus schedule.

National Express fare types

National Express have three fare types:

Restricted Fare: online only - not amendable

This fare is the cheapest fare of all for a reason - it is neither refundable nor amendable.

Standard Fare: the cheapest fare. Amendable (for a fee) but not refundable

This ticket is not refundable but the journey date and time can be changed prior to your current departure date and time. Amendments must be made prior to the journey. An amendment fee will apply.

Fully Flexible Fare: unlimited amendments and refunds allowed before travel

The most expenstive option means that you can make unlimited amendments anytime prior to departure without incurring an amendment fee. You can also receive a full refund up to 24 hours before travel if you need to.

The Airport flexible add on - (Change & Go) The flexibility to switch schedule if your flight is early/late

(£5 each way)

For peace of mind if your flight is early or delayed with this add-on you may board any available coach 12 hours before or 12 hours after your original departure time you have selected on reservation.

You can amend your ticket to a new departure date as well - free of charge.

You can obtain a refund on your ticket up to 24 hours before departure.

You add the Change & Go Add On during the booking process, not at the original selection screen where you select your schedule and fare.

The option comes up on a subsequent screen with other supplemental options like excess luggage and travel insurance are offered and before payment.

National Express Group Discount (for 3 people or more)

If you're travelling on the National Express services in a group of four or more, you can travel between London's airports for just £20 per person.

Luggage supplements

The National Express coaches come with a free luggage allowance of either 2 medium or 1 large cases for the hold of the bus.

Medium cases should be no more than 70cm x 45cm x 30cm.

Large cases no more than 75cm x 50cm x 32cm.

Neither case should weigh more than 20kg (44lb).

An item of hand luggage is allowed in the passenger cabin but only laptop/handbag size.

There are steep excess luggage charges if you exceed these limits.

For supplement prices please click through on the link below.

3 extra cases is usually around twice the price to just one extra case if you book in advance, but will cost up to three times as much if you leave it to the day.

You will usually save at least a couple of pounds (or more if multiple extra bags) by booking in advance, in addition to guaranteeing yourself a space (extra luggage space can't be guaranteed on the day).

easyBus between Gatwick & London West Brompton & Fulham Road

The main easyBus terminus in London is close to West Brompton Underground Station (zone 2 of London's public transport system), so most people will need to take the Underground into the centre. West Brompton is a short walk though from Kensington Earl's Court hotel district, a major budget hotel district of London.

The buses do carry on to Fulham Road Chelsea and Park Royal but unless your final destination is in the immediate vicinity of these two you'll be getting off at West Brompton, and probably heading straight for the London Underground Station.

 

• easyBus use small mini-buses, a stark contrast to the large coaches operated by National Express coaches.


• easyBus frequencies are much less than at National Express and at irregular intervals.


• Like National Express your ticket is for a specific schedule. On paper you if you miss your schedule you can board another easyBus within an hour but on this route there might well not be one scheduled within an hour and it may be full.


• easyBus have a very dynamic pricing model. If you book far in advance you may be offered very cheap fares, pay closer to departure and fares offered may be more expensive than National Express. The time of day you travel will also influence the price you pay on easyBus.


• When comparing prices do factor in the total cost of getting to your final destination, the final transfer between the London bus terminus and your hotel in London may be almost the same cost as the airport bus.
  


• Luggage allowance is one hand luggage (max 5kg) and one main hold luggage (max 23kg) per person, around half that of National Express.

London - Gatwick Airport comparison of fares 2024
Service	Standard Adult Fare*
	One-Way	Return
Bus/Coach options
National Express Bus to Victoria	From £7.30	£14.60-£20
Train options
Southern Train to Victoria (Advance)	From £13.50	From £19.50
Southern Train to Victoria (Anytime)	From £19.40	From £38.80
Thameslink Train to St Pancras (Advance)	From £13.70	From £14.60
Thameslink Train to St Pancras (Anytime)	From £13.70	From £24.50
Gatwick Express Train (Anytime)	From £19.50	From £38.90
Shuttles & Private Cars/Coaches
Hotel Van Shuttle	From £53.43pp	From £106.86pp
Saloon/Sedan Car (Based on 2 people sharing)	From £77pp	From £154pp
Small Bus (8 People)	From £28pp	From £56pp

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