It seems that traffic is picking up enough that Gatwick Express – the operator of the direct train between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport is set to return from the 3rd of April.
Gatwick Express service passing Clapham Junction – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Services were first suspended on 30 March 2020 as the pandemic took hold and passenger numbers at the airport tumbled. Numbers have now increased and are expected to surge still further with the removal of all travel restrictions on 18 March.
With Gatwick’s South Terminal reopening, as well as passengers returning operator Gatwick Express will now return to support the recovery of the airport and South-East economy.
Gatwick Express will operate with two services an hour running non-stop between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria. The service previously ran with four trains an hour but the ongoing upgrade of Gatwick Airport station means there are not enough platforms available to accommodate them all.
Twice an hour
The service is planned to operate seven days a week, but weekend engineering work will impact this operation.
Between Mondays to Saturdays, all Gatwick Express trains will be timetabled to run non-stop between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, then will run through non-stop to Brighton. At peak time, weekday services will also call additionally at Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Hassocks and Preston Park.
On Sundays, trains will run between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria only.
In Quotes
Stephen MacCallaugh, General Manager, Gatwick Express, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to bring back our non-stop Gatwick Express service from Sunday 3 April as we look forward to a busier summer season including for international travel.
“With more passengers now returning to Gatwick by rail and the South Terminal reopening, now is the time to get our service running again to support the airport and the economic recovery in the South East.”
Emma Rees, Head of Real Estate and Surface Access, London Gatwick Airport, said:
“The return of Gatwick Express is great news and we’re really looking forward to the completion of the upgraded railway station. People are flying from Gatwick in ever-increasing numbers and excellent rail links which have a dedicated service specifically for airport passengers are a vital element of our recovery and our link into central London and beyond.”
Gatwick Airport railway station is also being rebuilt to improve accessibility, reduce passenger congestion and cut delays for commuters and leisure travellers using the Brighton Mainline. It will be finished next year.
Check before you travel as always
When going between Gatwick Airport and London, there are a variety of ways to get there (interestingly all operated by the same company)
- Gatwick Express (non-stop)
- Southern Railway (stopping services)
- Thameslink (via London Bridge, City Thameslink, Farringdon, King Cross-St Pancras and points north
Each of these have slightly different fares that are charged – so it’s important to check before you travel. In addition, whilst Oyster and Contactless payments are offered, these may not be the cheapest.
It is vitally important to check before you travel or at least check National Rail Enquiries (and the operator sites) for the cheapest fares and routes that will suit you best.
Whilst Gatwick Express is timetabled to run seven days a week, there’s a lot of upgrade work going on the Brighton Main Line. As usual, check ahead at nationalrail.co.uk to see how it will impact you.
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