Gatwick Express planned strikes 2026: Is my train running this week?

Lauren Ryan

Published: May 15, 2026

Updated: Oct 16, 2026

Gatwick Express planned strikes 2026: Is my train running this week?

Gatwick Express provides direct, non-stop trains between central London and Gatwick Airport – but when strike action occurs, airport passengers can experience significant disruption. Gatwick Express strikes often lead to a severe reduction or even suspension of direct airport services and increased demand on alternative trains from Southern. Strikes may also result in last-minute timetable changes, so it’s worth monitoring the situation.

If you are relying on Gatwick Express for your airport transfer, it’s worth being aware of the impact strikes can have: fast transfers by train between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport may no longer be possible, and business and leisure travellers making flight connections can be significantly impacted, especially tight connections. Service during peak times can be particularly tricky, thanks to the commuter-focused service that is often prioritised during industrial action.

In this guide, we will break down all the upcoming Gatwick Express strike action planned for 2026 and explain how this may impact any travel you have planned. We’ll also offer alternative options for scenarios where your journey has been cancelled or rescheduled.

Is Gatwick Express on strike today or next week?

No, Gatwick Express is not on strike today or next week. However, this is subject to change, so we recommend checking back here regularly if you have a trip with Gatwick Express planned. You can find the most up-to-date information at:

Gatwick Express’ Industrial Action Updates Page, where the latest developments are published as soon as they are available.
The National Rail Industrial Action Page also publishes information on any planned strike action at Gatwick Express that may affect upcoming journeys.

Bear in mind that industrial disputes can develop rapidly, and potentially lead to short-notice announcements as little as one to two weeks in advance of strike dates. If you have a trip planned with Gatwick Express, we advise monitoring the situation regularly, especially during periods of negotiation between Gatwick Express and RMT and ASLEF unions.

Gatwick Express strike dates and latest updates

At present, there are no Gatwick Express strike dates planned for 2026. That being said, last-minute changes are always a possibility when it comes to industrial rail disputes. We will keep this page updated with the latest information on any strike action affecting Gatwick Express services so you can take appropriate action.

Strike action can be announced with as little as two weeks' notice, which can severely impact your travel plans. We advise you to keep informed in the run-up to your journey – especially in the last 5 days. Train strike timetables can significantly impact your travel, so keep an eye on this page for updates, as well as Gatwick Express’ Industrial Action updates and National Rail.

How do Gatwick Express strikes affect your journey?

Gatwick Express strikes can heavily impact your airport train transfer – one of the last places you want to experience delays. The Gatwick Express offers the fastest connection between London and Gatwick Airport, and during industrial action, this service is often fully suspended. This puts increased pressure on Southern Rail services and leads to longer journey times to the airport.

Airport transfers: Trains from Gatwick Airport to London no longer run non-stop, or are sometimes fully suspended. This forces passengers to take alternative, slower trains, resulting in longer journeys.
Flight connections: Gatwick Airport is a major hub for ‘self-connecting’ passengers, and the lack of an express connection can put connecting flights at risk. Gatwick Express strikes force passengers to use slower alternatives, adding 40–60 minutes to the journey. With bag drops often closing 60 minutes before departure, this delay could cause serious issues for connecting passengers. Reduced services and delayed trains also lead to massive surges at security and bag drop.
Peak-time travel into London: As the Gatwick Express usually stops being ‘Express’ during strike action, these trains become part of the commuter service. During peak hours, your journey from the airport will become extremely crowded during the morning and evening peaks. Navigating the London Victoria terminus will also be heavily congested, often taking an extra 20 minutes to exit.

Tips for navigating Gatwick Express strikes

If you plan to travel from Gatwick Airport and London during strike action, follow the tips below to minimise disruption:

Allow extra time: Given that the Gatwick Airport to London service tends to cease non-stop service during strikes, you’ll need to allow extra time for the journey – especially if you are travelling to catch a flight. We recommend at least an extra hour to account for the slower train, congestion and surges at bag drop and security.
Consult alternative routes in advance: Thameslink and Southern routes run on the same lines, and will likely still be running during Gatwick Express strikes – albeit potentially on a reduced frequency or delayed, especially Southern. If you decide to avoid rail altogether, plan your transport as strikes can cause tickets to sell out.
Avoid tight flight connections: With no ‘Express’ service between London and Gatwick Airport, the minimum connection time for catching a flight at Gatwick Airport is significantly increased. If you book connecting flights as separate tickets, you won’t be entitled to rebooking or a refund if you miss your departure at Gatwick. During strikes, allow at least 5 hours of connection time to be safe.

Alternative travel options during Gatwick Express strikes

When Gatwick Express services are affected by strikes, there are usually a number of other options to choose from for travel between Gatwick Airport and London.

Southern

Gatwick Express trains are usually re-tasked as Southern services, serving as the skeleton service for commuters. Southern trains make additional stops at major hubs like Clapham Junction and East Croydon, but usually take 50–60 minutes to reach London Victoria and can also experience crowding and delays due to Gatwick Express strikes.

Thameslink

Thameslink routes run to and from Gatwick Airport via East Croydon and are often more reliable during strike action. They call at London Bridge and St Pancras International and usually take between 35 and 50 minutes.

Coaches and taxis

Coach services will be completely unaffected during rail strikes – except that they sell out much faster. The National Express route A3 runs from Gatwick to London Victoria Coach Station, taking 1 h 15 m to 2 h depending on traffic.

Taxis are another dependable option during strikes, especially if you have pre-booked and secured a fixed fare. Official airport taxis outside Gatwick terminals may see long queues during strike days, while ride-hailing apps will often apply surge pricing. Taxis usually take between 60 to 90 minutes to reach London from Gatwick Airport.

Popular FAQs for Gatwick Express strikes

How far in advance are Gatwick Express strikes announced?

Gatwick Express strikes are typically announced just one to two weeks in advance, with strike-date schedules usually published 5 days before strike dates. Keep an eye on Gatwick Express industrial action updates during negotiations to stay informed on the latest information.

What is the fastest alternative to the Gatwick Express?

The fastest alternative transport between Gatwick Airport and London is services from Southern or Thameslink. They will usually take between 45 and 60 minutes during strikes compared to the 1–2 hours by coach or 60–90 minutes by taxi; however, they will likely be very crowded during strikes.

Can I get a refund if my train is cancelled?

Yes, if your Gatwick Express train is cancelled or rescheduled due to strike action, you are entitled to a full fee-free refund. You can claim your refund through the platform you purchased your ticket from, whether that’s directly from Gatwick Express, here on Trip.com or on another booking platform.

Do strikes affect airport transfers significantly?

Yes, Gatwick Express strikes affect airport transfers most significantly, especially during peak travel times. Services between Gatwick and London are usually commuter-focused during strikes, meaning there are no express non-stop routes. As such, airport transfer times become significantly longer and heavily congested during peak hours when airport passengers share the train with commuters.