Trains from Gatwick Airport to London Bridge from €16.03

Landing at Gatwick Airport and heading straight into central London doesn't have to involve confusing transfers or expensive taxis. The train from Gatwick Airport to London Bridge offers a direct and highly efficient route into one of the capital's districts.

For travellers keen to make the most of their time and budget, this route delivers comfort, speed, and simplicity in one seamless ride. This guide will take you through every step, from booking your ticket to exploring the area once you arrive.

Transport links to Gatwick Airport Station

Gatwick Airport railway station is ideally located for travellers, with direct access to the airport's South Terminal. A short indoor walk brings you from the concourse to the platforms. If arriving or departing from the North Terminal, a free shuttle monorail connects you in around two minutes, ensuring seamless transitions between the terminal and the train.

The station is situated on the Brighton Main Line, offering direct links north to London and south to the coast. Taxis are available from the South Terminal bus station, roughly 200 yards away, and a variety of buses operate in the vicinity with onward travel details displayed at the station. For those renting a vehicle, multiple car hire companies operate from both terminals and are accessible within a few minutes' walk.

Car parking is available seven days a week and includes accessible equipment and designated spaces for passengers with impaired mobility. While there are currently no bicycle storage or hire facilities at the station, the broader airport complex supports multi-modal travel.

Facilities at Gatwick Airport Station

Managed by Gatwick Express, Gatwick Airport station offers an impressive range of passenger facilities and accessibility features. The ticket office is open 24 hours a day, and passengers can use self-service ticket machines to purchase or collect pre-booked tickets. These machines are accessible, and Oyster card services are fully supported, including top-ups.

The station features step-free access throughout, ramps for train boarding, and tactile paving on all platforms. While induction loops are not currently installed at ticket machines, customer help points, and live service announcements are provided both visually and audibly. Staff assistance is available daily, and the station is equipped with CCTV, waiting rooms, trolleys, accessible toilets, and baby changing facilities.

Thanks to Gatwick Airport itself, amenities extend beyond the platforms. ATMs, shops, dining options, and currency exchange services are available within the terminal, a few steps from the station entrance.

Journey details to London Bridge

Southern, Gatwick Express, and Thameslink operate trains from Gatwick Airport to London Bridge. Southern offers regional services across the South East, while Thameslink specialises in high-frequency, cross-city routes, offering convenient travel through central London and beyond. This journey is direct, with no need for changes en route.

The journey covers 25 miles and takes between 29 and 40 minutes, depending on service type and time of day. The first train departs Gatwick Airport at 00:01 and the last at 23:37, ensuring early morning and late-night connectivity. Services run frequently, with as many as 166 trains available each day.

Depending on the schedule and operator, the train may stop at key intermediate stations such as East Croydon or Redhill. Fares start from around €16.03, though costs can fluctuate based on demand and time of booking.

To book your ticket via Trip.com, enter your departure as Gatwick Airport and destination as London Bridge, select your preferred date and time, and browse available options. Once purchased, you can collect your ticket from any self-service machine at the station using the collection code provided at checkout.

Onboard amenities on the journey

Passengers on the route from Gatwick Airport to London Bridge can expect clean, modern trains with a variety of onboard features. Standard Class seating provides air conditioning, overhead luggage storage, and accessible carriages. Some trains also offer onboard Wi-Fi, particularly on newer Thameslink stock, although connection quality may vary depending on location and train model.

First Class is available on selected Thameslink and Southern services and includes wider seating, quieter surroundings, more legroom, and in many cases, plug sockets and tables.

Facilities at London Bridge Station

London Bridge Station is a major central London interchange managed by Network Rail, located in Zone 1. The ticket office, located on the lower level concourse, operates from 04:45 to 01:00 Monday through Saturday and from 05:25 to 01:00 Sundays. Self-service machines are readily available, supporting Oyster and contactless payments and ticket collection for online purchases.

The station is fully accessible, with step-free access throughout, ramps for boarding, tactile paving, and staff assistance available daily from 04:00 to 01:00. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are on site, as well as help points, live departure boards, and security coverage through CCTV.

Waiting rooms are not available, but seating areas are provided across the concourse and platforms. Public Wi-Fi is offered free of charge, and a wide range of shops, food outlets, and cafes are located within and around the station. ATMs and lost property services are also available.

200 sheltered bike stands are provided outside the station for cyclists. While on-site cycle hire is not available, services are available nearby at Duke Street Hill.

Attractions near London Bridge Station

London Bridge is surrounded by a vibrant and culturally rich area, perfect for exploration on foot. Within moments of exiting the station, you can enter Borough Market, a bustling food destination offering everything from international street food to fresh artisan produce.

A short walk brings you to The Shard, offering panoramic city views from its towering observation deck. HMS Belfast, moored on the River Thames, offers a unique insight into British naval history. Further along the riverbank, you'll find Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern, and The London Bridge Experience, each offering cultural and historical intrigue.

Across the water lies Tower Bridge, another of London's iconic landmarks, and a little further east is the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels. For those interested in maritime history, the Golden Hinde ship replica is docked nearby, while Hay's Galleria offers a scenic setting for shopping and riverside dining.

Getting around after arrival

London Bridge offers exceptional onward travel options. The station is served by both the Jubilee and Northern Underground lines, providing fast connections to key locations such as King's Cross, Waterloo, Canary Wharf, and Westminster. This makes it particularly convenient for both business and leisure travellers.

Bus services operate from the upper level of the station and along Tooley Street, offering routes across South and Central London. Taxis are readily available from the designated ranks outside the station entrances, with additional pick-up points on Bermondsey Street and St Thomas Street.

For those planning to explore by bicycle, nearby docking stations offer easy access to London's Santander Cycle Hire scheme. Riverboat services are also within walking distance for a scenic alternative to traditional transport, and rail replacement buses operate when necessary from nearby London Bridge Street.