Okay, this one’s for the absolute legends only. There’s a dedicated cycle route from London to Gatwick, the National Cycle Network Route 21. It’s about 30 miles and takes 2–3 hours. You’ll arrive sweaty, triumphant, and with a story that makes everyone at the check-in desk jealous.
But don’t do this unless you’re fit and very okay with arriving smelling like a gym sock. Also, pack spare clothes in a waterproof bag, because British weather is a lying traitor. One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re being pelted by sideways drizzle.
If you make it, you’ll have spent zero pounds on transport, plus you get a free workout and an epic boast. “How did I get here? I bicycled.” Watch people’s jaws drop.
The Ultimate Budget Combo: Bus + Train + Walking
When you’re desperately broke, get creative. Take a local bus to a nearby station, then a slower train to a smaller stop, then walk or take a shuttle. For example, the Metrobus routes from East Croydon or Redhill are dirt cheap—like £2—and drop you near the terminals.
Yes, it takes longer. You might transfer three times and feel like a migrating pigeon. But you’ll also see parts of Surrey you never knew existed, like a roundabout with a particularly nice hedge. Embrace the journey—it’s a budget adventure.
Check the Citymapper app or Google Maps and set it to “least amount of money.” It will suggest weird routes, but they work. I once did a bus-to-train-to-walk combo that cost £1.20. It took two hours, but I felt like a financial ninja.
How to Get to Gatwick From London – National Traveller
