Right, the Gatwick Express. It’s fast, flashy, and costs roughly the same as a small yacht. At £20+ for a single ticket, it’s the booby prize of travel. Avoid it unless your boss is paying, or you enjoy paying 50p per minute for a 30-minute ride.
Instead, take the Thameslink or Southern Rail trains. They use the same tracks, the same trains, and take only 10 minutes longer. The difference? A Thameslink ticket from central London to Gatwick can cost as little as £8.50 off-peak. You’re basically paying less for the same journey, minus the smugness of the Express’s purple seats.
Surprising fact: Gatwick Airport has its own railway station. But did you know it’s the oldest airport railway station in the UK? It opened in 1958, back when people smoked on planes and luggage was made of wood. You’ll be riding a piece of history for the price of a meal deal. Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for the cheapest fares—tap in, tap out, feel like a wizard.
