You might be thinking, “What about the Thameslink or Southern trains?” Good question. Those are slower but cheaper—about £10–£15, and they take 35–40 minutes. The catch? They stop at multiple stations, so you might be stuck next to someone’s crying toddler (no judgment, we’ve all been there).
The Gatwick Express doesn’t stop. It’s like the sprinter of the rail world—straight line, zero drama. For me, that’s worth the extra fiver.
The Secret Hack: Off-Peak Savings
Want to save a little more? If you travel after 9:30 AM on weekdays or any time on weekends, the Super Off-Peak Single drops to about £16.90. That’s a whole pizza and a side of garlic bread saved! Just check the times, because if you try to use it at 8 AM, you’ll get a fine that costs more than the ticket.
Also, if you’re a Network Railcard holder (costs £30 for a year), you can knock a third off your ticket. That means the £19.90 becomes roughly £13.30—now we’re talking proper bargain territory.
