Now, let’s talk about the coach. You can take National Express or FlixBus from Victoria Coach Station. It takes about an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic. Yes, that’s longer than the train, but the price often makes you smile—sometimes under £10.
How to Get from Gatwick Airport to London: Best Ways in 2026 - Klook
I once took the coach after a late shift. It was quiet, I had a seat to myself, and I watched the city lights fade into the Surrey countryside. Felt like a little adventure, honestly. Just bring a book or download a podcast—you’ve got time to chill.
One warning: coaches can get stuck in the M23 traffic if there’s an accident. So only choose this if you’re not in a rush. It’s the slow cooker of airport transport—reliable, but low and slow.
Driving Yourself: The Wild Card
Driving to Gatwick is like deciding to bake a cake from scratch—rewarding if you do it right, but stressful if you mess up. You’ll take the M23 or A23 from south London. The biggest pain? Parking. It costs a fortune unless you book way ahead.
If you do drive, use a "meet and greet" service where someone takes your car at the terminal. It feels fancy, even if you’re just wearing jeans and a hoodie. Otherwise, leave the car at home and save your sanity for the flight.