Service Overview
Public bus and coach services at London Gatwick (LGW) are a cost-effective way to travel, especially if you’re heading to places not directly served by rail or you’ve found a good advance coach fare. Operators you’ll commonly see include National Express (long-distance coaches), Metrobus (local buses), plus limited/seasonal services by The Airline (Oxford) and Flixbus depending on the date.
Best for: solo travelers and couples on a budget, students, and anyone traveling to other airports (Heathrow/Stansted/Luton) without going into central London first. For business travelers or anyone on a tight schedule, trains are usually more reliable—buses and coaches are more exposed to motorway traffic and London congestion.
Route & Destinations
- National Express (coach): Regular links from both terminals to other airports, including Heathrow (~1 hour), Luton (~2.5 hours), and Stansted (~3.5 hours) (times are operator estimates and vary with traffic).
- London (varies): Coaches often run to major London hubs such as Victoria and sometimes other central stops (routes can change by season and time of day).
- Metrobus (local): Best for nearby towns and local rail links around Crawley, Horley, Redhill and the wider Sussex/Surrey area.
Typical time to central London by coach is roughly 1–2 hours depending on traffic and the number of stops. For faster city access, the train from Gatwick to London stations (Victoria, London Bridge, St Pancras) is usually 30–50 minutes.
Connections are straightforward: London coach terminals connect to the Tube and local buses; airport-to-airport services are especially useful if you’re transferring flights and want to avoid crossing central London.
Pricing & Tickets
- Typical fares: Coaches are often cheaper than trains, commonly around £10 or less when booked online in advance (prices vary by operator, time, and demand).
- Where to buy: Operator websites/apps (best value), ticket desks/agents at the airport, and sometimes from the driver for local buses (subject to route rules).
- Payment: Expect card/contactless widely accepted; carry a backup card in case a specific local route is exact-fare or has limits on cash.
If you’re price-sensitive, book National Express (and any Flixbus services) ahead of time; walk-up fares can be significantly higher on busy days.
Schedule & Frequency
- Frequency: Many coach routes run about every 30 minutes or better at peak periods, but this varies by destination.
- First/last: Schedules differ by operator and day of week—check your specific route for early-morning/late-night coverage.
- Peak hours: Allow extra time during weekday rush hours and Friday afternoons; motorway delays can be significant.
For very early departures or late arrivals, coaches can be a lifesaver when trains are less frequent—just plan a buffer for traffic.
Practical Tips
- Pickup points: National Express coaches depart from both terminals. Follow signs for Coach/Bus Station outside arrivals. If you’re at the North Terminal and your coach leaves South (or vice versa), use the free inter-terminal shuttle (about 2 minutes, every 5–10 minutes).
- Luggage: Coaches usually have underfloor luggage holds; local buses may be tighter—avoid bulky suitcases at peak times.
- Accessibility: Request assistance in advance for wheelchair spaces on coaches; low-floor access is common on local buses but varies by route.
- Live updates: Use operator apps (National Express, Flixbus) and local transport apps for Metrobus times; always check for disruption alerts.
- Best alternatives: If you value speed and reliability to London, take the train (Thameslink/Southern/Gatwick Express). If you’re in a group with lots of luggage and want door-to-door, consider a taxi/rideshare (often £60+ and traffic-dependent).