£2–3 gets you from Gatwick to Crawley on Metrobus 100
Route 100 runs from both North and South Terminals at London Gatwick to Crawley in roughly 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and which stop you use in town. This is the bus most airport staff ride, so think workhorse, not express. It’s the budget move if you’re heading to Crawley hotels, local business parks or visiting friends, rather than going into central London.
Where it runs and how often
The 100 links Gatwick (North and South Terminal stops), Manor Royal, several business parks and Crawley town centre, then continues through local residential areas. Daytime weekday frequency sits around every 15–30 minutes, with reduced service in the evening and on Sundays. Because it stops so often, it’s significantly slower than the Gatwick Express or Thameslink for anyone continuing beyond Crawley.
Tickets, payment and typical costs
A single between Gatwick and most Crawley stops usually lands in the £2–3 range and may be covered by the national £2 fare cap when active. Metrobus accepts contactless cards and mobile tickets through the Metrobus app, plus local smartcards like keyGo. Drivers generally don’t give change, so turning up with a £20 note for a £2 fare is a reliable way to annoy everyone in the queue.
How to board from the terminals
At the South Terminal, follow signs for local buses to the lower forecourt stands; look for a stop clearly marked “100 Crawley.” At the North Terminal, the 100 calls at the main bus stands just outside the arrivals level. Services often bunch at staff shift-change times, so expect crowds around early morning and late evening peaks. Give yourself 10–15 extra minutes before any tight rail or flight connection, especially in rush hour.
What regulars do
Airport workers often walk to a slightly further stop near Manor Royal or an earlier Crawley stop to grab a seat before the bus hits the terminals. Frequent users tap in with contactless or pre-bought mobile tickets to avoid on-board faff over zones and fares. Some locals switch to Fastway routes like the 20 or 10 for certain legs because the bus-priority sections through Manor Royal can be quicker in heavy traffic.
Watch out for
Common gripes: buses leaving late or arriving in pairs when Crawley town centre jams up, and standing-room-only loads when large numbers of staff finish a shift. There’s no real dedicated luggage rack, so big suitcases end up in the wheelchair bay or aisle. If you’re cutting it close for a flight at North or South Terminal, skip the 100 and pay for a taxi or use the train instead.
Step-by-step: using Metrobus Route 100
- 1. At South or North Terminal, follow signs to “Local buses” and find the stand for Route 100 toward Crawley.
- 2. Check the timetable on the stop flag or Metrobus app; on Sundays and late evenings, gaps can hit 30 minutes.
- 3. Have contactless, a mobile ticket, or near-exact cash ready before the bus arrives.
- 4. Board through the front door, tell the driver your stop (for example “Crawley bus station” or a specific hotel stop), then tap or pay.
- 5. Move down the bus quickly; if you have large luggage, keep it tight to your seat or the side of the wheelchair area.
- 6. Watch the internal stop displays or use a maps app so you don’t miss your stop in the business park and residential sections.
- 7. Press the bell one stop before yours and exit via the middle doors where provided.
One last tip
If you land late at Gatwick, check the last Route 100 departure time that night before you leave the terminal; a quick look can save you from a £25–30 taxi to Crawley after services thin out.