How to get to Gatwick Airport

A free article on Outdoors

By: Paula Garrett

You've booked your holiday, your passports are up-to-date, visas
are in order, so there's only one thing left to think about: how are
you getting to the airport?

Gatwick airport is situated approximately 30 miles from the centre of
London and roughly 45 miles from Heathrow airport. The options for
travelling to Gatwick really depend on the direction from which you
are travelling, however, Gatwick does have excellent road and rail
connections - it was the first UK airport to combine air, rail and
road transport services.

Car
If driving is your preferred choice, Gatwick airport is situated a
short way off the M23, junction 9. Use an online route planner to plan
your journey, remembering that sometimes the shortest route is not
always the quickest. Book your airport parking in advance- don't just
turn up on the day as there's no guarantee a space will be available,
and this way is definitely the most expensive way to park.

Check for planned road works – the Highways Agency website gives
advance notice of planned road works and also real-time traffic
alerts. If you haven't got Sat Nav, make sure you carry a map with you
just in case there's an accident and you need to divert from your
planned route.

Kiss and fly
Kiss and fly is the enlisting of friends or family to drive you to the
airport and then pick you up when your flight returns. Now this may
seem like a very convenient method of getting to the airport, however,
spare a thought for the poor driver who has to make twice as many
journeys as you would if you just drove to the airport and parked
yourself. Think of their time, the inconvenience if your plane is
delayed, and their petrol costs. This has to be the most inconvenient
form of transport for the poor driver, and the least environmentally
friendly – double the journeys means double the carbon emissions!

Coach
This has to be one of the cheapest options for travel to Gatwick.
National Express, the Oxford Bus Company and easyBus are just some of
the operators that offer regular coach services to Gatwick from more
than 400 towns and cities in the UK. Direct services are also operated
from Heathrow airport.

As with airlines, coach companies have luggage restrictions too so
check luggage allowances before booking.

Most companies permit online booking and allow you to print off your
own tickets, however, National Express also offer the option of having
your tickets sent to your mobile, posted or picked up from a
collection point.

Bus
Metrobus offers bus services to Gatwick Airport; however, size of
luggage could be a problem so it is advisable to check with the
company in advance.

Train
Gatwick airport has excellent train connections as Gatwick Station is
linked directly to the South Terminal - a free transit train operates
to take passengers to the North Terminal.

Gatwick airport is only a 30 minute journey from London Victoria
Station using the non-stop Gatwick Express, or just 35 minutes from
Victoria using the regular rail service.

Rail Services
Currently there are six rail operators that serve Gatwick Airport
directly: Southeastern, First Great Western, Southern, First Capital
Connect, CrossCountry and Gatwick Express. With a vast train network
throughout the UK it is possible to get a connecting service to
Gatwick from almost anywhere.

The National Rail Enquiries website has maps showing the complete rail
network and there are various online sites to purchase your tickets,
or buy them at your local station.

Gatwick Express
Gatwick Express trains operate every 15 minutes, offering a non-stop
service to Gatwick from London Victoria Station.

From Victoria Station, trains run between 03:30 and 00:30 daily,
operating every 15 minutes between the hours of 05:00 and 23:45.
Journey times take 30 minutes and 35 on Sundays.

From Gatwick, trains operate between the hours of 04:35 and 01:35 –
trains depart every 15 minutes between 05:50 and 00:35.

Motorbike
There are dedicated bays in the car parks at Gatwick where
motorcyclists can currently park free of charge. A word of warning
though: motorbikes will be removed if parked in car parking bays.

Taxi
Gatwick Airport has its own official taxi provider, Checker Cars,
which operates a quoted fare system – you are quoted a fixed price at
the time of booking. Fares can be paid at the time of booking or when
you arrive at your destination. Checker Cars has their own booking
offices in both the North and South Terminals.

Although Gatwick has its own approved taxi company, it does not
prevent you from using your own, favourite or regular taxi company,
however, the pick-up and drop-off zones will be slightly different to
the official taxi company's.

Information about the Author:

Paula Garrett is a frequently traveller and recommends using Gatwick meet and greet parking , advising passengers to book their Gatwick valet meet and greet parking as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Outdoors Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com

Print This Article
Add To Favorites
Email to Friends
Get Re-print Code