Landing at London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and wondering how to reach central London without overspending? You’re not alone. This is one of the most searched travel questions among tourists, students, and budget-conscious travellers.

The good news is that Gatwick offers several low-cost transfer options. The cheapest option depends on how many people you’re travelling with, how much luggage you have, and how much time you can spare.

In this guide, we break down every budget-friendly way to get from Gatwick Airport to central London, compare real costs, and help you choose the best value option.

Quick Answer: What’s the Cheapest Way From Gatwick to Central London?

• Cheapest for solo travellers: Train (Thameslink or Southern Rail)

• Cheapest ticket price overall: Coach/bus

• Cheapest per person for groups: Fixed-price taxi transfer

Let’s look at each option in detail.

1. Train From Gatwick to Central London (Best Balance of Price & Speed)

For most solo travellers, the train is the cheapest and fastest option.

Train Options

• Thameslink – cheapest & frequent

• Southern Rail – similar pricing

• Gatwick Express – fastest but more expensive

Cost

• £10–£15 (Thameslink / Southern, off-peak)

• £19–£25 (Gatwick Express)

Travel Time

• 30–50 minutes

✔ Pros

• Fast and reliable

• Frequent departures

• No traffic delays

❌ Cons

• Not door-to-door

• Extra Tube/bus cost after arrival

• Difficult with heavy luggage

2. Coach / Bus (Cheapest Ticket, Slowest Travel)

If you’re purely focused on spending the least money, a coach is often the cheapest ticket option.

Cost

• £8–£12

Travel Time

• 1.5–2.5 hours

✔ Pros

• Lowest ticket price

• Direct routes available

❌ Cons

• Slowest option

• Traffic delays

• Less comfortable

3. Taxi From Gatwick to Central London (Cheapest for Groups)

A taxi may not look cheap at first glance, but for families or groups, it’s often the cheapest option per person.

Cost

• £60–£100 (fixed-price airport transfer)

Split between 3–4 people, this can cost less than train tickets for everyone, with far more comfort.

✔ Pros

• Door-to-door travel

• Ideal for luggage

• 24/7 availability

• Fixed pricing (no surge)

For trusted, fixed-price options, see:👉 Gatwick Airport Transfers to/from London

4. Which Option Is Actually the Cheapest? (Real Comparison)

👉 For a deeper cost breakdown, read: Cheapest Transfer From Gatwick to London

Hidden Costs Many Travellers Miss

When choosing the “cheapest” option, don’t forget:

• Tube/bus tickets after train arrival

• Luggage inconvenience

• Time cost (long journeys)

• Late-night availability

• Comfort after long flights

What looks cheapest upfront isn’t always the best value overall.

So, What’s the Cheapest Way to Get From Gatwick to Central London?

✔ Travelling alone & light luggage?

Train (Thameslink or Southern)

✔ Travelling on a very tight budget?

Coach/bus

✔ Travelling with family or luggage?

Fixed-price taxi transfer

Many travellers choose taxis because they combine cost efficiency, comfort, and reliability, especially when costs are shared.

Final Tip

No matter which option you choose, booking in advance almost always saves money, especially for taxis and trains.

👉 Need a reliable and affordable Gatwick transfer?🔗 Contact Us