There are plenty of choices when it comes to getting to and from Gatwick, but if you are looking for great value, cheap travel then opt for the bus. By taking the bus to Gatwick, you can find fares for as little as £2 for some journeys! Competition between providers, including National Express, easyBus, Megabus, airline and Metrobus, and with rail services ensure that you can benefit from frequent discounts and deals. Routes are also convenient, allowing you to travel directly to central London, Heathrow, Oxford, Bristol, Cardiff and many more cities across the UK with just one or more changes.
If you are wondering where to start with all this information, then Parkhero is here to help. We have brought together all the information you need on bus travel to Gatwick in the quick guide below. We will show you some of the most popular bus routes, tell you a bit about the companies and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you can find the best options for your transfer to and from Gatwick.
Whether you are looking for a Gatwick to London bus, a bus to Bristol or even a bus transfer to Heathrow Airport, you have a good mix of options available. In the table below, you can see some of the most popular bus routes available from Gatwick with bookings based on a week’s trip booked a month in advance.
| Routes | Single price | Return price | Shortest Journey* | No. of Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Airport to London Victoria | from £8.00 | from £16.00 | 1 hour 40 minutes | N/A |
| Gatwick Airport to Heathrow Airport | from £16.00 | from £32.00 | 4 hours 15 minutes | 1 change |
| Gatwick Airport to Brighton | from £9.50 | from £18.50 | 45 minutes | N/A |
| Gatwick Airport to Oxford | from £18.50 | from £37.00 | 2 hours 25 minutes | N/A |
| Gatwick Airport to Bristol | from £14.00 | from £28.00 | 5 hours 5 minutes | 1 change |
| Gatwick Airport to Cardiff | from £23.00 | from £46.00 | 6 hours 25 minutes | 1 change |
| Gatwick Airport to Birmingham | from £11.00 | from £25.50 | 5 hours 20 minutes | 1 change |
| Gatwick Airport to Cambridge | from £21.90 | from £43.80 | 6 hours 35 minutes | 1 change |
| Gatwick Airport to Norwich | from £23.90 | from £47.80 | 7 hours 35 minutes | 1 change |
*Journey durations will vary by depending on delays, for accurate times and prices check out www.nationalexpress.com.
The routes in the table above are all provided by National Express. The other companies providing a bus to Gatwick service, had significantly reduced their services during the Covid-19 crisis. For accurate prices for your journey, make sure to check the companies’ websites closer to your travel dates. Keep in mind that the journey times above include a wait at London Victoria.
National Express
This company has the country’s largest bus network, allowing you to easily find a bus to Gatwick Airport via one of its many connections. There is a dedicated National Express desk at each of Gatwick’s North and South terminals and the buses also stop at both terminals. The company’s main hub is at London Victoria and most routes include a change at this station. While you are waiting, you can explore the sights of London without having to worry about long transfers, as you are in the centre of the city with easy access to the London Underground Network.
easyBus
Part of the same company as easyJet, easyBus provides transfers from Gatwick to West London, London Victoria, Heathrow Airport and Oxford. Tickets from this provider can be incredibly cheap with some routes from Gatwick Airport costing as little as £2 when booked in advance. At the time of writing, easyBus are only providing a Gatwick to Oxford bus service via the airline bus company.
Airline
The airline is a bus service provided by the Oxford Bus Company between Oxford and Gatwick and Heathrow Airports. The bus will drop you off and pick you up at both the North and South terminals at Gatwick and there are a number of stops in Oxford too. Passengers travelling into Oxford by local bus to catch the airline can do so for free with their airline ticket.
Megabus
One of the UK’s best know budget coach companies, Megabus provides a bus service between Gatwick and Heathrow, Bristol and Cardiff. At the time of writing only the Gatwick to Heathrow Airport was running. With Megabus you get to choose your own seat, there is free Wi-Fi and phone charging points and great value tickets available when booked in advance.
Metrobus
Metrobus provides local routes from Gatwick with up to 30 buses an hour serving the airport. They broadly cover the Crawley area and run 24/7. Destinations include Crawley, Redhill, Sutton, Horley, and Epsom amongst others.
Where do I catch the bus at Gatwick Airport?
The bus stops at Gatwick are located in the lower forecourt of both the North and South Terminals. Follow the signs for the buses from the Arrivals area and make your way to the front of the building. Each company uses a certain bus stop and this will be clearly noted on your booking confirmation.
If you need to transfer to or from another terminal to catch your bus, you can hop on the free monorail service. It takes just 2 minutes and leaves every 3 minutes around the clock.
What is the cost of a London to Gatwick bus?
You can find buses from Victoria to Gatwick for £8.00 one-way or even less if you book far enough in advance. The National Express service offers the most popular and reliable route with stops in London Belmont, Sutton, Rosehill and Vauxhall along the route.
For the best prices make sure to book online in advance, no matter the company. This will give you the most chance of finding the cheapest prices.
How long does a bus trip from Gatwick to London take?
A coach to London Victoria takes around 1 hour 55 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day. Victoria is the terminus for most bus journeys from Gatwick to London but many companies also make stops along the way. If you are looking for a bus service in between, such as London Belmont, transfers can take as little as 30 minutes.
If you are looking for local journeys from Gatwick to the Crawley area, check out the Metrobus services.
Can I buy a ticket on the bus?
Yes, most companies allow you to purchase a ticket on the bus, however, it is always best to check in advance with your chosen company. You will find the best value for money by booking your tickets online and you can also avoid the stress of the bus being full when you arrive!
Can you buy a bus ticket at Gatwick Airport?
You can buy National Express bus tickets at dedicated desks at both the North and South Terminal. Tickets for other companies can be purchased online.
What is the cheapest way to get to Gatwick Airport?
Taking a bus to Gatwick is one of the cheapest ways to get to and from the airport. When booked in advance, coach prices are easily cheaper than train tickets for example and far cheaper than taxi costs.
Driving to and parking at Gatwick is also a cheap option and can work out cheaper than taking the bus if you take into account the cost of transferring to the bus pick-up point from home and the fact that you will need to pay for a ticket for each member of your group.
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All prices mentioned serve as a guide only. Travellers should ensure that they check the price of their proposed journey with the service provider before booking. Please note that the information above is provided for reference only, and does not constitute as travel advice. For the most recent and relevant information about Gatwick Airport, you should check the official website at: www.gatwickairport.com.
