How to get from London Gatwick Airport to Westminster
Cities & Metropolitan Areas · United Kingdom · Urban & Cultural · London Gatwick Airport · London Victoria · Westminster
London Gatwick (LGW) to Westminster is simple: high-frequency trains (Gatwick Express/Southern/Thameslink) reach central London quickly, with an easy Tube hop to Westminster. Coaches are cheaper but slower; taxis/transfers are door-to-door. Pick based on budget, luggage, and arrival time.
At A Glance (London Gatwick Airport to Westminster)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Gatwick Express / Southern → London Victoria + Tube/Walk | ~30–35m train + 5–15m Tube/walk | Fast, frequent, easy with luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~£13–£25 one-way (time/book-ahead dependent) » compare GEX tickets | alt. listings | ||
| 🚆 Thameslink → Blackfriars/City (then Tube) | ~35–45m train + 10–15m Tube | Good off-peak fares, central city connections |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~£10–£18 one-way (contactless/Oyster ok) » check UK trains | ||
| 🚌 Coach (Gatwick → Victoria Coach Station) + Tube/Walk | ~1h40–2h30 coach + 15–20m Tube/walk | Lowest cost when booked early |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~£8–£20 one-way (advance) » coach/transfer options | ||
| 🚖 Taxi / Private Transfer (Door-to-door) | ~1h30–2h (traffic-dependent) | Families, heavy luggage, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~£110–£180 per car » prebook pickup | compare quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & most frequent: Gatwick Express/Southern to Victoria then Victoria line one stop to Westminster (or a short cab/walk).
- Best value off-peak: Thameslink to Blackfriars/City Thameslink then District/Circle to Westminster.
- Cheapest: Coach to Victoria Coach Station then short Tube/walk.
- Most luggage-friendly/late-night: Taxi/private transfer direct to your door.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Contactless works: Tap contactless card/phone on trains/Tube; peak/off-peak pricing applies.
- With big bags: Trains have luggage racks; for hassle-free door-to-door, see Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
- Early arrival/late checkout: Store bags near Victoria/Westminster via Radical Storage London.
- Staying overnight: Compare Westminster/Victoria hotels on Booking.com.
🚆 Option #1 — Gatwick Express / Southern → London Victoria (+ Tube/Walk)
Fast & frequent Contactless accepted Short onward hop
- Overview: Direct trains from Gatwick Airport Station to London Victoria. From Victoria, it’s one stop on the Victoria line to Green Park then Jubilee to Westminster, or District/Circle two stops direct to Westminster. Walking to Westminster (~25–30 minutes) or a short taxi are also easy.
- How to book (with price): ~£13–£25 depending on time and train. Buy in-app or compare on GetYourGuide (Gatwick Express) or Klook. Official info: Gatwick Express/Southern websites at the station ticket machines.
- Pros: Fast, frequent, step-free access at Gatwick. Cons: Slightly pricier at peak times.
Step-by-step: Gatwick → Victoria → Westminster
- From arrivals, follow signs to Gatwick Airport Station (attached to South Terminal; shuttle from North Terminal if needed).
- Tap in with contactless/Oyster or buy a ticket; board Gatwick Express or Southern to London Victoria.
- At Victoria, follow signs for the District/Circle lines; ride 2 stops to Westminster (or take Victoria line one stop to Green Park then Jubilee to Westminster).
- Exit at Westminster for Big Ben/Parliament; lifts available—ask staff for step-free routes if needed.
Getting to the main embarking points (Gatwick Airport Station & Victoria)
- Gatwick Airport Station: Inside South Terminal complex (shuttle from North Terminal). Ticket desks and machines on concourse.
- London Victoria: Mainline concourse connects directly to the Victoria, District & Circle lines.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆 Option #2 — Thameslink to Blackfriars/City (+ Tube to Westminster)
Good value Central London stops One change
- Overview: Thameslink runs direct from Gatwick to London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon, and beyond. From Blackfriars, take the District/Circle westbound to Westminster (about 10 minutes).
- How to book (with price): Often £10–£18 depending on time/day. Tap contactless at gates or compare rail options on Trip.com (UK trains). Official info at station screens.
- Pros: Competitive fares; handy if staying near the City. Cons: One Tube change to reach Westminster.
Step-by-step: Gatwick → Blackfriars → Westminster
- From arrivals, go to Gatwick Airport Station; tap in with contactless/Oyster.
- Board a Thameslink service to London Blackfriars (check front displays).
- At Blackfriars, follow signs to the District/Circle platforms; ride westbound to Westminster.
- Exit for Westminster Bridge, Houses of Parliament, and connecting buses/taxis.
Getting to the main embarking points (Gatwick & Blackfriars)
- Gatwick: Station concourse is well-signed; lifts/escalators to platforms.
- Blackfriars: River-spanning station with lifts; quick interchange to District/Circle lines.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Coach to Victoria Coach Station (+ Tube/Walk)
Budget Direct to central Slower than train
- Overview: Coaches from Gatwick (South Terminal coach bays) run to Victoria Coach Station. From there, walk ~15 minutes or take District/Circle Tube to Westminster.
- How to book (with price): From ~£8–£20 when booked ahead. Compare transfer/coach options on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Pros: Cheapest for solo travelers at peak rail times. Cons: Traffic-sensitive; less frequent late at night.
Step-by-step: Gatwick Coach → Victoria → Westminster
- From arrivals, follow signs to Coach Station (South Terminal) and find your bay.
- Board your prebooked coach to Victoria Coach Station; keep your ticket/QR ready.
- From Victoria Coach Station, walk to Victoria Underground (10–12 minutes) and ride District/Circle to Westminster, or take a taxi if you prefer.
- Exit at Westminster; follow signs for the Abbey/Parliament/Bridge.
Getting to the main embarking points (Gatwick Coach Bays & Victoria Coach Station)
- Gatwick coach bays: Clearly signed outside South Terminal; check the departure boards.
- Victoria Coach Station: Large terminal; wayfinding signs to Victoria Underground and local buses.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #4 — Taxi / Private Transfer (Door-to-Door)
Zero changes Meets arrivals Traffic-dependent
- Overview: A driver meets you in the arrivals hall and takes you directly to your Westminster address—no stairs or platform changes.
- How to book (with price): ~£110–£180 per car depending on time/vehicle. Prebook on Welcome Pickups (London) or compare quotes on GetTransfer. Ride-hailing (Uber/Bolt) works from Gatwick too; follow app signs.
- Pros: Most comfortable with kids, mobility needs, or multiple bags. Cons: Costly at rush hour; journey time varies with traffic.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer from Gatwick
- Prebook your pickup with flight number and party size via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
- After landing, meet your driver at the arrivals hall sign or designated pickup point.
- Ride directly to your Westminster hotel/apartment; request child seats if needed.
Getting to the main embarking points (Gatwick Arrivals & Westminster)
- Gatwick Arrivals: Drivers wait after customs with name boards; short walk to car park.
- Westminster area: Many streets have drop-off zones; confirm postcodes (SW1) and access times with your host/hotel.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (London Gatwick Airport to Westminster)
Can I use contactless or Oyster from Gatwick?
Yes. Tap contactless/Oyster at Gatwick Airport Station gates and on the Tube—daily caps apply in London zones.
Which train should I choose—Gatwick Express, Southern, or Thameslink?
Gatwick Express is non-stop to Victoria; Southern is similar time at lower cost but with stops; Thameslink is ideal if heading to the City (Blackfriars/Farringdon) then Tube to Westminster.
Is there step-free access?
Gatwick and major central stations have lifts; check staff for step-free routes to District/Circle platforms at Victoria/Blackfriars.
How long does a taxi take to Westminster?
Roughly 90–120 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
Where can I store luggage near Westminster?
Use partner shops via Radical Storage London (search Westminster/Victoria).
Staying nearby before sightseeing?
Look around Westminster/Victoria for easy access to landmarks—compare options on Booking.com.