Friday, September 20, 2024 A new social media challenge has put the spotlight on the speed and convenience of traveling from London Gatwick to the heart of the city. Participants documented their journeys to a bar near St. Paul’s Cathedral, starting from four different London airports.
The challenge was a race to determine who could reach the destination the fastest using public transport. All teams departed at the same time, filming their experiences to capture the progress. The footage was shared across London Gatwick’s social media platforms.
The results showed that the fastest journey, at just 47 minutes, was from London Gatwick using the direct Thameslink service—22 minutes quicker than any of the other airport starting points. Travelers can reach central London from Gatwick in as little as 30 minutes, with trains departing every four minutes—comparable to the frequency of the London Underground. Payment is simple, with contactless and Oyster cards accepted.
Gatwick also boasts the largest rail catchment area of any UK airport, offering direct train services to Brighton, Cambridge, Guildford, Southampton, and Reading, among numerous other destinations. In 2023, a newly refurbished Gatwick Airport train station was unveiled, enhancing passenger experience with a larger, more modern concourse. The upgraded station features wider platforms, eight new lifts, five escalators, and is fully accessible, doubling its previous size.
Simon Brady, Head of Marketing, London Gatwick said: “The video is a fun way of showcasing the ease and speed of reaching central London from Gatwick, with some healthy competition. “Our vision is to the airport for everyone, whatever your journey. When you see how connected Gatwick is to London, and how quick the journey can be, we are the obvious choice for passengers in the region and beyond.
” London Gatwick is making strides toward securing its long-term future. The review process for the airport’s planning application to regularly use its existing Northern Runway has now been completed, with a decision anticipated by early 2025. This environmentally-conscious proposal aims to enhance operational resilience, minimize delays, and deliver a major boost to both the national and regional economy by fostering trade, tourism, and job creation.
.
