Is Gatwick Airport Actually in London?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a trip to London and flying into Gatwick airport? You might be wondering, “Is Gatwick Airport actually in London?” The answer might surprise you.

The Location of Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport is located approximately 30 miles south of London’s city center. While it’s not technically located within the boundaries of Greater London, it’s still considered one of the major airports serving the city.

Transportation Options

If you’re flying into Gatwick Airport and need to get to central London, there are several transportation options available. The most popular options are:

  • Train: The Gatwick Express train is a non-stop service that runs between the airport and London Victoria station. It takes around 30 minutes and runs every 15 minutes during peak hours.

    There are also other train services that stop at other stations in London.

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport and can take you directly to your destination in central London. However, this option can be quite expensive.
  • Buses: There are several bus services that operate between Gatwick Airport and central London, including National Express and easyBus.

The Pros and Cons of Flying into Gatwick Airport

While Gatwick Airport isn’t technically located within Greater London, it still offers several advantages for travelers:

  • Closer to South England destinations: If you’re planning on visiting destinations in South England like Brighton or Southampton, flying into Gatwick can save you time compared to flying into Heathrow or Stansted airports.
  • Less crowded than Heathrow: Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, so if you’re looking to avoid crowds and long lines, Gatwick might be a better option for you.
  • More affordable: Flights to Gatwick can often be cheaper than flights to Heathrow or Stansted.

However, there are also some disadvantages to flying into Gatwick:

  • Further from central London: While there are transportation options available, it will still take you longer to get to central London from Gatwick than it would if you flew into Heathrow or City Airport.
  • Limited flight options: While Gatwick offers flights to many destinations around the world, it doesn’t have as many flight options as Heathrow or Stansted.
  • Limited amenities: Compared to some of the other major airports in Europe, Gatwick has fewer amenities and dining options available for travelers.

In Conclusion

So, is Gatwick Airport actually in London? Technically no, but it’s still considered one of the major airports serving the city.

Whether you choose to fly into Gatwick or one of the other airports serving London depends on your individual travel needs and preferences. But with its convenient transportation options and affordable flight prices, it’s definitely worth considering for your next trip.