How Far is London Gatwick from London City? A Comprehensive Guide to Travel Times and Options
Planning a trip that involves both London Gatwick (LGW) and London City (LCY) airports? Understanding the distance and travel options is crucial for a smooth journey. This guide will break down exactly how far apart these two major London airports are and explore the best ways to get from one to the other.
The Distance:
The geographical distance between London Gatwick and London City Airport is roughly 45-50 kilometers (28-31 miles). However, the actual travel time varies considerably depending on your chosen mode of transportation and traffic conditions.
Travel Options and Times:
Several options exist for traveling between London Gatwick and London City Airport, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
1. Train: The Fastest Option (Generally)
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Gatwick Express to London Victoria then Overground/Tube: The Gatwick Express is a fast train connecting Gatwick to London Victoria Station. From there, you can easily connect to London City Airport via the London Overground or the London Underground (Tube). This option is usually the fastest, taking around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on connections. However, it's also often the most expensive.
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Southern or Thameslink Trains: These offer slightly cheaper alternatives to the Gatwick Express, albeit with longer journey times, potentially taking around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your connections and potential delays.
2. Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Convenient but Costly
A taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber offers door-to-door convenience. However, be prepared for a significant cost – expect to pay around £80-£120 or more depending on traffic and time of day. The journey time can vary greatly, anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours, especially during peak traffic hours.
3. National Express Coach: Budget-Friendly but Slowest
National Express operates a coach service between Gatwick and several locations in London, some of which have good connections to London City Airport. This is the cheapest option, but it's also the slowest, taking around 2-3 hours due to traffic and multiple stops.
Which Option is Best for You?
Your optimal choice depends on your priorities:
- Speed: Train (Gatwick Express) is usually the fastest.
- Cost: National Express Coach is the cheapest, but significantly slower.
- Convenience: Taxi/Ride-sharing is the most convenient but the most expensive.
Planning Your Journey:
Regardless of your chosen method, pre-booking is highly recommended, especially for trains and ride-sharing services, particularly during peak travel times. Check journey times and costs using journey planning websites or apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, or the National Rail website before you travel to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer between London Gatwick and London City Airport.
Remember to factor in extra time for potential delays, especially during rush hour or periods of inclement weather. Arriving early at your destination airport is always advisable, especially when transferring between airports.
