Gatwick handles many late-evening and early-morning flights, particularly budget airlines and long-haul arrivals. Knowing your options before you land makes a big difference.
Train services after midnight
| Service | Last departure | First morning service | |---------|---------------|----------------------| | Gatwick Express | ~00:30 | ~05:00 | | Thameslink | Hourly through the night | Regular from ~05:00 | | Southern | Limited night service | Regular from ~05:00 |
Thameslink runs a reduced overnight service with roughly one train per hour through the night. This gets you to London Bridge, Blackfriars, or St Pancras, but the journey is slower and you may wait up to an hour on the platform. The Gatwick Express stops entirely after about 00:30.
Taxis and Uber after dark
The official taxi rank outside both terminals operates 24 hours. Late-night fares to central London run GBP 90–130 (EUR 105–152) — higher than daytime due to nighttime supplements. Uber is available but wait times increase and surge pricing commonly applies, pushing fares to GBP 70–100+.
Why a transfer is the best late-night option
A pre-booked transfer is the most reliable way to get to London (or anywhere in the Southeast) after dark:
- Fixed price — no surge, no nighttime supplements that change your bill.
- Flight tracking — your driver adjusts for delays. No scrambling if you land at 1 AM instead of midnight.
- Waiting in arrivals — no standing at a taxi rank or platform at 2 AM.
- Price: GBP 70–100 (EUR 82–117) to central London, often less than a metered taxi at night.
Can I stay at Gatwick overnight?
Yes. The South Terminal has airside and landside rest zones, and there are several hotels within walking distance or connected by shuttle. The Yotel is inside the South Terminal for quick naps. For longer stays, the Hilton and Premier Inn are connected to the terminals.