Holidaymakers flying from Gatwick on this date told not to rely on first train as services cancelled
Holidaymakers catching an early flight from London Gatwick have been warned to rethink their journey to the airport in mid-August, as planned engineering work wipes out the first Gatwick Express services of the day.
National Rail has confirmed that no Gatwick Express trains will run before approximately 7am on Sunday, August 16. The disruption will affect the route between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, one of the most popular airport connections for passengers travelling from central London.
Services are expected to resume between London Victoria and Gatwick after 7am. However, that will be too late for many passengers booked on early-morning departures, particularly those who need to arrive when check-in opens.
The disruption does not mean that every train to Gatwick will disappear. Some Southern services are due to operate during the early morning, but trains travelling through East Croydon will be diverted and run to amended timetables with longer journey times.
Most Thameslink trains will also be diverted away from London Bridge throughout the day, creating another potential headache for travellers who normally join the airport route there.
Andrea Platania, travel expert at Transfeero, said passengers should treat the disruption as a change to their entire airport plan, rather than simply waiting for the next available train.
Do not assume another train will save the morning
Some Southern trains between London Victoria and Three Bridges or Brighton are scheduled to operate during the affected hours. However, services passing through the East Croydon area between approximately 1am and 6.45am will be diverted and may take longer than normal.
This means passengers should check the complete journey, including changes and expected arrival time, rather than simply searching for any train with Gatwick Airport written beside it. A service that looks like a convenient alternative may involve a longer route or a connection with very little room for delay.
Platania said: “The crucial detail is that the dedicated Gatwick Express will not run before around 7am. Other rail services may appear in journey planners, but passengers should not expect their usual quick and direct journey. If your plan depends on a tight connection or leaves only a small margin before check-in closes, an amended service is not a particularly reassuring Plan B.
“Do not assume a replacement bus will follow the same route or take the same amount of time as the cancelled train. Replacement vehicles may also have less luggage space and can become busy when several passengers are pushed onto the same alternative. Nobody wants to begin a holiday playing suitcase Tetris on a crowded bus.”
Work backwards from check-in, not departure
Gatwick advises passengers to arrive when check-in opens, typically two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul service. Travellers should also check the guidance issued by their airline, as bag-drop and boarding deadlines can vary.
Passengers should work backwards from the time they need to enter the terminal, accounting for the journey, possible waiting time, bag drop and security. Those travelling from Gatwick’s railway station to the North Terminal must also use the free inter-terminal shuttle, which runs around the clock and takes approximately two minutes.
Platania said: “If your flight leaves at 7am, arriving at the airport shortly before 6am is unlikely to provide a comfortable margin, particularly if you have luggage to check.
“The airport departure time is not the deadline you should use. Work backwards from check-in and then add a separate contingency buffer. Check the departure terminal the evening before travelling.
“Gatwick’s railway station is at the South Terminal, so North Terminal passengers have an additional stage to complete. The shuttle itself is quick, but walking to it, waiting and then reaching the correct check-in area can easily add 10 or 15 minutes.”
Book alternative transport before demand rises
Passengers whose flights are too early for the revised railway timetable may need to consider a coach, pre-booked airport transfer, taxi, lift from a friend or an airport hotel the night before. Arranging an alternative early could be particularly important for families and larger groups requiring more luggage space.
Train cancellations can cause a sudden rise in demand for road transport as passengers search for another way to reach the airport. Waiting until the morning may mean fewer available vehicles, while booking the wrong size of car can create another delay before the journey has even begun.
Platania advised: “If you decide to travel by road, arrange it in advance rather than hoping to find a vehicle at the last minute.
“Provide the flight number, departure terminal, number of passengers and amount of luggage. A car that works perfectly for two people may not be suitable once two large suitcases, cabin bags and a pushchair are added.
“Take a screenshot of the confirmation and save the driver or operator’s contact details somewhere easy to find.
“Do not rely entirely on an app, as batteries die, mobile signals disappear and phones have an irritating habit of misbehaving at precisely the wrong moment. Passengers should also leave extra time for roadworks, closures or unexpected traffic.”
Check the journey again before going to bed
National Rail recommends using its Journey Planner before travelling. Passengers should check when making their arrangements and then check again on the evening of Saturday, August 15, in case departure times, connections or alternative routes have changed.
Those who have already purchased a ticket for a cancelled service should contact the retailer that sold it. National Rail states that passengers may be entitled to a refund if their train is cancelled and they decide not to make the rail journey.
Platania said: “Planned engineering information can be refined as the date approaches, while unrelated disruption may still happen on the day. Check the official journey planner, the train operator and any connecting Tube or bus service. Screenshot the final itinerary as well, particularly if it involves several changes.”