One last shocker: during engineering works (which happen roughly every third Tuesday in February, but also randomly on Sundays), the Gatwick Express might be replaced with a bus. This is called a “rail replacement service,” and it’s the universe’s way of testing your soul. Check the National Rail app before you leave, or embrace the chaos and assume you’ll be an hour late. Pack a snack.
To sum up: the train to Gatwick is faster, cheaper (if you play it smart), and far less painful than driving or taking a taxi where the driver talks about conspiracy theories. Take the Thameslink from London Bridge for the best value, or the Express from Victoria for the ego boost. Just don’t get on the Brighton train. Unless you really need that beach, in which case, I applaud your spontaneity.
