Gatwick Express is doubling its train services between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport next month. The change will give passengers more options when travelling to the airport for winter holidays and festive breaks.
All details correct at the time of publication (12 November 2026).
From Sunday 13 December, services will increase from two to four trains per hour. This will restore the pre-pandemic timetable and bring back more frequent direct connections to London Gatwick for the first time since 2019.
The increase is another improvement for customers under public ownership. It also marks a further step towards Great British Railways.
Winter holidays drive demand for airport travel
The timetable change follows new research commissioned by Gatwick Express. It found that more than half of UK adults are considering a holiday abroad in December or January.
Christmas markets and festive city breaks remain popular. However, winter sun is the top choice for many Brits looking to escape the colder weather.
The research revealed the five most popular types of winter breaks:
- Winter sun: 44%
- Christmas markets or festive city breaks: 38%
- Romantic or couples breaks: 26%
- Last-minute spontaneous trips: 24%
- Wellness or relaxing breaks: 24%
Preferences also vary between generations. Gen Z (39%) and Millennials (46%) are most likely to choose a festive city break.
In contrast, Gen X (51%) and Boomers (59%) favour winter sun and warmer weather.
More flights from London Gatwick
There are also more options for customers heading to warmer destinations this winter.
British Airways has announced an expanded winter 2026 schedule from London Gatwick. This includes new direct flights to Barbados and Colombo in Sri Lanka, as well as more services to popular Caribbean destinations.
The additional Gatwick Express trains will give passengers greater flexibility when travelling to the airport. This is particularly useful during the busy winter holiday season.
What makes train travel to the airport appealing?
Convenience is a key factor when choosing how to reach the airport. Gatwick Express research found that frequent, direct services were the main reason people would consider travelling by train.
The five most popular reasons were:
- Frequent, direct services: 34%
- Avoiding traffic: 33%
- Avoiding airport parking charges: 30%
- Discounted tickets or added benefits, such as Fast Track security: 26%
- Early morning and late-night services: 23%
More frequent trains and added benefits
Gatwick Express operates direct journeys between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, taking around 30 minutes.
From 13 December, four trains per hour will give passengers more choice when planning their airport journeys. Customers can use the service for both winter sun holidays and festive city breaks.
There are also extra benefits available. These include discounted airport lounge access and Fast Track security, both introduced earlier this year.
Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer at GTR, which operates Gatwick Express, said: “Whether it’s Christmas in the sun, or skiing in the Alps, we want to make getting away this winter as easy as possible. By doubling our Gatwick Express services, we’re giving customers more choice and flexibility when travelling to and from the airport.
“Returning to four trains per hour for the first time since the pandemic is a major milestone and follows other launches this year, including Fast Track Security and airport lounge access, all designed to improve the customer experience and make Gatwick Express the ideal choice when travelling to Gatwick Airport.”
For more information and to book tickets, visit Gatwick Express.
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