The Gatwick Express is the fastest train between London Victoria and Gatwick, taking just 30 minutes (35 minutes on Sundays) direct. Other train services from Victoria generally take 32 minutes (just 2 minutes longer) to 45 minutes, depending on how many stations they call at.

The Gatwick Express is often marketed as the "premium" and fastest way to reach central London from the airport, but the actual time savings are surprisingly minimal in 2026. While the Gatwick Express runs non-stop to London Victoria in about 30 to 33 minutes, standard Southern Railway trains covering the same route—albeit with stops at Clapham Junction and East Croydon—typically take around 32 to 35 minutes. This means the "Express" service often only saves you about 2 to 4 minutes of travel time. Despite this negligible difference, the Gatwick Express can cost significantly more than a standard Southern or Thameslink ticket. For most travelers, using a contactless card or mobile payment on a Southern train is the smarter choice, as you get a virtually identical arrival time for a fraction of the price, though the Gatwick Express does offer more dedicated luggage space for those with heavy bags.