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Travelling to Gatwick Airport this festive season is about to get easier. From Sunday 13 December 2026, Gatwick Express will double its service between London Victoria and London Gatwick from two to four trains an hour. The change, part of the national December timetable update, restores the service to its 2019 level for the first time since the pandemic. It arrives just in time for the Christmas and New Year getaway.
Trains doubled: Four trains an hour instead of two, offering more frequent departures.
Start date: Sunday 13 December 2026.
Journey time: Non-stop services take around 30 minutes between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport.
Passenger extras: Gatwick Express passengers can also buy discounted Fast Track Security and airport lounge access, both launched earlier this year.
The December timetable marks the return to four trains an hour for the first time since 2019, restoring Gatwick Express to its pre-pandemic frequency.
Louis Rambaud, chief customer officer at Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which runs Gatwick Express, called the return to four trains an hour a major milestone. He said the extra services would give customers more choice and flexibility when travelling to and from the airport.
Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer at London Gatwick, also welcomed the change. He noted that the airport offers around 230 destinations this winter, from winter sun to city breaks and festive getaways.
The service increase comes as demand for winter travel grows. In research commissioned by Gatwick Express, more than half of those polled said they were considering a holiday abroad in December or January.
The research also found clear differences between generations:
Gen Z (39%) and Millennials (46%): Most likely to choose festive European city breaks and Christmas markets.
Gen X (51%) and Baby Boomers (59%): Most likely to escape the UK winter in search of sunshine.
Respondents also said frequent, direct train services were the main reason they would consider taking the train to the airport.
With more trains running, passengers will have greater flexibility when planning their journeys over Christmas and New Year. However, the festive period can bring changes to normal rail services.
Before you travel:
Check live times and engineering updates on National Rail, particularly during the Christmas period.
Remember that there are no train services on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Check the amended timetable for the days around the festive period.
Allow extra time at the airport during peak holiday periods.
Book Fast Track Security or airport lounge access in advance if you want to use them.
Whether you are after a festive European city break or some winter sun, contact TravelApp UK to compare flights and holiday options.
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Timetables are subject to change. Check the latest journey information before travelling.
