VonVan

Hello, I've tried to research this question myself but most discussion is about trains - Southern, Gatwick Express.

Our hotel is near Gloucester Road Tube and the Brompton Bus Depot is not far.

http://www.easybus.com/en/london-gatwick

Bus is certainly cheaper than train options and time is not an issue as we arrive very early morning;
Are there arguments against using the bus?

Thank you.

Andrew

I used an easyBus years ago to get from Luton (where there was no train option) into London, and it was fine. On the same trip, I flew out of Gatwick and took the train to get there. I think Gatwick is further out that Luton, but I prefer trains anyway. I'm guessing the easyBus is a longer ride. But if you don't mind the extra delay, don't mind a bus, and want to save a few bucks, go for it!

janisj

I'd rather a sharp stick in the eye than take surface streets from LGW in to London. Especially if it is an overnight flight.

But if you have the time . . . do realize the bus stop is about a mile's walk from Gloucester Rd tube station.

janisj

>>do realize the bus stop is about a mile's walk from Gloucester Rd tube station.<< . . . or two stops on the Tube plus a few stairs

PalenQ

sounds like train + Tube will take you closer and quicker to your hotel?

Gatwick is a long long way out of London.

Are you going back to Gatwick -then if you buy a paper return train ticket on trains from Gatwick you will be able to use if for 2-for-1 offers at many paying sites -bus tickets don't work I believe. Something that may make the train more worthwile and save tons of money at say Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Tower Bridge, some Thames crusies, the CocoCola London Eye observation wheel, St Paul's Cathedral and tower and any paying attraction virtually you may go to.

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/2334.aspx

BigRuss

<<Are there arguments against using the bus?>>

Bus takes longer.

London traffic sucks.

Traffic to London from Gatwick sucks.

Traffic to London from Gatwick on weekday mornings really sucks.

Southern Line to Victoria isn't that costly (way less than Gatwick Express).

You paid for an overnight flight and you're nickel-and-dime cutting on this?

PalenQ

Are there any arguments for using the bus? Why is there even such a bus? Cheaper yes but not if using 2for1 scheme!

VonVan

Thanks for all the replies - most center on time which is definitely not a factor with crazy-early arrival time.

2FOR1 vouchers might be important and we will consider that.

If I'm looking at things correctly, bus is 1.95 GBP and Southern a good ten pounds more (one way, didn't look at round trip) so that's approximately 40 GBP difference, which in my world is not nickel-and-diming.

Janisj, I laughed at your "sharp stick" comment; I must have higher traffic tolerance.

I appreciate your thoughts and thank you again.

Andrew

I'm frugal myself and wouldn't hesitate to save 40 GBP if I wasn't in a big hurry, although I really hate long bus rides. So I probably wouldn't do it to save 10GBP...

tom_mn

Also people forget about the "other" train line that serves central London from Gatwick, Thameslink. They offer 1 hour trips for under 15 pounds:

06:43 Gatwick Airport [GTW]
4 London Blackfriars [BFR]
07:25 2 0h 42m


Thameslink service from Brighton to Bedford

Tube 07:28 London Blackfriars [BFR]
Gloucester Road London Underground
07:44 0h 16m

tom_mn

Sorry I thought the 1.95 was a typo. I see it's like megabus, there are a few seats at 2 pounds then the rest go for a lot more. If they are only running once every few hours it doesn't seem like a good savings.

janisj

>>Gatwick, Thameslink. They offer 1 hour trips for under 15 pounds:<<

Which is of no help to someone staying in South Kensington.

PatrickLondon

As I understand it, Easybus runs to the West Brompton area, and all other buses including Megabus to Victoria Coach Station.

Whichever option you choose you'll have another onward journey to get to Gloucester Road, either by tube (least hassle if you arrive at Victoria by train, but still steps and stairs with luggage; at West Brompton there are also tube trains going in directions you don't want, plus steps and stairs; Victoria Coach Station is quite a long walk from the tube).

There is a local bus C1 which runs from Victoria past the coach station and round Chelsea en route to South Kensington and Earl's Court, but may not be advisable with luggage and may not get that close to where you're staying.

It all depends on your tolerance for inconvenience rather than cost.

PatrickLondon

Come to think of it, there is local bus 74 from West Brompton which would take you to Gloucester Road. But if you're arriving just in time for the morning rush hour there could be an issue with luggage.

VonVan

FTR, we'll probably go with Southern, influenced by your well-expressed opinions.

Deciding factors being the 2FOR1 deals and the irregular bus departure times ~ I very much appreciate the seasoned advice from those who have gone before; thank you!