Gatwick Express Question
#21
Join Date: Jan 2003
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We had a similar bad experience on our only time to try the Southern train, too. We stood almost all the way into London, with our bags in the aisles and falling over a lot.
You also need to be aware that on the return to Gatwick the train is only making a stop. You need to be ready to exit quickly. The door closed between my daughter who got off first and me, but fortunately a gentleman saw I couldn't get it to reopen and did it for me.
We pay the difference quite gladly.
You also need to be aware that on the return to Gatwick the train is only making a stop. You need to be ready to exit quickly. The door closed between my daughter who got off first and me, but fortunately a gentleman saw I couldn't get it to reopen and did it for me.
We pay the difference quite gladly.
#22
Join Date: Nov 2008
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<The Southern trains are fine for what they are. And the Gatwick Express too. Again, just depends on your budget and your expectation.>
True words Rkkwan. I think there is a situational difference too. For my upcoming trip we're traveling in a group of six and it will definitely be a casual trip -- at least partially because the expenses multiply in a group this size -- but also because we kind of the adventure. However, if I was going with just my mom, we'd probably take the express as Mom's less likely to view standing on a suitcase all the way into London with as much enthusiasm as a twelve year old would.
True words Rkkwan. I think there is a situational difference too. For my upcoming trip we're traveling in a group of six and it will definitely be a casual trip -- at least partially because the expenses multiply in a group this size -- but also because we kind of the adventure. However, if I was going with just my mom, we'd probably take the express as Mom's less likely to view standing on a suitcase all the way into London with as much enthusiasm as a twelve year old would.
#23
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I can tell you that one time we took the Gatwick Express (Nov 2006), the train was completely full and we had to stand the whole way into London.
For me, a £1 saved is a £1 saved. We are budget travelers, and I'd rather spend 1 hour getting from home (here in US) to the airport via public transportation and back; than spend $100 on airport parking. ditto for London.
For me, a £1 saved is a £1 saved. We are budget travelers, and I'd rather spend 1 hour getting from home (here in US) to the airport via public transportation and back; than spend $100 on airport parking. ditto for London.
#24
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BTW, these are my parents on the Southern. [yk wasn't on this trip with us to Sicily/Amalfi.]
http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/p828338974/e2cb0c8a7
http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/p828338974/e2cb0c8a7
#25
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Admittedly not at rush hour, we took the Southern on a Friday in August and it was fairly empty. No specific place to put luggage, but I have no interest in paying extra for the Gatwick Express so I can have dedicated luggage storage!
#26
sf7307: You'd likely think differently at 9:00AM on a weekday morning.
Standing for 40 minutes while jetlagged is not my idea of fun . . . . . .
It really does make a difference the time/day of the week. On a weekend I'd definitely take the local. On a weekday AM - not so much.
Standing for 40 minutes while jetlagged is not my idea of fun . . . . . .
It really does make a difference the time/day of the week. On a weekend I'd definitely take the local. On a weekday AM - not so much.
#28
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Well being a budget traveler is not a bad thing, however, if you can afford something but are just too cheap to spend an extra pound or two, I don't understand it. When I arrive, after a 10/11 hour overnight flight, the last thing I want is hassle. I want to get to where I am going in a relaxed manner. If I was on a budget I would have done without something prior to the trip. Vacations and travel are meant to be fun not an exercise in frugality.
#32
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<i>When I arrive, after a 10/11 hour overnight flight, the last thing I want is hassle. I want to get to where I am going in a relaxed manner.</i>
That's the way you travel and that's fine with me. But that doesn't mean everyone feels the same as you do. I personally DO NOT find taking commuter trains and the tube a hassle, even after an overnight flight from the US. I'm sure lots of Londoners who, after a trip to the US, will choose to take the Southern commuter trains over the Gatwick Express.
How I like to spend my money on my trip is my business. Since the OP is asking ways to save money, we gave him the options of GEX vs Southern trains; and we gave him our own personal experiences riding the respective trains.
That's the way you travel and that's fine with me. But that doesn't mean everyone feels the same as you do. I personally DO NOT find taking commuter trains and the tube a hassle, even after an overnight flight from the US. I'm sure lots of Londoners who, after a trip to the US, will choose to take the Southern commuter trains over the Gatwick Express.
How I like to spend my money on my trip is my business. Since the OP is asking ways to save money, we gave him the options of GEX vs Southern trains; and we gave him our own personal experiences riding the respective trains.