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.

<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.

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.

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

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!

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.

Yeah, I figured that!

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.

Saving money is fun for a lot of people.

I can afford all 5* hotels and limos to/from airport. But riding commuter trains with locals is FUN for me. Okay?

Ditto what rkkwan said.

Yeah, right. Spending money is more fun. Try it.

<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.

I agree 100% with everything you said. That is the purpose of this forum, to provide information and to answer questions. Sorry if I got of the subject. Still, at my age, I do enjoy my comforts.