I'm flying into London and immediately taking a train to Paris. How much time should I allow to get from Gatwick to Waterloo?

topping for Sarah

Train from Gatwick airport changing at Clapham junction takes about 50 minutes.

Or you could train to London Bridge station on the nonstop train in 30 minutes, then take the Jubilee line 1 stop west to Waterloo - probably about 10 minutes allowing for traversing any stairs/hallways etc.

you probably need to allow an hour just in travel time. That would be for the Gatwick Express to Victoria and a cab from Victoria to Waterloo International. The train is just over 30 minutesand the the drive over to Waterloo is not long but to allow for the train schedule, queueing for a taxi, etc allow an hour

Of course you need to add time at both ends (collecting luggage, immigration at LGW and check in and security at Waterloo), So If I checked luggage I would give myself at least 2.5 hours from arrival - 3 would be safer.

I was writing while Sue_xx_yy was posting - the reason I advised Gatwick Express is because Clapham Junction is a VERY large and very busy station - the busiest in the UK. It is not impossible - but it could be pretty confusing after a sleepless transatlantic flight. Plus that train goes to Waterloo Main - NOT Waterloo International. There is a fairly long walk between the two.

Whether you take the train to Victoria and the tube to Waterloo or the train all the way, travel time will be about one hour. You are required to check in 30 minutes prior to departure at Waterloo. Factoring in the possibility of a late arrival at Gatwick and missing the first train of your choice, I'd allow at least three hours (or more) between your scheduled arrival at Gatwick and your scheduled departure from Waterloo.

Thanks everyone! There is a train about 3.5 hrs after my scheduled arrival time at Gatwick. My plan is to take the Gatwick express to Victoria Station and tube to Waterloo. What website can I use to see train/tube schedules?

Would you believe http://www.gatwickexpress.co.uk/ for the Gatwick Express? There is no need for a tube schedule; they run every 2 or 3 minutes.

I believe the Gatwick Express runs every 15 minutes and it takes 30 minutes to Victoria.

For the underground routing and maps check this site:

http://tube.tfl.gov.uk/

I'll throw this out as an option, not to suggest anyone should do it. You could conceivably walk between Victoria Station and Waterloo. My guess is that it is about 2.5 miles. Rolling luggage would work fine. With all the hassle of going up and down stairs and changing trains, you might like this alternative. The Gatwick Express to Victoria Station is extremely easy.

I think I'll pass on the walk - not that I am afraid of the exercise, but carrying a full backpack for 2.5 miles doesn't sound like fun!

Since we'll be arriving around lunchtime, does anyone have any suggestions on a place near either station for a quick bite before we head on to Paris?

There's a food court on the second level at Victoria station, including a pub, a cafe rouge, a pizza place, some others. There is also food at the Wetherspoon pub above WH smith's.

From Victoria take either the Circle Line or the District Line to Westminster. Transfer to the Jubilee Line and take it to Waterloo. To see the route in detail, visit www.thetube.com and click on the Journey Planner.

Sarah,
How did your trip work out? I am leaving on 3/6 to London and going immediately to Paris also.

LMKov: SarahAW hasn't posted in a year so it is doubtful she will see your question. How are you traveling from London to Paris and how long have you given yourself for the transfer?

Another thread on this topic pointed out another route which would, I think, be easier and possibly a little quicker - say 45-50 minutes from getting on a train at Gatwick:

take the Southern train to London Bridge, where you wait on the same platform for a train to Charing Cross, which will stop at Waterloo East. From there you have to get your luggage up to the high-level walkway into the main Waterloo station, but from there it's all on the level and down escalators.

The Gatwick Express is a barmy way of getting from Gatwick to Waterloo because there isn't a direct tube from Victoria to Waterloo. There are easy routes via Clapham Junction or London Bridge. If you change at Clapham Junction, you'll arrive at Waterloo which is next to Waterloo International (there is no long walk, only escalators or lifts); if you change at London Bridge, there are no steps there, but you arrive at Waterloo East which is linked to Waterloo by ramps and an escalator.

We just did that very thing on Dec.18th with my son and my parents in tow. It's quite easy. Once in the main terminal at Gatwick (South terminal I believe) look for a sign to the Thameslink train and get your tickets thru to Waterloo International. We switchted trains at London Bridge stop (same platform) and it took us to Waterloo. You follow the signs up a couple of ramps and you emerge at Waterloo International. The Eurostar to Paris is at the far end of the terminal. If you have a few minutes to spare you can walk outside for a lovely view of the river and westminster bridge.