How Do I Get from Gatwick (London) to Salisbury by Train?
 

I was just wondering if I had to actually take the Gatwick Express into Victoria Station, then the tube to Paddington and then a train to Salisbury, or whether there was an easier way. Any of you Londoners know the answer to this question? Also, how long does it take? We'll be flying in mid-October, and will be quite tired, I'm sure, from the trans-Atlantic flight. Thanks for your help.

Whilst not a local I pulled up the infomation on the rail page it it looks like you can transfer at Clapham Junction station.

Sorry, I entered before I finished with your question. It appears that trains depart about every 1/2 hour or so taking around 2 hours. What I do not know is if the train you want to take is the Gatwick express or the regular service train. My guess is that it is the regular service but you can check this out later or someone may clarify here.

Thanks for your help, Roger. Does anyone else have a more definitive answer? Thanks!

<BR>Look at the schedules on "railtrack.co.uk" to see what's available. Thames Trains tend to have connections through Clopham jct or Reading which keeps you out of London.

Hello.. <BR> <BR>Unless you like train rides real bad & waiting - I strongly suggest if you don't mind driving is to get a car at airport stay at a B&B! Otherwise you might be able to get a Coach near Gatwick that takes you direct to Salisbury... <BR> <BR>I think there is a uk version of mapquest on the internet which would make directions easier for you. <BR> <BR>I'm english (living in seattle now) and I don't think driving on the wrong side of the road is that much of a hassle - you just have to stay calm and proberly stay well clear of driving in London. <BR> <BR>Jayne. <BR> <BR>

We did this just last year . . . and it was not hard. We took the train from Gatwick to Clapham Junction, where we changed trains and went on to Salisbury. Even slightly jet-lagged, it is quite manageable. Simplified directions--not to insult anyone's intelligence, but when I travel, I would REALLY love signs that said, "Carolyn, Walk over here and look for platform three" or something like that! <BR> <BR>1. Remember Gatwick is a train station, and the Gatwick Express to Victoria is just one of many trains that comes and goes. <BR> <BR>2. When you get your ticket or get your pass validated, ask which train to Clapham, and ask for which platform. <BR> <BR>3. Get off at Clapham, find a Brit Rail person in uniform and ask "which platform for Salisbury?" <BR> <BR>BINGO! I think it took us about two hours, maybe less. <BR> <BR>You can find out pretty exact times at that railsite that someone mentioned earlier, and if you access details, it will also tell you which train lines to use--Connex South Central to Clapham, for example; then South West Trains over to Salisbury. The train "brand names" are on the sides of the trains, and sometimes I find it comforting to know exactly what I am looking for. <BR> <BR>This is a very manageable thing to do, and once you master changing trains, you really open up lots of travel options for yourself. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!