London - Gatwick Airport
Jun 30th, 2006, 05:20 AM
#1
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London - Gatwick Airport
We are staying at the Kensington Close in London. We have a 1:00 flight out of Gatwick Airport on the day we leave. My travel agent recommended getting to the airport by 10:30 and leaving our hotel by 8. Is this overkill? Will it really take 2 1/2 hours to get from the hotel to the airport? And do we really need to be at the airport 2 1/2 hours before the plane leaves?
Jun 30th, 2006, 05:28 AM
#2
Leaving the hotel at 8:00 to get to LGW by 10:30. That is nuts. Your TA must be thinking about using a car service or cab - which is also nuts.
A cab from your hotel to Victoria Station will take 15 mins or less, and the Gatwick Express takes 30 mins straight to the terminals at LGW. (you could alos take the tube to Victoria but you may not want to deal w/ it duringthe morning commute w/ luggage)
So I'd leave the hotel around 9:30 a.m.
A cab from your hotel to Victoria Station will take 15 mins or less, and the Gatwick Express takes 30 mins straight to the terminals at LGW. (you could alos take the tube to Victoria but you may not want to deal w/ it duringthe morning commute w/ luggage)
So I'd leave the hotel around 9:30 a.m.
Jun 30th, 2006, 06:38 AM
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It's totally unnecessary to schlep 5.6 kilometers all the way over to Victoria. Gatwick is served by Southern Trains from Kensington Olympia station, which is about 1500 meters from Kensington Close.
There's a direct train at 9:37 that arrives Gatwick at 10:22.
There's a direct train at 9:37 that arrives Gatwick at 10:22.
Jun 30th, 2006, 06:47 AM
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I suppose you don't <b>have</b> to be at the airport 2.5 hours ahead of your departure but I suspect it is what the airline recommends for an international departure so I can understand the travel agent's echoing that recommendation.
As others have indicated it shouldn't take you 2.5 hours to get to the airport depending on what mode of transport you use, even with all that London congestion.
As others have indicated it shouldn't take you 2.5 hours to get to the airport depending on what mode of transport you use, even with all that London congestion.
Jun 30th, 2006, 01:47 PM
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It took us about 45 to 50 minutes from Hotel pick up to Victoria station to Gatwick, not 2 hours.........
That being said, we stood in line at Continental check in for at least 1 to 1 1/2 hours, so be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to flight. Now, we flew coach, it may be quicker if you ar travelling business or 1st class to check in.
That being said, we stood in line at Continental check in for at least 1 to 1 1/2 hours, so be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to flight. Now, we flew coach, it may be quicker if you ar travelling business or 1st class to check in.
Jun 30th, 2006, 02:04 PM
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I've actually flown on Continental in Business First and on USAirways in Envoy out of Gatwick (prepare for a mob scene) and both of those afforded MUCH faster check-in than Economy.
As I mentioned earlier you don't have to get there 2.5 hours early but I would if I were you.
As I mentioned earlier you don't have to get there 2.5 hours early but I would if I were you.
Jul 2nd, 2006, 11:18 AM
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Is there a website for the Southern Trains? I will be arriving at Gatwick and would like to take the train to the station near Kensington Olympia Station and would like to see the train schedules. Thanks in advance.
Jul 2nd, 2006, 11:22 AM
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