Fosco71

I'm going to England next month and will be arriving a day before my friends. They are flying into Gatwick and will be taking the Express to Victoria Station. I'm asking for tips on how to meet them there without us missing each other. I've been to Victoria, but I can't remember any good meeting places that a newcomer wouldn't miss. I'm also concerned about delayed flights (they're flying Northwest), at what platform does the Express arrive, crowds, etc. I'm not even sure how I will find out if the plane has arrived without access to a computer or phone. Do you think I should save us all the trouble and just meet them at the hotel? They've never been overseas and I'd like to meet them to ensure they get to the hotel and help with luggage. We're staying in Paddington.

Thanks.

Steve_James

Fosco - Here's a map of Victoria. It lists a Costa, MacDonalds, Burger King ...

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/Station...s/Victoria.pdf

Hope this helps ...

Steve

david_west

What about the wetherspoons pub on top of WH smith? It’s impossible to miss, you can see the whole station (pretty much) from there and it opens at around 9 in the morning. It also sells tea and coffee and soft drinks and for a Wetherspoons isn’t too bad, and there’s always somewhere to sit.

You can’t miss it.

janis

My choices would be 1) the Wetherspoons david mentions. WH Smith's is a large 2 story book store/news agent in the middle of the main floor. From Wetherstones you can see exit from the Gatwick Express platform. But what time are they arriving? If it is during the morning commute the concourse will be VERY crowded and hectic.

In that case my choice #2 is to just meet them at the hotel. The can walk off the Express, across the concourse to the taxi rank and catch a cab in just a few minutes and not have to worry about you finding each other.

There is a food court but it is up two escalators and quite round about walk through a shopping center so I would not recommend that for first timers. And other places on the main floor, either there is no seating or they are cramped/crowded.

eliztrav

I've made the early AM trek from Gatwick to Victoria via Gatwick Express. After stowing our bags, we had coffee there (it was SO early) before hitting the streets, so we had some time to watch the crowds. UNBELIEVABLE rushing commuter crowds! Very dense. I agree with the poster who suggested you simply meet your friends at the hotel. They should have no trouble getting to a taxi stand.

david_west

There is also an upmarket hotel in the station - the Thistle. It has a coffee shop/lounge, and a bar.

Fosco71

Great suggestions everybody, thanks for the help. I'm sure the map will be helpful, Steve.

They arrive at Gatwick about 9 a.m. on a weekday, and that's where my concern is. What's everybody's best guess on their arrival at Victoria? I know there are a lot of variables with flight delays, customs, and so on, but on the whole when do you think they'll get there? They've already got their Express ticket. In my experience, assuming the plane actually lands at 9, I'm thinking arrival at Victoria about 11-11:30.

Thanks again for all of your help.

adamhornets

Hi Fosco,
11.00am sounds about right, possibly even a bit earlier if they are flying into South Terminal which is where the train station is located.
I should say meet them under the clock at Victoria but that's a Grand Central Station thing! Wetherspoons would be my serious choice of meeting place.