From the other posts I have read, it looks like the way to get from Gatwick to London is on the Southern Train. A couple of questions about that...1st: is it obvious how to get to the Southern Train once you get off the plane in Gatwick? 2nd: Where would the closest place be to get off the train if we are staying at the Crowne Plaza London St. James (it is close to Buckingham Palace). Thanks !

It is quite obvious where to go to get the Southern train; it's the same train station as the Gatwick Express, just a different platform, follow the signs. As for getting off, the train terminates at London Victoria; the Buckingham area is walkable from there, or you could take a cab or bus or tube, depends on how much luggage you have and how much you want to spend.

Thank you ! That's what I needed to know.

It should be mentioned that the train station is in the south terminal. If you deplane at the north terminal, signs will lead you to the shuttle tram that runs between terminals every ten minutes or so.

If there are more than two in your party and/or you want to go somewhere else in the south the day you arrive, you can buy a Southern DaySave ticket for £10 each (4 for £20) that's valid all day outside weekday rush hour all over their network.

1. what places does a Southern day save Ticket take you? are they only sold @ Gatwick?
2. if a round trip pass is purchased from Gatwick-London , do both legs have to be used the same day, or can it be used a week or so later?

The pass is good for unlimited travel all over Southern's system, but you can only buy it online. Here's the deal:

http://go-ahead-ecommerce.com/sndays...cketDetails.do

And here's the map:

http://www.southernrailway.com/stati...etwork_map.pdf

Thameslink also runs trains from Gatwick to London, serving London Bridge, Blackfriars and Kings Cross. They have a similar one-day ticket ("Daysave", £11 for one, £25 for up to four people). See www.thameslink.co.uk.