What to do with 6-1/2 hr Layover at Gatwick.
 

I have 6-1/2 hours between flights at London Gatwick. Arriving from USA on Continental at South Terminal. Departing to Germany on British Air from North Terminal. Do I have time to, say, do a quick R/T into London? Or??? Wondering about issues like customs, baggage, security. Appreciate your thoughts.
Joe

Baggage shouldn't be a problem since you can check them all the way through. You would have to go through immigration when you arrive and security on the way back. IF you flight is early or on time you will actually have about 4+ hours free time.

The Gatwick Express train takes 30+ mins to get to Victoria Station. So now you are down to about 3 hours give or take a few minutes. since you have to factor in travel time from/to Victoria, consider it about 2 1/2 - 3 hours time "on the ground". This is enough time to take a walk - Buckingham Palace and St James/Green Parks are w/i a short walk of Victoria. Or - Big Ben/Parliament/Westminster Abbey/London Eye are a very short tube ride from Victoria.

so you could do one of those and have a quick meal. It is just up to you if the hassle (definitely an issue but manageable) is worth the benefit . . . .

What time of day do you land?

janis,
My flight lands at 7:50am. Departs at 2:15pm. There is some question in my mind about the baggage being checked thru to destination. Continental and British Air are not partners. I emailed Continental about this . They answered my email but did not answer the question. Also emailed British Air. Their answer:"If your journey is not wholly with British Airways or oneworld carrier you may not be able to through-check your baggage to your final destination, as each airlines policies differ. We recommend you ask at check-in." If I have to pick up my bag, that certainly eats away at the time available. Plan to follow-up with Continental.

If you can't check your luggage through, what will you do with it if you go into London?

Think you can go ahead and claim and recheck your baggage on BA and then leave the terminal. Just need to leave time to re-enter, with security etc. With a similar connection, I've been wishing there were a "day hotel" somewhere there to sleep for 3-4 hrs. Don't suppose such a thing exists, so that I don't have to pay the Meridien $200. for such a nap.

There are lots of shops in the international departures area at Gatwick if you decide not to go into the city. And if I am not mistaken, they also have kiosks with FREE internet in the international departures area. You could spend your time posting a trip report at Fodors. :)

I think they also have free webcams on those free internet terminals where you can make a ten or fifteen second video of yourself and e-mail it to all of your best buddies at Fodors.

You will be able to check your luggage all the way through. No problems there. But, will you have any carry ons?

I'm with Janis. It's very possible, but it won't be cheap and it will be a short visit. Not sure if the hassle is worth it. Instead why not take a short cab ride to Horley. It's a small town rigt next to Gatwick. There are some nice pubs, few restaurants. It will allow you to get some fresh air, maybe have couple of pints and it will be more relaxing.

6 1/2 hours will be tight...

First--we assume your plane lands on time; if not, all bets are off. Also, I am fairly sure you are correct that you will NOT be able to check your bags through.

To be realistic, figure 30 min-1 hour to get through immigration/customs and baggage claim. Add 10 minutes to navigate to North Terminal (Gatwick is pretty easy to traverse). Can you check in your bags for the next flight 5+ hours ahead? If so, keep reading.

Add 10 minutes to temporarily leave your carryons at the Excess Baggage shop (fee required) at Gatwick. Add 15 minutes to get to the Gatwick Express, buy tickets. Maybe add 15 minutes if you just miss the train and have to wait for the next one. Add a 30 minute train ride to London Victoria. So far, we've used up to almost 2 1/2 hours of your 6 1/2 hours.

Now, on the return trip, starting from Victoria rail station, up to 15 minutes to wait for the next train, 30 minutes to the airport, 15 minutes to get your caryons out of storage, and check in for your flight 1 hour before departure.

So, we have used up to 4 1/2 hours of your 6 1/2 hour layover. You might get lucky and need much less time, but...

The quick taxi ride into nearby Horley might be more realistic.