Gatwick Express - Gatwick Express Operated by Govia Thameslink Railway - D

Gatwick Express - D

Gatwick Express Operated by Govia Thameslink Railway

The Department for Transport confirmed prior to the awarding of the new franchise that the Southern franchise would be merged at its conclusion in July 2015 into the proposed Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise.

In March 2012 the Department for Transport announced that Abellio, FirstGroup, Govia, MTR and Stagecoach had been shortlisted to bid for the new franchise.The Invitation to Tender was to have been issued in October 2012, and the successful bidder announced in spring 2013.

However, in the wake of the InterCity West Coast refranchising process collapsing, the Secretary of State for Transport announced in October 2012 that the process would be put on hold pending the results of a review.

With the last franchise expiring on 25 July 2015, the South Central franchise merged with the Thameslink Great Northern franchise to create Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern.

This is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway, which is also owned by Southern's parent company, Govia. The Gatwick Express brand identity has been retained. Oyster cards and contactless payment cards have been accepted for travel between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport since January 2016.

Gatwick Express Suspension

On 30 March 2020, all Gatwick Express services were suspended until further notice, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of Gatwick Express's Class 387/2 trains are being used by Southern on its East Coastway services between Brighton and Eastbourne, Hastings and Ore, and on some Brighton Main Line services between Brighton and London Victoria.

In May 2021, nine Class 387/2s were transferred to Great Northern as replacements for Class 365s on services between London King's Cross and Cambridge, Ely, Peterborough and Stevenage; six of these trains were then leased to Great Western Railway to cover for Class 800s on services between London Paddington and Didcot Parkway.

As of 3 April 2022, services are now back and running, with Gatwick Express coaches returning from Southern.

Gatwick Express Overview

Gatwick Express Franchise(s):

Gatwick Trains

28 April 1996 – 22 June 2008

Part of the South Central franchise

22 June 2008 - 25 July 2015

Part of the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise

26 July 2015 – 31 March 2025

Gatwick Express Main Route(s): London Victoria – Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Express Other Route(s): Brighton

Gatwick Express Fleet Size:

18 Class 387

Gatwick Express Stations Called At: 7

Gatwick Express Stations Operated: 0

Gatwick Express Parent Company: Govia Thameslink Railway

Gatwick Express Reporting Mark: GX

Gatwick Express Technical Length: 43.3 kilometres (26.9 mi)

Gatwick Express Route

London Victoria

Gatwick Airport

Haywards Heath

Burgess Hill

Hassocks

Preston Park

Brighton

Rail Holidays
Rail Vacations

Luxury Trains
Luxury Tours

International Trains
International Tours