Christmas in the sun? Gatwick Express doubles services to support winter getaways

• Starting next month, Gatwick Express services will double from two to four trains per hour
• This will be the first time this frequency has returned since the pandemic
• The increased services come just in time for the key winter travel period, with new research revealing winter sun is the nation's most popular choice for a getaway at this time of year
  

Gatwick Express is doubling train services between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport next month, helping more holidaymakers escape the British winter in search of sunshine and festive getaways.

From Sunday 13 December, the operator will increase its services from two to four trains per hour, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels and offering passengers more frequent, direct connections to London Gatwick for the first time since 2019. This is a further improvement for customers delivered under public ownership, and another step forwards in the move to Great British Railways.

The timetable change comes as new research commissioned by Gatwick Express reveals a growing appetite for winter escapes, with over half of the nation considering a holiday abroad in December and January.

And while Christmas markets and festive city breaks remain popular, it seems many in the UK are dreaming of swapping Christmas jumpers for swimwear, with winter sun topping the nation's travel wish list.

The top five winter trips voted for by Brits are:

1. Winter sun (44%)

2. Christmas markets/ festive city break (38%)

3. A romantic/ couples break (26%)

4. A last-minute spontaneous trip (24%)

5. A wellness/ relaxing break (24%)

However, the perfect winter escape looks different across the generations. Gen Z (39%) and Millennials (46%) are most likely to go away during the winter period for a festive city break, while Gen X (51%) and Boomers (59%) would prefer winter sun/ warm weather holidays.

Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer at GTR, which operates Gatwick Express, said: “Whether it’s Christmas in the sun, or skiing in the Alps, we want to make getting away this winter as easy as possible. By doubling our Gatwick Express services, we’re giving customers more choice and flexibility when travelling to and from the airport.

“Returning to four trains per hour for the first time since the pandemic is a major milestone and follows other launches this year including discounted Fast Track Security and airport lounge access, all designed to improve the customer experience and make Gatwick Express the ideal choice when travelling to Gatwick Airport.”

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said: "With around 230 global destinations available from London Gatwick this winter, including winter sun, city breaks and festive getaways, the return of four Gatwick Express services per hour is great news for our passengers and reflects the importance of frequent, reliable rail links between London and the airport. London Gatwick is already one of the UK's best-connected airports by public transport. These additional services will provide passengers with even greater choice, flexibility and convenience when planning their journeys.

“We're pleased to be working with our rail partners to enhance sustainable transport options and help more people choose public transport when travelling to and from London Gatwick."

For those setting their sights on warmer climates, there are even more opportunities to escape the British winter this year. British Airways has announced it is expanding its winter 2026 schedule from London Gatwick, with new direct flights to Barbados and Colombo, Sri Lanka, as well as increased frequencies to popular Caribbean destinations.

With more people considering a winter escape, Gatwick Express' additional services will make it easier for passengers to reach the airport, offering greater flexibility and convenience when planning their journeys.

The research also reveals that when it comes to travelling to the airport, convenience is key, with frequent, direct train services topping the list of reasons people would consider taking the train.

The top five reasons people would go by train are:

1. Frequent, direct services (34%)

2. Not having to worry about traffic (33%)

3. Not having to worry about car park charges (30%)

4. Discounted tickets or added value, i.e., fast-track security (26%)

5. Early and late-night services (23%)

With direct, 30-minute journeys between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, the additional Gatwick Express services will offer passengers more choice when travelling to and from the airport, whether they're heading off for some much-needed winter sunshine or a Christmas market break.

Customers can also enjoy additional benefits, including discounted airport lounge access and security Fast Track, which both launched earlier this year.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.gatwickexpress.com

ENDS