From bed to 'boarding now' - Gatwick Express taps into pyjama travel trend with new early morning and overnight trains

• Gatwick Express is introducing a new summer timetable from 18^th July, helping customers make early and late flight connections to and from London
• The operator is encouraging travellers to embrace pyjama travel, which Gen Z are leading the way on - over a third admit to travelling to the airport in their sleepwear
• The additional trains join a host of other customer improvements this summer, including Fast Track security and premium airport lounge access
• The changes are part of a package of passenger-focused improvements being delivered under public ownership and ahead of the formation of Great British Railways

Starting this weekend, Gatwick Express is trialling early morning and overnight train services to cater to those getting early flights out of London on Saturdays, and returning back to the capital late on Sunday nights.

Departing London Victoria at 03:40 on Saturdays and leaving Gatwick Airport at 04:35 on Sundays, the new train times tap into the trend for ‘bed to boarding’ style, which is being led by Gen Z travellers.

In a survey commissioned by Gatwick Express, more than a third (33%) of Brits aged 18-29 say they have travelled to the airport in pyjamas, with over half of the same age group (53%) saying it’s acceptable to do so for an early morning flight. This is in stark comparison to Gen X (13%) and Boomers (4%) sharing the same views.

Those already enjoying pyjama travel claim the trend has many benefits, including :

• Staying in bed for longer (44%)
• Feeling more relaxed before their holiday (40%)
• Saving time getting ready (38%)
• A more comfortable journey (37%)
• Having one less thing to think about before leaving home (33%)

The additional train services are part of a package of improvements for GTR customers, and form part of a wider plan to deliver a more enhanced experience following the operator’s move to public ownership in May, and ahead of the formation of Great British Railways in 2027.

Gatwick Express customers can also now enjoy discounted airport lounge access and Fast Track security*, which have both launched for summer. With 40% of Brits citing long security queues at the airport as their biggest cause of stress before a holiday, along with a quarter worrying about traffic, these new benefits make taking the train to Gatwick a no-brainer.

To celebrate the launch of the new trains and additional benefits, Gatwick Express customers are being gifted with travel essentials kits today, featuring handy holiday items such as portable chargers, passport holders, and mini toiletries.

Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer at GTR, said: "We know that annual leave is precious and when the time comes to get away, every minute counts. Our new services will help people maximise their holidays by connecting them to early morning and late-night flights over the weekend. These new customer enhancements are part of our wider strategy to drive growth to key airports on our network.

"With direct, 30-minute services between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, access to Gatwick’s premium airport lounge and Fast-Track security, Gatwick Express is the best way to travel for a stress-free start to your holiday whether you’re in pyjamas or not!”

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said: "As we set up Great British Railways, we're bringing train operators and Network Rail together under one roof so we can plan smarter journeys, overcome barriers to growth, jobs and homes, and deliver improvements passengers will really feel.

"These additional overnight Gatwick Express services will make a real difference to people arriving late or travelling for early flights - connecting them straight to the capital. Alongside contactless ticketing at every London airport, we're building a railway that works for passengers and drives growth across the country."

Hannah Godfrey, Senior Surface Access Manager, London Gatwick, added: “For many people, their holiday begins the moment they leave home, so it’s great to see Gatwick Express helping passengers get into the holiday spirit before they even reach the airport. We’re proud to work closely with our rail partners to provide a smooth and stress-free start to summer journeys through London Gatwick.”

This summer, it’s easier than ever before to travel with Gatwick Express thanks to improved signs and wayfinding at Gatwick Airport, as well as new retail areas to purchase tickets, and dedicated Gatwick Express ambassadors to help people get from plane to train. Book train tickets directly from the website to enjoy 10% off and no booking fees.

ENDS

*Gatwick Express customers can now benefit from discounted lounge access at more than 1,600 global airport lounges thanks to a new partnership with LoungeKey Pass, owned and operated by the Collinson Group. To redeem at Gatwick Airport, simply purchase a LoungeKey Pass at and show the QR code at lounge reception alongside your boarding pass. Eligible Lounges can be found at . Access to Airport Lounges is subject to availability, dress codes, and Fit2Fly policies.

*In addition, customers with a First Class Gatwick Express ticket can skip airport queues with Fast Track security. To redeem, customers just need to follow signs for the Fast Track Security lane and present their Gatwick Express booking confirmation to the Fast Track host to gain complimentary access. Standard Class Gatwick Express passengers can still benefit from 20% off Fast Track security through a unique discount code provided in their booking confirmation email.

Notes to editors

• The new 0340 service is being introduced every Saturday morning, and the new 0435 service is being introduced every Monday morning from 18^th July until 7^thSeptember
• Gatwick Express the only direct, non-stop service from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport
• The new trains help to boost greener travel options to Gatwick Airport
• To find out more about Gatwick Express and its services, please visit https://www.gatwickexpress.com/travel-information/gatwick-airport

Survey methodology:

• Nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by GTR and conducted by Opinium between 29th May and 2nd June 2026
• Nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by GTR and conducted by Opinium between 30th June and 3rd July 2026

About LoungeKey Pass

• LoungeKey Pass delivers instant digital single-use access with access to 1,800 lounges and travel experiences globally. The single-use proposition offers a flexible way to surprise and delight customers with travel experience rewards, in turn building better engagement, stronger brand differentiation and increased loyalty
• LoungeKey Pass is owned and operated by Collinson International, part of The Collinson Group, a family-owned business. Formed over 35 years ago, it now has five distinct operating companies that generate a combined annual revenue of £2.1bn, employing more than 2,500 people across 14 countries