Gatwick Airport railway station facts for kids
Gatwick Airport railway station is a very important train station in the south of England. It's right next to Gatwick Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom. This station makes it easy for people to travel to and from the airport by train. It connects the airport to London and many other places across the country.
Contents
Gatwick Airport Railway Station
What is Gatwick Airport Station?
Gatwick Airport railway station is a big and busy train station. It is built directly under the airport's South Terminal. This means you can walk straight from the train to the airport check-in desks! It's a very helpful station for people flying in and out of Gatwick.
Getting Around by Train
Many different train companies use Gatwick Airport station. This gives travelers lots of choices for where they want to go.
- Gatwick Express trains run directly to London Victoria, offering a fast journey to the city center.
- Thameslink trains connect the airport to central London, including places like Blackfriars, St Pancras International, and even further north to places like Cambridge and Peterborough.
- Southern trains also go to London Victoria and other towns along the south coast.
- Great Western Railway trains connect Gatwick to places in the west, like Reading and Guildford.
These train services make it easy for millions of passengers each year to reach the airport or travel from it to their final destination.
A Bit of History
The first railway station near Gatwick was opened a long time ago in 1891. It was called Gatwick Racecourse station because it was built for a nearby racecourse. Later, in 1935, a new station called Gatwick Airport station was opened to serve the first airport terminal.
The station we see today was built in 1958. It was designed to be right under the airport terminal, making it super convenient for passengers. Over the years, the station has grown and been improved to handle more and more travelers as Gatwick Airport became busier.
Images for kids
-
Site of the original Gatwick Airport station at Tinsley Green
-
A First Great Western British Rail Class 166 at the station, 2015.
-
A Gatwick Express British Rail Class 460 idling at Gatwick Airport Station, 2002
-
Northbound view from Platform 5 in March 2007
-
Southbound view from Platform 5 in February 2009
See also
In Spanish: Estación del Aeropuerto de Gatwick para niños
