At a glance
| Route | Change at | Total time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thameslink + Jubilee line | London Bridge | About 50–60 min | Fastest and simplest |
| Thameslink + Elizabeth line | Farringdon | About 55–65 min | Luggage (step-free Elizabeth line stations) |
| Pre-booked car | None | About 75–105 min | Late arrivals, groups, heavy bags |
Thameslink and the Jubilee line
Thameslink trains leave Gatwick up to eight times an hour and reach London Bridge in about 30–35 minutes. At London Bridge, follow signs for the Jubilee line and take an eastbound train three stops to Canary Wharf (about 7 minutes).
Thameslink and the Elizabeth line
Stay on Thameslink to Farringdon, then change to the Elizabeth line towards Abbey Wood; Canary Wharf is three stops away via Liverpool Street and Whitechapel. Farringdon and Canary Wharf are both step-free on the Elizabeth line, and platform screen doors and wide trains make it easier with cases.
Why not the Gatwick Express?
The Gatwick Express only goes to Victoria, which is on the wrong side of London for Canary Wharf. It is also excluded from TfL's daily caps.
Paying
Contactless and Oyster work from Gatwick to London and on the Tube and Elizabeth line, so you can tap in at Gatwick and out at Canary Wharf with the same card. Avoid arriving into London between 06:30 and 09:30 on weekdays, when peak fares apply and trains are busiest.
By taxi or pre-booked car
By road the journey crosses south-east London and takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. It is worth it for late-night arrivals, heavy luggage or a group sharing the cost.
Fares and times checked September 2026. Prices change, so confirm with the operator before you travel.