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Cheaper Southern and Thameslink train tickets accepted on Gatwick Express until September

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London-based readers will almost certainly have seen, if they haven’t been personally impacted, the chaos surrounding the new Thameslink rail timetable.  Due to a lack of driver training on the new routes, there are huge numbers of cancellations due to no trains being available.

In an attempt to get people moving by any route possible, all Thameslink and Southern tickets towards Brighton can be used on Gatwick Express services until at least 31st August.

Thameslink and Southern tickets are, of course, cheaper than Gatwick Express tickets.

You probably won’t be able to buy a Thameslink ticket at Victoria, although the ticket office could do it, but you can buy a ‘Southern only’ ticket and then hop on the Gatwick Express.

Here is the key wording from the official announcement:

“With immediate effect until 31st August 2018:

Valid ‘Thameslink only’ routed season, single and return tickets can be used on any Gatwick Express, Southern or Thameslink train service that will enable them to complete their journey.

Valid ‘Southern only’ routed season, single and return tickets can be used on any Gatwick Express, Southern or Thameslink train service that will enable them to complete their journey.

Valid ‘Not Gatwick Express’ routed season, single and return tickets can be used on any Gatwick Express, Southern or Thameslink train service that will enable them to complete their journey.

Normal time restrictions on the use of tickets and Railcards will remain in place.”


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Comments (48)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • IslandDweller says:

    Caleb. Yes, any it has nothing to do with the ticket easement discussed in this thread.
    On your ticket you must travel on the booked ‘GWR’ service from Bath to London, but you can use any train from London to Gatwick (any brand, Thameslink, Southern, or Express).
    The transfer from Paddington to Faringdon is much easier than to Victoria (a station I find to be a permanent zoo). Unless there is a particular problem with Thameslink on the day of your journey (which you can check as you approach London), I’d stick with the original itinerary.

    • Caleb says:

      Thanks IslandDweller, as I found that Google Maps suggested after getting to Paddington is to go and get GX from Victoria, and can get to Gatwick at 1311. Much earlier than the Thameslink on my advance single. I will have a look on the day. But just want to make sure even the original ticket is to go to Farringdon for Thameslink, I can still have the option to go to Victoria for GX.

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

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