Early morning trip to Gatwick Airport...

[caumacau]

Hello all,

Would appreciate some advice for a public transport trip to Gatwick Airport this Monday morning. Check in closes at 6:40am and I would like to get the 5am Gatwick Express train from Victoria. What do you think is the best way to get from East Dulwich (Tyrell Road area) to Victoria at that time in the morning? TFL says 176 and N44, but I'd like to know if there's a better secret route I haven't discovered yet?

Merci!

[Applespider]

When I've had flights that early, I've gone the 176 route. Not quite so bad on a Sunday night/Monday morning but when you do it on a Fri/Sat, you do end up feeling like the only sober person on the bus.

I'd seriously consider looking into a mini-cab - either just to Victoria or ask for a price to the airport itself.

I have also stayed at the Yotel there - arriving at 11ish and then just getting up and leaving at 6ish. Think it cost around ?40 a few years back and meant I got an extra few hours of sleep...

[Narnia]

The bus to East Croydon and then a train. I've done it and it quite quick in the morning. I can't remember the number but think it's the 197. It goes along Barry Rd but route starts in Peckham. Earliest bus gets you to EC at 5.22am

[TJ]

I would in all honesty, considering cost of rail tickets, bus delays and the time, take a cab direct.

1 cab = ?40

2x Express tickets ?31

[Pearson]

You might also consider getting a cab to New cross rail station train from there/ change at Croydon.

[Narnia]

I think you'll find he/she is long gone Pearson!

[oilworker]

As TJ has said at that time in the morning taking a cab is a no-brainer - it will take about 45 mins tops - all other methods will be much longer. I use a firm called Butterfly Cabs - reliable and the cheapest I have found (not posh cabs though - just basic) they are on 0208 761 6568 - tell them Roger recommended them - I used them all the time until I got my scooter..

[oilworker]

p.s. forgot to say dont forget you can also check in on-line thus saving more time - you just need to drop any hold bags off at the dedicated baggage drop off.

[Pearson]

Narnia Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I think you'll find he/she is long gone Pearson!

-------------------------------------------------------

That was just a public announcement for anyone else who

might find that tat of information helpful ;-)

[caumacau]

Thank you all for your advice. I decided to get the bus and Gatwick Express this time (I have a Young Persons Railcard, so the fare is reasonable). It took ages, but it was easier than I was expecting.

I'll be making the journey again at some other ridiculous time in the morning in December and also returning on Boxing Day, so Butterfly Cabs will probably be hearing from me then - if they're even open! : )

Thanks again.

[Apple Bobber]

Hi, There is a little cab office in Barry Road 020 8670 9000 I use them they are really good and yes they will be open.

[Apple Bobber]

>:D

[Claire35]

There's a taxi company called Camberwell Cars who are reasonable and reliable. I always use them for early morning flight....agree that train tickets are expensive anyway.

[Kalamiphile]

no way as expensive as cabs, it can be cheaper to park car( approx ?40 Gatwick) than take cab, ?40 each way.