Where to go on layover at Gatwick Airport in London?

Question

I am travelling to Malta and have an 8 hour layover at Gatwick Airport in London. I would like to see the changing of the guard and the other "touristy" stuff. What is the best way to do this? How much will it cost? And why is this the best way?

Also, is it possible to take a taxi as I am scared of train and bus bombing? If so, how much does this cost?

TIA!

Answer 1

The train goes to Victoria Station. 5 minutes walk from Buckingham Palace.

Answer 2

Taxi would be very expensive! Don't be scared of trains, we've done it lots of times and still alive to tell the tale! Get the Gatwick express to Victoria (or Waterloo, I can't remember, it's one of those two anyway) and from there you can get underground (or, indeed, walk) to various London landmarks such as changing of the guard. (Although that only happens at certain times of day; you'd have to check). The London Eye is only a couple of minutes walk from Waterloo. Anyway, in 8 hours you can have a great day in London doing all the main stuff, and get back to Gatwick in plenty of time for your next flight. Just take the Gatwick express and get a railcard day ticket and forget your worries about the bombings. Statistically, you are in much more danger of fatal accident taking a taxi (to say nothing of the expense). Anyway, my #1 recommendation while in London is to buy some lovely English chocolate, like Cadbury's and Wispa or Wispa Gold.

Answer 3

Taxis are very dangerous. Far more than trains.
They are the kind of vehicle most used for car bombs. They also explode spontaneously. Taxi drvers are a strange species.

That said, the choice is a no-brainer. A taxi drive from Gtatwick to London and back will use up all your time. The train takes just half an hour

Answer 4

Its a long and expensive taxi ride, probably about 65 pounds ($80 US each way) The train is safe and the best way to go. We used it last year on our trip to get into town with our luggage. You can buy your ticket online:

http://www.gatwickexpress.com/index.asp?SID={7C84F847-3459-4952-8398-A21F63AE81FE}


The trains run every 15 minutes and take about 30 minutes. You can get the train right in/at the airport. Check out the airport web site:

http://www.airwise.com/airports/europe/LGW/

Here's a link to maps of London:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/1106.aspx

Answer 5

they are slightly high priced, yet once you're allowed land component, there's a Yotel which could be booked for a minimum of four hours. that's on the South Terminal. you may want to easily be advantageous you're allowed by customs for this.