Stratford-upon-Avon to Gatwick

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emikosmile
emikosmile

Hello, I have a flight from Gatwick to Rome FCO which leaves at 15:00. I will be in Stratford-upon-Avon and I am trying to decide if I should arrive in London the night before or if I will be safe in taking a train straight to Gatwick the day of my trip. I checked the National Railway schedule and it says if I leave at 7:30 I will arrive at Gatwick at 10:45. The connections I need to make are are: Chiltern Railways Stratford-upon-Avon to London Marylebone, Underground from Marylebone to Oxford Circus, Victoria Line to Victoria Station and Gatwick Express to Gatwick. Is this the best way to go? It seems like a lot of changes but maybe it's not as complicated as it seems. Would it be risky to leave in the morning or would I be better off coming into London the night before?

One other question; I will be meeting someone at Gatwick before going to the gate. Where is the best place to meet? We will be in the North Terminal.

Many thanks for any suggestions.

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mothercourage
mothercourage

It's very straightforward.

If all goes according to plan this schedule will have you arriving at Gatwick between 11.30 - 12.00. This should be ample time and, in general, train travel is subject to fewer delays/hold-ups.
However - can I suggest that you take a Southern train to Gatwick, rather than the Gatwick Express. It's a lot cheaper and only takes about 5 minutes longer. See http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ for train details.

Here - http://www.gatwick-airport-guide.co.uk/bars-restaurants.html#1 - is a list of bars and restaurants in the North terminal; take your pick.

“A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for.” - William G.T. Shedd
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richiavo
richiavo

Agree with above no problem at all and yes avoid the Gatwick express. But you could leave later you do not need to arrive at Gatwick until 13.00

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mothercourage
mothercourage

Better to be early than planning a tight schedule and then panicking.

Edited by mothercourage, Added: Whoops! I misread your original posting. I thought you'd be arriving at Marylebone at 10.45.
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for.” - William G.T. Shedd
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aubo23
aubo23

I think you might find that on a through ticket from Stratford the Gatwick Express is included at no extra cost - it is on many long distance trips. Check the options carefully - no point in avoiding the GEX if you've paid for it.

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voyager_2002
voyager_2002

You don't say when you are travelling: be aware that a strike is planned on the London Underground, so bear that in mind. If you need to travel on a strike day, then you could take bus 205 from Marylebone to King's Cross in less than half an hour. Frequent trains run from there to Gatwick: not as fast as the Gatwick Express, but the tickets cost a good deal less and the saving in time crossing London is likely to compensate for the longer train ride.

For transport within London, check out the journey planner on www.tfl.gov.uk

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