Hello,

For someone's first time to London (and probably last for a while) is paying the extra ten pounds roundtrip for First Class worth it on the Gatwick Express?

What exactly does 'First Class' give you on top of 'Express Class'?

Thanks for any information!

A bit better seat and fewer people.

I've never taken it second class, since my company pays for first class on trains. Normally, in Europe, first class is more empty -- and this seems to be the case with the G.E.

i too had the same question, but when i asked another passenger, he replied: "it is only a 20 minute ride, does not really matter much...." so i took the 2nd class, and it was fine...

btw, what is the difference in price?

I did both 1st and 2nd class on this train last week. Here are the FACTS
1) There are TWO train companies going from Gatwick to victoria station. Connex makes stops (thus) it is cheaper. 8 pounds and some odd change. The second company Gatwick Express makes no stops and cost 10 pounds 20 pence for second class.
2) First Class on Gatwick Express costs 16 pounds 50 pence (i might be off by 10 pence)
3) The train takes NORMALLY 28 minutes for the express. DUE TO EMERGENCY TRACK SPEED RESTRICTIONS (for maybe months) the train takes 41 minutes! Also be VERY CAREFUL on returning to the airport. They advertise trains leaving every 15 minutes and that the trip takes 30 minutes. I almost missed my flight because of the extra time for transit AND every 4th train IS CANCELLED! This is because the extra travel time does not allow the trains to make the schedule. Thus I showed up at 9:38. The 9:45 was cancelled. The 10am arrived at gatwick at 10:41 am.
4) 2nd class is normally okay...BUT due to the every third train cancelled, they can be very full.
5) The seat is bigger and come in a 1-2 configuration in first. A 2-2 bench in coach.

Bottom Line: The only differnce is the size of the seat. Since you can buy tickets on the train for the same price as at the window, Check out how full 2nd class is. If it looks crowded...move to first. AND buy the ticket on the train. Thus you can decide after looking at the situation!

I've never used the Gatwick Express, but have used the Heathrow Express trains. For the money any relatively short trip I normally don't used first class.

I use first class on the Gatwick express, and for me it is worth it.

Do the first class cars and second class cars arrive at the same time?

Agreed that the crowd factor is the determining point. At rush hour, first class is more comfortable if you wnat to pay extra.

cigarman-

Thanks for the update. Things were much nicer in Oct. Rather than play morning train/taxi/tube roulette, I am changing my last nights hotel stay in late Nov to a LGW hotel do to a mid-morning flight.

GOOD MOVE. The whole rail system in england is ensnared in the RAILTRAK controversy. Since one company owns the rails, and other companies run the trains; there are no alternitives. Railtrak has lowered the speed limits on the rails until EACH section is inspected by hand (no hand recount jokes please!). Thus add time to any train trip.

First class isn't worth it on that route

'Second class' was renamed standard class several years ago in an attempt to destigmatise it.

Railtrack is an embarrassment and our railways are a national disgrace for which the government that privatised it so insanely should be ashamed.

I have to admit at the moment with the present nightmare that is caused by RAILTRACK- for which I understand and accept the reasons for - albeit after 'the horse bolted from the stable', it is barely worth Standard Class, let alone Club. Most journeys seem to be struggling to make the journey in 45-50 mins. I doubt it will really be worth the extra money until a) the speed restrictions are lifted and b) the long awaited (14 mths late) new trains are introduced - whenever?

At least that might make the 45 min journey better.

However it has to be said that anything is better than the condition of Connex's 'slam-doors'.

Comments on the British rail system aside, standard class on the Gatwick Express is fine.

Acording to an "Emergency Timetable" on:

http://www.gatwickexpress.co.uk/

After 10am, you can get a 'cheap' second class day return, (not available if paying on the train) For those 'lucky' enough to hold a BAA, (British Airports Authority), Visa card, you get an automatic free upgrade to First......mornings, it's always busy, afternoons, evenings it's empty. Don't waste your money for a 'free' newspaper in First.