Train from Gatwick to Leeds and (almost) back
 

We arrive at Gatwick, and then have a train scheduled to go up to Leeds, where we are staying for the first week. The train (Thamslink/GNER) leaves Gatwick, goes to Kings Cross Thameslink, and then we walk across the street to London King's Cross Station to take the train to Leeds.

My question is on the return trip -- do we need to take the last part from Kings Cross to Gatwick, or can we get off at Kings Cross and just hop on the tube to our hotel (in Kensington)? Since we physically have to get off the train anyhow... can we get our luggage? Is this feasible? It will save us over an hour and a half in travel time back from Gatwick...

Yes, you can - exactly as you describe it. Nobody will ever know, or care. You have to manhandle all your own luggage anyway, with the assistance of trolleys or (paid) porters if there are any.

Excellent! That's what I hoped, upon reading about the transfer to Kings Cross. I was only worried about them having my luggage 'pre-loaded' like they do on airlines for a multiple-stop trip.

Grazie!

(looking forward to my trip... 69 days left to go!)

:eek: You may want to modify your expectations of railway service in the UK if you think you will get that sort of treatment. While GNER are a pretty nice operator, you certainly won't get any help with luggage and Thameslink is a pretty ratty commuter service.

Probably worth adding as well that the Thameslink station at Kings Cross is actually some distance from the mainline one of the same name that GNER use. You'll need to carry/wheel your bags approx 400yds at street level. It's wekk signposted, but not covered, so if it rains, you're going to get wet i;m afraid!

I was HOPING there was less service -- since I plan on jumping ship :)

A little rain doesn't hurt me -- I don't melt! I live in Florida where we've been known to get 2 inches of rain in 2 hours. Since 2 inches is how much Londoners get all month, no fine mist is gonna bother us.

Thanks for letting me know my fears of too much service are unfounded (hehe)!