Latest news with #GatwickExpress
BBC News
05-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Landslip causes major train delays across Surrey and Sussex
A landslip has caused significant delays and train cancellations across both Surrey and incident happened in the Horley area on Friday evening and National Rail said it expected the disruption to last until the end of means trains between Purley/Redhill and Gatwick Airport may be cancelled, delayed by up to 20 minutes or suspended, says National Rail. Gatwick Express services between Brighton, Gatwick Airport and London Victoria and Thameslink services between Brighton and Cambridge, and Three Bridges and Bedford (stopping via Redhill) will be suspended until the end of the day. A spokesperson for National Rail said: "Currently, the information from the site of the landslip suggests that some repair works are needed before they can reopen all lines. "Until these are done, staff will need to reduce the number of trains running through the area."However, National Rail has not confirmed the cause of the landslip. National Rail advises passengers to check for updates on their train service before travelling. It added tickets would be accepted on the following alternative routes at no extra cost:Southern services on any reasonable route, including between London Victoria and Gatwick AirportThameslink services on any reasonable route, including between London Bridge and Gatwick Airport / BrightonGreat Northern services between Cambridge and London Kings CrossLondon Underground between London TerminalsMetrobus routes between Redhill, Salfords, Horley, Gatwick Airport, Three Bridges and Crawley
Time Business News
02-07-2025
- Time Business News
The Ultimate Cost-Saving Guide: Reliable and Cheap Airport Transfers in London
Navigating the chaos of airport travel can be exhausting, especially when it comes to getting to and from major London airports. Between skyrocketing last-minute taxi rates and unreliable public transport, it's easy to feel like you're overpaying for the convenience of simply reaching your terminal on time. But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be that way. This cost-saving guide is your one-stop resource for finding cheap airport transfers in London, without sacrificing comfort, reliability, or punctuality. Whether you're after a cheap minicab to Heathrow, a fixed-price Stansted taxi, or luxury airport transfers across the UK, we've got the know-how to get you there smoothly—without emptying your wallet. Many travelers still opt for a London airport taxi upon arrival, unaware that booking a fixed-price minicab in advance is often 30–50% cheaper. Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room: airport transport in London can be brutally overpriced, especially if you book at the last minute or hail a cab directly from the terminal. Here's why: Dynamic pricing : On-demand taxis and ride-hailing apps surge prices during peak hours, bad weather, or high-demand seasons. : On-demand taxis and ride-hailing apps surge prices during peak hours, bad weather, or high-demand seasons. Lack of transparency : Many travellers are unaware of fixed-price airport minicab options and end up paying unpredictable fares. : Many travellers are unaware of options and end up paying unpredictable fares. Public transport limitations: Trains and tubes don't run 24/7, and navigating luggage through crowded stations is no one's idea of luxury. Solution? Plan smart. Book early. Choose the right service. Now, let's dig into your best options—sorted by airport, budget, and travel preference. London Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport, which means competition is fierce and prices vary wildly. Booking a cheap minicab to Heathrow in advance can save you up to 40% compared to traditional black cabs. Insider Tips: Opt for a fixed-price minicab company instead of app-based rideshares. company instead of app-based rideshares. Look for services with free flight monitoring , so delays don't mean extra charges. , so delays don't mean extra charges. For budget-savvy travellers, cheap last-minute airport taxi deals are often available on aggregator websites—especially during off-peak hours. Pro Tip: Use a provider that offers 24/7 airport pickups in London, so you're covered for red-eye flights or unexpected delays. If you've ever taken the Gatwick Express, you'll know it's not exactly the budget traveller's dream. While fast, it's often more expensive than a private car—especially when travelling as a family or group. Best Bet? London Gatwick transfers via licensed minicabs can be more economical—and more convenient—especially with door-to-door service and no station schlepping. Average fares (as of 2025): Minicab from Central London to Gatwick : £45–£60 (fixed) : £45–£60 (fixed) Train + taxi hybrid: £30–£70 (variable, and stressful) With a cheap airport transfer in London, you're not just saving money—you're buying peace of mind. Stansted is a favourite for low-cost airlines—but don't let the affordable airfare fool you. Transport to and from this airport can quickly offset the savings if you're not careful. Reliable minicab services now offer guaranteed, fixed fares—meaning what you book is what you pay. No surge pricing. No drama. What to look for: Flat-rate airport transfers to major London zones No hidden fees for night-time pickups Real-time driver tracking and text alerts Smaller but increasingly popular, London City Airport and Luton offer some hidden gems when it comes to airport transfers. Why minicabs win: Unlike black cabs, cheap airport transfers in London via minicabs can be booked online with transparent pricing. via minicabs can be booked online with transparent pricing. You avoid the congestion charge surprises often added to metered fares. Services like airport pickups London include meet-and-greet options—ideal for business travellers. If you're flying from Luton, look for deals on affordable airport transfers London-wide that include free cancellation and group discounts. Let's bust a myth: luxury airport transfers UK-wide don't have to be exorbitantly priced. Many services offer executive-class vehicles (think: Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series) at surprisingly affordable rates—especially if booked in advance. For example: Executive minicab from Heathrow to Central London : Starts at £60–£75 : Starts at £60–£75 Comes with Wi-Fi, bottled water, and professional drivers Ideal for: Business travellers Special occasions (honeymooners, we see you) Anyone who wants to arrive in style without splurging A fixed-price airport minicab takes the guesswork out of travel budgeting. Whether you're heading to Stansted at dawn or catching a late-night red-eye from Gatwick, flat rates help you avoid: Surge pricing during peak hours Unpredictable delays on public transport Stress over meter ticking in traffic 24/7 availability Flight tracking Parking fees included Luggage assistance For families, this is a no-brainer. For solo travellers, it's a safe and budget-conscious choice. Scenario Best Option Travelling solo on a budget Cheap last-minute airport taxi deal Group of 4+ with luggage Fixed-price minicab or minivan service Late-night flight Airport pickups London with 24/7 support Business class upgrade vibe Luxury airport transfers UK service Family holiday Affordable airport transfers London with booster seats Look for: Licensed, insured operators with a visible track record Verified customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot or Google Transparent pricing pages (no small print surprises) Bonus: Companies that offer live driver tracking and customer support tend to be more trustworthy and reliable. Here's a rapid-fire list of insider tricks to lock in cheap airport transfers in London: Book 24–48 hours in advance for best rates. Avoid booking through airport desks or last-minute apps—they often carry markups. Look for off-peak discounts, especially on weekday midday transfers. Use aggregator websites to compare real-time prices. Share a ride if possible—many services offer shared transfers to the same airport. Airport travel in London doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you're booking a cheap minicab to Heathrow, a Stansted taxi fixed price, or indulging in luxury airport transfers UK, there's a smart, budget-friendly way to do it right. By using fixed-price, reputable minicab services and planning ahead, you're not just saving money—you're saving time, sanity, and potentially your next holiday. So next time you're packing your bags, don't forget to book your ride. Because in the world of travel, how you get there matters just as much as where you're going. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Independent
01-07-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Delays across UK rail network after heatwave causes speed restrictions
Trains in England will continue to run under speed restrictions today as temperatures soar to highs of 35C in the UK. Passengers travelling on the Brighton Main Line have been warned to check before they travel this week as speed restrictions slow down rail journeys on Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services. The speed restrictions were put in place at the weekend through to Tuesday evening (1 July) as track temperatures neared 50C. On Sunday (29 June), Network Rail Kent and Sussex said on X/Twitter: 'Rail temperatures are predicted to soar with the mercury expected to hit 50C on the track itself, which means that we need to impose blanket speed restrictions on part of the Brighton Main Line to ensure everyone's safety. The speed restriction will be in place on both Monday and Tuesday.' Trains running between London Paddington towards the west, including Great Western Railway (GWR) services, are also subject to longer journey times and potential cancellations as temperatures rise. A GWR spokesperson said the speed restrictions imposed west of Paddington were likely to mean a 10 to 15 minute delay on most trains, reported The Guardian. Elsewhere, National Rail travel advice says: 'Between approximately 10:00 and 19:00 today, an emergency speed restriction will be in place between East Croydon and Burgess Hill due to predicted high track temperatures.' Between these stations, trains may be delayed by 'up to 20 minutes or revised'. Gatwick Express services will also only run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, with most Southern services from London Victoria towards Littlehampton terminating at West Worthing, said National Rail. According to the Network Rail website, speed restrictions are used in hot weather as 'railway tracks can heat up to 50 degrees and risk buckling – which is unsafe for trains to pass over'. It adds: 'By slowing trains down, they exert lower forces on the track, reducing the chance of this happening.' Network Rail's industry weather response director, Lisa Angus, said: 'Trains run on steel rails, which expand in the heat. While air temperatures are forecast to reach around 34C in London, which is tough for people, the temperatures of the tracks will be much higher. 'We paint sensitive parts of our railway white to reflect heat, but there is only so much that paint can achieve before we may have to take action to slow trains down in some places.' Restrictions are expected to stay until at least 10pm on Tuesday, according to railway managers. Network Rail said in a post on X/Twitter: 'With temperatures set to soar as forecast by the Met Office, speed restrictions have to be imposed across large parts of the network to ensure everyone's safety. 'We won't be able to run as many trains as normal, and journeys will take longer. Trains that are running will also be much busier. If you are able to work from home, then that may be your best option. 'If you do take the train, then please remember to take a bottle of water and if you begin to feel unwell, seek help at the next station and speak to station staff. Pulling emergency alarms onboard may delay us getting help to you.'
The Guardian
30-06-2025
- Climate
- The Guardian
Speed restrictions imposed on two main train lines amid UK heatwave
The heatwave has started to have an impact on rail services in parts of southern Britain, with speed restrictions imposed on two main lines out of London due to soaring temperatures on the tracks. Passengers have been urged to check before travelling and warned to expect longer journeys and possible cancellations on routes west from London Paddington and south of the capital on the Brighton mainline. Restrictions were put in place at the weekend for the Brighton mainline through Monday and Tuesday, affecting Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services. Network Rail and train operators decided at midday on Monday to extend the speed restrictions to the western mainline, affecting primarily Great Western trains running to the south-west and south Wales. According to Network Rail, the temperatures exceeding 30C translate into 50C heat on the track, increasing the risk of failure. The speed restrictions imposed west of Paddington through the Thames valley area are likely to mean a 10-15 minute delay on most trains, according to a GWR spokesperson. The compounding delays are likely to mean disruption and cancellations as the day goes on. Straggling Glastonbury returnees could be caught in the delays. GWR said it had already picked up more than 6,000 festivalgoers from Castle Cary station on Monday morning. Restrictions are in place until 10pm on Monday. With temperatures on Tuesday expected to nudge higher, railway managers are likely to confirm speed restrictions for a further day. The heat has yet to reach the extremes of three years ago, when services across England and Wales were disrupted and under speed restrictions amid fears that rails would buckle. A spokesperson for Network Rail and the train operators said: 'With temperatures set to soar as forecast by the Met Office, speed restrictions have to be imposed across large parts of the network to ensure everyone's safety. Sign up to Headlines UK Get the day's headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion 'We're sorry but this means we won't be able to run as many trains as normal and journeys will take longer. Trains that are running will also be much busier. If you are able to work from home then that may be your best option. 'If you do take the train, then please remember to take a bottle of water and if you begin to feel unwell, seek help at the next station and speak to station staff. Pulling emergency alarms onboard may delay us getting help to you.' While passengers in northern England and Scotland have escaped the heat, those hoping to take the west coast mainline north of Carlisle to and from Glasgow have been unable to travel after a tree fell and blocked the line.
BBC News
19-06-2025
- BBC News
London to Brighton rail line closed by 'severe disruption'
Rail services between London and Brighton in East Sussex are being severely disrupted, with the Gatwick Express Govia Thameslink said no services will be running between Brighton, Preston Park, Haywards Heath and Three Bridges for the rest of trains can run to or from Southampton, while some services in Surrey are also being operator said this was due to "a number of incidents". Anyone travelling to Brighton will have to use services via Lewes or Horsham, adding at least an hour to their between Brighton and Cambridge have also been suspended.A fault with signalling at Wivelsfield means drivers are having to be talked through the signals.A faulty signal at Salfords in Surrey means delays to services between Redhill and East Croydon, while another signal fault is affecting trains running between Purley and Gatwick Airport.
