Gatwick Airport Sees Unstoppable Rise in Train Travel as Gen Z Embraces Eco Friendly Airport Access: Know More About it

Published on September 16, 2025

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is witnessing a transformative shift in how passengers, particularly those between the ages of 16 and 24, are choosing to travel to the airport. According to the latest data released by the airport, more than half of the passengers in this age group opted for train services to reach their flights in the first quarter of 2025. This marks a 6% increase from the same period in 2024, when 47% of young travelers chose trains. With sustainability becoming a core value for Gen Z, this growing trend reflects a wider movement toward eco-friendly transportation choices. The increased use of rail services, such as the Gatwick Express, highlights how efficient and sustainable travel options are reshaping the way people access the UK’s second-busiest airport.

Gatwick Airport’s Rail Connectivity: Seamless and Efficient Travel

Extensive Rail Network Across the UK

One of the key factors driving this surge in rail travel is Gatwick Airport’s extensive rail network. The airport boasts direct train services from over 120 stations across the UK, allowing passengers to reach the airport with no transfers. This seamless connectivity makes train travel a convenient and efficient choice for passengers coming from various parts of the country. Furthermore, Gatwick’s rail links extend to hundreds of additional stations with just one change, further enhancing the accessibility of the airport.

The comprehensive rail system at Gatwick caters to a wide range of travelers, from those coming from bustling cities like London to visitors from smaller towns and regions. The ease and speed of travel make it a favorable option, especially for younger travelers who may be more familiar with public transport and more likely to choose eco-friendly alternatives.

Gatwick Express: A High-Frequency, Fast Service

Gatwick’s on-site rail station offers up to 19 trains per hour, with services including the Gatwick Express, which connects the airport directly to London’s Victoria Station in approximately 30 minutes. This high-frequency service makes it incredibly convenient for passengers, ensuring that they can access fast and reliable transport at almost any time of the day. The Gatwick Express is a preferred option for many, offering direct access to central London without the need for changes, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.

For passengers traveling from London, the Gatwick Express provides the fastest route to the airport, ensuring a stress-free journey with minimal wait times. This is particularly appealing for passengers in the 16 to 24 age group, who are often on tight schedules and prioritize efficiency when traveling.

Beyond London: Rail Services to Popular Destinations

In addition to its strong connections to London, Gatwick Airport is also well-connected to several other key destinations across the UK. Passengers can travel directly to and from cities such as Brighton, Cambridge, and Reading. These routes make Gatwick a convenient choice for travelers coming from or heading to various regions, ensuring that the airport remains accessible from a wide array of locations.

For those traveling from or to the south coast, Brighton is one of the most popular destinations served by Gatwick’s rail network. The journey takes around 30 minutes, allowing passengers to quickly access the airport for their international flights. Additionally, Cambridge and Reading are well-served by direct rail routes, connecting the airport to academic hubs and business centers.

The Rising Popularity of Train Travel Among Gen Z Passengers

Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Choices

One of the driving forces behind the surge in train travel is the growing environmental awareness among younger generations. Gen Z, in particular, has shown a strong preference for eco-friendly options, both in their daily lives and when traveling. For many, choosing to travel by train is seen as a sustainable alternative to flying or driving, which are often associated with higher carbon emissions.

Train travel offers a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to other forms of transport. According to data from the UK Department for Transport, trains produce around 10 times less carbon dioxide per passenger mile than cars and around 70% less than airplanes. This makes trains an appealing choice for young passengers who are more conscious of their environmental impact.

A Convenient and Cost-Effective Option

In addition to the environmental benefits, train travel is often seen as a more convenient and cost-effective option for younger passengers. Many 16 to 24-year-olds rely on public transportation for their daily commutes, making rail travel to Gatwick a familiar and straightforward choice. For students and young professionals, rail services are often more affordable than taxis or driving, especially with the availability of discounted rail passes.

Furthermore, the rise in rail services connecting Gatwick to popular destinations makes train travel an even more attractive option for young travelers. The ability to reach the airport directly from multiple locations without the hassle of transfers or long drives makes rail an ideal choice for a generation that values convenience and efficiency.

The Impact on Gatwick Airport Operations

Meeting Sustainable Travel Targets

The rise in rail travel to Gatwick Airport is in line with broader goals to reduce the environmental impact of air travel. Gatwick has long been committed to reducing its carbon footprint and meeting sustainability targets set by the UK government. The increasing number of passengers choosing rail services instead of cars or taxis contributes to these efforts, helping to reduce road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to reducing its environmental impact, Gatwick Airport is working to improve the overall passenger experience. By expanding its rail network and enhancing its connections, the airport is making it easier for travelers to access the airport without the need for private cars. This not only aligns with sustainability goals but also contributes to the airport’s broader strategy of improving efficiency and reducing congestion on the roads surrounding the airport.

Future Developments and Expansions

Looking ahead, Gatwick is committed to further enhancing its rail services to accommodate growing demand. Plans for additional rail connections and station upgrades are already in the works, with the goal of making train travel to and from the airport even more accessible and convenient. These improvements will ensure that Gatwick remains at the forefront of sustainable travel options for passengers.

Future expansions could include direct rail links to additional cities and regions, further improving the accessibility of the airport. These developments would not only support the increasing demand for sustainable travel options but also ensure that Gatwick continues to serve as a key transportation hub for both domestic and international passengers.

The Future of Travel at Gatwick

The rise in rail travel to Gatwick Airport, particularly among Gen Z passengers, marks a significant shift toward more sustainable and efficient travel options. As younger generations prioritize environmental concerns and demand greater convenience, the trend of using trains to access the airport is likely to continue growing. Gatwick’s commitment to enhancing its rail services and expanding its connectivity will ensure that the airport remains a key player in the future of sustainable travel.

In the coming years, we can expect to see further innovations in rail transport at Gatwick, as the airport works to meet the evolving needs of its passengers. With more travelers choosing trains as their preferred mode of transport, Gatwick is setting a positive example for airports around the world to follow in promoting sustainable travel.

Image Source: gatwickairport