Gatwick Express taps into pyjama travel trend with new early morning and overnight trains

Departing London Victoria at 3.40am on Saturdays and leaving Gatwick Airport at 4.35am on Sundays, the new train times from July 18 tap into the trend for ‘bed to boarding’ style, which is being led by Gen Z travellers.

In a survey commissioned by Gatwick Express, more than a third (33 per cent) of Brits aged 18 to 29 say they have travelled to the airport in pyjamas, with over half of the same age group (53 per cent) saying it’s acceptable to do so for an early morning flight. This is in stark comparison to Gen X (13 per cent) and Boomers (four per cent) sharing the same views.

Those already enjoying pyjama travel claim the trend has many benefits, including:

• Staying in bed for longer (44 per cent)
• Feeling more relaxed before their holiday (40 per cent)
• Saving time getting ready (38 per cent)
• A more comfortable journey (37 per cent)
• Having one less thing to think about before leaving home (33 per cent)

The additional train services are part of a package of improvements for GTR customers, and form part of a wider plan to deliver a more enhanced experience following the operator’s move to public ownership in May, and ahead of the formation of Great British Railways in 2027.

Gatwick Express customers can also now enjoy discounted airport lounge access and Fast Track security, which have both launched for summer.

With 40 per cent of Brits citing long security queues at the airport as their biggest cause of stress before a holiday, along with a quarter worrying about traffic, these new benefits make taking the train to Gatwick a no-brainer.

To celebrate the launch of the new trains and additional benefits, Gatwick Express customers are being gifted with travel essentials kits today, featuring handy holiday items such as portable chargers, passport holders, and mini toiletries.

Louis Rambaud, chief customer officer at GTR, said: “We know that annual leave is precious and when the time comes to get away, every minute counts.

“Our new services will help people maximise their holidays by connecting them to early morning and late-night flights over the weekend.

“These new customer enhancements are part of our wider strategy to drive growth to key airports on our network.

"With direct, 30-minute services between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, access to Gatwick’s premium airport lounge and Fast-Track security, Gatwick Express is the best way to travel for a stress-free start to your holiday whether you’re in pyjamas or not!”

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said: "As we set up Great British Railways, we're bringing train operators and Network Rail together under one roof so we can plan smarter journeys, overcome barriers to growth, jobs and homes, and deliver improvements passengers will really feel.

“These additional overnight Gatwick Express services will make a real difference to people arriving late or travelling for early flights - connecting them straight to the capital.

“Alongside contactless ticketing at every London airport, we're building a railway that works for passengers and drives growth across the country.”

Hannah Godfrey, senior surface access manager, London Gatwick, added: “For many people, their holiday begins the moment they leave home, so it’s great to see Gatwick Express helping passengers get into the holiday spirit before they even reach the airport.

“We’re proud to work closely with our rail partners to provide a smooth and stress-free start to summer journeys through London Gatwick.”

This summer, it’s easier than ever before to travel with Gatwick Express thanks to improved signs and wayfinding at Gatwick Airport, as well as new retail areas to purchase tickets, and dedicated Gatwick Express ambassadors to help people get from plane to train.

Book train tickets directly from the website to enjoy 10 per cent off and no booking fees.