Gatwick Airport is preparing a £183 million upgrade to its rail station as part of broader efforts to create a smoother rail-to-air travel experience.
Construction is planned to begin in 2017 with completion targeted for 2020. The redesign will expand the concourse, add escalators and lifts to platforms, and simplify passenger circulation with a more intuitive layout. These changes are intended to make transfers faster and more comfortable for both air travellers and rail commuters.
Gatwick is investing in the station to meet growing demand. Passenger numbers for the station are expected to rise by around 5 million, reaching approximately 20 million rail users a year by 2025. The upgrade aims to accommodate that growth while improving accessibility and reducing congestion during peak periods.
“This new station builds on the ongoing transformation of Gatwick Airport and will deliver a first-class gateway for visitors, air passengers and the 1 million rail commuters who use Gatwick station every year,” said Guy Stephenson, CCO of Gatwick.
The station improvements form part of a wider programme of rail upgrades serving the airport. These include the introduction of new Gatwick Express trains, the rollout of new Thameslink rolling stock, and enhanced connections through the network, all designed to provide faster, more reliable journeys to and from the airport.
By expanding circulation space, improving vertical access to platforms, and simplifying wayfinding, the project aims to create a station that is easier to navigate for passengers with luggage, families, and those with reduced mobility. The upgraded concourse will provide more space for passenger flow and better opportunities for passenger services and information points.
Overall, the scheme is intended to support Gatwick’s role as a major transport hub by improving the interchange between rail and air travel, reducing delays caused by overcrowding, and offering a more welcoming arrival and departure environment for millions of travellers each year.