Overnight trains to Gatwick launched as GWR tests demand from Reading

Great Western Railway is set to trial overnight train services linking Reading railway station with Gatwick Airport in a move aimed at improving access for early-morning and late-night flights.

The 12-week trial will begin on 6 June and will see two services run from Reading to Gatwick, alongside three return services on Saturday mornings. A reduced schedule will operate on Mondays, with one service from Reading and two from Gatwick.

At present, GWR services typically run between 04:30 and 23:30, leaving passengers with early departures or late arrivals — estimated to account for more than 20% of Gatwick’s daily traffic — without a direct rail option from the west. The new services aim to address that gap, with connections available for flights operated by airlines including easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways.

The route will call at Wokingham, Guildford, Dorking Deepdene, Reigate and Redhill, offering additional connectivity for both airport passengers and shift workers travelling along the corridor.

Planned timings for the services are as follows:

• Saturdays departing Reading 02:28 & 03:30
• Saturdays departing Gatwick Airport 00:30, 01:24 & 04:00
• Mondays departing Reading 03:24
• Mondays departing Gatwick Airport 00:24 & 04:00

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director at Great Western Railway, said:

"This trial allows us to test demand for extended operating hours to Gatwick and gather real-world data on how passengers use these services. Improving sustainable connectivity to airports is important to support the growth in air travel and we're pleased to work with Gatwick Airport and Network Rail to explore what's possible."The trial will help us understand whether overnight services can work operationally and commercially on this route. We’ll monitor performance closely and will review feedback before considering options to improve services in the future."

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, said:

"We’re delighted to work in partnership with Great Western Railway to introduce these new overnight services, which will make travelling to and from London Gatwick even easier for both passengers catching early flights and staff working at the airport.“Strengthening sustainable, reliable public transport links is vital as our route network grows, and this trial represents a significant step in improving choice and convenience for our passengers across the region.”

Matt Rodda, MP for Reading Central, said:

"I am pleased to hear about the trial and look forward to seeing how it will help make it easier to travel to Gatwick for early flights."Improvements to our transport links can make a signifcant difference for residents and help create new jobs and economic growth."

Tom McNamee, Infrastructure Director at Network Rail, said:

"Over the past 4 years, Network Rail has invested £50 million into improving the signalling on the North Downs Line. This signalling upgrade, modernising and improving safety on this important stretch of line, will now also benefit Great Western Railway's next steps towards introducing night time services. By having these services running through the night, we can better serve the Gatwick Airport community with a more sustainable way to access London’s second busiest airport."

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