Airport Advance tickets

Q: What’s the difference between an Airport Advance and an Advance ticket?

An Advance ticket is only valid on the specific train service shown on your ticket. An Airport Advance ticket offers more flexibility for journeys departing from the airport. Although you’ll book a specific train, you can also travel on a later service that matches the “Valid On” conditions on your ticket, departing up to two hours after your booked train. This can be useful if your flight is delayed or your plans change. For example: If you’ve booked a ticket on the 12:00 service and your ticket says ‘Southern Only’, you can travel on the 12:00 Southern service to your destination or any later Southern service to the same destination departing up to and including 14:00, but not after this time.

Q: Are Airport Advance tickets available for travel to the airport?

No, Airport Advance tickets are only available on journeys that start at Gatwick Airport, Luton Airport or Luton Airport Parkway. We still offer Advance tickets for journeys to Gatwick Airport, Luton Airport and Luton Airport Parkway, but these will only be valid on the booked service, see our Advance ticket page for more information.

Q: How far in advance can I book?

Airport Advance tickets are typically available up to 12 weeks before your travel date, but this may vary.

Q: Can I combine Railcards with Airport Advance tickets?

Yes, you can use some Railcards to save even more on Airport Advance ticket fares. Please check the terms and conditions before you travel for eligibility.

Q: Where can I buy Airport Advance tickets in person?

You can buy Airport Advance tickets at any of our ticket offices, at ticket vending machines and online..

Plan ahead and save with Airport Advance train tickets. Book early to enjoy great value fares on your journey from the airport.

Ticket overview

Airport Advance tickets offer you savings, like an Advance ticket does, but with the additional flexibility of being able to travel up to two hours later than your booked train. Airport Advance tickets are only available on journeys that start at Gatwick Airport, Luton Airport or Luton Airport Parkway.

These tickets will be available for travel dates starting from Sunday 13 December 2026.

Benefits

Great value fares: Save money by booking your ticket in advance. 
Additional flexibility: If you’re delayed arriving at the airport, you can still use your ticket up to 2 hours later than the train you’ve booked.
Generous booking window: Advance tickets are usually released up to 12 weeks before travel, and the best prices are available early. Weekend dates may sometimes open later due to engineering work or timetable updates. For the latest ticket release information, you can check the National Rail Advance booking dates page. Please be aware on certain dates and times of day no Advance tickets will be available, due to engineering work or large events taking place.

When can I use this ticket type?

Use your Airport Advance ticket on your booked train, or on another train service that matches the “Valid On” section shown on your ticket up to two hours later.

For example: if you’ve booked a ticket on the 12:00 service and your ticket says Southern Only you can use your ticket to travel on the 12:00 Southern service to your destination plus any Southern service to your destination that is timed to depart up to and including 14:00, but not after this time.

Things to remember 

Only available for journeys starting at the airport: Airport Advance tickets are only available on journeys that start at either Gatwick Airport, Luton Airport or Luton Airport Parkway. Existing Advance tickets are still available for journeys to the airport.
Non-refundable: Airport Advance tickets are non-refundable (unless the train has been cancelled or delayed, in which case, customers are entitled to a refund or journey adjustments).  
Limited availability: Tickets are subject to availability, so book early for the best prices. 
Additional restrictions: These tickets may have extra restrictions when used with a Railcard or other discounts. Please refer to the National Rail website to check terms and conditions.

Please read the terms and conditions for Advance tickets.

How can I save further, and what discounts are available?

Railcards: Use a Railcard for additional savings on Advance tickets, including 1/3 off adult fares.
Plan ahead: The earlier you book, the more you save.

Reasons to book direct

No booking fees: Unlike some third-party retailers, Thameslink won’t charge you any booking fees - you’ll only pay for your ticket.
Convenient fulfilment options: Choose an eTicket if applicable for your journey, or collect paper tickets at the station.
If your plans change: direct bookings mean you may be eligible to apply for a refund online (in-line with the National Rail Conditions of Travel), through the same account you’ve purchased.

Buy Airport Advance tickets

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between an Airport Advance and an Advance ticket?

An Advance ticket is only valid on the specific train service shown on your ticket.

An Airport Advance ticket offers more flexibility for journeys departing from the airport. Although you’ll book a specific train, you can also travel on a later service that matches the “Valid On” conditions on your ticket, departing up to two hours after your booked train. This can be useful if your flight is delayed or your plans change.

For example: If you’ve booked a ticket on the 12:00 service and your ticket says ‘Southern Only’, you can travel on the 12:00 Southern service to your destination or any later Southern service to the same destination departing up to and including 14:00, but not after this time.

Are the existing Advance tickets still available?

For journeys on our trains, the Airport Advance tickets replace the existing Advance tickets on journeys from Gatwick Airport, Luton Airport and Luton Airport Parkway stations only.

For journeys involving other operators’ services from Gatwick Airport, Luton Airport and Luton Airport Parkway, the existing Advance tickets will still be available, but please read here for the full terms and conditions for these tickets.

Are Airport Advance tickets available for travel to the airport?

Can I use an Airport Advance ticket on any train?

An Airport Advance ticket is booked on a specific train, but you can also travel on another train service that matches the “Valid On” section shown on your ticket up to 2 hours later.

For example: If you’ve booked a ticket on the 12:00 service and your ticket says ‘Southern Only’ you can use your ticket to travel on the 12:00 Southern service to your destination plus any Southern service to your destination that is timed to depart up to and including 14:00, but not after this time.

Also, you can’t travel on an earlier service than the one you’ve booked.

If you decide not to travel because of train delay or cancellation, customers are entitled to a full refund, as per Condition 30.1 of the National Rail Conditions of Travel.

How far in advance can I book?

Can I combine Railcards with Airport Advance tickets?

What happens if I miss my train?

If you miss the train you’re booked on, you can also travel on another train service that matches the “Valid On” section shown on your ticket up to 2 two hours later.

For example: If you’ve booked a ticket on the 12:00 service and your ticket says ‘Southern Only’ you can use your ticket to travel on the 12:00 Southern service to your destination plus any Southern service to your destination that is timed to depart up to and including 14:00, but not after this time.

If your train is cancelled or delayed and you decide not to travel, you’re entitled to a full refund under Condition 30.1 of the National Rail Conditions of Travel. Please contact the ticket retailer or operator to arrange your refund.

Where can I buy Airport Advance tickets in person?

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