Full Breakdown
Great Western Railway Launches Overnight Train Service Between Gatwick Airport and Reading
6/6/2026, 10:36:25 PM
New Overnight Service Links Gatwick Airport and Reading
Great Western Railway (GWR) has started a 12-week trial of overnight trains between Gatwick Airport (West Sussex) and Reading (Berkshire). Operating on the North Downs line, the service stops at Wokingham, Blackwater, North Camp, Guildford, Dorking Deepdene, Reigate and Redhill. Saturday departures from Gatwick are scheduled for 00:30, 01:24 and 04:00, with a journey time of about 1 hour 20 minutes. A limited Monday service runs early.
Background: Filling a Service Gap
Before the trial, GWR’s Gatwick-Reading routes ran only between 04:30 and 23:30, leaving early-flight and late-arrival passengers without a rail option. The trial, running from 6 June to 12 September 2026, aims to measure demand for extended hours and evaluate a permanent overnight timetable.
Key Figures and Partners
Timeline
- 6 June 2026: Trial begins
- 12 September 2026: Trial ends
- Service days: Saturdays (full schedule) and Mondays (limited)
Service Data
Trial length: 12 weeks (? 84 days). Trains: Five overnight services on Saturdays (three Gatwick-Reading, two Reading-Gatwick) and two on Mondays (one each way) per source 2. Journey time: ~1 h 20 min. Stops: Seven intermediate stations listed above.
Why It Matters
The overnight link enhances sustainable connectivity to a major airport, supporting air-travel growth.
Official Statements & Responses
GWR’s managing director highlighted the strategic importance of expanding rail access to airports and noted the partnership with Gatwick Airport and Network Rail to explore new connectivity options. Gatwick’s chief commercial officer expressed enthusiasm, emphasizing the benefit for both passengers and airport staff.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Monday schedule: Source 1 says the 01:24 Gatwick-Reading service does not run on Monday and that only a 03:24 Reading-Gatwick service operates. Source 2 lists a 00:24 -> 01:47 Gatwick-Reading service and a 03:24 -> 04:47 Reading-Gatwick service on Monday.
- Exact arrival times: Both sources agree on Saturday departures, but minor differences appear in reported arrival times.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Mark Hopwood, Managing Director, GWR
- “delighted” — Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick
- “make travelling to and from Gatwick even easier for passengers and staff working at the airport” — Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick
What’s Next
GWR will analyse passenger numbers and feedback collected during the trial. If demand proves sufficient, the operator plans to consider extending overnight services beyond Saturdays and potentially establishing a permanent schedule.
