Gatwick’s Gen Z passengers lead the shift toward more sustainable airport access

London Gatwick has seen a notable rise in rail travel among younger passengers, with more than half of the airport’s Gen Z passengers now catching a train to their plane.

New data reveals that 53% of 16 to 24-year-olds chose to reach Gatwick by rail in the first three months of 2025 – up from 47% in 2024. This compares to 44% of all passengers in 2025.

The figures also show that Gen Z passengers – the demographic born between 1997 and 2012 – are the most likely to travel more than two hours to reach the airport.

The airport has invested nearly £45m in improved train connectivity in the last two years and claims to be the best-connected UK airport by rail. It provides direct services to more than 120 stations and hundreds more with one change. And with up to 19 trains per hour Gatwick railway station offers a frequency of service it describes as akin to London Underground.

Nick Williams, Head of Passenger Operations, London Gatwick said, “It’s inspiring to see younger passengers embracing rail travel in such strong numbers. Gen Z is leading the shift toward more sustainable airport access and we’re proud to support that with excellent rail connectivity and frequent services to meet their needs.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director, Govia Thameslink Railway said, "Our Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink trains are a swift and sustainable way to reach London Gatwick, so it's refreshing to see so many younger people choosing us.

"Many will also be attracted by the multi-million-pound redeveloped station, opened at Gatwick less than two years ago. This has wider platforms, a brand-new concourse, new lifts and escalators to make it bigger, better and more accessible than ever before."

Gatwick says it will continue to invest to make train travel an increasingly attractive option through its Sustainable Transport Fund (STF). The airport is also served by an extensive local bus network – with up to 40 buses stopping at the airport each hour during peak times – while National Express and Flixbus run coach services to more than 50 destinations across the UK.