Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Trains to Gatwick from Finsbury Park

Has anyone used the service from Finsbury Park to Gatwick Airport? Is it reliable? Is it running regularly?

Any advice would be welcome.

Dave K

Tags for Forum Posts: gatwick trains, thameslink

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Permalink Reply by Gordon T on October 2, 2019 at 15:37

Dave, AFAIK:

Going to Gatwick is doable stepfree at Finsbury Park - take the TfL lift from the tube platforms to the mezzanine passageway that links all the Great Northern platforms. Walk along till under platforms 1/2, there's another lift that takes you up to platform level - the Gatwick trains are usually platform 2.

Coming back from Gatwick KP is right, no lift from platform 7. However, Kings Cross St Pancras is stepfree and St Pancras International has escalators so that's where to change coming back from Gatwick.

Tho' the KX Piccadilly line lift is today reported out of action.....

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Permalink Reply by michaelw on October 2, 2019 at 14:03

This Thameslink service is really useful service, particularly on weekdays when there are 4 trains/hour - weekends is more problematic though, at only 1 train per hour.

Things might improve in the new timetable from December, which is due to be announced any day now I think..

It's worth noting that this is also a relaxing way to get to the South Bank (via Blackfriars or London Bridge), also to Brighton on the right trains (or get a Horsham train & change at Blackfriars on the same platform).

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Permalink Reply by Dave W on October 2, 2019 at 23:20

I think they’re also struggling for those.

They need to bring in Automatic Train Operation through the “core” (St Pancras to Blackfriars) to get up to the 24 trains per hour. They’re currently at 19 but think they could just about do 21 without ATO.

Today’s debacle was a farce. Apparently a driver noted an insulation pot on fire on the third rail at City Thameslink. Was advised to run backwards to Blackfriars but forgot to lower the pantograph which automatically raises at City. Whoops...

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Permalink Reply by Si on October 3, 2019 at 10:11

This week the ThamesLink line (I have had to use it from Finsbury Park to Blackfriars this week) has been quite unreliable - there have been major delays on a couple of mornings and cancellations too.

It's a really useful service and the trains are very modern and spacious - just leave plenty of time and keep checking the live timetables in the run up to your journey in case you have to use an alternative method.

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Permalink Reply by Dave W on October 3, 2019 at 14:40

Thameslink stuffed again today... Massive issues with a broken down train at Kentish Town. Delays expected until well into the evening peak.

Best of luck...

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Permalink Reply by AndrewAW1 on October 3, 2019 at 10:38

How busy are these at rush hour?

I've only used them heading out of London in rush hour and back in at the end of the day. What are they like in the busier direction?

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Permalink Reply by michaelw on October 3, 2019 at 12:16

I think they are probably fine at Finsbury Park, as loads of people get off to get the tube or Great Northern into Moorgate. I've only been on them a couple of times in the rush hour

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Permalink Reply by gbee on October 4, 2019 at 0:35

yes. Its the Cambridge to Brighton line . It usually runs and does not seem so vulnerable as the Great Northern routes of endless cancellation. They are infrequent - possibly hourly. Takes 40 to 50 mins to Gatwick . Brilliant !