Flying can be stressful whether you are making a business trip to clinch a deal or trying to keep the over-excited kids quiet. The plane will not wait for you if you are late. Read this blog to clarify your travel options and find out what is the best, least stressful and cheapest way to get to Gatwick from Brighton or Hove.  

AIRPORT TRANSFERS BY TRAIN - Brighton to Gatwick 

The train is the fastest mode of transport, and there's much less chance of delays than going by car. Unless, of course, we get the wrong kind of leaves on the line, ice or snow! The station links efficiently with the North Terminal and there's a free shuttle for the short journey from the South terminal. However, do allow extra time to get to the North terminal because the train arrives in the South one. There are rail information desks in the arrivals areas and in Gatwick Airport station itself and of course you can buy tickets online using trainline which is a user friendly website that offers discounts, national rail online or the ticket office at any railway station.    

First Capital Connect runs trains between Gatwick and Brighton every 15 minutes or so, and Southern trains also run regular services. Some trains are slow stopping services, others are direct, so make sure you book a fast train that only stops at a couple of places in between. Many trains only stop at Haywards Heath and they're really fast, taking half an hour to forty minutes. The price? It depends on what time of day or night you travel. As a general rule it's most expensive at commuter times, less so off peak when everyone's at work or at weekends. And do remember it is often cheapest when you book in advance but you will then need to get a particular train and have less flexibility. 

AIRPORT TRANSFERS BY ROAD - in your car   

It's second quickest by road. But roads all too often grind to a halt. And petrol prices, although falling, still mount up at the moment combined with parking charges at the airport. The best way to get to Gatwick by car is probably to shoot up the  A23 then join the M23, an efficient drive due North that shouldn't take more than forty minutes. But if you prefer not to risk potential delays, football crowds, gridlock, accidents and jams, public transport might be your best and most reliable option. For some people it is also less stressful. 

Airport transfers by coach - National Express coaches

If you'd like to relax and be driven rather than driving yourself, National Express coaches run to and from Gatwick airport regularly. It's comfy and quick, but coaches are at the mercy of traffic too. On the up-side it's madly cheap, costing from £9 for a single journey and taking just over an hour. They can drop you off at either the North or South Terminal as well as right outside a number of popular Gatwick hotels.  

Coaches have huge, safe, secure storage spaces so you won't be bothered by luggage on your journey.  

You can pick up a number 025 or 747 coach from bus stops at Patcham, Preston Circus, Preston Park, Withdean Park, York Place just beyond London Road, the Amex Football Stadium in Falmer or Pool Valley on the seafront where the bus starts its journey. Book as far in advance as you can, and remember the cheapest seats tend to sell quickly.   

Airport transfers by private licensed taxi - Call 01273 204060 or 01273 414141

The Best Of recommends Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs, serving Brighton, Hove and Adur. Read their l local reviews here.

Whatever crazy time of day or night your flight leaves, you can rely on them to arrive on time and transport you painlessly and pleasantly to Gatwick without fuss ir bother. They know the area so well that if there is a traffic jam or road works, they'll know all the best shortcuts and diversions.

Here's a link to Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs airport transfer prices.

Your journey to Gatwick, in a smart saloon car, will cost from from about £40 one way to £63 depending on the size of the car and how many are in your party. The journey will take forty minutes although timings will vary according to the time of day and traffic. If travelling by road, always allow extra time, even if you are not driving. You cannot afford to miss your flight.