Phuket to London (HKT–LGW) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Thai passport holders need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK. Apply online through the UK government portal and attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application center in Bangkok. The visa is valid for up to 6 months per visit. Required documents include proof of funds, accommodation details, a return ticket, and evidence of ties to Thailand. The fee is GBP 115. Processing takes up to 3 weeks. Passport must be valid for the duration of the stay.

The Gatwick Express departs the South Terminal every 15 minutes to London Victoria (30 min, from £21.50). Thameslink services are cheaper and provide direct access to Farringdon, City Thameslink, Blackfriars, and London Bridge; useful for destinations in the City and East London. Both terminal buildings are connected by a free inter-terminal monorail shuttle (2 min).Taxis from arrivals queue outside; metered fares to central London typically run £70–100 and can exceed this during peak hours. Uber and other ride-shares operate from a designated zone. Rental car desks are in both terminal buildings.

Temperate maritime climate. Winters (November–February) are cool and grey at 3–9°C, with fog, low cloud, and occasional light snow causing moderate delay risks. Summers (June–August) are mild at 18–25°C. Heat waves are increasingly common and can affect ramp operations. Rain falls year-round with no dry season.

Wind is a more frequent disruption factor than snow at Gatwick. The airport has a single active runway and is sensitive to crosswinds. Autumn storms (October–November) occasionally cause significant delays.