Great Western Railway says that it will be running new early morning services between Reading and Gatwick Airport.

The new services will run on Saturday and Monday from the 6th June to test demand for potential connectivity.

The trial will run for 12 weeks.

Currently, GWR runs services between 04:30 and 23:30, meaning passengers cannot use trains for early departures or late arrivals.

Trains will run as follows:

• Saturdays departing Reading: 0228   0330

• Saturdays departing Gatwick Airport: 0030   0124   0400 

• Mondays departing Reading: 0324

• Mondays departing Gatwick Airport: 0024   0400

The trains will call at Reading, Wokingham, Guildford, Dorking Deepdene, Reigate, Redhill and Gatwick.

“This trial allows us to test demand for extended operating hours to Gatwick and gather real-world data on how passengers use these services. 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.”The trial will help us understand whether overnight services can work operationally and commercially on this route. We’ll monitor performance closely and will review feedback before considering options to improve services in the future.”

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director, Great Western Railway

“We’re delighted to work in partnership with Great Western Railway to introduce these new overnight services, which will make travelling to and from London Gatwick even easier for both passengers catching early flights and staff working at the airport.“Strengthening sustainable, reliable public transport links is vital as our route network grows, and this trial represents a significant step in improving choice and convenience for our passengers across the region.”

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick