London's first airport and a historic palace
In the 1920s and 1930s, Croydon Airport on Purley Way was London's main international airport. The original terminal, Airport House, survives and is opened to visitors on selected days, giving a glimpse of the early days of air travel. Much older is the Old Palace, a former summer residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury, now part of a school, next to Croydon Minster.
Modern Croydon is a busy commercial centre with offices, the Fairfield Halls arts venue and the Boxpark food hall beside East Croydon station. Further out, Purley, Coulsdon, Selsdon and Addiscombe have a quieter, suburban feel, and the Addington Hills offer one of the best viewpoints over London.
Places worth knowing
- Airport House, Purley Way – the original Croydon Airport terminal.
- Fairfield Halls – concerts, comedy and theatre.
- Addington Hills viewpoint – wide views towards central London.
- Shirley Windmill – a restored nineteenth-century windmill.
Getting in and out
East Croydon is one of London's busiest stations, with frequent fast trains to Victoria, London Bridge, Gatwick Airport and Brighton. Tramlink, opened in 2000, links Croydon with Wimbledon, Beckenham and New Addington. The A23 and A232 are the main roads, and the M25 and M23 are a short drive south.
Airport transfers from Croydon
Gatwick is the closest major airport, usually reached via the A23 and M23. Heathrow is reached across south London or via the M25, and journey times vary with the time of day. London City suits travellers in the north of the borough. For Gatwick, a private transfer avoids changing trains with heavy luggage and suits early-morning flights.
See our Gatwick Airport transfers page.
Pickup tips for this borough
The town centre has one-way systems, bus lanes and tram routes, so a precise pickup point outside your hotel or office is important. Around East Croydon, tell us which side of the station you will be waiting on.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Croydon to Gatwick?
It is usually a short motorway journey via the M23, but always allow extra time at peak hours and on Friday afternoons.
Can you visit the old Croydon Airport?
Yes. Airport House has a visitor centre with set open days. Check dates before you travel.
Can you collect from East Croydon station?
Yes. Let us know which exit you will use and we will confirm a meeting point.