London is served by two of the busiest airports in the world: taxi london heathrow to gatwick Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW). While Heathrow is the primary international hub, handling millions of passengers annually, Gatwick plays a crucial role as a secondary international and European gateway. For travelers, one of the most common logistical challenges is making the transfer between Heathrow and Gatwick, especially when connecting between long-haul and regional flights. Here’s a detailed guide on the best ways to travel between the two airports, along with tips to ensure a smooth journey.
Distance and Travel Time
Heathrow and Gatwick are about 45 miles (72 kilometers) apart, located on opposite sides of London. However, given the city’s size, traffic congestion, and the nature of transport routes, the journey can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the mode of transport and time of day. It’s important to account for this when scheduling flights, as tight connections could lead to unnecessary stress.
Transportation Options
- National Express Coach One of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to travel between Heathrow and Gatwick is via the National Express coach service. Coaches run regularly between the two airports, with a journey time averaging 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Tickets can be booked in advance online, and there are multiple services per day, ensuring flexibility for travelers. Pros:
- Direct service between terminals
- No need to navigate through central London
- Affordable, with fares starting from £20-30 Cons:
- Subject to traffic delays, especially during peak times
- Less frequent during late-night hours
- Private Taxi or Ride-Hailing Services Hiring a private taxi or using ride-hailing apps like Uber is another option. The benefit here is privacy and door-to-door service, without having to wait for other passengers. Taxi ranks are available at both Heathrow and Gatwick, and prices can range from £60 to £100 depending on traffic and the time of day. Pros:
- Direct, private transfer
- Convenient for those with large amounts of luggage or traveling in groups Cons:
- Can be expensive, especially during peak times or if traffic is heavy
- Travel time can be unpredictable due to road conditions
- Train via Central London For those looking to avoid traffic or prefer a more structured journey, taking the train is a viable option. While there is no direct train service between Heathrow and Gatwick, the journey can be made via central London.
- From Heathrow, take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, which takes about 15 minutes.
- From Paddington, take the London Underground or a taxi to Victoria Station.
- From Victoria Station, catch the Gatwick Express or a regular train to Gatwick, with journey times between 30 and 40 minutes. The overall travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on connections. Pros:
- Not affected by road traffic
- Frequent services and easy to plan in advance Cons:
- Requires navigating central London, which can be confusing for first-time visitors
- More expensive, especially when buying individual tickets for each leg
- Heathrow Express + Southern Rail An alternative, more affordable train route involves using Heathrow Express (or the Elizabeth Line) to Paddington, followed by the London Underground (Circle or Hammersmith & City Line) to Farringdon Station, and then connecting to Southern Rail for the direct train to Gatwick. While this route avoids the need for taxis and cuts out the Gatwick Express surcharge, it still requires navigating through different stations and changes.
Things to Consider
- Allow Sufficient Time Whether you’re taking a bus, train, or taxi, always allow at least 4 hours between flights when transferring between Heathrow and Gatwick. This ensures you have ample time to deal with potential delays, security checks, and any unforeseen circumstances. If you’re traveling during rush hour, plan for extra time.
- Luggage Transfers Unlike airports with connected terminals, Heathrow and Gatwick do not offer automatic luggage transfers between them. If you’re flying with different airlines that don’t have interline agreements, you’ll need to collect your luggage at one airport and check it in at the next. Make sure to factor in this time when planning your transfer.
- Night Travel If your flights land or depart during the night, your transportation options will be more limited. National Express coaches still operate, but train services become infrequent or stop altogether. In this case, a taxi or private car service may be your best bet, though it will likely be more expensive.
- Cost vs. Convenience While private taxis offer the most convenience, they are also the most expensive option. For budget-conscious travelers, National Express offers a balance between price and direct service, though train options might appeal to those wishing to avoid traffic.
Conclusion
Transferring between Heathrow and Gatwick is a common necessity for many travelers connecting international and domestic flights in London. Whether you opt for the convenience of a private taxi, the direct service of a coach, or the speed of the train, the key is to plan ahead, allow sufficient time for the journey, and be aware of potential delays. With the right preparation, making this journey can be seamless and stress-free, allowing you to focus on your upcoming flight or travel adventure.