If your journey takes you to London, you’ll probably transit through Heathrow or Gatwick airport. Should you need to move between these two hubs (perhaps London is just the start of your European adventure, or you’ve snagged a great deal with split-ticket bookings), we’ve crafted a convenient guide to ensure your seamless transfer. We’ve included a budget-friendly option that costs less than 5 pounds.
Heathrow to Gatwick Airport: The Basics
London Heathrow Airport (LHR), situated 15 miles west of London, ranks among the busiest international airports in the World. It has four terminals, all of which are linked to central London by various modes of Transport. Approximately 30 miles south of London is Gatwick Airport (LGW), the second-largest airport in the U.K. A convenient monorail connects its north and south terminals, and regular train services provide easy access to central London.
The airports are approximately 38 miles apart, but no direct rail service connects Heathrow and Gatwick. To travel between them by train, you must go through central London.
If you’re scheduling connecting flights with arrivals at Heathrow and departures from Gatwick (or vice versa), remember that these are the U.K.’s most significant and busiest airports. Make sure to allot ample time to account for potential delays related to security checks, check-in, customs, and baggage collection, in addition to the transit time between airports. It’s wise to err on the side of caution by allowing more time than you anticipate needing or considering an overnight stay, especially when You are catching another flight from another airport (neither the airline nor the transfer operator is Responsible for your missed flight, and you may need to purchase a new ticket if you miss a flight). If you’re booking connecting flights with the same airline, rest assured that you’re covered in case of a missed connection and will be accommodated on the next available flight.
Heathrow to Gatwick Airport by Taxi
At all Heathrow terminals, taxi ranks handle Black Taxi Cabs that transport passengers to Gatwick Airport. Such a journey commonly lasts approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and its fare is often more than £100 one way. Remember that there may be long queues, especially during peak hours. They can carry as many as five individuals, but it should be noted that the space for luggage is limited. Bookings made via Black Cab London may request a disabled—accessible taxi quickly by selecting them.
Heathrow to Gatwick Airport by Bus
The only direct public transport route between Heathrow and Gatwick airports is bus. The National Express Coach Service takes approximately 75 minutes, depending on traffic, and operates up to five times an hour around the clock. Fares start at £20 one way if you book tickets in advance for a specific departure time. The coaches are wheelchair-accessible, and detailed information on accommodations is available on their website. While not mandatory, contacting National Express 36 hours in advance is recommended to confirm accessible travel arrangements. You can pay extra to board any available coach up to 12 hours before or after your original departure time. The luggage allowance is two 20-kilogram suitcases and one item of hand luggage per person. Note that there’s a 15-minute walk to the bus station from Heathrow Terminals 1 and 3.
Megabus also operates between Gatwick South Terminal and Heathrow Terminal 5. The journey takes about 75 minutes and includes free Wi-Fi, a 20-kilogram luggage allowance, and charging points. Tickets start at £15.75. While the coaches are wheelchair accessible, they are not suitable for mobility scooter users unless you can climb a few stairs to board and store your mobility device with the luggage. Megabus requests travellers contact them before purchasing tickets to confirm necessary accommodations.
Additionally, low-cost carrier easyJet offers a bus service from Heathrow and Gatwick to central London (though not directly between the airports). The most economical and convenient way to use this service is to take the tube from Heathrow (any terminal) to Earls Court, which takes around 35 minutes, and then connect to the easyBus from Earls Court to Gatwick Airport North Terminal, a journey of about 65 minutes. This trip could cost as little as £3.50 (based on a £2 easyBus advance fare and a £1.50 off-peak Oyster fare).
Heathrow to Gatwick by Train
There is no direct train service between Heathrow and Gatwick airports, but you can travel via rail and tube through central London.
One option is to take the Heathrow Express to Paddington, a 15-minute journey from Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. From Paddington, you can board the Circle Line to Victoria Station, which takes about 15 minutes. Then, connect to Gatwick via the Gatwick Express, a 30-minute journey. The entire trip costs around £40 one way.
Alternatively, you can take the tube from any Heathrow terminal to Green Park, a 45-minute journey. From Green Park, it’s a two-minute trip to Victoria. From Victoria, take the Gatwick Express, a 30-minute journey. This route costs around £20 one way. Be aware that the Gatwick Express may not run on certain days, such as Boxing Day, so you might need to find alternative transportation.
Both routes provide step-free access, which is essential to consider if you have mobility issues, a lot of luggage, or are travelling with children.
Heathrow to Gatwick by Private Car Service
You can consider pre-booking a private Transfer service From Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport to avoid waiting in line for a Black Cab. This is the best and most Convenient Way to Travel from Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport. Many companies offer discounts for bookings. MiniCabRide LTD is The Best Choice for travelling between these Two Airports. They Offer a Polite and Friendly Driver, and they Are Cheaper than Other Airport Transfers Companies. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately 55 pounds one way.
