Travellers often ask how to travel quickly between Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport. These are the two busiest airports in the UK. The distance is only about 37–38 miles, but the journey can feel stressful if you do not plan ahead. Here is a detailed guide that covers all the main travel options, costs, and travel times, along with tips to make the trip smooth.
Why the Heathrow to Gatwick Route Matters
Both airports serve millions of passengers each year. Heathrow handles over 70 million travellers annually, while Gatwick is the UK’s second busiest airport with more than 40 million travellers. Many passengers need to connect between them for international flights. This makes the Heathrow to Gatwick transfer one of the most common airport-to-airport routes in the country.
Main Ways to Travel from Heathrow to Gatwick Airport
There are four main options for Heathrow Airport transfers to Gatwick Airport: taxi or private car, coach, train via London, and mixed public transport. Each has benefits and limits, depending on your time, budget, and comfort needs.
1. Taxi or Private Car
A taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick is the most direct choice. The distance is about 37 miles, and the average journey takes 45 to 60 minutes via the M25 motorway
Costs are higher than public transport, starting from £60–110. It is totally dependent on time and the services provided. But the value comes from door-to-door service, no transfers, and help with luggage. This option is often preferred by families, business travellers, or anyone with a tight layover.
2. Coach Service
The coach is the most budget-friendly option. Many providers run direct buses between the two airports. One-way Tickets start at £13.20.
The journey usually takes 50 to 65 minutes, though it can be longer at peak times. Coaches run from Heathrow’s Central Bus Station and serve both Gatwick North and South terminals. Each coach is wheelchair-accessible, with space for luggage. For travellers looking for a cheap Heathrow to Gatwick transfer, this is the best value.
3. Train via London
There is no direct train between Heathrow and Gatwick. You need to go through central London. The most common route is the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow to Farringdon, then a Thameslink train to Gatwick.
This takes 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes and costs around £38–40.
The problem is the hassle. It involves walking between stations, managing luggage, and sometimes waiting for connections. For tourists or first-time visitors, it can feel complicated.
4. Mixed Public Transport
Another low-cost way is to combine the Elizabeth Line, Underground, or local trains. For example, you could take the Piccadilly Line into London and then connect to a Southern or Thameslink service to Gatwick.
This can cost less than the direct Elizabeth Line route, but often takes 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. It is the slowest and least reliable choice.
A Comparison of Heathrow to Gatwick Travel Options
| Option | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Private Car | From £60–110 | 45–60 mins | Door-to-door, best with luggage, traffic can delay |
| Coach (National Express) | From £13.20 | 50–75 mins | Cheapest direct option, luggage friendly |
| Train via London | From £38–40 | Cheapest direct option, luggage-friendly | No direct route, involves changes |
| Mixed Public Transport | Varies (cheaper) | 1h 40–3h | Slowest, complex, not good with luggage |
Terminal to Terminal Heathrow-Gatwick Transfer Tips
At Heathrow, coaches leave from the Central Bus Station (for Terminals 2 and 3) and also have stops at Terminals 4 and 5. Taxis can pick up from all terminals directly outside arrivals.
At Gatwick, coaches and taxis serve both the North and South terminals. Passengers must check which terminal their flight departs from, as the two are not directly linked. The free inter-terminal shuttle runs every few minutes.
Best Choice for Travellers
- If you need the cheapest Heathrow to Gatwick transfer, take the coach.
- If you want speed and comfort with luggage, choose a taxi.
- If you are budget-sensitive but without heavy bags, you may try the train via London, but allow extra time.
- Avoid the mixed transport route unless you know London well and are flexible with timing.
Extra Things to Know
- Traffic on the M25: This motorway is one of the busiest in the UK. During peak hours, allow more time for a taxi or coach.
- Flight delays: If you pre-book a taxi with flight monitoring, your driver will adjust to your arrival. Coaches also allow flexible tickets if you miss a bus.
- Wi-Fi and facilities: Both airports offer free Wi-Fi, lounges, and rest areas if you need to wait between connections.
- Layover planning: Airlines recommend at least 3 hours between flights if you are changing airports. This allows for travel time, traffic, and check-in security.
The trip between Heathrow and Gatwick is one of the busiest transfer routes in the UK. While there are multiple ways to travel, the choice depends on your time, budget, and comfort. Coaches are the cheapest, trains are possible but complex, and taxis offer the smoothest experience.
TappAXI provides reliable Heathrow to Gatwick taxi transfers with fixed prices, free flight monitoring, and drivers who know how to handle M25 traffic. It saves stress compared to carrying luggage across multiple trains or coaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to travel from Heathrow to Gatwick?
The journey between Heathrow and Gatwick is about 37 miles via the M25 motorway. By taxi, it usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. By coach, expect 50 to 65 minutes. Trains via London can take 1 hour 20 minutes or longer.
Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Gatwick?
No, there is no direct train between Heathrow and Gatwick. You must travel through London, usually by Elizabeth Line to Farringdon, then change to Thameslink for Gatwick. This takes at least 1 hour 20 minutes and can be confusing with luggage.
What is the cheapest way to get from Heathrow to Gatwick?
The coach service by National Express is the cheapest option, with fares from £13.20 one way (source: National Express). It runs directly between the airports and includes luggage storage.
What is the fastest way to get from Heathrow to Gatwick?
The fastest and most direct option is a taxi or private car. It takes about 45 minutes in light traffic. Coaches are also direct but may take longer during peak hours.
Do I need to pre-book a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick?
Yes, it is best to pre-book a taxi. This gives you a fixed fare and ensures your driver will be ready at the terminal. Services like TappAXI include free flight monitoring and 60 minutes of waiting time.
Where can I find the coach between Heathrow and Gatwick?
Coaches run from Heathrow Central Bus Station (serving Terminals 2 and 3) and also stop at Terminals 4 and 5. At Gatwick, coaches serve both the North and South terminals.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick?
A taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick costs around £60–110, depending on provider and vehicle type (source: TheTrainLine). Prices are higher than the coach, but the service is door-to-door.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
If you book a taxi with flight tracking, the driver will adjust the pickup time to match your new landing. Coaches also allow flexible ticketing if you miss your original bus.
Is Wi-Fi available during the journey?
Most coaches offer free Wi-Fi, while taxis depend on the driver’s vehicle. Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports provide free Wi-Fi if you need to connect before or after your trip.
How much time should I allow for a Heathrow to Gatwick connection?
Airlines recommend at least 3 hours between flights if you are connecting between Heathrow and Gatwick. This allows time for travel, traffic delays, and check-in security at the second airport.
