If you’re flying from JFK to London for the first time, you have to know how to get around.
Heathrow or Gatwick airports will likely be your first stop if you’re traveling to London. Here’s a simple guide to help you get between the two airports, including a budget option for less than $10.
Taxi, train, and coach are all options for getting from Heathrow to Gatwick airport. The quickest and the most convenient way to move from Heathrow Airport is by taxi, which takes only 45 minutes.
However, there’s no better route to get around on a budget than by taking a National Express bus. Since there are no direct trains from Gatwick to Heathrow, taking the train is the least convenient option. Read on to discover more!
Things Should You Know About Heathrow To Gatwick Airport Transfer
One of the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow Airport (LHR), is just about 15 miles west of London. Central London is accessible via the London Underground from any Heathrow airport terminal. Learn more about Heathrow Airport in our brief guide for navigating around Heathrow.
Gatwick Airport (LGW) resides 30 miles south of London, the UK’s second largest airport. A monorail service connects the two terminals (north and south), and trains connect the airport to central London.
The distance between Heathrow and Gatwick airports is about 40 kilometers. However, rail services do not connect them directly. So, you must travel through central London by train.
Remember that Heathrow and Gatwick are the UK’s busiest airports if you book connecting flights between them (or vice versa). Additionally, you’ll need to factor in sufficient time to accommodate potential delays due to security checks, check-in, customs, baggage collection, and the actual transfer journey.
Whenever possible, factor in an overnight stay when booking flight connections, especially if you’re booking separate flights with different airlines. However, when you book connecting flights with the same airline, they will accommodate you if you fail to make your connection.
Heathrow To Gatwick Airport Trains
The airports do not directly connect by train, but rail and tube are available throughout central London. You must keep the train times in check for a smooth trip.
Heathrow Express
Heathrow Express runs from terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 to Paddington, which takes 15 minutes. London Victoria Station is 15 minutes from Paddington, and the Gatwick Express takes 30 minutes to reach Gatwick. A one-way journey costs around $17 to $68.
Tube
There’s another option as well. It takes 45 minutes to travel by tube from Heathrow to Green Park, after which you can take a two-minute ride to Victoria. The Gatwick Express (a 30-minute ride) connects Victoria with Gatwick—a one-way trip costs $25 to $55.
Train tickets can be more expensive when bought on the day or during peak times. You must arrange alternative transportation if the Gatwick Express is not running.
There is step-free access to both routes. But when you have small children or lots of luggage, changing to central London can be the most stressful and time-consuming part of the journey.
Heathrow To Gatwick Airport By Bus
Only buses provide direct access via public transport options.
National Express Coach
National Express buses are available at the Coach station at Heathrow Central Bus Station between Terminals 2 and 3. Their departure point is Stand 7-17. The bus stops at Stand 12-14 in Terminal 4’s arrivals hall. Stands 13-15 are where the bus leaves Terminal 5.
National Express Coach Service, which runs five times an hour throughout the day, takes around 75 minutes to reach its destination. Train ticket prices can range between $5 to $16 for a specific departure time if you book in advance.
You’ll have to walk 15 minutes from Heathrow Terminals 1 and 3 to the bus station. You can board any available coach before or after your original departure time for an additional fee. Two 20 kg suitcases and one handbag per person are allowed.
Megabus Service
Moreover, a Megabus service runs between Heathrow Terminal 5 and Gatwick South Terminal. During the hour-and-a-half journey, both airports have free Wi-Fi, a 20 kg luggage allowance, and charging stations.
easyJet Bus Service
The low-cost airline easyJet offers bus services between Heathrow and Gatwick. From Heathrow to Earls Court, it takes about 35 minutes by tube. After that, the easyBus will take passengers to Gatwick Airport North Terminal in around 65 minutes. You would pay as little as $4 for the entire journey.
Taxi From Heathrow To Gatwick Airport
Traveling between Heathrow and Gatwick airports is most accessible and fastest by taxi, which only takes 45 minutes. Nevertheless, this is the priciest transfer option, costing between $120 and $160. Heathrow Airport has taxi stands outside of all terminals. Look for the taxi rank sign as soon as you exit the terminal.
If you want to save time and energy, it’s best to hire a professional airport transfer taxi. In less than half the time of public transport, your loved ones and belongings will be close at hand.
Black Cabs From Heathrow To Gatwick Airport
All Heathrow terminals have taxi ranks outside where passengers can find black cabs to take them to Gatwick Airport. If traffic is good, the journey should take about 45 minutes.
Peak times may require you to wait in line for quite a while. One-way fares will likely exceed $77. A black cab can carry as many passengers as it wants, but make sure to consider luggage as well.
Consider pre-booking a private car service at the airport to avoid waiting in line for a black cab. If you book in advance, most companies offer a discount.
Make Smarter Journeys From London Heathrow To Gatwick!
There you have it – all the possible ways to travel from Heathrow to Gatwick Airport. All available travel options have a wide range of cheap tickets, and you can book days in advance for any of these options. The best way to ensure that your trip won’t be compromised is to plan so there won’t be any obstacles to overcome on the day of travel. Enjoy your travels!
