London is among the world’s busiest international hubs, with many of its airports receiving millions of travellers every year, so transferring between them is the norm. Transferring from Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport or vice versa is a routine affair for travellers who are taking connecting flights operated by different airlines. Although the airports are not far from each other, about 40 miles apart, transferring between them may be hectic and stressful at times due to the congested traffic and complex transport network in London.
Careful planning of your journey makes it simple to switch from one flight to another and spares you unnecessary tension. This ultimate guide will take into account all the possibilities offered, including lengthy travel times, costs, and insider tips on optimising your transfer from Heathrow to Gatwick.
Understanding the Distance and Journey Time
Heathrow Airport (west London) and Gatwick Airport (south London) are approximately 40 miles (around 64 kilometres) apart. During good weather conditions, the journey through the M25 motorway — London’s principal orbital route — is about 46 minutes by car or taxi.
The M25 is unpredictable, and heavy congestion is a common phenomenon, especially during rush hours (typically 7:00–9:30 AM and 4:30–7:00 PM, weekdays). Adverse weather conditions or road accidents can increase travel time. Anticipating delays is necessary by leaving at least three hours between arrival and your next departure when changing.
If you are visiting during high holiday seasons or peak travel seasons (summer months, Christmas, Easter), extra buffer time is highly advisable.
Transfer Options Between Heathrow and Gatwick
Choosing the best-suited transfer method will depend on your budget, time constraints to travel, amount of luggage and preferred comfort or convenience.
1. Train Transfers
There is no train from Gatwick to Heathrow, but you can still travel successfully by combining train and Underground travel.
- Step 1: Travel from Heathrow on the Heathrow Express, a direct train, to London Paddington Station, which takes only 15 minutes.
- Step 2: At Paddington, change to the London Underground (Circle or District Line) and go to Victoria Station, a journey of around 20–25 minutes.
- Step 3: From Victoria, take the Gatwick Express (30-minute non-stop train) or Southern Rail to Gatwick Airport.
Journey Time: Total travel time is around 90 minutes, not including transfer and wait time.
Cost Estimate: Around £40–£50 per person.
Advantages:
- Fast, frequent departures throughout the day.
- Reliable journey times regardless of road traffic.
Disadvantages:
- Multiple transfers, which may be tiring with bulky baggage.
- Have to travel through crowded London terminals, which are daunting for visitors to the Underground network.
2. Coach Services
National Express offers a direct coach link from Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, one of the most convenient and cheapest available.
- Coaches leave Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 and deliver passengers to Gatwick North and South Terminals directly.
- Services run in one-hour to 30-minute intervals, providing flexibility in case of delays in flights.
Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost Estimate: Prices will typically begin at approximately £25–£30 per person.
Advantages:
- Direct service without any train or Underground.
- Luggage is securely placed under the coach, reducing passenger fatigue.
- Less costly than private transfers.
Disadvantages:
- Prone to road traffic delays on the M25.
- Limited accommodation, so book your seat in advance during peak travel seasons.
- Early online booking can provide discounted fares and confirmed boarding.
3. Private Taxi and Chauffeur Transfers
A taxi or private hire car journey is quite possibly the most convenient and untroubled means of getting from Heathrow to Gatwick:
- Drivers welcome you inside the terminal, assist you with your bags and escort you right to the car.
- Several companies offer flight tracking services, keeping the drivers updated about any delays and enabling them to modify pickup times accordingly.
- Vehicles come in a range of models, from basic saloon cars to luxury executive vehicles and larger family or group people carriers.
Journey Time: Around 46 minutes in normal traffic conditions; can reach up to over 90 minutes in heavy traffic conditions.
Cost Estimate: £100 to £140, depending on the service, type of vehicle and pickup/drop-off stations.
Advantages:
- Door-to-door journey without the hassle of having to consider several changes.
- Suitable for travellers who have severe luggage or mobility disabilities.
- Transfers are offered at any time of day, early morning or late evening, offering a convenient service.
Disadvantages:
- More costly than buses or public transport.
4. Shuttle Services
Shared shuttle transfers are an intermediary option between coaches and private transfers:
- Run by companies that specialise in mass airport transport.
- You will be travelling with other passengers who can be dropped off or picked up along the way.
Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the stops.
Cost Estimate: £30–£50 per person.
Advantages:
- Affordable substitute for private hire.
- Available for multiple passengers, door-to-door.
Disadvantages:
- Greater travel time due to multiple pick-ups and drop-offs.
- Less privacy and possible waiting time at every stop.
- Ideal for solo travellers or couples who do not need to rush but would rather have a more personal service than a large coach.
5. Car Rental Options
Car rentals provide individuals with their independence to travel wherever they want:
- Car rental services are provided at Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.
- All the major players (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Europcar) have offices at both airports.
Travel Time: Around 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost Estimate: Approximately £40 to £70 per day, excluding fuel and insurance.
Advantages:
- Complete control of your travel calendar.
- Potentially cost-effective if travelling with family or more than one passenger.
- Ideal for pairing an airport transfer with city sightseeing.
Disadvantages:
- London traffic driving in heavy conditions, particularly on unfamiliar roads.
- Parking charges and auto return services.
- One-way rental fees for potential return to another airport.
Unless you’re planning to use the car further during your stay, a rental car just for airport transfer may not be the most economical choice.
Choosing the Best Transport Method
| Transfer Mode | Journey Time | Approx. Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Train Combination | 1.5 hrs | £40–£50 | Fast, reliable, frequent departures | Multiple changes, heavy luggage inconvenience |
| National Express Coach | 1.25 hrs | £25–£30 | Direct, affordable | Possible traffic delays |
| Taxi/Private Hire | 46 min | £100–£140 | Door-to-door luxury, hassle-free | Expensive |
| Shared Shuttle | 1.5–2 hrs | £30–£50 | Affordable personalised service | Longer journey time |
| Public Transport | 1.5–2 hrs | £20–£30 | Cheapest option | Complex navigation, luggage issues |
| Car Rental | 46 min | £40+/day | Flexibility, independence | Stressful driving, hidden costs |
Travel Tips for Heathrow to Gatwick Transfers
- Advance Transfer Booking: Guarantee availability and book for better prices, especially for private bookings and coaches.
- Watch Traffic Reports: Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate live traffic on the M25.
- Provide Adequate Time: There should be a significant cushion for possible delays, especially when boarding an overseas flight.
- Prepare for Weather: London’s weather is unpredictable. Rain can impact traffic significantly.
- Pack Light if Possible: Particularly if taking public transport or train services with multiple changes.
Understand Terminal Locations: Heathrow’s Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 are spread out, and Gatwick has two terminals (North and South); know your pickup and drop-off points.
Travel in Comfort and Style with Westway Ride
When it comes to transferring between Heathrow and Gatwick, choosing a professional, reliable private hire service can transform a potentially stressful journey into a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Westway Ride offers premium, fixed-price transfers designed specifically for airport travellers who value comfort, punctuality, and peace of mind.
Why Choose Westway Ride for Your Heathrow to Gatwick Transfer?
- Professional Meet and Greet: Your driver will meet you inside the arrivals hall with a name board, assist with your luggage, and guide you to your vehicle.
- Flight Monitoring: We track your flight in real time, adjusting your pickup if there are delays — no extra waiting charges.
- Fixed, Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs or surge pricing. The price quoted is the price you pay, including airport pickup fees and parking.
- Luxury Fleet: Travel in a modern Mercedes E-Class, V-Class, S-Class, or a larger vehicle to suit families or groups — always clean, comfortable, and fully licensed.
- One Hour Free Waiting Time: Giving you peace of mind even if your flight is delayed or immigration takes longer than expected.
- Child Seats Available: Request complimentary child seats at the time of booking for safe family travel.
- 24/7 Service: Whether your flight arrives early morning or late at night, our service operates around the clock.
- Door-to-Door Convenience: Direct transfer from your Heathrow terminal to Gatwick’s departure entrance — no need to navigate trains or buses.
Booking with Westway Ride means you can relax knowing every detail of your transfer is taken care of professionally.
Let us handle the traffic — you focus on enjoying a stress-free start (or end) to your journey.
FAQs
How long does it take to get from Heathrow to Gatwick?
Typically 46 minutes by car in clear traffic, but allow 1.5–2 hours to be safe.
What’s the cheapest way to transfer between Heathrow and Gatwick?
Using public transport (Underground + train) or the National Express coach.
Can I take a direct train between Heathrow and Gatwick?
No, you must travel via central London with changes at Paddington and Victoria Stations.
How much does a taxi cost between Heathrow and Gatwick?
Expect to pay between £100 and £140 for a private transfer.
Do I need to pre-book transfers?
Yes. Especially for taxis, shuttles, and coaches, to ensure availability and to secure the best rates.
