Heathrow to Gatwick transfer: bus, train or taxi?

How does the Heathrow to Gatwick bus work?

National Express runs up to 63 coaches a day between the two airports. At Heathrow it leaves from the Central Bus Station (Terminals 2 and 3) and from outside Terminals 4 and 5, and the fastest services reach Gatwick in about 50 minutes. Fares start from around £13 if you book ahead. It's cheap and it's direct, two words I'd love on my own CV. Your suitcase rides underneath, wonky wheel and all.

What about the Gatwick to Heathrow train?

The usual route is the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express into London, then across to a Gatwick train - Thameslink from Farringdon, or Southern and Gatwick Express from Victoria. It's quick if every connection behaves. (They are trains. They do not always behave.) And you'll be carrying that wonky-wheeled suitcase up and down several sets of stairs.

How do I get from Heathrow to Gatwick with luggage?

With lots of luggage, the coach or a taxi. The train is for people who pack light and believe in themselves. (I pack heavy and believe in nothing. I take the car.)

When is a taxi worth it?

When there are three or more of you, when the connection is tight, or when it's 6am and you've just done ten hours in a middle seat. The suitcase with the wonky wheel would also like a word.

Transfer times at different hours

Road times between the two airports depend almost entirely on the M25. Early mornings and late evenings are usually quickest, at around 45 minutes; weekday rush hours and Friday afternoons can add 30 minutes or more. If your connection is tight, tell us both flight times and we'll tell you honestly whether it works.

Heathrow to Gatwick questions

How long does it take to get from Heathrow to Gatwick?

About an hour by taxi or coach, and around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by train via London.

What's the cheapest way from Heathrow to Gatwick?

The coach, from about £13 per person if you book ahead.

Is 3 hours enough to transfer between Heathrow and Gatwick?

Usually, but it's tight. Allow for landing, immigration and baggage reclaim (often 45 minutes to an hour and a half), about an hour on the road, and your airline's bag drop cut-off at Gatwick. If anything runs late there's little slack - four hours is safer.

Closing link to the money page: Tight connection or heavy bags? Book a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick with Ridii and we'll meet you at arrivals.

Author box: Written by the Ridii Cars team at our Oxted office, who run airport transfers across Surrey 24 hours a day.