How to Get from Heathrow to Gatwick — All Transport Options Guide

Written by Gatwick Taxi Transfer · Published: 1 June 2025 · Updated: 14 May 2026

Every year, thousands of passengers arrive expecting a simple connection between the two airports — and discover that the two busiest airports in the UK have no direct rail link between them — no shuttle train, no express service, nothing that goes straight from one to the other without a change in central London.

That single fact shapes everything about this journey. It means the train — which would otherwise be the obvious choice — becomes complicated the moment you factor in luggage, connection anxiety, and the underground platforms at Victoria or London Bridge. It means the coach, which does run direct, takes 75 to 90 minutes and drops you at a bus station rather than your terminal door. And it means that for many passengers — particularly families, groups, and anyone connecting between flights — a pre-booked taxi is the most practical option despite costing more for a solo traveller.

This guide covers all five realistic ways to make the journey. We have priced each one accurately, timed each one honestly, and explained when each one makes sense.

Heathrow to Gatwick: 5 Ways to Travel Compared

Before going into detail, here is the full picture. All prices are 2026 figures.

Pre-Booked Taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick

How the Pickup Works at Heathrow

Having arranged thousands of airport-to-airport transfers over the years, we can say with confidence that the pre-booked route is the most reliable option for this particular journey. The private hire vehicle runs directly between any terminal at either airport — with no stops, no luggage transfers, and no changes. You get into the vehicle at departures, you get out at arrivals. That is the entire journey.

Your driver waits inside the arrivals hall with a name board. You walk out of customs and the driver is standing there — no car park, no shuttle bus. Luggage is handled from the terminal to the boot. The journey begins immediately.

Journey Time and Route

The standard route takes the M25 clockwise to junction 7, then the M23 south to the airport. On a clear run — early morning, late evening, or a quiet midweek slot — the journey takes around 45 to 50 minutes. During morning peak hours on the M25, that extends to 60 or 75 minutes. There is no shortcut that meaningfully avoids the motorway.

The driver monitors your flight in real time. If your inbound lands late, the pickup adjusts automatically. Before departure, you receive the driver's name, phone number, and vehicle registration — no ambiguity about who is collecting you.

What Does the Taxi Cost — and When Does It Make Sense?

A standard saloon from Heathrow to Gatwick costs around £95 when booked in advance with a fixed-fare provider. That figure covers the vehicle, the driver, the Heathrow drop-off charge (£7), the Gatwick drop-off charge (£10), and does not change once confirmed — regardless of how long the M25 takes.

For a solo traveller, £95 is expensive compared to a £8 coach ticket. But the calculation changes quickly once there are two of you. Two passengers sharing a taxi pay £47.50 each — roughly the same as two National Express tickets bought on the day. Three passengers pay £31.67 each, which is less than the coach. Four passengers pay £23.75 each, which is considerably less. The pre-booked vehicle becomes the economical choice for any group of three or more.

You can see full route pricing on our Gatwick airport taxi prices page or get a confirmed quote at gatwicktaxitransfer.com — the fare does not change once booked. See what passengers say on our reviews page.

Free Child Seats on Airport Taxi Bookings

Free child seats — rear-facing infant seats, forward-facing child seats, and booster seats — are available on request at the time of booking. Simply mention the age of each child and the correct seat type will be fitted before pickup. UK law requires children under 12 or below 135cm to travel in an appropriate seat, and this applies in taxis and private hire vehicles as well as private cars. Read our full guide: taxi with baby seat in the UK. There is no additional charge for child seats on any pre-booked transfer.

Who Should Choose the Taxi?

The pre-booked service is the right choice whenever convenience, speed, or group size outweighs the cost. For two passengers, the per-head fare is already comparable to the coach. For three or more, it is cheaper. For families with young children, it removes the complexity of managing pushchairs and bags through the Underground. Groups of 5 or more should consider our group taxi, 7 seater taxi, or minibus transfer options. For business travellers, it offers a quiet, private environment to work or take calls during the journey — our executive chauffeur service offers Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series for this route — view all vehicle options on our fleet page — something no coach or train offers. For passengers connecting between flights, it is the only option that gives you reliable door-to-door timing.

The one situation where a taxi is not the obvious choice: a solo traveller who has no time pressure, has already booked a cheap National Express ticket in advance, and is travelling light.

National Express Coach: Heathrow to Gatwick Direct

Timetable and Departure Point from Heathrow

National Express runs a direct coach between Heathrow Central Bus Station and Gatwick South Terminal. It is the only non-taxi option that does not require a change in central London.

Coaches depart roughly every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day. The published journey time is around 75 minutes in light traffic. On busy periods when the M25 is congested, the journey stretches to 90 or 100 minutes — The operator does not guarantee arrival times — the coach faces the same road conditions as everyone else.

Which Heathrow Terminal Does the Coach Leave From?

Coaches depart from Heathrow Central Bus Station, which serves Terminals 2, 3, and 4. Terminal 5 passengers need to take the free inter-terminal shuttle to the Central area first, adding around 10 to 15 minutes. Worth factoring in if you are flying British Airways out of T5.

At the other end, the coach arrives at Gatwick South Terminal. If you need the North Terminal, a free shuttle train connects the two. The journey between terminals takes around 5 minutes.

National Express Ticket Prices and When to Book

Standard fares start from £13.20 per person one-way when booked in advance online (prices correct from March 2026). On-the-day walk-up fares are higher. These are per-person fares — two passengers pay £26.40 or more, which is where the private transfer starts to look more attractive on a per-head basis. Note: a £1.50 booking fee applies unless you are logged into a My Account on the National Express website or app.

National Express Luggage Allowance — Know Before You Go

National Express allows each passenger up to two bags in the hold, neither exceeding 20kg (44lbs), plus one small item of hand luggage that fits on the parcel shelf or your lap. This allowance is geared towards domestic UK travel and is often less generous than your flight allowance — if you are travelling with checked baggage from a long-haul flight, check your bag weights before boarding. Drivers do not weigh bags routinely, but excess luggage charges are triggered if your bags are significantly over, and the penalties are not small. If you are travelling with oversized or unusually heavy luggage, a private transfer is the more practical option.

FlixBus: A New Alternative from 2026

FlixBus launched new UK routes in early 2026, including direct connections between Gatwick and Heathrow. Fares start from as little as £4.49 on promotional pricing, making it cheaper than National Express for passengers who book well in advance. The service is newer and less frequent than National Express, but worth checking for budget travellers with flexible timing. Comfort levels are similar — coach seats, hold luggage, no changes required.

Who Should Choose the Coach?

The National Express coach works best for solo travellers who plan ahead. If you book online a few days early, the £6 to £8 fare is genuinely hard to beat — and the direct service means no changes. The catch is time: 75 to 90 minutes is the best-case figure, and traffic on the M25 can push that to 100 minutes or more without warning. If you have a connecting flight, that uncertainty is a real risk.

For groups, the economics flip. Two on-the-day tickets cost £24 to £32 — close enough to the taxi fare that the extra comfort and speed are worth considering. For families with pushchairs or multiple suitcases, the hold-luggage system and bus station pickup make the coach genuinely inconvenient.

Train from Heathrow to Gatwick — Why There Is No Direct Service

The Route: Train via London Victoria or London Bridge

There is no direct train. The two most common routes are:

Route A — Heathrow Express + Gatwick Express: Take the Heathrow Express from Heathrow Central (T2/T3) or T5 to London Paddington (15 min, ~£22–£37). At Paddington, take the Circle line Underground to Victoria (10–15 min). At Victoria, take the Gatwick Express to Gatwick South Terminal (30 min, ~£10–£22). Combined cost: £32–£59 per person — comparable to the taxi for solo travellers, and more complex.

Route B — Elizabeth Line + Thameslink: Take the Elizabeth line from any Heathrow terminal to Farringdon or City Thameslink (~40 min), then a Thameslink or Southern service to Gatwick (~45 min). Total around 90–110 minutes. Cheaper but involves one change and more walking.

On paper, the total journey takes around 90 minutes. In practice, once you account for walking to the Underground station, waiting for a train, the change at Victoria, waiting again, and the walk at Gatwick, most passengers take 100 to 120 minutes.

Why the Train Is Difficult with Airport Luggage

The Piccadilly line at Heathrow was not designed for airport-sized luggage. During peak hours, carriages are crowded, escalators require careful manoeuvring with large suitcases, and the change at Victoria involves long platform corridors. Passengers travelling with two checked bags and hand luggage will find this route genuinely difficult.

At the other end, the station is separate from both terminals. North Terminal passengers in particular have a walk and a connecting escalator or lift before reaching check-in.

When Does the Train Actually Make Sense?

There is a genuine scenario where the train works well: a solo traveller with carry-on luggage only, who wants to pass through central London between transfers, has plenty of time, and is not catching a connecting flight. In that specific situation, the train is perfectly reasonable and gives you a glimpse of the city in the process.

For everyone else — families, anyone with checked luggage, anyone with a flight to catch — the train is not the practical choice.

Who Should Choose the Train?

In practice, very few passengers travelling between the two airports should choose the train. The minimum 90-minute journey, the required change in central London, and the difficulty of managing luggage on the Piccadilly line rule it out for most people.

There is one genuine exception: a solo traveller with only hand luggage who has a few hours between arrivals and wants to spend time in central London. In that case, the train is a reasonable choice — it passes through the city, the cost is modest, and the inconvenience of a change does not matter when you are not in a hurry. For any other traveller, the coach or taxi is more practical.

Rental Car from Heathrow to Gatwick — Is It Worth It?

Driving from Heathrow to Gatwick: How It Works

Several major car hire companies operate at Heathrow. You collect a vehicle at the airport and drive to Gatwick via the M25 — the same route a taxi takes, in roughly the same time. At Gatwick, you return the car to the drop-off point.

The True Cost Once Everything Is Added Up

The headline rental price is typically £40 to £60 per day for a standard car. Add fuel for 30 miles, a one-way drop charge (usually £20 to £50), the Heathrow and Gatwick parking charges, and the total cost for a pure transfer often exceeds £100 to £130. For the same money, a fixed-fare taxi covers the same distance with a driver, luggage handling, and no fuel stops.

When Hiring a Car at Heathrow Makes Sense

Renting a car at Heathrow makes sense when you need the car for something beyond the transfer itself — a road trip through Surrey or Sussex, a week staying outside London, or a business trip requiring travel between multiple locations. As a standalone inter-airport transfer, a pre-booked transfer is simpler and usually cheaper. For journeys beyond London, see our long distance taxi service.

Who Should Hire a Car?

Hiring a car at Heathrow makes sense in one scenario: you need the vehicle beyond the inter-airport transfer itself. A week driving through the Cotswolds, a business trip with multiple stops across the South East, or a family holiday based outside London — these are cases where picking up a hire car at Heathrow and dropping it at Gatwick (or keeping it throughout) genuinely makes sense.

For a pure airport transfer, the hire car almost never wins. The paperwork, the unfamiliar vehicle after a long flight, and the combined cost of hire, fuel, and one-way drop fees typically put the total above £120 — more than a private taxi, with significantly more hassle.

Uber from Heathrow to Gatwick — Surge Pricing Risk

How Much Does Uber Charge for Heathrow to Gatwick?

Uber and Bolt both operate at both airports. The experience is identical to a pre-booked taxi — you are collected at the terminal, your luggage travels with you, and you are dropped at the door. The route and journey time are the same.

Uber vs Pre-Booked Taxi: Which Is Cheaper on This Route?

The difference is price predictability. On a quiet Tuesday morning, the app might price the journey at £65 to £75 — competitive with a fixed-fare provider. But Uber's dynamic pricing means the fare changes constantly based on demand. On a Friday evening, during a bank holiday, when multiple flights land simultaneously, or during bad weather, the same journey has reached £110, £120, or more.

You do not know what the price will be until you open the app. For a route between two major international airports where delays are routine and demand is unpredictable, that uncertainty is a genuine inconvenience — and occasionally a significant extra cost.

The fixed-fare costs around £95 for this journey regardless of what time you travel, what the traffic is doing, or how many other passengers are competing for drivers at the same moment.

Availability and Wait Times

Both apps have designated pickup zones at each airport. At peak times, wait times can be 10 to 20 minutes. A pre-booked taxi has a driver assigned specifically to your booking in advance — there is no waiting and no uncertainty on the day.

When Does Uber Make Sense on This Route?

Uber works well when the conditions are right: off-peak hours, no surge pricing, and a price that comes up below £80 when you check the app. In those circumstances, it is a perfectly fine option — same journey time, same luggage handling, immediate pickup.

The problem is that you cannot guarantee those conditions. Airports generate unpredictable demand spikes — a dozen delayed flights landing at once, a bank holiday weekend, a storm that keeps everyone indoors until it passes. In those moments, Uber prices climb sharply, and you have no recourse. A pre-booked service at a confirmed £95 removes that risk entirely. For last-minute journeys at quiet times, Uber is worth checking. For anything time-sensitive or during peak periods, the fixed-fare option is more reliable.

Per-Head Cost Breakdown — Solo vs Group

The right choice depends heavily on how many people are travelling. Here is how the costs compare per person based on 2026 prices (for full pricing see Heathrow or Stansted airport taxi prices):

These figures use the £13.20 advance National Express fare. On-the-day coach prices are higher, which shifts the crossover point to 2 passengers rather than 3.

What Is the Best Way to Get from Heathrow to Gatwick?

For most travellers, a pre-booked transfer is the best option for most people. Not sure which airport to fly from? Read our Gatwick vs Heathrow comparison. For solo travellers on a budget with time to spare, the National Express coach is the most economical. The right answer depends on your group size, luggage, and whether you have a connecting flight. Here is the straightforward breakdown.

Groups of 2 or more: The pre-booked option is best on price and convenience. Once there are two passengers, the per-head cost is comparable to the coach. With three or more, it is cheaper and significantly faster door-to-door.

Families with children: The pre-booked transfer is the clear choice. Child seats are free when requested in advance. Managing luggage, children, and pushchairs through the Underground is considerably harder than loading into a waiting vehicle at the terminal door.

Solo travellers on a tight budget: The National Express coach is the right answer, provided you book in advance, have manageable luggage, and are not working to a tight connection schedule.

Business travellers: The pre-arranged option wins on reliability, comfort, and the ability to work during the journey. Many corporate travel policies also require pre-booked services with invoiced receipts — which app-based services do not always provide.

Passengers with a connecting flight: A confirmed, pre-arranged pickup is the only option that removes the risk of missing a connection because a train was late or a coach was stuck in traffic.

Solo traveller, carry-on only, plenty of time: The train is a reasonable option if you want to pass through central London and have no timing pressure.

Heathrow to Gatwick Transfer: What to Know Before You Travel

How Much Time Should You Allow?

The M25 between Heathrow and Gatwick is one of the busiest stretches of motorway in Europe. Peak congestion runs Monday to Friday 6:30am–10:00am in the Gatwick direction, and 3:30pm–7:00pm in the Heathrow direction. Sunday evenings are also consistently slow. Outside these windows journey times are closer to 45–50 minutes. If you have a connecting flight, build in at least 90 minutes from landing to your departure. Airlines recommend two hours for international-to-international transfers involving an airport change.

Which Terminal Do You Need at Each Airport?

Heathrow has four active passenger terminals — T2, T3, T4, and T5. Terminal 5 is used exclusively by British Airways and Iberia. Terminal 4 is at the southern end of the airport. When arranging a pickup, confirm your terminal — a good driver will know the correct point for each one. For the coach, T4 and T5 passengers need to connect to the Central Bus Station first.

Gatwick has two terminals — North and South — connected by a free shuttle. Most long-haul and major international carriers use the South Terminal. Budget carriers including easyJet and TUI operate from the North Terminal. Check your boarding pass before you travel.

Is It Worth Booking in Advance?

For both the coach and a fixed-fare service, advance booking is worth doing. Coach fares are lower when purchased ahead of the journey. Booking in advance locks in the price, guarantees availability, and allows a driver to be assigned specifically to your journey. Last-minute bookings do work, but they remove price certainty and sometimes limit which vehicle types are available. For any special requirements, contact us directly.

What If You Have a Long Layover Between Airports?

If you have four hours or more between arriving at Heathrow and departing from Gatwick, you do not have to spend the time in airport terminals. Windsor is less than 10 miles from Heathrow — a pre-booked car can take you there from arrivals in under 20 minutes. The town centre, Windsor Castle, and the Long Walk are within easy reach for a two to three hour stop, and the car can then continue to Gatwick for your outbound flight. This approach works particularly well for passengers on long-haul connections with afternoon departures from Gatwick — it turns a frustrating wait into a worthwhile few hours. Discuss the routing and timing with your driver when booking. For longer UK journeys beyond London, see our long distance taxi service guide.

Early Morning Departures Before 6am

Overnight and early morning journeys often have lighter traffic on the M25, which means journey times are at the shorter end of the range — 45 to 50 minutes is realistic before 6am. Good fixed-fare providers do not charge overnight premiums — the 4am journey costs the same as the 2pm one. The coach timetable is limited in the early hours — the first service departs at 03:50 and the last at 23:45. Check timings carefully if you have a pre-dawn flight, as a pre-booked taxi may be the only practical option.

Heathrow to Gatwick: Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Gatwick?

No — there is no direct train between Heathrow and Gatwick. There is no direct rail service between the two airports. Every train option requires at least one change in central London, making total travel time 90 to 120 minutes. For most passengers travelling with luggage or connecting between flights, the train is not a practical choice.

How long does a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick take?

A taxi takes between 45 and 75 minutes. Journey time depends on traffic. The route uses the M25 and M23. Early morning and late evening journeys are typically at the shorter end. Weekday peak hours — morning and evening rush — can add 20 to 30 minutes to the journey.

How much does a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick cost?

A pre-booked taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick costs around £95 fixed. This is a fixed fare confirmed at booking. This is a fixed fare confirmed at booking — it includes all airport charges and does not change regardless of traffic or time of day. Larger vehicles for groups cost more.

What is the cheapest way from Heathrow to Gatwick?

The cheapest option is the National Express coach at £6–£12 in advance for a solo traveller. For two or more passengers sharing a transfer, the per-head cost drops to £47.50 or less — which makes the taxi cheaper than two on-the-day coach tickets, and significantly more convenient.

How far is Heathrow from Gatwick?

Heathrow and Gatwick are approximately 28 miles apart by road. The two airports are by road, connected via the M25 and M23. Despite being the UK's two busiest airports, there is no direct rail link between them. By road, the journey takes 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic. The absence of a dedicated inter-airport rail connection is a common source of frustration for connecting passengers — and the reason most travellers end up choosing either the National Express coach or a private transfer.

How much time do I need for a Heathrow to Gatwick connection?

Allow at least 90 minutes from landing at Heathrow to your departure from Gatwick. Airlines recommend a minimum of two hours for international-to-international connections involving an airport change. The taxi journey takes 45 to 75 minutes, but you need additional time to clear arrivals, load luggage, and check in at Gatwick.