The Heathrow to Gatwick transfer is one of the most common airport-to-airport routes in the UK, used by thousands of connecting passengers every week. It's also one of the most awkward: the two airports are about 45 miles apart, with no direct train or tube connection. Whether you're catching a connecting flight, doing a UK tour, or relocating from a Heathrow arrival to a Gatwick departure, this guide compares every realistic option in 2026.
How Far is Heathrow to Gatwick?
Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Gatwick Airport (LGW) are approximately 45 miles apart via the M25 motorway. The drive takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic, with rush-hour journeys (7-9am and 4-7pm) often pushing closer to 2 hours. The M25 around Junction 7-9 (the Gatwick stretch) is notoriously congested.
Option 1: Taxi (Fastest Door-to-Door)
A pre-booked taxi is usually the fastest and least stressful option for inter-airport transfers, especially with luggage or tight connections.
Pros:
- Door-to-door — no train changes, no luggage trolleys
- Fixed price — no surge pricing on top of long journey
- Flight monitoring at both ends — driver knows your arrival time
- Faster than National Express by 30+ minutes typically
Cons:
- More expensive than coach or train (but often quicker)
- Vulnerable to M25 traffic — book extra buffer time
Price: Heathrow to Gatwick fixed-price taxi from £85-95 (standard saloon), £110-130 for executive or 6-passenger. Get an instant quote.
Option 2: National Express Coach
National Express runs a direct coach between Heathrow Central Bus Station and Gatwick North/South Terminals.
Frequency: Hourly, 24 hours a day. Journey time around 75-100 minutes depending on traffic.
Price: £25-35 one-way per person. Cheaper if booked in advance.
Pros: Cheapest direct option. Runs 24/7.
Cons: Same M25 traffic as a taxi but you can't skip queues. Slow boarding at the Heathrow bus station. Awkward with multiple suitcases.
Option 3: Train (RailAir + Thameslink)
There is no direct train between the airports. The fastest rail route requires two changes:
- Heathrow → Reading on the Elizabeth Line or RailAir bus (~40 mins)
- Reading → Gatwick on the Thameslink (~90 mins)
Or via Central London:
- Heathrow → Paddington on Heathrow Express (15 mins)
- Paddington → Victoria on the Tube (Circle/District, ~15 mins)
- Victoria → Gatwick on Gatwick Express (~30 mins)
Total time: 2.5-3 hours minimum, often more with delays.
Price: £45-80 depending on times and class.
Train is rarely the right call for this route — too many changes, too much luggage stress, too long.
Option 4: Uber / Bolt
You can request an Uber or Bolt from Heathrow to Gatwick, but the price during peak hours and at night can be brutal — we've seen quotes of £140-180 for the same journey we do for £85.
Ride-hailing prices vary enormously based on demand. There's no guarantee of price at booking — you're shown a price then, but it can rise sharply if demand spikes. Not ideal when you have a flight to catch.
Which Option Should You Choose?
For most travellers we recommend:
- Tight connection (under 4 hours)? Book a taxi. Time saved easily justifies the price difference.
- Loose schedule + budget priority? National Express coach. Cheapest, runs 24/7.
- Solo traveller, light luggage, plenty of time? Either coach or train works.
- Family with multiple suitcases? Taxi every time. Train changes with kids and bags is a nightmare.
For a Heathrow-to-Gatwick taxi, book online here or call 01753 575757. We monitor your inbound Heathrow flight automatically and time the pickup based on actual landing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Heathrow to Gatwick?
By taxi, 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. National Express coach is 75-100 minutes. Train (via Reading or Victoria) takes 2.5-3 hours minimum.
Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Gatwick?
No. There is no direct rail link. The fastest rail option requires changes at Reading or via Paddington and Victoria.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick?
A fixed-price taxi is typically £85-95 for a standard saloon. Larger vehicles for groups or executive cars run £110-130.
What is the cheapest way from Heathrow to Gatwick?
National Express coach at £25-35 one-way is the cheapest direct option. Pre-booked taxi is faster and door-to-door but more expensive.
How long should I leave between connecting flights at Heathrow and Gatwick?
Allow a minimum of 4 hours between landing at Heathrow and boarding at Gatwick. Better to allow 5-6 hours during peak times. The M25 traffic is unpredictable.
Book Your Transfer
Skip the hassle of changing trains, dragging luggage between platforms, and uncertainty about timing. Get an instant fixed-price quote or call 01753 575757. We cover transfers between all UK airports and to any address in Berkshire, Bucks, Surrey, London and beyond.
