There is no airside link between Heathrow and Gatwick. If your journey involves both, you need to leave one airport, travel about 45 miles, and check in again at the other. Here is how the options compare.
By coach
Direct coaches run between the two airports. They are the cheapest option and go terminal to terminal, but you are tied to the timetable and journey times vary with M25 traffic. Expect around 75 minutes to two hours.
By train
There is no direct train. You would typically travel into London and out again, changing at least once, with luggage, on busy trains. It can take two hours or more door to door.
By private car
A pre-booked car meets you in arrivals and drops you at your departure terminal. Normal driving time is 60 to 90 minutes via the M25 and M23. It costs more than the coach, but for families, groups or heavy luggage, the difference per person narrows quickly. See airport-to-airport transfers.
Coach in more detail
Coaches run directly between the Heathrow and Gatwick coach stations several times an hour at busy times. They are the cheapest way to make the connection. The catch is that you have to get from arrivals to the coach station with your bags, wait for the next departure and then walk from the coach station to your terminal at the other end. M25 traffic can also stretch the journey well beyond the timetable.
Train in more detail
There is no direct train between the two airports. The usual route is the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express into central London, a change across the city, then a train out to Gatwick. That means at least one change, often with stairs or long walkways, on trains that can be busy with commuters. It works best for a solo traveller with a single small case and plenty of time.
Private taxi in more detail
A pre-booked taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick is the simplest option with luggage. The driver tracks your inbound flight, meets you inside arrivals and drives straight to your departure terminal at Gatwick, North or South. There are no changes and no timetables. It costs more than the coach for one person, but for families or groups the cost per person drops quickly, and for tight connections the time saved can matter more than the price.
How long should you leave between flights?
For a self-transfer, five to six hours between landing and the next departure is a sensible minimum. That covers immigration, baggage, the drive and check-in. On a single ticket where the airline has booked the connection, follow the airline’s guidance.
Quick comparison
| Option | Typical time | Changes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach | 75–120 min | None | Solo travellers on a budget |
| Train via London | 2 hours + | 1–2 | Light travellers |
| Private car | 60–90 min | None | Families, groups, luggage, tight timings |
Related: Heathrow airport taxi · Gatwick airport taxi
Travelling with children or a lot of luggage
Two flights in one day is tiring for anyone, and much more so with children. Changing trains in central London with pushchairs, car seats and checked bags is hard work. A car with child seats fitted before you land lets everyone sit down for an hour between flights. Ask for child seats when you book and give each child’s age or weight.
If your first flight is late
On a self-transfer, the second airline will not wait for you. If your first flight is delayed, the coach and train options give you very little flexibility. With a pre-booked car, the driver follows the new landing time and leaves the moment you are through arrivals. Call us if the delay looks serious and we will help you plan what to do.
Going the other way: Gatwick to Heathrow
Everything above applies in reverse. Gatwick to Heathrow is the same distance and the same road time, but check whether you are flying from Terminal 2, 3, 4 or 5 at Heathrow before you set off. Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 have separate approaches, so the right terminal saves time at the end.
Common questions
How far is Heathrow from Gatwick?
About 45 miles by road, mostly on the M25 and M23.
How long does a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick take?
Usually 60 to 90 minutes, longer in peak traffic or if there is an incident on the M25.
Can I book the transfer in advance?
Yes. Book with both flight numbers so the driver can track your arrival.
Ready to book? See Heathrow to Gatwick taxi transfers for details and a fixed quote.
What a Heathrow to Gatwick transfer costs
Cost depends on the option and the size of your group. The coach is the cheapest for a solo traveller. The train via London costs more than the coach and involves changes. A private taxi is a single fixed price for the vehicle, so it becomes better value as the group grows: two adults and two children with checked bags often pay little more per person than they would on the train, without the changes. Ask us for a quote with your flight details and compare.
Checklist for a smooth Heathrow to Gatwick connection
- Confirm your arrival terminal at Heathrow and departure terminal at Gatwick.
- Leave at least five to six hours between scheduled landing and the next departure on a self-transfer.
- Keep passports, boarding passes and medicines in your hand luggage.
- Make sure your phone works in the UK, or connect to airport Wi-Fi on landing.
- Book your car with both flight numbers so the driver can track your arrival.
Is a hotel stop worth it?
If your onward flight from Gatwick is the next morning, a night near the airport can be more restful than a late-night transfer. Many passengers take a taxi from Heathrow to a hotel near Gatwick in the evening, then a short hop to the terminal the next morning. Ask for both journeys in one quote.
Our verdict
If you are travelling alone with a small bag and have hours to spare, the coach is hard to beat on price. If you have luggage, children, a tight connection or simply want to sit down after a long flight, a pre-booked taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick is the most straightforward option. The train via London rarely makes sense for this connection unless you are already planning to stop in the city.
Whichever you choose, check both terminals, leave a generous gap between flights and keep your phone charged so you can be reached if plans change.
Related reading: London airport drop-off charges, taxi to Heathrow and taxi to Gatwick. If you are planning the connection now, send us both flight numbers and the number of passengers and cases for a fixed price.
The passengers who have the easiest time with this connection are usually the ones who plan the gap between flights carefully and know exactly how they will get from one airport to the other before they land.