Heathrow to Gatwick Transfer Guide for Every Budget

Moving from one of London's two major airports to the other is a more common occurrence than most would imagine. A Heathrow to Gatwick transfer is a process that thousands of travellers require daily, whether they are flying from one airport to the other or transferring from one airline to another. The only problem is the two airports are not in the same immediate vicinity, and there isn't one “best” way to travel between them for everyone.

Each one of the realistic options from London Heathrow to Gatwick is explained, including the duration, the approximate cost, and which is the best one to consider given the budget and the amount of time available to spare, in addition to luggage considerations.

Before comparing options, it's worth knowing that a Heathrow to Gatwick transfer always involves passing through security and check-in again, since the two airports are entirely separate facilities rather than terminals of one site. If your itinerary involves a positioning flight or a connection booked separately, it's worth checking your flight booking details for terminal information before you travel, as this affects which transfer option makes the most sense.

Why You Might Need a Heathrow to Gatwick Airport Transfer

Frequently, travellers need to transfer between the two airports in the following situations:

●        Connecting flights on different airlines that don't share a single hub

●        Positioning flights, where a cheaper fare departs from the other airport

●        Multi-city itineraries, arriving at one airport and flying onward from the other a day or two later

●        Group or corporate travel, where colleagues arrive on different flights into different airports but need to meet up

Heathrow and Gatwick are on opposite sides of London, so it's not a short flight, so it's necessary to plan, particularly if you have a tight connection.

How Far Is Heathrow to Gatwick, and How Long Does the Journey Take?

Heathrow and Gatwick are almost 45 miles (around 72 km) apart. They do not lie on a direct motorway route to each other, and travel times are therefore considerably dependent on the route and the mode of transport used.

As a rough guide:

●        By road (car, taxi or private transfer): around 60–75 minutes in normal traffic

●        By coach: around 70–90 minutes

●        By rail (with a change): anywhere from 75 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on the route and connections

These are also subject to fluctuations depending on the time of the day, traffic, and service timetables, so always leave sufficient buffer time if you are travelling on to another connecting service, as the roads and rail network in London can be highly erratic, especially during rush hour.

Why the Route Takes as Long as It Does

Most road transfers between Heathrow and Gatwick use the M25 London Orbital Motorway, which links the two airports without needing to pass through central London. This route is generally faster and more predictable than travelling via the city centre, but it is still subject to standard motorway congestion, particularly during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 am and 4–7 pm) and around school holidays. A pre-booked private transfer with real-time traffic awareness can adjust the route accordingly, which is one reason fixed-fare transfers are popular for this specific journey despite costing more than a coach.

Comparing Every Option for Your LHR to Gatwick Transfer

Here's how the main choices for a transfer LHR to Gatwick stack up against each other.

National Express Coach

The National Express coach service is the most popular budget option for Heathrow to Gatwick transfers, offering excellent value for money. There are regular coaches running between both airports, usually taking 70 - 90 minutes depending on the M25 traffic. It's a simple and easy one to follow if you don't mind sharing a space with other passengers and their bags, and you don't really need to rush.

Coaches typically depart every 15–30 minutes at peak times from both airports, so pre-booking a specific departure isn't usually essential, though it can guarantee a seat during busy summer and holiday periods.

Rail Connections Between London Heathrow to Gatwick

The direct train service between the two airports is non-existent, and normally requires at least one transfer, typically at central London or Woking. For light packers, it may be cheaper, but if you're carrying heavy suitcases or have a tight connection window, or are travelling with a family, the changes and platform walks make it less appealing. National Rail Enquiries publishes live timetables and platform information for both routes, which is worth checking on the day since engineering works can affect connection times.

Taxis and Rideshare Apps

There are black cabs and rideshare services that can be picked up at both airports, but for such a long trip, the cost can rapidly increase, especially as demand and time of day and traffic change. There's also a lack of certainty up to the moment you arrive as to what the total fare is going to be, which is not ideal when you're already stressed about a flight connection.

This uncertainty is the main practical difference between a metered taxi and a fixed-fare pre-booked transfer: a metered fare reflects actual traffic conditions on the day, so a delay on the M25 directly increases the cost, whereas a fixed fare agreed in advance does not change regardless of how long the journey takes.

Pre-Booked Private Transfer LHR to Gatwick

The easiest and most reliable way of travelling from Heathrow to Gatwick airport is by a pre-booked private transfer. Enjoy a fixed price confirmed in advance, a driver who monitors your flight for any delays, and a direct door-to-door service with no changes, no queues, and no surprises. This is typically the better choice for travellers who have young children, connecting flights or those who prefer a stress-free trip.

A pre-booked transfer also removes the need to navigate either airport's public transport signage or ticket machines with luggage in tow, and most providers confirm your driver and vehicle details ahead of arrival rather than leaving you to find transport on the day. This is the same principle covered in our guide comparing pre-booking versus arranging transfers on arrival, which applies just as much to airport-to-airport transfers as it does to city transfers.

Which Heathrow to Gatwick Transfer Suits Your Budget?

Traveller Type	Best Option
Solo backpacker, flexible timing	Coach or rail
Family with luggage and children	Private transfer
Business traveller with a tight connection	Private transfer or taxi
Group travelling together	Private transfer (often better value split between passengers)
Budget-conscious traveller, no time pressure	Coach

The coach is unbeatable if you are more concerned with the cost and you have lots of time. London Heathrow to Gatwick private transfer may be the more expensive option, but if reliability, comfort, or simply avoiding the hassle of transferring to another station with suitcases is your main concern, you're better off paying the additional price, especially with the added satisfaction of a fixed fee agreed beforehand.

Tips for a Smooth Transfer Between the Two Airports

●        Build in extra time. Always allow more time than the “typical” journey length suggests, especially during peak travel periods or roadworks on the M25.

●        Check your terminal. Both airports have multiple terminals; confirm exactly where you're departing from and arriving before you book anything. Heathrow Airport's official site lists current terminal allocations by airline, which is worth checking close to your travel date since these can change.

●        Track your flight. If you're booking a private transfer, choose a provider that monitors your flight and adjusts pickup times automatically for delays.

●        Keep documents handy. If you're switching airlines or terminals, have your onward boarding pass or booking confirmation easily accessible.

●        Don't underestimate luggage. Coaches and trains both involve walking with your bags; factor this in if you're travelling with young children or heavy suitcases.

●        Allow time for security. Since Heathrow and Gatwick are separate airports, you'll clear security again on arrival at the second airport, the same as starting a new trip. If anything about your booking or connection is unclear, Moveezo's Contact is the fastest way to reach a member of the team before you travel.

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

A direct, pre-booked private transfer by road is the quickest method to go between Heathrow and Gatwick, and will take about 60-75 minutes if not in peak traffic. Coaches are a close second at 70-90 minutes, and rail is typically longer with changes and platform transfers.

Book Your Heathrow to Gatwick Transfer with Moveezo

The bottom line is that you'll get to your next flight without stress, on time, and relax. So, if you want to bypass all the hassle of arranging the coach change and the airport taxis, Moveezo has fixed price and pre-booked airport taxis and transfers from London Heathrow to Gatwick airport and to 140+ countries around the world, without hidden charges or support for early or late flights. If you are travelling to more than one city, we can also provide a city-to-city service, where we will provide longer intercity travel services, beyond the airport run. If you require your own vehicle upon arrival, check out our car rental service as well.

Compare fixed-price transfer quotes on Moveezo, or read more about how Moveezo works with vetted local partners across 140+ countries before you book.

Address: 82 Sundeala Cl, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 5BE, United Kingdom

Phone Number: +44 20 3504 6075

Email: info@moveezo.com

Website: moveezo.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Heathrow to Gatwick transfer take?

Average times: 60-90 minutes by road or coach; more than 2 hours by train (traffic dependent).

Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Gatwick?

There are no direct trains between the two airports. The majority of the rail trips involve a transfer, which is often at central London, or Woking.

What is the cheapest way to do a Heathrow to Gatwick transfer?

The National Express coach is the cheapest option overall; a rail ticket alone can be similar in price, but once connection costs are included, rail typically works out more expensive than the coach.

Can I book a private transfer LHR to Gatwick in advance?

Yes. Pre-booking a private transfer translates into a set price that is negotiated prior to travel and guarantees that a driver will be assigned to your time and route.

Do I need to go through security again between Heathrow and Gatwick?

Yes. They are two separate airports, so you will have to go through the check-in, security, and to your new departure gate as if you were starting a new journey.

Is a taxi or coach better for a London Heathrow to Gatwick transfer with luggage?

A private transfer to and from the airport is generally more comfortable than travelling in a coach or taxi, if you're carrying a heavier bag or travelling with family, as you won't need to stop at multiple locations or share your luggage.

Can I combine a Heathrow to Gatwick transfer with a hotel stopover?

Yes. If your connection involves an overnight gap, it's often worth booking a nearby hotel close to your departure airport rather than waiting at the terminal, then arranging your Heathrow to Gatwick transfer for the following morning with buffer time built in.