Wants to know how to get from Heathrow airport to Gatwick airport?

If you have just arrived at Heathrow and your next flight takes off from Gatwick, you still have some travel time ahead of you. Just picture yourself at arrivals, asking yourself how you’re going to get 45 miles across London to another airport.

It is something that happens very often. Budget airlines operate from different terminals and, thus, connecting flights get booked with different carriers. Sometimes the cheapest route implies changing airports. No matter what, you still need a plan.

Basically, there are three ways you can get there: taxi, train, or bus. Each of them gives different results depending on how much money you have, how much time you are willing to spend, and if you are carrying two big luggage or only a backpack.

We will go over the costs of the different ways, the duration of the journey and the possible experiences in this article. You will have all the information needed for making a decision and not losing your mind while getting to Gatwick. Keep reading.

Option 1: Taxi or Private Car Transfer

This is the simplest and by far the easiest option. Someone picks you up at Heathrow, drives you to Gatwick, and drops you at your terminal. No transfers. No stairs. No dragging luggage through train stations.

Companies like DNR Transfer do this route constantly. They track your flight. If you land late, they wait. You get a fixed price before you book, so there’s no meter ticking while you sit in traffic on the M25.

But don’t get too excited yet. Here’s everything you need to know about private transfers.

Price

A standard car runs between £85 to £120, depending on when you’re traveling. Larger vehicles for families or groups cost £120 to £150. If traveling with a group, splitting the bill becomes a more convenient price to pay per head. It is way better than paying separately for train tickets.

Pre-booking saves you money. If you walk up to the taxi rank at Heathrow and ask for Gatwick, you might pay £150 to £200. Sometimes more if it’s busy. Always ensure to book ahead.

Route

Drivers take the M25 motorway. That’s the ring road around London. It’s the most direct path between the two airports. Sometimes they’ll cut through side roads if there’s a major backup, but mostly it’s motorway driving.

Time

Here’s where it gets complicated. In light traffic, you’re looking at a 45 minutes to an hour ride. But light traffic is rare. Weekday mornings between 7 and 9 are notorious for traffic, so best to add 30 to 45 minutes. Evening rush hour from 4 to 7 is usually the same thing.

It is best to plan for 90 minutes minimum. If you’ve got a flight to catch, don’t gamble on perfect conditions. Budget an hour and a half to be safe.

The big advantage here is control. You’re not waiting for connections. You’re not wondering if you’re on the right platform. You sit in the car, and the driver handles everything, and you show up at Gatwick’s doors, early and not too tired or cranky.

If you’re traveling with kids, elderly parents, or just a lot of luggage, this is worth the money. The stress you avoid is real. And if you’ve been on a long flight already, sometimes you just need to zone out in the backseat instead of navigating London’s transport system.

Rush hour traffic is unpredictable. The M25 can turn into a parking lot. Accidents happen. Roadwork happens. Your driver will do their best, but sometimes there’s nothing they can do except sit in it like everyone else.

Again, always book early. Last-minute bookings cost more and availability gets tight, especially during peak travel seasons.

Contact DNR Transfer to book taxi from Heathrow airport to Gatwick.

Option 2: Train

Taking the train between Heathrow and Gatwick means changing lines in central London. There’s no direct service. You’ll switch trains at least once, maybe twice depending on your route.

Price

Expect to pay around £35 to £50 for a single adult ticket. If you book weeks in advance, you might find tickets around £25 to £30. Off-peak travel is cheaper than peak times, and peak times are weekday mornings and evenings when everyone’s commuting.

Route

This gets real messy. You have options, but none of them are straightforward.

The most common route includes:

• Elizabeth line from Heathrow toward central London.
• Change at Farringdon or Liverpool Street.
• Thameslink service south to Gatwick Airport.

However, here’s an alternate route that is just as popular:

• Heathrow Express to Paddington (fast but expensive on its own).
• Walk to Paddington Underground.
• Victoria line to Victoria station.  
• Gatwick Express from Victoria to Gatwick.

That second option works well because the Gatwick Express runs frequently and it’s a comfortable ride. But you’re paying for multiple tickets unless you buy a through-ticket, and even then it adds up.

Time

If everything connects perfectly, you might do it in 90 minutes. But trains don’t always connect perfectly. Plan for two hours. Maybe more.

You need to account for waiting between trains, walking between platforms (some London stations are huge), and the actual travel time. Miss one connection and you’re adding another 15 to 30 minutes depending on how often that service runs.

Delays happen. Cancellations happen. More often than the train companies want to admit. If your connection gets messed up, you’re stuck waiting for the next one.

The train works if you’re traveling light. One carry-on bag? That’s fine. Two big suitcases? You’re going to hate navigating Underground stations during rush hour. Consider escalators packed with people, narrow platforms, and stairs in older stations. We’ve watched people struggle with this and it’s miserable.

Trains run frequently though. That’s the upside. You won’t be stranded if you miss one. There’s usually another service within 15 to 30 minutes.

Always watch out for things like: platform changes, canceled services or even strikes (they happen). And if you’re not familiar with London’s train system, it can be confusing. Signage helps, but when you’re tired and stressed about making a flight, even simple things get harder.

Don’t attempt this during morning or evening rush hour unless you have no other choice. The crowds are real.

Option 3: Bus

This is the most budget-friendly option. National Express and other coach companies run services between Heathrow and Gatwick. This is the cheapest way to make the journey, but you pay for it in time.

Price

Tickets start around £20 to £25 if you book online ahead of time. Last-minute purchases at the airport run closer to £30 to £35. Still cheaper than trains or taxis.

Route

Coaches take the M25, same as taxis. But they make stops. Some services are direct from Heathrow to Gatwick with nothing in between. Others pick up passengers at different locations. So, best to check which service you’re booking. If time matters, pay attention to whether it’s direct.

Time

The advertised journey is usually 70 to 90 minutes. In reality, plan for two hours. Coaches sit in the same traffic as everyone else, and they can’t take alternative routes like taxis can. If the M25 is backed up, you’re in it.

Coaches also need to navigate airport roads at both ends. That adds time. And if your service makes additional stops, add 15 to 20 minutes per stop.

The buses are decent. Air conditioning, WiFi (when it works), and charging ports. Luggage goes in the hold underneath so you don’t need to worry about space. You can relax in your seat and wait it out.

This is easily the best option if you’re on a tight budget and have plenty of time. If your Gatwick flight isn’t for hours, or maybe it’s the next day. In those situations, saving £60 to £70 by taking the bus instead of a taxi is smart.

On a flipside, you also need to consider tight connections. If you land at Heathrow and your Gatwick flight leaves in three hours, don’t risk it. Traffic is too unpredictable. One accident on the M25 and you’re stuck.

Buses run less frequently than trains. If you miss yours, you might wait 30 minutes to an hour for the next one. Check the schedule before you commit.

Comparison Table

So which one do you pick?

If you’re traveling for work, have tight connections, or you’re with family (especially young kids), book the private transfer. The extra cost buys you certainty. You know when you’re leaving, you know when you’ll arrive (give or take traffic), and you don’t have to think about it. Almost always, that’s worth every penny.

If you’re comfortable with public transport, are traveling light, and you have time to spare, the train can work. You’ll see a bit of London, which can be an amazing experience if you’re not too exhausted to take in and appreciate the view. But hey, you’ll also avoid sitting in traffic. And you’ll save some money. Just don’t try this during peak commute times unless you enjoy being packed into train cars with thousands of other people. And don’t do it with multiple suitcases. You’ll regret it.

The bus makes sense in specific situations. You’re on a budget. You have flexible timing. Your Gatwick flight isn’t until much later or the next day. Then yeah, save the money and take the coach. But be realistic about how long it takes. Traffic happens. Delays happen. Don’t book a bus if you need to be at Gatwick in two hours.

One more thing. Whatever you choose, book ahead. Train tickets are cheaper in advance. Transfers are cheaper when you pre-book instead of showing up at the taxi rank. Even buses cost less when you book online beforehand.

And give yourself more time than you think you need. We’ve seen too many travelers assume they can make this journey in an hour. Then the M25 has an accident. Or their train gets delayed. Or they miss a connection. And suddenly they’re sprinting through Gatwick, sweating and panicking because their flight boards in 20 minutes.

London’s airports are not connected like some hubs where everything is under one roof. Heathrow and Gatwick are 45 miles apart. This journey takes planning. But now you know your options. Pick the one that fits your situation, book it ahead of time, and give yourself buffer room.

If a private transfer is what you’ve decided on, book your ride with DNR Transfer via their website right here.

Frequently Asked Questions