If you're travelling between London's airports, you may need to get from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Gatwick Airport (LGW). The airports are around 38 miles apart, and there is no direct rail service connecting them. The only direct route via public transport is by bus.
The bus from Heathrow to Gatwick takes between 52 minutes and 1 hour and 25 minutes. Buses run every few hours, with the earliest departure at 20:10 and the latest at 22:50. Tickets cost between $8 and $38, depending on the operator.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Average Route Distance | 65 km |
Average Duration | 56 minutes |
Cheapest Option | £5.60 |
Bus Operators | The Airline (Oxford Bus Company), National Express, FlixBus, Megabus |
Luggage Allowance | 2 x 20 kg suitcases and 1 item of hand luggage per person |
What You'll Learn
Bus companies and timetables
Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Gatwick Airport (LGW) are approximately 38 miles apart. The only direct public transport route between the two airports is by bus. The bus ride takes between 1 hour and 15 minutes and 1 hour and 50 minutes, depending on the traffic.
The Airline (Oxford Bus Company)
The Airline offers a direct shuttle service between Gatwick and Heathrow. The journey takes 1 hour and 5 minutes, and the company operates up to 319 services on Tuesdays, with fewer coaches available on Fridays (211). The busiest time of day is the morning, with 824 buses from Gatwick to Heathrow, while the night is the quietest, with 208 buses.
National Express
National Express provides a direct coach service between Gatwick and Heathrow. The journey takes 1 hour and 50 minutes, and tickets start at £17. The coaches are wheelchair accessible, and the luggage allowance is two 20kg suitcases and one piece of hand luggage per person.
FlixBus
FlixBus offers a direct service between Gatwick and Heathrow. The average journey time is 1 hour and 15 minutes, and tickets start at £18. The coaches have free Wi-Fi, charging points, and a 20kg luggage allowance.
Megabus
Megabus operates a service between Gatwick and Heathrow. The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, and tickets start at £18. The coaches have free Wi-Fi, charging points, and a 20kg luggage allowance.
Timetables
The Airline, National Express, and FlixBus all offer multiple daily services between Gatwick and Heathrow. The earliest bus from Gatwick to Heathrow is at 12:55 am, and the latest is at 11:45 pm. However, the exact timetables vary by day and bus company, so it is advisable to check the schedules before travelling.
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Taxi prices and journey times
The price of a taxi from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is likely to be more than £85 one way. Black Taxi Cabs are available from taxi ranks outside all Heathrow terminals and will take passengers to Gatwick. The journey should take around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Note that you may need to wait in line for a long time at peak times. Black cabs can carry up to five passengers, but you should take luggage into account.
Uber also operates from Gatwick Airport to Heathrow Airport. The average price for this trip is £79, and the average duration is 56 minutes. The route your driver takes may depend on the time of day, traffic, and how many other riders are making requests.
If you prefer to pre-book a private car service to avoid waiting in line for a taxi at the airport, most companies offer a discount for advance booking. The journey should take around 45 minutes (depending on traffic) and cost about £55 one way.
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Train and subway travel options
There is no direct train service between Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Gatwick Airport (LGW). To travel by train, you will need to go via central London. Here are some options for travelling between the two airports by train and subway:
- Heathrow Express and London Underground: Take the Heathrow Express from Heathrow Airport to Paddington Station. From there, you can take the London Underground (Circle Line) to Victoria Station. Finally, connect to Gatwick Airport via the Gatwick Express. The whole journey will take around 1 hour and cost approximately £48 one way.
- London Underground only: Take the London Underground (Piccadilly Line) directly from Heathrow Airport to Green Park. Then, change to the Victoria Line and take it to Victoria Station. From there, you can connect to Gatwick Airport via the Gatwick Express. This option will take around 1 hour and cost about £26 one way.
- Alternative London Underground route: Take the London Underground (Piccadilly Line) from Heathrow Airport to King's Cross St. Pancras. Change to the Thameslink train towards Gatwick Airport and get off at London Bridge. Finally, take the Thameslink train towards Brighton and get off at Gatwick Airport. This journey will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- National Rail: Take the National Rail from Heathrow Airport (Heathrow Central) to London Paddington. From Paddington, walk to Paddington Station and take the Circle Line to Victoria Station. From there, connect to Gatwick Airport via the Gatwick Express. This journey will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Please note that these travel times do not include time spent walking between stations or platforms. When planning your trip, be sure to factor in time for potential delays and transfers. Additionally, always check the latest schedules and timetables before your journey, as train and subway schedules may change.
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Private car services
The journey between the two airports should take around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost for this trip is approximately £55 one way.
If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, you can consider booking a premium ride in a luxury car through a ride-sharing app like Uber. Uber offers a range of ride options, from affordable rides for groups to premium rides in luxury vehicles. The average price for this trip with Uber is £79, and the average duration is 56 minutes.
Another benefit of using a private car service is the ability to book in advance. This can often result in a discount, and you can rest assured that your driver will be there to meet you, even if your flight is delayed.
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Luggage allowances
When travelling by bus from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW), there are a few different options available, each with its own luggage allowance. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the best option for your journey:
National Express Coach Service
The National Express Coach Service offers a direct route between the two airports, with coaches running up to five times per hour. The journey usually takes around 75 minutes, depending on traffic. In terms of luggage allowance, each passenger is permitted to bring two suitcases, with a maximum weight of 20 kilograms each, as well as an additional item of hand luggage. It is important to note that there may be a gap in service between 1 am and 3 pm, so be sure to check the bus schedule before your trip. Tickets for this service start at £20 for a one-way trip if booked in advance for a specific departure time.
Megabus
Megabus is another option for travelling between the airports. This service operates between Gatwick South and Heathrow Terminal 5, as well as Gatwick North and Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. The journey takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes, and passengers are allowed a 20-kilogram luggage allowance, similar to the National Express service. Tickets for Megabus start at £18, and there is also free Wi-Fi and charging points available on board.
EasyBus
While easyBus does not offer a direct service between the airports, it can be a cost-effective option for travellers. By taking the Tube from Heathrow to Earls Court and then connecting to the easyBus from West Cromwell Road to Gatwick Airport North Terminal, travellers can take advantage of lower fares. The entire journey will take around 100 minutes, and the luggage allowance for this option should follow standard easyBus policies.
The Airline (Oxford Bus Company)
The Airline (Oxford Bus Company) also provides a bus service between Heathrow and Gatwick airports. While specific luggage allowance information is not readily available, passengers are generally allowed to bring a suitcase and hand luggage on board for free. Be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information regarding luggage restrictions and allowances.
When planning your journey, it is always a good idea to visit the bus company's website or contact their customer service for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding luggage allowances and any other travel restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
The bus ride from LHR to LGW takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour and 25 minutes, depending on the operator and traffic conditions.
Bus tickets for this route typically cost between £12 and £38. Tickets can be purchased from the bus operator, either online or at the station.
Buses depart from LHR to LGW every 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the operator. Some operators offer buses every few hours or up to five times per hour.