Heathrow and Gatwick are about 38 miles (61 km) apart and, despite both being major London airports, there is no direct rail line between them. The cheapest option is the direct National Express coach, which takes roughly 65 to 70 minutes and costs from around £11 to £16 one way depending on how far ahead you book. The train, changing in central London, takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and typically costs £34 to £42. A direct taxi takes around 45 minutes and starts from about £98.
The three main ways to transfer
1. Direct coach (cheapest)
National Express and other coach operators run a direct service between Heathrow and Gatwick that does not go via central London, taking roughly 65 to 70 minutes. Fares vary by operator and how far ahead you book, but multiple ticket aggregators list one-way fares from around £11 to £16, making this consistently the lowest-cost option of the three. It is a good choice if you are transferring between flights with a reasonable connection window and are not carrying anything you need to keep especially secure, since like any coach it can be affected by traffic on the M25.
2. Train via central London
There is no direct rail connection between Heathrow and Gatwick, so the train route means taking the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express into central London, then a Southern or Thameslink service on to Gatwick, or vice versa. The full journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes and typically costs in the region of £34 to £42 for the combined tickets, more than three times the coach fare, since you are effectively paying for two separate legs, each priced as a London airport journey. This suits travellers who want to avoid road traffic and are comfortable managing a change in central London with luggage.
3. Direct taxi or private transfer
A direct taxi or pre-booked private transfer takes about 45 to 47 minutes door-to-door along the M25, the fastest of the three options when traffic is light. Fixed-price quotes from private-hire operators start from around £98 for a standard saloon car, rising to over £130 for a larger vehicle, and this is corroborated by other operator listings in a broadly similar £95-150 range. This is the most convenient option if you are travelling with a lot of luggage, transferring between flights on a tight schedule, or travelling as a group where the fare can be split.
Heathrow to Gatwick: options compared
| Option | Typical cost (single) | Journey time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct coach | From about £11-16 | 65 to 70 min | Lowest cost, flexible connections |
| Train via central London | About £34-42 | Around 1h 20m | Avoiding road traffic, no direct road transfer wanted |
| Direct taxi/transfer | From about £98 | 45 to 47 min | Tight connections, groups, heavy luggage |
Which should you choose?
If you have a generous connection window and want the lowest cost, the direct coach is the clear choice and avoids the complexity of a change in central London. If you are on a tight connection between flights, a direct taxi or pre-booked transfer is the most reliable option since it is faster and does not depend on London transport timetables lining up. The train via central London is rarely the best choice for this specific route, since it is both slower and more expensive than the coach, and mainly makes sense if you already need to stop in London anyway.
How much luggage can I bring on the direct coach?
Standard checked-bag allowances similar to what you would carry on a flight are generally fine on the direct coach services, but check your specific operator's baggage policy when booking, since allowances and any excess luggage fees vary between companies.
Is the taxi price always £98?
No, £98 is a starting or "from" price for a standard saloon car quoted by one operator; larger vehicles, premium cars, and busier travel times will cost more. Always get a current quote for your exact date, time and passenger numbers rather than relying on a single advertised headline price.
Should I allow extra time for the M25?
Yes. Both the direct coach and any taxi transfer use the M25, which is prone to congestion, particularly around rush hour and on Fridays. If you are transferring between flights, build in a buffer beyond the quoted 45 to 70 minute journey time, especially for a tight connection.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Gatwick?
No. There is no direct rail line between the two airports. Rail travel means taking the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express into central London, then a Southern or Thameslink service onward to Gatwick, taking around 1 hour 20 minutes in total.
What is the cheapest way to get from Heathrow to Gatwick?
The direct coach, typically from around £11 to £16 one way, taking roughly 65 to 70 minutes and running without a change in central London.
How long does a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick take?
Around 45 to 47 minutes under normal traffic conditions on the M25, making it the fastest of the three main options.
How much does a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick cost?
Fixed-price quotes from private-hire operators start from around £98 for a standard saloon car, rising for larger vehicles; get a live quote for your exact travel details.
Is the train worth it if it is more expensive than the coach?
Generally not for this specific route, since it is both slower and pricier than the direct coach. It can make sense if you want to break your journey with a stop in central London anyway.
How far in advance should I book my Heathrow to Gatwick transfer?
Coach and rail fares are usually cheaper the further ahead you book, particularly for the coach where advance fares can be notably lower than turn-up-and-go prices. If you are on a tight connection, book a taxi transfer in advance so a driver is guaranteed to be available.
Checked 2026.