Travel between London Gatwick (LGW) and Heathrow (LHR) is served by direct National Express coaches taking about 50 to 90 minutes for £13-£16. Train travel involves at least one transfer, typically via Thameslink and the Elizabeth line, lasting around 1 hour 27 minutes with costs near £40-£50. Indirect bus and train routes are cheaper but slower. Private taxis and rideshare options provide door-to-door service with flexible timing. Additional details offer practical guidance for selecting the best route.
Although there is no direct train connecting Gatwick Airport to Heathrow Airport, travelers have several transport options to choose from, including direct coach services, train routes with transfers, indirect bus and train combinations, and private hire vehicles.
The most straightforward direct connection by road is provided by coach services. National Express runs coaches between the two airports, with the fastest journey taking about 50 minutes, though typical durations range from 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic. Fares generally start from £13 to £16 one way, covering a distance of approximately 60 kilometers or 37 miles. These National Express bus/coach shuttles are among the most popular choices for travelers moving between the airports. Travelers can also benefit from a guaranteed seat and ample luggage space on these National Express coaches, making the journey more comfortable. The journey distance by road between Gatwick and Heathrow is approximately 42 miles / 68 km, which can affect travel times depending on the route taken. Additionally, the convenience of taxi and rideshare services can be a consideration for those who prefer door-to-door transport.
National Express offers direct coaches between Gatwick and Heathrow, with journeys around 50-90 minutes and fares from £13.
The Oxford Bus Company also offers “The Airline” service, operating direct coaches throughout the day, seven days a week. Combined, these operators provide departures roughly every 20 to 30 minutes, with increased frequency during peak times.
Other coach companies such as FlixBus operate on this route as well, with trip times around 1 hour 16 minutes and fares between £8 and £18 depending on the operator and booking time. Coaches usually depart from Gatwick’s South Terminal coach station and arrive at Heathrow Central Bus Station, with some also stopping at Terminal 5.
Most direct coaches allow large luggage to be stored in underfloor compartments at no extra charge, subject to baggage limits.
Train travel between Gatwick and Heathrow requires at least one change in central London. A common rail route involves taking the Thameslink service from Gatwick to Farringdon, then transferring to the Elizabeth line to Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3. This journey takes about 1 hour 27 minutes and costs around £40 to £50, making it more expensive than coach options. Although rail travel is less affected by road congestion, the need for transfers eliminates any significant time advantage.
Lower-cost indirect routes include taking the X26 bus from Heathrow to East Croydon, then a local train to Gatwick, or using buses from Heathrow to Feltham followed by a train via Clapham Junction. These options can be cheaper, especially when using Oyster card daily caps and off-peak tickets, but take longer.
Private taxis and ride-hailing services are also available, offering flexible but generally more expensive transport between the airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Luggage Restrictions on Transport Between Gatwick and Heathrow?
Luggage restrictions between Gatwick and Heathrow depend on the transport mode.
Private taxis typically allow two medium suitcases or one large suitcase plus two cabin bags per passenger, with extra fees for oversized items or upgrades.
Public transport has no formal limits but can be impractical for large or numerous bags due to space constraints.
Drivers may refuse excessive luggage for safety reasons, and advance notice is needed for items like golf clubs or strollers.
Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors on This Route?
Discounts for children and seniors are mainly available on National Express coaches between Gatwick and Heathrow.
Children aged 3–15 travel at reduced fares, while infants under 3 usually travel free on an adult’s lap.
Seniors aged 60 and above can use a Senior Coachcard to get about one-third off fares.
Other services like easyBus and taxis typically do not offer age-based discounts, making National Express the most cost-effective option for these groups.
Can I Use Contactless Payment or Only Cash for Transport Tickets?
Contactless payment is widely accepted for transport tickets between Gatwick and Heathrow, including on National Express coaches, trains, and London Underground services.
Cash payment is generally discouraged or not accepted, especially on buses and some ticket machines.
Using contactless cards, mobile wallets, or Oyster cards allows for faster boarding, online advance purchases, and access to lower fares.
Passengers should prioritize contactless options for convenience and cost savings on this route.
Are Pets Allowed on the Transport Options Between Gatwick and Heathrow?
Pets are allowed on most transport options between Gatwick and Heathrow, with specific rules.
Gatwick Express permits two small pets per passenger, requiring dogs on leads or in carriers kept on the floor.
National Express accepts small pets in carriers but not large dogs unless assistance animals.
The London Underground only allows assistance dogs and small pets in carriers.
Private taxis often accommodate pets but may require advance booking and sometimes charge extra fees.
What Are the Busiest Travel Times Between Gatwick and Heathrow?
The busiest travel times between Gatwick and Heathrow are during early morning peak hours from 06:00 to 09:00 and late afternoon to early evening peak hours from 16:00 to 19:00.
Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays experience the highest transfer volumes due to intensified passenger flows.
Summer months, especially late August, show the greatest seasonal demand.
Travelers should expect longer journey times and increased congestion during these periods and plan accordingly.
