You have landed at Heathrow, and your next flight departs from Gatwick. Or the other way around. Either way, you are probably asking the same question right now: how far is Heathrow from Gatwick, and how quickly can you get there?
Well, Heathrow and Gatwick are 42 miles (68 km) apart by road. Roughly 50–70 minutes by taxi, 70–85 minutes by coach, or 90–120 minutes door-to-terminal by train via Central London.
This guide gives you detailed information about the exact distance, every travel option available, realistic journey times, current prices, and a clear recommendation for which option works best depending on your situation, whether you are travelling solo with a carry-on or as a family with checked luggage and a tight connection.
How Far Is Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport?
The distance between the two airports is 42 miles (68 kilometres) by road. They sit on opposite sides of London (Heathrow to the west, Gatwick to the south), connected primarily via the M25 motorway.
There is no direct train or tube connection between them. Every route involves either a coach, a private vehicle, or a journey through Central London by train with at least one connection.
For travellers asking how far is London Heathrow to London Gatwick in journey time terms, not just distance, the honest answer is: allow a minimum of 60–90 minutes under normal conditions, and up to 2 hours during peak traffic or if you are using a multi-leg train route.
Distance and Journey Overview at a Glance
| Method | Distance | Journey time | Approximate cost |
| Coach (National Express / FlixBus) | 64 km | 70–85 min | £12–£20 |
| Pre-booked taxi / private hire | 64 km | 50–70 min | £75–£110 |
| Train (via Central London) | 90–110 min | £28–£45 | |
| Drive yourself | 64 km | 50–60 min (off-peak) | Fuel + tolls |
For most travellers asking about the distance from London Gatwick to Heathrow, how far, and what the fastest option is, the coach or a pre-booked taxi are the two most practical answers. The train requires going into Central London and changing multiple times, adding significant time and complexity.
Option 1: Coach (Recommended for Budget Travellers)
The coach is the cheapest direct option between Heathrow and Gatwick. 3 operators run this route, all direct, no changes required.
National Express
- Routes: 025, 200, 201, 205, 210
- Journey time: 70 minutes
- Price: from £13.20
- Frequency: Multiple departures daily, 7 days a week, including overnight services
- Pick-up at Gatwick: South Terminal and North Terminal. Both served.
- Drop-off at Heathrow: Heathrow Central Bus Station (Terminals 2 and 3), Terminal 4 (205 service only), and Terminal 5
National Express is the most frequent and most widely known service on this route. With over 60 daily departures, you rarely wait more than 30 minutes for the next coach. Each passenger can bring 1 large suitcase plus 1 hand luggage item. Seats are guaranteed. No standing. Free Wi-Fi and USB charging are included on most services.
Book in advance for the best fares. Last-minute walk-up prices are higher, particularly during school holidays and bank holiday weekends.
FlixBus
- Routes: 900, 920, 940
- Journey time: 70 minutes
- Price: from £11.99
- Frequency: Multiple departures daily, 7 days a week
FlixBus is cheaper than National Express on the same route. The service picks up at Gatwick South Terminal and drops off at Heathrow Central Bus Station. Check the FlixBus app for live availability and pricing. Fares change dynamically, and booking early usually gets the lowest price.
Oxford Bus Company “The Airline”
- Routes: LGW and LHR
- Journey time: 75 minutes
- Price: from £15
- Frequency: Throughout the day, 7 days a week
The Oxford Bus Company’s Airline service is a strong option, particularly for overnight or early morning transfers. It runs directly between Heathrow and Gatwick and is well-suited to passengers who need a quieter, less crowded alternative to National Express.
When is it the right choice for Coach:
The coach is best for solo travellers or couples on a budget who are not in a hurry, have manageable luggage, and have booked their connection with enough buffer time. Allow at least 3 hours between flights if using the coach. 70 minutes is the timetabled journey time, but traffic on the M25 can add 20–30 minutes on a bad day.
Option 2: Pre-Booked Taxi or Private Hire (Recommended for Most Travellers)
A pre-booked private hire vehicle is the fastest and most reliable door-to-terminal option for the Heathrow to Gatwick route. It is also the only option that goes directly from your arrival terminal to your departure terminal without stops, changes, or luggage handling on public transport.
Journey time: 50–70 minutes off-peak via M25/M23
Price: £75–£110 fixed fare (pre-booked, all-inclusive)
Pick-up: Directly from your arrival terminal
Drop-off: Directly at your departure terminal. North or South at Gatwick, any terminal at Heathrow
For anyone asking how far is Heathrow Airport from Gatwick Airport, the taxi answer is 50–70 minutes, compared to 70–85 by coach and 90–110 by train. It is the fastest option and the only one that handles your luggage for you.
When the taxi wins over the coach:
- You are travelling with 2 or more people. The per-person cost drops significantly and matches or beats the coach fare
- You have checked luggage and do not want to load it on and off a coach
- You have a tight connection and cannot afford the coach being delayed by M25 traffic
- You are travelling early morning (before 5 am) when coach services have limited departures
- You want the simplicity of one vehicle, one driver, no changes
Virginia Water Cars provides pre-booked fixed-fare transfers between Heathrow and Gatwick, with confirmed terminal routing, flight monitoring, and no surge pricing. Get an instant quote for your inter-airport transfer.
Option 3: Train (Via Central London)
There is no direct train between Heathrow and Gatwick. Every train route requires travelling into Central London and changing. This makes the train the most time-consuming option of the 3, though it can work well for passengers who need to make a stop in London anyway.
The route options from Heathrow to Gatwick by train:
Route A. Heathrow Express + Underground + Gatwick Express:
- Heathrow Express from Heathrow to London Paddington. 15 minutes, from £27.50.
- London Underground from Paddington to London Victoria. 5 minutes, included in travel zone.
- Gatwick Express from Victoria to Gatwick. 31 minutes, from £20.70.
- Total journey time: approximately 55–70 minutes (station to station).
- Total cost: approximately £48–£55.
- Door-to-terminal time: add 20–30 minutes each end for terminal walking and waiting.
Route B. Elizabeth Line + Underground + Gatwick Express:
- Elizabeth Line from Heathrow to Paddington. Approximately 25 minutes, from £12.80.
- Underground from Paddington to Victoria. 5 minutes.
- Gatwick Express or Southern Rail from Victoria to Gatwick. 31–33 minutes, from £18.30.
- Total journey time: approximately 65–80 minutes (station to station)
- Total cost: approximately £31–£38
- Door-to-terminal time: add 20–30 minutes to each end
Route C. London Underground only (cheapest):
- Piccadilly Line from Heathrow to London Victoria. Approximately 60 minutes, from £5.50
- Gatwick Express or Southern Rail from Victoria to Gatwick
- Total journey time: approximately 90–100 minutes
- Total cost: approximately £24–£28
- Best for: budget travellers with no luggage and plenty of time
Train summary. when it is the right choice:
The train makes sense for a solo traveller with a carry-on bag who is already comfortable navigating the London Underground and has 2+ hours to spare before their connection. It is not recommended for families with checked luggage, passengers with mobility needs, or anyone with less than 3 hours between flights.
Option 4: Drive Yourself
If you have a hire car or your own vehicle:
- Distance: 64 km via M25 / M23
- Journey time: 50 to 60 minutes off-peak
- Route: M25 clockwise from Junction 14 (Heathrow) to Junction 7, then M23 south to Gatwick
- Estimated fuel cost: £14 to £19 depending on vehicle
- Drop-off charge at Gatwick: £10 per vehicle
- Drop-off charge at Heathrow: £7 per vehicle
Note that both airports charge drop-off fees. If you are dropping a vehicle at a terminal and returning it separately, factor in both charges. During peak hours (7–9 am and 3–6 pm weekdays), the M25 between Junctions 7 and 14 can be heavily congested and add 30–45 minutes to the journey.
A Detailed Comparison of Inter-Airport Transfer
| Coach | Pre-booked taxi | Train (fastest) | Train (cheapest) | Drive | |
| Journey time | 70–85 min | 50–70 min | 55–70 min (station to station) | 90–100 min | 50–60 min |
| Door-to-terminal | 90–110 min | 50–70 min | 90–120 min | 120–140 min | 60–80 min |
| Cost (1 person) | £12–£20 | £75–£110 | £31–£55 | £24–£28 | £24–£29 |
| Cost (4 people) | £48–£80 | £75–£110 | £124–£220 | £96–£112 | £24–£29 |
| Luggage | Hold (1 case) | Full assistance | Carry yourself | Carry yourself | Boot |
| Needs changes? | No | No | Yes (2) | Yes (2) | No |
| Available 24/7? | Mostly | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Which Option Is Right for You?
Solo traveller, budget priority, 3+ hours to connect: Coach, National Express or FlixBus from £12. Book in advance.
Couple or family of 3–4 with luggage: Pre-booked taxi, at £75–£110 split between 3 or 4 people, the per-person cost is £19–£37, competitive with the train and far more convenient.
Business traveller, tight connection, no luggage check: Pre-booked taxi, direct, fastest door-to-terminal, confirmed vehicle.
Solo traveller comfortable with the Tube, no checked bags: Train via Elizabeth Line + Victoria + Gatwick Express, budget-friendly at £31–£38 and reliable outside peak hours.
Early morning (before 5 am) or late night (after 11 pm): Pre-booked taxi, coach services have limited early/late departures, and the train network does not run around the clock.
How Far Is Gatwick Airport from Heathrow Airport
The distance of Gatwick Airport from Heathrow Airport is 42 miles (68 km) by road. But distance is only half the question. The practical travel reality is:
- By coach: 70–85 minutes on a good day, longer in traffic
- By pre-booked taxi: 50–70 minutes, the most consistent journey time
- By train via Central London: 90 minutes minimum door-to-terminal
Whichever method you choose, always allow more time than the timetable suggests. Add 30 minutes minimum as a buffer for any inter-airport connection, and allow at least 3 hours total between your arriving and departing flights to account for immigration, baggage, the transfer itself, re-check-in, and security at the second airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Heathrow from Gatwick by road?
42 miles or 68 kilometres via the M25 and M23. Journey time by road is approximately 50–70 minutes off-peak.
What is the cheapest way to get from Heathrow to Gatwick?
The cheapest option is the coach. National Express from £13.20 or FlixBus from £11.99. Both are direct with no changes required and take approximately 70 minutes.
What is the fastest way to get from Heathrow to Gatwick?
A pre-booked taxi or private hire vehicle is the fastest door-to-terminal option at 50–70 minutes. It is the only option that goes directly from your arrival terminal to your departure terminal without stops or changes.
Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Gatwick?
No. There is no direct train. All train routes require travelling into Central London and changing at least once. The fastest train route is approximately 55–70 minutes station to station, but 90–120 minutes door-to-terminal once walking and waiting time is included.
How long does the coach take from Heathrow to Gatwick?
Approximately 70–75 minutes on the National Express or FlixBus direct service. Allow 90 minutes to be safe. M25 traffic between Junctions 7 and 14 can add 20–30 minutes during peak hours.
Should I book my Heathrow to Gatwick transfer in advance?
Yes, always. Coach prices increase significantly for walk-up bookings, especially during busy travel periods. Pre-booked taxis guarantee availability and a fixed price that does not change regardless of traffic or demand.
Can I get a taxi directly from Heathrow to Gatwick?
Yes. A pre-booked private hire taxi travels directly between the two airports (terminal to terminal) with no changes, no luggage handling on public transport, and a fixed fare confirmed before travel. Book a Heathrow to Gatwick transfer with Virginia Water Cars for a fixed fare and confirmed vehicle.
Do I need to allow time for immigration and baggage when transferring between airports?
Yes, and this is the most commonly underestimated part of the transfer. If your inbound flight is international, add at least 45–60 minutes for passport control and baggage collection before you can start the inter-airport transfer. Combined with the transfer time and re-check-in at the second airport, allow a minimum of 3 hours between flights, and more if your first flight has any history of delays.
