Heathrow to Gatwick: how to travel between the airports
There are no direct trains between Heathrow and Gatwick, which are 42 miles apart by road. Your options are a direct coach (National Express, FlixBus or The Airline), a train changing in central London at Victoria or Farringdon, or a pre-booked car from terminal to terminal. Heathrow advises allowing plenty of time for the connection.
Last checked against heathrow.com on .
By coach
- Heathrow lists three coach operators running direct between the airports throughout the day: National Express, FlixBus and The Airline (Oxford Bus Company).
- Heathrow gives coach journey times of about 70 to 75 minutes; traffic can make it longer.
- National Express picks up at Heathrow Central Bus Station (for Terminals 2 and 3), Terminal 4 and Terminal 5, and calls at both Gatwick North and Gatwick South.
By train
- There’s no direct train: you change in central London, at Victoria or Farringdon.
- Via Farringdon: the Elizabeth line runs direct from Heathrow to Farringdon, then Thameslink to Gatwick.
- Via Victoria: Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth line to Paddington, the Circle line to Victoria, then the Gatwick Express or Southern to Gatwick.
- With heavy luggage, allow for changing lines and stations in central London.
By pre-booked car
A pre-booked car takes you from one terminal to the other with no changes. Your driver meets you inside arrivals at Heathrow, helps with your luggage and drops you at your Gatwick terminal, and the price is fixed when you book. Journey time depends on traffic, especially on the M25.
Allowing time for the connection
- Heathrow recommends allowing plenty of time, including for passport control, reclaiming bags, check-in, security and waiting times.
- Allow for possible traffic or service delays, too.
- Journey times, fares and frequencies change, so check with the operator before you travel.
FAQs
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Gatwick?
No. Heathrow says there are no direct trains; you change in central London, at Victoria or Farringdon.
How far is Heathrow from Gatwick?
About 42 miles (68 km) by road, according to Heathrow.
Is there a coach from Heathrow to Gatwick?
Yes. National Express, FlixBus and The Airline run direct coaches between the airports throughout the day.
Can you take me from Heathrow to Gatwick?
Yes. We run airport-to-airport transfers between Heathrow and Gatwick, with your driver meeting you in Heathrow arrivals and the price fixed when you book.