Welcome Pickups / London / Heathrow to Gatwick Airport

How to get from Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport

Olivia Campus

Travel content creator.

August 4, 2025

Heathrow is London’s largest airport, with 5 terminals. When traveling from London Heathrow (LHR) to London Gatwick (LGW) you have four modes of transport to choose from: taxi, train, bus, or private transfer. Whichever method you choose, if you are transferring between connecting flights, you should allow at least 4-5 hours between them.

Taking a London Airport taxi is a direct and hassle-free option. The distance from Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport is around 65 kilometers, and the journey will take approximately 50 minutes in light traffic. However, London is a busy city, and navigating it can feel overwhelming, even for locals. This is why booking a London Airport transfer is a smart choice for this journey. You’ll get a fixed, all-inclusive price, so even if traffic is heavy, your fare won’t change, giving you one less thing to worry about as you continue your journey.

If you are traveling solo with light luggage, you have 2 public transport options: the bus and the train. Taking the bus or the train takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes and both offer a cost-effective alternative to a taxi.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to London at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€195	50min	24/7
Train	€42	100min	05:00–00:41
Bus	€55.32	75min	09:35–17:00
Welcome Airport Transfer	€111	45min	24/7

How to get from Heathrow to Gatwick airport by taxi

Taking a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick is a straightforward option. The journey takes around 50 minutes and they are available 24/7 from the airport. Vehicles are comfortable and modern and after a long flight, they can offer a convenient alternative to navigating London’s large public transport system. Choosing a London Airport taxi, provides a direct route and a stress-free transfer, allowing you to sit back and relax while your driver handles the journey.

How much is a taxi from Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport?

Taxis from Heathrow to Gatwick don’t have a set fare, as they run on meters. The final price can vary depending on traffic and delays, particularly on the M25, which is the main route between the two airports and often experiences congestion. On average, the journey costs around €195 (£170). Most London taxis accept card payments, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash just in case.

If you prefer to know the exact cost upfront, you can pre-book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups. You’ll get a fixed, all-inclusive rate with no hidden fees, so you can travel between airports with complete peace of mind.

Photos (4)

Taxis at Heathrow airport

Cost

€195

Trip Duration

50 Min.

*Prices may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Heathrow Airport.

Where can I take a taxi from?

Taxis at Heathrow Airport are typically black with yellow illuminated rooftop signs, making them easy to spot. You’ll find them located outside the Arrivals Hall of all terminals. Follow the signs inside the terminal, and you’ll see them lined up outside, ready to take arriving passengers. If you need help, airport staff are available to point you in the right direction.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick Airport is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Heathrow to Gatwick. The journey is often faster and a lot less hassle than public transport, making it an ideal choice for families or those with luggage. However, during peak hours, there may be a wait at the taxi rank, and fares can significantly increase with rush hour traffic. To guarantee a better price, pre-booking an airport transfer is highly recommended.

Editor’s Note

Taxis in London aren’t the cheapest, but they can be worth it if you value speed and simplicity after landing.

Useful Tips

Make sure your driver resets the taximeter to the correct fare before beginning your journey.

There's no additional fee for luggage in a London black cab.

You can fit up to 5 passengers in a London taxi.

Avoid accepting rides from any individuals who approach you outside the terminal, as these may not be reliable.

Following multiple flight arrivals, it’s common to encounter a wait at the taxi queue.

How to get from Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport by train

There is no direct train between Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. To make the journey by train, you’ll need to travel via central London, using a combination of the Elizabeth Line and Thameslink services.

From your terminal, board the eastbound Elizabeth Line train for 8 stops to Farringdon station. This leg takes approximately 40 minutes, assuming a normal service is running.

At Farringdon, transfer to a southbound Thameslink train and ride for 5 stops to Gatwick Airport Station. This portion of the journey also takes around 40 minutes.

Elizabeth Line trains run frequently between 05:00 and 23:20 on weekdays, while Thameslink trains operate from 04:56 to 00:41. Check the ahead for weekend times and if there is a service on a bank holiday. In total, the journey usually takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes, though timing can vary depending on wait times between connections and late-night schedules.

It’s also possible to travel between LHR and LGW by taking the Heathrow Express to London Paddington, transferring to the London Underground to take the Circle or District Line to reach London Victoria, and then taking the Gatwick Express to Gatwick Airport. However, this option requires more changes, can involve longer walking distances between connections, and can be more expensive and time-consuming.

How much is the train from Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport?

Train fares between Heathrow and Gatwick vary depending on the time of travel and how early you book. On average, an off-peak ticket costs approximately €24 (£21).

Train tickets for London transport can be purchased at ticket machines or counters in the station, and through websites and apps like Trainline or National Rail’s Journey Planner. Alternatively, you can purchase an Oyster card in all stations which you can top up with pay-as-you-go credit and and use for the full journey from Heathrow to Gatwick or even simply tap in and out with a contactless payment card. Beware that if you do not tap out at the barriers, you will be charged the maximum fare.