Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Gatwick (LGW) to Heathrow (LHR) is by combining train and London Underground (Thameslink to Farringdon + Elizabeth line), taking about 1 hour 15 minutes and costing from £25-£35. The cheapest way is the National Express coach, with fares from £15-£25 but a longer travel time of 1.5-2.5 hours. For a seamless, door-to-door experience, a pre-booked private transfer is most convenient but costs £80-£120+. There is no direct train between the two airports.
Option 1: By Train & London Underground (Fastest Public Transport)
This is the fastest public transport route, but it involves at least one change. There are two main routing strategies: via Central London or via the Elizabeth line corridor. Your choice depends on your terminal at Heathrow and your tolerance for station changes.
Route A: Thameslink + Elizabeth Line (Recommended for Heathrow T2, T3, T4, T5)
This modern, step-free-friendly route avoids the busiest London termini.
- Step 1: At Gatwick South Terminal, board a Thameslink train towards London St Pancras. Get off at Farringdon Station. (Journey: ~45 mins). Trains run every 15-30 minutes. You can use Oyster/Contactless.
- Step 2: At Farringdon, cross the platform or take a short walk to board the Elizabeth line (the new purple line) heading west towards Heathrow. (Journey: ~35 mins to T2/T3).
Total: ~1 hour 20 mins | Cost: ~£25.50 (Off-Peak with Oyster/Contactless).
Route B: Gatwick Express + London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
The classic route, but involves a busy station change at London Victoria.
- Step 1: Take the Gatwick Express (non-stop, 30 mins) or a slower Southern Railway service to London Victoria. (Express costs more but is faster).
- Step 2: At Victoria, follow signs to the Underground. Take the District Line (Green) westbound for 2 stops to South Kensington.
- Step 3: At South Kensington, change to the Piccadilly Line (Dark Blue) westbound directly to all Heathrow terminals. (Journey: ~50 mins from Victoria).
Total: ~1 hour 45 mins | Cost: Gatwick Express (£20) + Tube (~£5.60) = ~£25.60+.
| Route | Key Change Point | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost (Off-Peak) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thameslink + Elizabeth Line | Farringdon | 1h 15m - 1h 30m | £24 - £28 | Step-free access, modern trains, less crowded change. |
| Gatwick Express + Piccadilly Line | London Victoria | 1h 40m - 2h | £25 - £35 | Those familiar with Victoria, direct Piccadilly Line to terminals. |
| Southern Rail + Tube (Various) | London Bridge/Blackfriars | 1h 30m - 1h 50m | £20 - £30 | Budget travellers not needing the Gatwick Express speed. |
Key Tips for the Train & Tube Journey
- Payment: Use a contactless debit/credit card or Oyster card for the cheapest fares and automatic capping. Don't buy paper tickets for the Tube leg.
- Luggage: This is the biggest challenge. Avoid peak hours (7-9:30 AM, 4:30-7 PM). Use station lifts (elevators), marked with blue "step-free access" signs.
- Real-time Info: Use TfL's Journey Planner or Citymapper app for live service updates and the fastest route on the day.
Option 2: By Coach / Bus (The Most Economical Choice)
National Express and Megabus operate direct coach services between Gatwick and Heathrow. This is the best value-for-money option, especially if booked well in advance, and eliminates the stress of changing trains with luggage.
National Express (The Primary Service)
National Express runs frequent, comfortable coaches on this route.
- Journey Time: Officially 1 hour 15 minutes, but always allow 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours due to London's unpredictable traffic, especially during rush hours (M25/M23 can be congested).
- Frequency: Services run 24/7, with at least one coach per hour during the day and fewer overnight.
- Pick-up/Drop-off:
- Gatwick: Coach Station at South Terminal (use free inter-terminal shuttle if you arrive at North).
- Heathrow: Serves all terminals (T2, T3, T4, T5) at their central bus stations.
- Fares: Start from as low as £15 one-way if booked weeks ahead. Standard advance fares are £20-£25. Walk-up fares can be £30+.
- Luggage: One large suitcase and one carry-on included in the fare. Additional bags incur a fee.
Megabus (The Budget Alternative)
Megabus may offer even lower promotional fares but often has less frequent services. The coaches are standard and the service is reliable. Always compare prices on both National Express and Megabus websites.
Why Choose the Coach?
- Cost-Effective: Unbeatable for solo travellers on a tight budget.
- Direct Service: No changes, just sit back and relax.
- Convenient for Luggage: Bags are stored below the coach, no hauling up stairs.
- Wi-Fi & Sockets: Most coaches offer free (if sometimes slow) Wi-Fi and power sockets.
Major Drawback: Traffic. Your schedule is at the mercy of London's roads. Never book a coach transfer with less than a 3-hour buffer before your flight.
Option 3: By Taxi or Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Convenience)
This is the most straightforward but also the most expensive option. It’s a private car journey directly between the airports.
| Feature | Black Cab / Airport Taxi (Metered) | Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Minicab) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £90 - £130+ (meter runs in traffic) | £75 - £100 (fixed price, confirmed upfront) |
| Booking | Queue at airport taxi rank (no booking needed). | Must be booked online/phone in advance. |
| Meeting Point | Follow signs to official taxi ranks. | Driver meets you in arrivals hall with a name sign. |
| Vehicle Type | London Black Cab (fits lots of luggage). | Saloon car, estate, MPV, or minibus. | Flight Tracking | No. You pay waiting time if flight is early/delayed. | Yes. Most companies track your flight for free and adjust pickup. |
When is a Taxi or Transfer Worth It?
- Families or Groups (3-4 people): Splitting the cost can make it comparable to train fares per person.
- Travellers with Excessive or Heavy Luggage: Avoids all physical strain.
- Those with Mobility Issues: Direct curbside service.
- Very Tight Connection Windows: A private car is the most time-efficient, barring extreme traffic.
- Late-Night or Very Early Morning Arrivals: When public transport options are scarce.
Reputable Transfer Companies: Consider booking with firms like Silverbird, Addison Lee, or through aggregate sites like Minicabit for price comparisons.
Cost & Time Comparison: Gatwick (LGW) to Heathrow (LHR)
This table summarizes all key data to help you make an informed decision at a glance.
| Transport Method | Approx. Journey Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Transfers / Changes | Best Suited For | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thameslink + Elizabeth Line | 1h 15m - 1h 30m | £24 - £28 | 1 (at Farringdon) | Most travellers, step-free priority, tech-savvy users. | ⭐ BEST OVERALL (Best balance of speed, cost & ease). |
| National Express Coach | 1h 45m - 2h 30m (traffic dependent) | £15 - £30 | 0 (Direct) | Solo budget travellers, those with heavy bags, avoiding train changes. | 💰 MOST ECONOMICAL (If you have time to spare). |
| Pre-Booked Private Transfer | 45m - 1h 30m (traffic dependent) | £75 - £100+ | 0 (Direct door-to-door) | Groups, families, luxury/ time-critical travellers, late arrivals. | 🚗 MOST CONVENIENT (Premium price for premium service). |
| Gatwick Express + Tube | 1h 40m - 2h | £25 - £35+ | 1-2 (Victoria + possibly another) | Those preferring express train comfort for the first leg. | Reliable but often slower and more hectic than Route A. |
| Black Taxi (Metered) | 45m - 1h 30m | £90 - £130+ | 0 | Urgent, unplanned trips, or those expensing travel. | Extremely expensive for solo travellers. Only use as a last resort. |
Essential Travel Tips & Hacks for a Smooth Transfer
1. Buffer, Buffer, Buffer!
Regardless of your chosen method, allow a minimum of 3 to 4 hours between your scheduled arrival at Gatwick and your departure from Heathrow. This accounts for flight delays, immigration/ baggage reclaim, travel time, and Heathrow's own recommended check-in times (2-3 hours for international flights). For peace of mind, consider 5+ hours.
2. Master Your Luggage Strategy
- Lighten Your Load: Consider sending luggage ahead with a door-to-door service like SendMyBag if you have multiple heavy suitcases.
- Know the Stations: Stations like Farringdon (Elizabeth line) have excellent step-free access. Victoria and the Piccadilly Line are much more challenging with luggage.
- Pack Smart: Have a small bag with essentials (passport, ticket, charger) separate from your main luggage in case you need to move quickly.
3. Navigate Like a Pro
Download Essential Apps:
- Citymapper or TfL Go: For real-time London public transport routing, including disruptions.
- National Express App: To store your coach ticket and get live updates.
- Flight Tracking App (e.g., FlightAware): To monitor your inbound flight's status.
4. Money & Booking Savvy
- Book Coach Tickets Early: National Express fares are dynamic; book weeks in advance for the lowest prices.
- Use Contactless Payment: For train/tube, it's always the simplest and often cheapest fare.
- Beware of Peak Fares: Train fares are more expensive on weekday mornings (before 9:30 AM) and evenings. Travel off-peak if possible.
5. Plan for the Worst-Case Scenario
Have a backup plan. Know the last coach/train times. Save the contact number of a reputable minicab firm in your phone. Ensure your phone is charged and you have a portable power bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a direct train from Gatwick to Heathrow?
No, there is no direct train service connecting Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Heathrow Airport (LHR). The journey requires at least one change, typically in central London. The most common routes involve taking the Gatwick Express or Thameslink to London Victoria or London Bridge, then transferring to the London Underground (Piccadilly Line) or the Heathrow Express/Elizabeth line to reach Heathrow.
What is the cheapest way to get from Gatwick to Heathrow?
The cheapest way is by National Express or Megabus coach, with fares starting from around £15-£25 one-way if booked in advance. While slower (taking 1h15m to over 2 hours depending on traffic), it provides a direct, cost-effective link between the airports. The train/tube combination can also be relatively cheap (from ~£25) but involves more hassle with luggage and changes.
How long does the transfer from Gatwick to Heathrow take?
Transfer time varies greatly by mode of transport:
- Taxi/Private Transfer: 45 mins - 1h 30m (highly traffic-dependent).
- By Train & Tube: 1h 15m - 1h 45m.
- By Coach (Bus): 1h 15m - 2h 30m.
What's the best option for an early morning or late-night transfer?
For very early (before 6 AM) or late-night (after 11:30 PM) transfers, your options are limited. Pre-booked private transfers or taxis are the most reliable as they operate 24/7. National Express coaches have some early/late services, but frequency drops. Train services, especially the Gatwick Express, do not run 24 hours; check the last departure times carefully. Never rely on walk-up options for critical overnight connections.
Is a taxi or private transfer worth the cost?
For most solo travellers or couples on a budget, a taxi (costing £80-£120+) is hard to justify. However, it can be worth it for:
- Groups of 3-4 people (splitting the cost).
- Those with a lot of heavy luggage or mobility issues.
- Travellers on a tight schedule who cannot risk public transport delays.
- Late-night/early-morning arrivals when other services are limited.
How do I manage luggage during the transfer?
Luggage is a key consideration:
- Coach/Taxi/Private Transfer: Easiest, with direct loading and ample storage.
- Train & Tube: Most challenging. Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). Use lifts (elevators) in stations—look for the blue ‘Step-free Access’ signs. Be prepared to carry bags on escalators and through crowded carriages. Consider using a luggage forwarding service if you have excessive bags.
Can I use an Oyster Card or Contactless payment for the whole journey?
Yes, you can use a contactless bank card or Oyster card for most of the rail and tube journey. It's valid on:
- Thameslink trains from Gatwick.
- The London Underground (Tube).
- The Elizabeth line to Heathrow.
What if my flight is delayed and I miss my booked transfer?
Policy varies by provider:
- Pre-booked Train Tickets (Advance fares): Usually are not flexible; you must travel on the specific train booked. You may need to buy a new, more expensive walk-up ticket.
- Coach Tickets (National Express/Megabus): Often allow you to take the next available service if there's space, but this is not guaranteed, especially during busy periods.
- Private Transfers: Most reputable companies track your flight and adjust pickup time automatically at no extra cost. This is a major advantage for peace of mind.