Quick Answer
The best way to travel from London Luton Airport (LTN) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) depends on your priority. For most travelers, the direct Thameslink train offers the best balance of speed, cost, and convenience. For the cheapest option, choose the direct National Express coach. For maximum ease with heavy luggage or a group, consider a pre-booked private transfer.
- Fastest Public Transport: Thameslink Train (approx. 1h 30m - 1h 50m, from £25 one-way).
- Cheapest Option: National Express Coach (approx. 1h 45m - 2h 30m, from £17 one-way).
- Most Convenient (Door-to-Door): Taxi/Private Transfer (approx. 1h 15m, £120-£180+).
- Key Transfer Point: Most routes require a change in Central London (e.g., London St Pancras, Farringdon).
By Train: The Thameslink Direct Service (The Best Balance)
The Thameslink train service is the only direct rail link connecting Luton Airport Parkway and Gatwick Airport stations, making it the most straightforward and often the fastest public transport option. It runs through the heart of London, avoiding the need to switch between different rail companies.
Step-by-Step Journey Guide
- Luton Airport to Luton Airport Parkway Station: Take the Luton Airport Express shuttle bus (approx. 10 minutes, £2.40 - £4.90 single with a train ticket) or a local taxi to the main train station.
- Main Train Journey: Board a southbound Thameslink train towards Brighton or Three Bridges. Key stops on this route include St Pancras International, Farringdon, London Blackfriars, and London Bridge.
- Direct Services: Some trains run directly from Luton Airport Parkway to Gatwick Airport without requiring you to change trains. Look for destinations like "Brighton" or "Gatwick Airport" on the departure boards.
- Services Requiring a Change: If you board a train terminating at "Three Bridges" or "Brighton" that doesn't call at Gatwick, you may need to change once at a station like St Pancras or Farringdon onto a Gatwick-bound service. Real-time apps like National Rail Enquiries are essential.
- Arrival at Gatwick Airport Station: Alight at "Gatwick Airport" station. The station is integrated into the South Terminal. A free shuttle train connects to the North Terminal in just 2 minutes.
Costs, Tickets & Practical Info
| Ticket Type | Approx. Price (One-Way) | Notes & Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime (Peak) | £35 - £45 | Flexible travel, last-minute trips. Most expensive. |
| Off-Peak / Super Off-Peak | £25 - £35 | Travel outside busy hours (usually after 9:30 AM). Best value for advance planners. |
| Contactless / Oyster Fare | ~£26.80 (Off-Peak) | Highly Recommended. Caps at the best daily fare. Simply tap in/out at pink readers. |
| Advance Single | From £20 | Non-refundable, tied to a specific train. Book weeks ahead for the lowest prices. |
Key Tip: Using a Contactless debit/credit card or Oyster card is the simplest payment method. The system automatically calculates the cheapest fare for your journey.
Journey Time & Frequency
- Typical Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes (including shuttle bus).
- Frequency: Trains run every 15-30 minutes throughout the day. Services are reduced during late nights and very early mornings.
- Operates: 24-hour service on core routes, but check specific late-night/early-morning schedules.
By Coach: National Express (The Budget Choice)
For cost-conscious travelers, the direct National Express coach service is the undisputed cheapest way to transfer between the two airports. It's a single bus with no changes, ideal if you have time to spare and want to avoid navigating London's train stations.
Service Details & Route
Route Number: National Express Service 787 (The direct Gatwick - Luton service).
Departure Point at Luton: Luton Airport (LTN) Coach Station, located directly outside the terminal.
Arrival Point at Gatwick: Gatwick Airport (LGW) North Terminal and South Terminal coach stations.
The route travels via the M1 and M25 motorways. Journey times are highly dependent on traffic, particularly around the M25 orbital and during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM).
Costs & Booking
| Fare Type | Approx. Price (One-Way) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Fare | £20 - £30 | Flexible but more expensive. |
| Advance Fare (Economy) | £17 - £22 | Best value. Non-refundable, specific departure time. Book online in advance. |
| On-the-Day Fare | £30+ | Purchased at the coach station. Most expensive and subject to availability. |
Booking is essential to secure a seat and the lowest price. Tickets are electronic (e-ticket or mobile app).
Pros, Cons & Luggage
- Pros: Very cheap, direct service, free Wi-Fi and onboard toilets, under-coach luggage storage included (typically 1 large suitcase + 1 carry-on).
- Cons: Longest travel time, susceptible to traffic delays, less frequent than trains, can be less comfortable on very long traffic jams.
- Luggage: Each passenger is usually allowed one large suitcase (20kg) and one small hand luggage item stored in the hold. Check National Express's latest luggage policy before travel.
Alternative Coach Service: Green Line service 757 also runs between Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton, but it is not direct between Luton and Gatwick and involves a change at Heathrow, making it much slower and not recommended for this specific transfer.
By Taxi or Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Convenience)
A taxi or pre-booked private transfer provides the ultimate in convenience, taking you directly from terminal to terminal. This is the most expensive option by a significant margin and is generally only recommended for specific circumstances.
Cost Breakdown & Options
| Vehicle Type | Approx. Fixed Price (Pre-Booked) | Approx. Metered Fare (Black Cab) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sedan (1-4 passengers) | £120 - £150 | £180 - £220+ | Door-to-door, flight tracking, meet & greet. |
| People Carrier/Van (5-8 passengers) | £140 - £180 | N/A | Ideal for families or groups sharing cost. |
| Executive Car | £160+ | N/A | Premium service. |
Warning: Never use an unlicensed minicab touting for business at the airport. Always pre-book with a reputable company or use the official taxi ranks.
When is a Taxi the Right Choice?
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Flights: When public transport is not running.
- Traveling in a Group (4+): The cost can be comparable to or even cheaper than multiple train tickets when split.
- Heavy or Excessive Luggage: Avoiding the shuttle bus and train transfers with multiple large bags.
- Passengers with Reduced Mobility: For maximum ease and minimal walking.
- Tight Connection Times: If you have less than 3-4 hours between flights and cannot risk any public transport delay.
Recommended Providers: Pre-book with established airport transfer companies like minicabit, Addison Lee, or Greetly for fixed prices and reliable service.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Luton to Gatwick (2024)
This table summarizes all key options to help you decide at a glance. Prices are approximate for a one-way adult ticket.
| Transport Method | Avg. Journey Time | Avg. Cost (One-Way) | Transfers / Changes | Best For | Book / Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thameslink Train | 1h 30m - 1h 50m | £25 - £45 (Contactless: ~£27) | 0 (on direct services) or 1 | Best Overall Balance (Speed & Cost) | Contactless/Oyster or Trainline/National Rail |
| National Express Coach | 1h 45m - 2h 30m | £17 - £30 (From £17 advance) | 0 (Direct) | Budget Travelers, No-rush trips | Pre-book online essential |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 1h 15m - 1h 45m | £120 - £180+ | 0 (Door-to-Door) | Groups, Late Night, Heavy Luggage | Pre-book with reputable company |
| Rental Car | 1h 15m - 2h+ | £40 - £80 (rental) + £15-£25 (fuel & parking) | 0 | Those continuing a UK road trip, maximum flexibility | Pre-book rental, consider airport drop-off fees |
Verdict: For solo travelers or couples, the Thameslink train is the most efficient. For the absolute lowest cost, the National Express coach cannot be beaten. Reserve a taxi/transfer only if your situation matches the specific scenarios listed above.
Traveler Tips & Practical Experience
Essential Tips for a Smooth Transfer
- Allow Ample Time: Always add a minimum 30-60 minute buffer to the scheduled journey time for public transport, especially for coach travel (traffic) or if you need to catch a flight. For a flight connection, a minimum of 4-5 hours between landing and your next departure is advised.
- Navigate Luton's Shuttle: Factor in the 10-minute shuttle bus (£) or a taxi from the Luton Airport terminal to Luton Airport Parkway station. This is a non-negotiable extra step for the train.
- Use Real-Time Apps: Download the National Rail Enquiries app for live train times and platform information. Use Citymapper or Google Maps for integrated multi-mode journey planning.
- Luggage Strategy: If traveling with heavy bags on the train, aim for off-peak times (after 9:30 AM) when it's less crowded. Look for trains with more luggage space (often indicated on Thameslink's website).
- Gatwick Terminal Shuttle: Remember the free, 24-hour inter-terminal shuttle train at Gatwick. It runs every few minutes and takes 2 minutes.
- Peak Season & Strikes: During UK school holidays, bank holidays, or potential rail strikes, journey times can be severely impacted. Check for industrial action and always have a backup plan (e.g., a coach ticket).
FAQs: Luton Airport to Gatwick Airport Transfers
Is there a direct train from Luton Airport to Gatwick Airport?
No, there is no single direct train service. However, the Thameslink network provides through-services where you can stay on the same train from Luton Airport Parkway to Gatwick Airport without changing, provided you board the correct service (typically those bound for Brighton). Many services require one change in Central London (e.g., at St Pancras or Farringdon).
What is the cheapest way to travel between Luton and Gatwick airports?
The direct National Express coach (bus) is consistently the cheapest method. By booking an Advance Economy fare online a few weeks ahead, you can secure a ticket for as low as £17 one-way. This is often less than half the price of a flexible train ticket.
What is the fastest way to get from Luton to Gatwick?
For public transport, the Thameslink train is the fastest, with a typical total journey time of 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. The absolute fastest method is a taxi or private transfer, which can do the door-to-door trip in about 1 hour 15 minutes in light traffic, but at a high cost.
How long does the bus from Luton to Gatwick take?
The direct National Express coach takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. The wide range is due entirely to road traffic conditions on the M1 and M25 motorways. Always allow extra time during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM).
Can I use an Oyster or Contactless card for the train journey?
Yes, and it's highly recommended. You can use a Contactless debit/credit card or an Oyster card for the entire Thameslink journey between Luton Airport Parkway and Gatwick Airport. Simply tap the yellow card reader at the start and the pink reader at the end of your journey. The system will charge you the correct, often cheapest, fare.
What should I do if I arrive at Luton Airport late at night?
Options are limited after midnight. Check the last National Express coach departure (usually around midnight). Thameslink runs a limited night service. Your most reliable, though expensive, option is a pre-booked taxi or private transfer. Do not rely on finding transport on the spot late at night.
Is it easy to transfer with lots of luggage?
The train is manageable but involves carrying bags onto the Luton shuttle bus and through a London station if changing. Coaches have under-bus storage. For significant luggage, a pre-booked taxi/transfer is the easiest, as the driver handles your bags door-to-door. Consider packing lighter or using airport left-luggage services if possible.
Should I pre-book my transfer?
Absolutely for coaches and taxis—it guarantees a seat/vehicle and locks in the best price. For trains, while you can buy tickets last minute, advance tickets are cheaper, and using Contactless payment is the most flexible "pre-paid" option without committing to a specific train time.