Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport
Gatwick is London's second-busiest airport. Transferring between Heathrow and Gatwick is a common requirement for travellers changing alliances. Motorway coach services are the primary direct link.
Distance
45 miles
Fastest Time
1 hour
Cheapest Price
£20.00
Transit Modes
Coach, Taxi
National Express Coach
Price: £20.00 - £35.00
Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes
Frequency: Every 20 mins
Direct motorway coach transit between Heathrow Terminals and Gatwick North/South terminals.
National Express Coach
Price: £20.00
Duration: 1 hour
Frequency: Every 20 mins
The direct coach via the M25 is the fastest option. Taxis are faster only during low-traffic periods.
Heathrow Transit & Congestion Advisory
Today: 4 September 2026
Friday Transit Advisory: Heavily congested road and rail networks are anticipated today as leisure travelers merge with weekend commuters. Higher boarding densities are expected at Heathrow Central Bus Station and Terminal 5 rail stations. Passengers taking National Express or Megabus coaches are advised to pre-book ticket slots early. Security screenings are experiencing high volumes with wait times up to 26 minutes.
Travel Tip of the Day
When transferring between Heathrow terminals, use the free airport shuttle trains rather than booking a taxi.
Compare All Transport Options
Detailed breakdowns of schedules, fares, and booking choices.
National Express
Coach
£20.00+
1 hour 10 minutes
Direct, high-frequency coach connection. Free luggage allowance.
Megabus Transfer
Coach
£18.00+
1 hour 15 minutes
Alternative direct coach operator with competitive rates.
Travel Route Recommendations
Custom transport advice depending on your travel profile.
Tourist & First-Time Visitor Guide
Give yourself at least 3-4 hours of connection time. The M25 motorway is notorious for traffic jams and accidents.
Route Logistics & Advice
Detailed notes on night transfers, saving money, and navigation rules.
Late-Night Transit Options
Coaches run overnight but at a lower frequency. Taxis remain the only guaranteed fast transit late at night.
Common Traveler Mistakes
Trying to travel via central London trains (Gatwick Express to Victoria, then Underground to Heathrow). This takes longer and is more expensive.
Money-Saving Hacks
Book return coach fares if returning to the same airport, which saves roughly 30% compared to two singles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common commuter and traveller queries regarding the route.