Best Heathrow to Gatwick Transfer Guide

Heathrow to Gatwick looks like a simple London transfer on a map, but the right choice changes sharply once luggage, route changes, late-night arrival risk and the cost of missing the onward flight are brought into the decision.

Last updated: April 27, 2026.

Quick answer

• Direct coach is usually the simplest Heathrow to Gatwick transfer for most travellers.
• Rail can work, but it usually means multiple steps through London rather than a clean airport-to-airport route.
• Private transfer is usually the most comfortable and most direct, but not the cheapest.
• If this route sits inside a self-transfer itinerary, choose simplicity and buffer before shaving a few pounds off the fare.

TripBuffer comparison table

Option	Official journey pattern	Who it suits best
National Express coach	Heathrow says around 70 minutes, from about £13.20.	Most travellers who want a direct airport-to-airport route.
FlixBus coach	Heathrow says around 70 minutes, from about £11.99.	Budget-first travellers who still want a direct coach option.
Oxford Bus Company “The Airline”	Heathrow says around 75 minutes, from about £15.	Travellers comparing the main direct coach operators.
Rail via London	Heathrow’s guide shows rail options through London, such as Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth line to Paddington and onward travel to Victoria for Gatwick Express.	Travellers comfortable with interchange complexity and less luggage.
Private transfer / taxi	Most direct door-to-door option, but road traffic and price matter more.	Groups, heavy luggage and travellers protecting an expensive onward flight.

Why coach is usually the better default answer

• It keeps the route airport-to-airport instead of forcing a London cross-city interchange.
• It usually carries luggage more simply than a multi-stage rail route.
• The official Heathrow page already gives direct coach timings and prices, which makes it easier to plan a real buffer around.

When rail still makes sense

• You already know the London transfer pattern well.
• You are travelling light and value rail reliability over road exposure.
• Your exact arrival and departure times fit the onward rail timetable better than the coach timetable.

Best next Heathrow and Gatwick pages

• Airport Transfer Cost Calculator
• Heathrow to Central London Taxi vs Train vs Coach
• How Long Layover Do I Need at Heathrow?
• How Long Layover Do I Need at Gatwick?

If your journey starts or ends in Gatwick and then continues into the city, use the Best Gatwick to Central London Transfer Cost Guide to compare the London leg after your airport-to-airport transfer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get from Heathrow to Gatwick?

For many travellers the direct coach is the cleanest answer because it avoids a London cross-city change. The fastest-looking rail routes can still become more fragile once station changes, luggage and ticket complexity are included.

Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Gatwick?

No simple one-seat rail route. Heathrow’s own between-airports guide explains the rail options through London, which means train choices are usually multi-stage rather than a direct airport-to-airport service.

How long is the Heathrow to Gatwick coach?

Heathrow’s official between-airports page currently lists direct coach options at around 70 to 75 minutes depending on operator.

When does a private transfer make more sense?

Private transfer usually makes more sense when you are carrying a lot of luggage, travelling as a group, landing late or protecting a more expensive onward itinerary where simplicity matters more than the lowest fare.

Sources

• Heathrow: Travel between Heathrow and Gatwick
• Gatwick Airport: Flight connections
• National Express
• FlixBus