Heathrow to Gatwick Airport Transfer Service

Heathrow Airport is west of London between the M4 and M25, about 15 miles from Central London, while Gatwick Airport is off the M23 near Crawley in West Sussex, about 28 miles south of Central London. The two airports are not connected by a direct rail line, which means public transport between them almost always involves heading into central London and back out again with all your luggage. A direct Heathrow to Gatwick airport taxi covers the whole journey in one go.

Our drivers are familiar with both airports, both sets of access roads, and where traffic typically builds on this route at different times of day. That local knowledge is worth far more than a live satnav when you are working to a flight connection.

Heathrow Airport operates from four passenger terminals (T2, T3, T4 and T5), and Gatwick Airport operates from two terminals, North and South, linked by a free automated shuttle. We confirm your exact arrival and departure terminal when you book, so your driver takes you to the right building rather than the right airport.

Journey Time & Route Details

The road distance from Heathrow to Gatwick is 45–50 miles, with a typical journey time of 60–90 minutes. The usual route runs via the M23 north to the M25, then anticlockwise around the western side of London.

The M25 between junctions 8 and 15 is one of the busiest stretches of motorway in Britain and can add 30 minutes or more during weekday peaks.

How Much Time Should You Allow?

For a same-day connection, work backwards from your onward departure at Gatwick. Allow time for check-in and security there, then the transfer itself at 60–90 minutes, then baggage reclaim and immigration at Heathrow — which can take 45 minutes or more after a busy long-haul arrival.

In practice we suggest a minimum of three hours between your scheduled landing at Heathrow and your onward departure from Gatwick, and more during peak travel periods or for long-haul flights with early check-in requirements. If your connection looks tighter than that, tell us when you book and we will give you an honest assessment.

Pickup at Heathrow Airport

Drop-off at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick has a North Terminal and a South Terminal in separate buildings with separate access roads, so confirming your terminal matters. We take you directly to the terminal entrance for your airline. Gatwick charges vehicles entering the forecourt drop-off zones; where this applies it is included in your fixed quote.

Your driver will help unload luggage at the drop-off point, and you go straight into check-in from there — no transfers, no shuttle buses, no second leg.

Taxi vs Train: Heathrow to Gatwick

There is no direct train. The usual rail route means travelling into Central London, crossing the city, and heading back out — typically two or three changes and well over two hours with luggage.

Rail can work if you are travelling alone with hand luggage only, have a generous connection window, and are comfortable navigating platform changes.

A private transfer makes more sense if you are travelling as a family or group (where per-person rail fares add up quickly), carrying checked luggage, connecting to a same-day flight, arriving late at night or departing very early when rail frequency drops, or travelling with young children or anyone with reduced mobility. Once you factor in the real door-to-door time and the per-person cost for a group, a fixed taxi fare is often comparable or cheaper.

Who Uses the Heathrow to Gatwick Transfer?

Connecting passengers on separate tickets

The most common reason for this transfer. When inbound and onward flights are on different bookings, the airline carries no responsibility for the connection. A pre-booked, flight-tracked transfer removes the biggest variable: getting between the two terminals on time.

Families and groups

Moving a family of four or five with luggage by public transport between airports is genuinely difficult. Rail fares mount up per person, changes are stressful with children, and arriving at the wrong terminal costs real time. One vehicle, one fare, one journey.

Business travellers

For anyone on a schedule, predictability matters more than saving a few pounds. A confirmed pickup time, a direct route, and a VAT receipt for expenses make a private transfer the practical choice for business travel.

Overnight and early-morning connections

Heathrow Airport handles long-haul departures needing three-hour check-in windows. Rail options at these times are either infrequent or unavailable, making a 24/7 private transfer the most reliable option.

Luggage Guidance

Because both ends of this journey are airports, almost every passenger is travelling with full checked luggage. The most common booking mistake is underestimating boot space.

• 2 adults, 2 large cases — saloon car is fine
• 3 adults, 3 cases — estate car recommended
• Family of 4 with cases and pushchair — MPV or 6-seater
• 5 or more passengers — 6-seater or 8-seater minibus
• Skis, golf clubs or oversized luggage — please tell us when booking

Vehicle Options

Choose the right vehicle for your group size and luggage. If you are unsure, tell us your numbers and we will advise. You can also browse our full vehicle fleet or range of services.

How to Book Your Heathrow to Gatwick Transfer

Service Coverage

We also cover pickups and drop-offs at addresses across London, the Home Counties and beyond for either end of this journey. If you need collecting from a London hotel, an office in the City, or a home address in Surrey or Hertfordshire, we cover it at the same fixed price.

Related Airport Transfers

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick?

A fixed-price Heathrow to Gatwick airport transfer starts from around £110 for a standard saloon car. Larger vehicles, extra stops or a specific pickup address may affect the final price. The full amount is agreed before you travel — traffic delays or diversions will not change what you pay.

How long does the journey from Heathrow to Gatwick take?

Typically 60–90 minutes covering 45–50 miles. The M25 between junctions 8 and 15 is one of the busiest stretches of motorway in Britain and can add 30 minutes or more during weekday peaks. We build realistic buffer time into every booking rather than quoting a best-case figure.

Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Gatwick?

There is no direct train. The usual rail route means travelling into Central London, crossing the city, and heading back out — typically two or three changes and well over two hours with luggage. A private airport transfer removes all those changes in one direct journey, which makes a real difference when you are carrying checked luggage or working to a tight connection.

Where will my driver meet me at Heathrow?

If you book meet and greet, your driver will be waiting inside the arrivals hall with a name board, ready to assist with luggage. For a standard pickup, your driver will contact you once you have cleared baggage reclaim and direct you to the designated vehicle pickup area.

Which terminal at Heathrow will you collect me from?

Heathrow's four terminals are spread across a large site and serve different airlines, so the correct terminal matters more here than at any other London airport. We confirm your exact terminal when you book and verify it against your flight before your driver departs, so there is no risk of turning up at the wrong building.

Does the price include tolls and drop-off charges at Gatwick?

Yes. Any tolls or airport drop-off charges applicable on this route are included in your fixed quote. You will not be asked to pay anything extra at the end of the journey.

Do you track flights for Heathrow to Gatwick transfers?

Yes. We monitor your inbound flight in real time and automatically adjust your pickup time if it lands early or late. There is no need to call and update us, and you will not be charged extra for a delay outside your control.

How much time should I leave for a connecting flight at Gatwick?

For a same-day connection we recommend at least three hours between your scheduled landing at Heathrow and your onward departure from Gatwick. This covers baggage reclaim and immigration at Heathrow, the transfer itself at 60–90 minutes, and check-in and security at Gatwick. Add more time during peak travel periods or for long-haul departures.

What vehicle should I book for a family with luggage?

A saloon car suits up to three passengers with two large cases. For four or more passengers, or for families with several suitcases and a pushchair, an estate, MPV or 6-seater is more comfortable. If you are unsure, give us your passenger count and bag sizes and we will advise the right vehicle before you confirm.

Is this service available 24 hours a day?

Yes. We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including overnight connections and bank holidays, at the same fixed rates. There is no unsocial-hours surcharge.

Can I book a return transfer at the same time?

Yes. Many customers book both legs of a trip in one reservation, and there is no surcharge for adding a return alongside the outbound journey. Booking both at once guarantees your preferred vehicle and time slot for both legs.

Are child seats available on this route?

Yes. Child and booster seats are provided free of charge on request. Please include the age of your child when booking so the correct seat is fitted and ready before your driver arrives.