Heathrow and Gatwick are two of the UK’s busiest airports, and yet there’s no direct train between them – you’d need to change in central London, adding an hour or more to a journey that’s only around 37 miles by road. For anyone connecting between flights, or simply needing to get from one to the other, a direct taxi is usually the simplest option by some distance.
This page covers what to expect from a Heathrow to Gatwick Airport taxi: journey time, what to build in for connecting flights, and how to book it alongside your existing travel plans.
Why there’s no simple public transport option
It catches a lot of people out: despite being two major airports in the same city, Heathrow and Gatwick have no direct rail link. The train route involves travelling into central London first (typically via Paddington or Victoria) and changing at least once, with a total journey time of 1.5 to 2 hours or more. Coaches run directly between the two airports and are cheaper, but still take 50 to 90 minutes depending on traffic, plus waiting time at either end.
A direct taxi via the M25 takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic, with no changes, no waiting for a connecting service, and no dragging luggage through central London on the Tube.
How much time to allow if you’re connecting flights
If you’re landing at one airport and departing from the other, it’s worth being generous with your timing. As a rough guide:
- Allow around an hour for landing, customs, and collecting luggage
- Allow 45 to 90 minutes for the transfer itself, depending on M25 traffic
- Allow at least 90 minutes to 2 hours at the second airport for check-in and security
Put together, most airlines and travel advisors suggest a minimum of 3 to 4 hours between landing at one airport and your departure time at the other. If your connection is tighter than that, it’s worth discussing your exact timings with us when booking – we can advise on realistic pickup times based on your flights.
What affects the journey
The M25 is the main route between the two airports, and it’s one of the busiest stretches of motorway in the country. Traffic is heaviest during the morning and evening rush hours, and delays can happen at any time if there’s an incident on the road. Booking a fixed-price transfer means you’re not paying more if the M25 has a bad day – the quote you’re given is the quote you pay.
Vehicle options for the transfer
Because this is a longer journey than a typical local transfer, it’s worth thinking about comfort as well as capacity:
- Saloon or Executive – comfortable for 1-3 passengers over the full journey
- Estate – extra boot space if you’re carrying more luggage between flights
- MPV – for families or groups of 5-6 travelling together
- 8-seater – for larger groups who’d rather not split across two vehicles for a longer trip
What to have ready when booking
- Arrival terminal at Heathrow (T2, T3, T4 or T5) and flight number
- Departure terminal at Gatwick (North or South) and flight time
- Passenger numbers and luggage details
- Any connecting flight details, so we can plan a realistic pickup time
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train between Heathrow and Gatwick?
No. There’s no direct rail link – you’d need to travel into central London and change, typically adding an hour or more compared with a direct taxi.
How long does a Heathrow to Gatwick taxi take?
Usually 45 to 90 minutes via the M25, depending on traffic and time of day.
How much time should I allow for a connecting flight?
Most airlines recommend at least 3 to 4 hours between landing at one airport and departing from the other, to allow for customs, the transfer itself, and check-in/security at the second airport.
Can I book a fixed price for this route?
Yes. As with all our transfers, you’ll get a fixed quote upfront, regardless of traffic on the day.
Related pages
See our guides to Heathrow to Central London and Gatwick to Central London transfers, or our full vehicle fleet. For live journey planning between the two airports, Heathrow’s own travel between airports page is a useful reference.
Book your Heathrow to Gatwick transfer
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