# What is the best way to transfer from Heathrow to Gatwick Airport?

> Compare Heathrow–Gatwick coaches, rail via Farringdon and private transfers, with terminal checks, baggage and a realistic flight-connection time budget.

- Source: https://clevertourists.com/resources/heathrow-to-gatwick-airport-transfer-coach-train-guide
- Authors: Evan & Clara, Clever Tourists (first-hand, from years of travel across 20 countries)
- Published: 2026-11-09

**Heathrow to Gatwick is a landside transfer between separate airports. Direct coaches avoid a central-London rail change; rail is another option if its full itinerary fits.** Heathrow gives about 70 minutes as an indicative coach journey, but traffic, terminal stops and waiting can change it. That is not the minimum gap you should book between flights.

## Compare a direct coach with the complete rail journey

Heathrow lists direct coach operators between the airports. National Express’s route page identifies different Heathrow pickup points, so search your actual terminal and Gatwick’s correct terminal rather than buying the first airport-to-airport result.

Gatwick’s official transport page describes a rail route via Farringdon: an Elizabeth line journey and a Thameslink connection. Compare the total walk and change as well as the train timings. There is no single direct train linking the two airport stations.

| Option | What it solves | What it does not remove |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Direct coach | A road transfer without a central-London rail change | Traffic, terminal pickup and waiting |
| Rail via Farringdon | An alternative through the rail network | Changes, station walks and service disruption |
| Private transfer | A prearranged vehicle and pickup | Traffic, luggage capacity and flight-delay conditions |

## Check both terminals before paying

Heathrow’s central bus station serves a different starting situation from a pickup at Terminal 4 or Terminal 5. Confirm the stop for the service you buy and the route from arrivals. At Gatwick, check whether the ticket serves the North or South Terminal and whether you need an additional terminal move.

Read the actual luggage allowance and ticket flexibility for your departure. A cheap advance coach fare and a flexible fare may handle a delayed flight differently. Save the operator’s instructions and booking reference offline rather than relying on a screenshot of a search result.

## Build the flight connection backward

Start with the next airline’s check-in and bag-drop deadlines. Add arrival at the correct Gatwick counter, the road or rail journey, any wait for transport, and time to collect bags and leave Heathrow. Include immigration if your arrival requires it.

Ask the airline whether it accepts and protects the connection on your particular booking. Separate tickets can leave you responsible for a missed onward flight. No universal gap in a blog can account for every passport, terminal, flight delay and ticket condition.

## An airport change is not airside transit

You leave the airport’s controlled transit area and travel across the UK landside. Use the official UK visa/ETA checker for your nationality and circumstances; an entitlement that works for a wholly airside connection is not something to assume covers changing airports.

Keep your onward booking, accommodation details if staying overnight and any required travel permission available. Check the arriving airline’s baggage instructions, then keep valuables, medicine and the next flight documents with you during the ground transfer.

## If the timing is awkward, compare an overnight

A hotel can be a better use of the flight saving than trying to force an uncertain short connection. Pick the airport that makes the next departure practical and verify the hotel’s shuttle or public-transport hours. “Near the airport” is not a promise of a pre-dawn transfer.

For a London visit rather than a same-day connection, use [Heathrow to the city](https://clevertourists.com/resources/london-heathrow-to-city-guide) and [where to stay in London](https://clevertourists.com/resources/where-to-stay-in-london). Going into central London and later out to Gatwick is a different itinerary from a direct airport transfer.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Gatwick?

No single direct airport-to-airport train is described in the airport guidance. Gatwick gives a rail option with a change at Farringdon; direct coaches are also available.

### Does the 70-minute coach time mean a short flight connection is safe?

No. Add waiting, terminal access, baggage, border procedures and the onward airline’s deadlines. Traffic can also change the road journey.

### Do I pass UK border control when changing airports?

The transfer is landside. Check the official visa/ETA tool and your airline’s instructions for your nationality and itinerary.

## Official sources

- [Heathrow: travel between London airports](https://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/travel-between-airports)
- [Gatwick: Heathrow rail and coach options](https://www.gatwickairport.com/transport-options/to-from-london.html)
- [National Express: Heathrow–Gatwick route and pickups](https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/airports/gatwick/heathrow-to-gatwick/)
- [UK government: visa and ETA checker](https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa)
- [UK government: landside and airside transit](https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/layovers-and-transiting)