Is it better to travel from Heathrow or Gatwick?

Heathrow is London's (and the country's) main and busiest airport. Gatwick follows as the secondary and second busiest airport. Heathrow is larger and has better links in and out of the airport to Central London.



Choosing between Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) in 2026 depends on your destination, budget, and starting point. Heathrow is the UK's primary hub, located 14 miles west of London; it offers more terminals, premium lounges, and the largest selection of long-haul international flights to Asia, North America, and the Middle East. It is generally faster to reach via the Heathrow Express (15 minutes to Paddington) or the Elizabeth Line. Gatwick, 28 miles south of London, is the secondary hub and the premier choice for leisure travelers and budget airlines like easyJet. While flights from Gatwick are often cheaper, the transfer to central London takes longer (30 minutes via Gatwick Express to Victoria) and can be more expensive. If you prioritize convenience and global connectivity, Heathrow is superior; if you are seeking a lower-cost European holiday and a more compact, easier-to-navigate airport, Gatwick is often the better fit.

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Since Heathrow is close to central London, its prime location makes it a preferred choice for travellers heading to the city. The airport is well-connected to the heart of London through the Piccadilly Line on the Underground metro system.

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Connections to London It takes around half an hour to get into London using the Gatwick Express, however mainline trains may take longer, but connect to more destinations past London such as Peterborough and Luton. On the other hand, London Heathrow is only 13 miles west of the city centre.

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Gatwick follows as the secondary and second busiest airport. Heathrow is larger and has better links in and out of the airport to Central London. Heathrow has five terminals and four runways.

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Heathrow Airport To Gatwick Airport Transfer will cost approximately £61.00* for a standard saloon car which can carry 4 passengers, 2 check-in luggage, and 2 hand luggage. The total mileage under traffic will be 38 miles With free Meet & Greet Service and No Hidden Cost.

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If you're travelling between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria, please be aware that there are two fares in operation. If you travel on the Gatwick Express you will be charged the more expensive but flexible 'any permitted' fare. If you travel on Southern you will be charged a lower fare.

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The Elizabeth Line is about half the price of a full-fare Heathrow Express ticket, but takes twice as long to reach Paddington. Trains depart every 30 minutes and it takes just 35 minutes to travel between Paddington Station and Heathrow.

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In 2022, four of the airports in London served more than 10 million passengers: London-Heathrow, London-Gatwick, London-Stansted and London-Luton. While much smaller than the others, London-City is also worth mentioning as it's perhaps the most convenient London airport.

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Because London Heathrow Airport is so large, it's fairly easy to get to and from and you have a number of options to choose from. London Underground - The Piccadilly Line runs directly through the city, straight to the airport, and back.

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Costs slightly more, to any central London rail terminal: Gatwick is £8.10 versus £3.10 from Heathrow (quoted fare is off peak using oyster or contactless).

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Heathrow Airport is used by over 89 airlines flying to 214 destinations in 84 countries. The airport is the primary hub of British Airways and is a base for Virgin Atlantic. It has four passenger terminals (numbered 2 to 5) and a cargo terminal.

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Gatwick can be quicker to get to from London compared with Stansted. Where are you staying, one block off Holborn can mean anywhere in a large area. Gatwick is a much larger airport and maybe is more expensive to get to and further away. Security isn't really any different at either airport.

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The Elizabeth Line offers a reasonable, more budget-friendly option for travelling to Heathrow. It's likely to be the best train to Heathrow if you're coming from East or Central London, as it avoids the need to change at Paddington. It's also the cheapest option if you need to travel at the last-minute.

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With services running every 15 minutes and with a journey time of approximately quarter of an hour, Heathrow Express is the quickest way to make your way into the capital after your flight. We offer a much more efficient journey compared to a taxi, the London Underground or other train services.

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Tickets and fares Anytime Web Single cost £25 anytime. Express Class Returns are £37 at all times. Alternatively Buy in advance and save up to 75% off Express Saver fares. By booking your Heathrow Express journey at least 90 days in advance, you could get a one-way ticket from just £5.50*.

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The Gatwick Express provides a non-stop service direct to London Victoria. Departing twice an hour, it takes just 30 minutes. You can save 10% if you book online in advance directly through the Gatwick Express Website.

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The distance you are travelling should impact your choice. Hiring a cab in London is quite economical if you are travelling small distances within the city. The fares will usually stay under your budget for short distance travelling. However, for longer routes, the prices can go a little higher when compared with Uber.

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