London Airport Transfer Information (Heathrow/Gatwick)
National Express Coach Service
The only direct transfer link is by National Express coaches, there is no direct rail link. There are around 100 coaches a day between Heathrow and Gatwick taking around an hour if there is no traffic congestion. The coach service is almost a 24x7 operation.
At Gatwick the coaches pick up from each terminal, at Heathrow the coaches start at the bus station between Terminals 1,2 and 3, they do not pick up or set down from each terminal at Heathrow. The coaches visit Terminal 5 at Heathrow on their way between Heathrow and Gatwick. If you are using Terminal 4, you need to catch the free Heathrow Connect train that runs every 15 minutes to the central area where the bus station is. There are luggage trolley friendly underground tunnels between Terminals 1,2 and 3 and the central bus station. Allow 10 minutes from exiting customs. The ticket office at Heathrow Bus Station can have very long queues at peak times.
National Express coaches allow a maximum of 2 medium size suitcases. Folding bikes, surfboards etc are carried only at the discretion of the driver. Bikes must be packaged like that required by the airlines. No animals except guide dogs.
Time to allow for a transfer:
At both Heathrow and Gatwick it takes on average about 45-75 minutes from landing to clearing customs with luggage.
The route is all motorway, but a very congested motorway where delays are very common. Without traffic congestion the National Express will take around an hour to complete the journey. Very few trips during day time will not experience some level of traffic congestion. Journeys between 07:00 and 10:00 and 15:30 and 19:00 will routinely take 90 minutes or longer.
At Heathrow Terminals 1,2 and 3 allow 15 minutes to make your way between the terminals to the bus station.
For Heathrow Terminal 4 allow 20-30 minutes between Terminal 4 and the Bus Station via the Heathrow Connect train.
At Terminal 5, the buses pull up in front of the terminal.
At Gatwick, the buses visit both terminals.
Elite Taxis - Heathrow To Gatwick = £60 Gatwick To Heathrow = £60.
Elite Taxis provide a reliable airport transfer service between Heathrow & Gatwick - Their prices are fixed £60 for an executive Mercedes saloon that is suitable for 2 to 3 people + luggage. You can book & pay securely using Google Checkout via their website www.heathrow-gatwick-taxis.com. they do not ask for any extras even if your flight is delayed and their price of £60 includes a "meet and greet" service where the driver will await for you inside the arrivals terminal with a sign that has your name on it.
If there are more than 5 people travelling the cheapest option between Heathrow & Gatwick is private hire minibus (see below).
Licensed London Taxi Cab, Private Hire and Mini Bus Options
The fastest route is by taxi or minibus. Without traffic congestion the fastest transfer can be achieved in around 45 minutes. If there are 6 or more traveling it is actually cheaper than using the direct National Express bus.
The London black taxi cabs on the rank in front of the terminal at Heathrow will go to Gatwick, both 5 and 6 seaters are available and most will accept credit cards, a price can be agreed with the driver at the commencement of the journey,
