Changing planes at an airport can be tricky at times, but changing flights between airports can be a real challenge, especially if you are in a foreign country. A common airport transfer for Ministry Travel clients is in London between the Gatwick and Heathrow Airports. As daunting as this might seem, it actually is fairly easy if you know what to expect and plan ahead.
There are two methods of transferring between Heathrow and Gatwick–by bus (which we recommend) and by train. The bus is operated by National Express with up to six services per hour. There are several train options, but the simplest utilizes the Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express services.
The bus trip takes about 75 minutes. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the National Express website at http://www.nationalexpress.com/airporttransfers.aspx or from the driver at the time of boarding. It is advised, however, to book in advance to guarantee your seat. This is especially important if you have a group. One-way airport transfers are £19.50 or about $30 for adults (age 16-59). Children 3-15 are £9.75 or about $15.00. Groups of 10 or more are £17.56 or $27.00 each.
National Express suggests that you have at least one hour between the time your bus is scheduled to arrive at the other airport and your flight check-in time. So this means allowing at least two hours fifteen minutes between when you plan to depart one airport and when you need to check in for your flight at the next airport.
The driver will assist with luggage, up to two medium sized suitcases weighing 45 pounds or less, and one small hand luggage per person. The buses have onboard restrooms.
National Express buses arrive and depart at Gatwick’s North Terminal on the lower level outside international arrivals. Go to stands 1-3. At Gatwick’s South Terminal, buses arrive and depart from the lower forecourt at stops 16-18. There is clear signage directing you from the terminal to the coach forecourt area.
At Heathrow, buses are “never more than a five minute walk” from any terminal, according to National Express. For Terminal 5, National Express use stops 13-16 just outside the terminal building. For Terminals 1 and 3, the buses arrive and depart from the Central Bus Station. At Terminal 4, National Express stops right outside the terminal at stops 13 and 14 on the arrivals level.
The second transfer option is via train, but it is more complicated since there is not a direct link between the two airports. The Gatwick Express line operates between Gatwick and London Victoria Station where you transfer to the London Underground in order to head to Paddington Station. From there you take the Heathrow Express train to the airport.
The Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes and it takes 15 minutes to get from Paddington to Heathrow’s Terminals 1 or 3. It is 21 minutes to Terminal 5.
Now that you know your options, there is no need to be concerned about making the jump between Heathrow and Gatwick. We do suggest, however, that you always double check the websites just prior to departure to make sure there hasn’t been any schedule or stop changes. If you take the bus option, there are National Express offices inside the terminals at both airports should you need assistance.