Heathrow and Gatwick are London's two busiest airports, and many travellers land at one and fly out of the other. They are about 45 miles apart by road, on opposite sides of London, and there is no direct train between them. Getting the timing right is what makes the difference between a calm connection and a missed flight.
- DistanceAbout 45 miles via the M25
- By carUsually 60 to 90 minutes
- Airlines' minimumAround 3 hours on one ticket
- Separate ticketsAllow 5 hours or more
How long to leave between flights
When both flights are on one booking, airlines generally set a minimum connection time of around three hours between Heathrow and Gatwick. If the first flight is late, the airline is responsible for getting you on a later flight.
When you have booked the two flights separately, you have no such protection. If you miss the second flight, you usually lose that ticket. For separate tickets with checked bags, we recommend at least five hours between your scheduled landing and your next departure. That covers immigration, baggage, the drive and the check-in and security queues at the other airport, with a buffer for delays.
What the time is spent on
- Getting off and through immigration: anything from 20 minutes to over an hour at busy times.
- Collecting bags: unless your bags are checked through, you collect them and check them in again.
- The road journey: usually 60 to 90 minutes on the M25, longer on Friday afternoons and in the morning rush.
- Bag drop and security: airlines close bag drop well before departure, often 40 to 60 minutes before for international flights.
Your options
Coach. National Express runs the only direct public service between the two airports, calling at the main terminals. It is the cheapest option for one or two people. The trade-offs are a fixed timetable, stops at other terminals, and handling your own bags.
Train. You can travel into London on the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express and out again on Thameslink or the Gatwick Express. It involves at least one change, often with stairs, and is hard work with heavy luggage.
Private car. A pre-booked driver tracks your flight, meets you in arrivals and drives you directly to the right terminal at the other airport. It is the most predictable option and the easiest with luggage, children or a tight connection.
How a Mason & Green connection works
- Give us both flight numbers when you book. We track the first flight and adjust the pickup if it lands early or late.
- At Heathrow and Gatwick, Meet & Greet is included: your driver waits in arrivals with a name board.
- We confirm a fixed price for the vehicle before you travel, so a slow M25 does not change what you pay.
- Tell us your luggage. Long-haul connections often need an estate car, MPV or van rather than a saloon.
For more on arrivals, read our Heathrow pickup guide and Gatwick terminal guide.
Questions we are often asked
How long does it take to drive from Heathrow to Gatwick?
Usually 60 to 90 minutes via the M25, depending on the time of day. Friday afternoons and weekday rush hours can be slower.
How much time do I need between flights?
On a single booking, airlines usually require around three hours. On separate tickets with checked bags, we recommend at least five hours between landing and your next departure.
Is there a train between Heathrow and Gatwick?
Not a direct one. You can travel through Central London with at least one change, or take the direct National Express coach.
What happens if my first flight is delayed?
We track your flight and adjust your pickup time automatically. If the delay puts your onward flight at risk, contact your airline straight away; we will get you to the second airport as quickly as the roads allow.
Do you charge per person?
No. Our transfer prices are per vehicle, agreed before you travel.