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Airport guide Updated 22 October 2026 · 7 min read
Heathrow and Gatwick are the UK's two busiest airports, but they sit on different sides of London and suit different trips. This Heathrow vs Gatwick guide compares location, train times, terminals and drop-off charges, so you can pick the airport that works for where you're actually going.
Heathrow vs Gatwick at a Glance
The key differences between London's two largest airports:
| Heathrow (LHR) | Gatwick (LGW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Hillingdon, west London | Near Crawley, West Sussex |
| Distance from central London | About 14 miles (23 km) west | About 30 miles (48 km) south |
| Terminals | 4: Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 | 2: North and South |
| Passengers in 2025 | About 84.5 million (UK's busiest) | About 42.8 million (UK's second busiest) |
| Fastest train | Heathrow Express to Paddington: 15 min from Terminals 2 & 3 | Gatwick Express to Victoria: about 35 min |
| Other rail links | Elizabeth line, Piccadilly line | Southern, Thameslink |
| Terminal drop-off charge | £7 per vehicle | £10 for up to 10 minutes |
| Main hub for | British Airways and Virgin Atlantic | A wide mix of airlines |
Train times are typical journey times published by the operators. Drop-off charges are those in place in 2026. Check the airport and operator websites before you travel.
Is Heathrow or Gatwick Closer to Central London?
Heathrow is closer. It's inside Greater London, about 14 miles west of the centre, near the M4 and M25. That makes it the natural choice for Paddington, the West End, Kensington and west London.
Gatwick is about 30 miles south of central London, near Crawley. Distance isn't the whole story, though. If you're going to Croydon, south London or Surrey, Gatwick can be quicker door to door, because you don't have to cross London first.
Heathrow to Central London: How Long Does It Take?
From Heathrow, the fastest train takes 15 minutes to Paddington. Your other options:
Heathrow Express
Non-stop to London Paddington in 15 minutes from Heathrow Central (Terminals 2 & 3), every 15 minutes. Terminal 5 adds about six minutes; Terminal 4 passengers take a shuttle to Heathrow Central first.
Elizabeth line
Every 10 minutes, averaging about 27 minutes to Paddington with stops on the way, then straight on through central London without changing trains.
Piccadilly line (Underground)
Slower, but usually the lowest-cost rail option into west and central London.
Taxi or private transfer
Door to door with your luggage. Journey time depends on traffic and your exact address. See our Heathrow airport transfers or our guide to getting a taxi from Heathrow.
Gatwick to Central London: How Long Does It Take?
From Gatwick, the fastest train takes about 35 minutes to Victoria. Your other options:
Gatwick Express
Non-stop to London Victoria in about 35 minutes.
Southern
Also runs to Victoria, in around 38 minutes, with stops.
Thameslink
Runs through central London without changing trains. St Pancras International takes around 54 minutes.
National Express coach
From both terminals to Victoria Coach Station, in around 2 hours 10 minutes. Slower, but often a budget option.
Taxi or private transfer
Useful for south London and Surrey addresses, early flights and heavy luggage. See our Gatwick airport transfers or our guide on where to get a taxi at Gatwick.
Terminals and Drop-Off Charges
Heathrow: four terminals, £7 drop-off
Heathrow has four terminals. Terminals 2 and 3 share the central area, while Terminals 4 and 5 are further away, so check your terminal before you travel. Our pages for Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 cover pickups and drop-offs at each one, and our Terminal 3 arrivals guide goes into more detail.
Heathrow charges £7 every time a vehicle enters a terminal drop-off area, including taxis and private hire cars. It's paid by midnight the next day, and waiting or pick-ups aren't allowed in the drop-off areas.
Gatwick: two terminals, £10 drop-off
Gatwick has two terminals, North and South. As a smaller airport, it's generally simpler to find your way around, but make sure you know which terminal you're using.
Since January 2026, Gatwick's forecourt drop-off charge is £10 for up to 10 minutes.
Heathrow or Gatwick: Which Suits Your Trip?
First-time visitors to London
Staying in central London or the west? Heathrow's shorter distance and fast rail links usually make for an easier first arrival. If your hotel is near Victoria or south of the river, Gatwick works just as well.
Business travellers
For the West End, Paddington or west London, Heathrow is usually quicker. For the City or Canary Wharf, also compare London City Airport, which is in east London.
Families and groups with luggage
Trains are quick, but suitcases, car seats and tired children make station changes hard work. A pre-booked car from the terminal to your door is often the calmer option at either airport, and our group transfers cover larger parties.
Long-haul or short-haul
Heathrow is the main hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Gatwick has a wide mix of airlines. Check which airlines fly your route, then choose the airport that suits where you're staying.
Cheaper flight, longer journey?
A lower fare into the "wrong" airport can cost you time and money once you add the journey into London. Compare the full door-to-door trip, not just the ticket price.
Is a Private Airport Transfer Worth It?
Public transport is a good choice if you're travelling light and staying near a station. A pre-booked transfer tends to make more sense when:
- you land late at night or fly out very early;
- you have several suitcases, a pushchair or sports equipment;
- you're travelling as a family or group;
- your address isn't near a direct rail link.
Need a Heathrow or Gatwick transfer?
Banana Cars runs pre-booked transfers between both airports and addresses across London, with TfL-licensed drivers and flight monitoring when you add your flight number. Add Meet & Greet and your driver meets you in arrivals. Vehicles range from saloons to 16-seat minibuses; see our fleet.
Get Instant Fare QuoteFrequently asked questions
Heathrow vs Gatwick FAQs
Heathrow. It's about 14 miles (23 km) west of central London, while Gatwick is about 30 miles (48 km) south.
From west and central London, Heathrow is usually easier, with the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line. From Victoria, south London or along the Thameslink route, Gatwick can be just as easy. It depends on where you start.
It depends on the route and ticket. At both airports the express trains cost the most, while slower services (the Piccadilly line to Heathrow, Southern or Thameslink to Gatwick) usually cost less. Fares change, so check the operator's website for the current price.
About 15 minutes to Paddington on the Heathrow Express from Terminals 2 and 3, or around 27 minutes on the Elizabeth line. By road, it depends on traffic and your exact address. These are typical times, not guarantees.
About 35 minutes to Victoria on the Gatwick Express, around 38 minutes on Southern, or around 54 minutes to St Pancras on Thameslink. By road, it depends on traffic and your exact address. These are typical times, not guarantees.
Yes, by road. National Express runs direct coaches between the two airports, and a taxi or private transfer takes you terminal to terminal, mostly via the M25. The airports are roughly 42 miles (68 km) apart by road. There's no direct train; rail journeys involve at least one change in London.
If you're staying in central or west London, Heathrow is usually simpler thanks to its distance and direct rail links. If you're staying near Victoria or in south London, Gatwick is a good choice too, and its two terminals are easy to navigate.
It's worth it if you have heavy luggage, are travelling with children or a group, arrive late at night, or are staying away from a direct rail link. You go door to door and see your fare before you book. If you're travelling light near a station, the train is often quicker and cheaper.
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