London is served by six airports, but for most international travellers the choice is between two: Heathrow and Gatwick. Both connect to hundreds of worldwide destinations. Both have private transfer links into London. But they are very different airports, and the right one depends on your journey, schedule, and budget.
Location and Transfer Time
Heathrow is west of London, approximately 15 miles from the city centre. Off-peak transfers to central London take 35–50 minutes. During morning peak hours (7:30am to 9:30am) this can extend to 70 minutes or more.
Gatwick is south of London, approximately 28 miles away. Off-peak transfers take 45–60 minutes. In practice the real-world difference in transfer time is smaller than the distance difference suggests, because the M23/A23 corridor tends to flow more consistently than the M4 during peaks.
At a Glance
- Heathrow: ~15 miles, 35–50 min off-peak, from £25
- Gatwick: ~28 miles, 45–60 min off-peak, from £35
- Heathrow: 5 terminals (T2, T3, T4, T5)
- Gatwick: 2 terminals (North, South)
Which Airlines Fly Where?
Heathrow is the primary long-haul hub. British Airways operates almost entirely from T5. Major intercontinental carriers including American, United, Lufthansa, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific all use Heathrow. For North America, the Middle East, Asia, or Australia, you are almost certainly flying via Heathrow.
Gatwick handles a broader mix. It is a major hub for easyJet and Norwegian, as well as TUI and charter operators. For European city breaks and budget travel, Gatwick is often the right choice.
"For most business travellers flying intercontinental, Heathrow is the right choice. For European leisure travel, Gatwick often makes more sense."
The Terminal Experience
Heathrow is larger and more complex. Terminal 5 is widely regarded as the best terminal in the UK — spacious, well-signposted, and calm despite its size. Terminals 2 and 3 are older but serviceable.
Gatwick is simpler. Two terminals connected by a free shuttle. Processing times at Gatwick immigration tend to be faster than Heathrow's during busy periods because the passenger volumes are lower.
Transfer Costs Compared
A P5 economy saloon from Heathrow to central London starts from £25. The equivalent from Gatwick starts from £35. Both airports are covered 24 hours a day with flight tracking included. If you have no choice about which airport your airline uses, the good news is that P5 covers both equally well.