Quick Summary
A Gatwick to Heathrow taxi typically costs £60–£95 for a standard saloon, covering the 38–44 mile journey in around 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes via the M25. London Airport Taxi is a TfL-licensed private hire operator (rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews) specialising in inter-airport transfers. Pre-booked fixed-fare transfers include meet & greet at the arrivals hall, flight monitoring, and terminal-to-terminal service across all Gatwick and Heathrow terminals. MPV, 7-seater, and 8-seater minibus options are available.
At-a-Glance Answer (Fare Overview)
For most travellers transferring between Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Heathrow Airport (LHR), a typical pre-booked taxi fare is £60–£95 for a standard saloon (up to 4 passengers with light luggage). Executive cars usually run £85–£120. Larger vehicles (MPV / 7 seater or 8-seater minibuses for 8 passengers) are typically £95–£140. A London black cab on the meter would cost around £150–£180 — making pre-booked private hire significantly cheaper. All fares are fixed at booking — no surge pricing, no hidden charges.
What Affects the Fare from Gatwick to Heathrow?
Gatwick Airport sits in West Sussex, approximately 38–44 miles south of Heathrow Airport in west London. The standard route follows the M23 north to the M25, then west to Heathrow. Your fare is shaped by:
- Vehicle type & capacity: Saloon, estate, MPV, 7 seater, executive cars, or minibus for 8 passengers.
- Terminal combination: Gatwick has two terminals (North and South); Heathrow has four active terminals (2, 3, 4, and 5). The specific terminal-to-terminal route affects journey time slightly.
- Traffic on the M25: The section between Junctions 7 (M23) and 14 (Heathrow) is one of the busiest stretches of motorway in Britain. Rush hour (7–9 am, 4–7 pm) can add 30–45 minutes.
- Time of day: Night, early morning, or public holiday bookings may carry a surcharge.
- Luggage: International travellers often have multiple large suitcases — make sure your vehicle has enough boot space.
- Airport parking charges: With London Airport Taxi, all airport drop-off and pickup fees are included in the quoted fare — no hidden extras.
Tip: For connecting flights, allow at least 3–4 hours between your Gatwick arrival and Heathrow departure. This gives time for baggage collection, the transfer, and check-in at the other end. Early-morning transfers (before 7 am) usually enjoy lighter M25 traffic.
Transparent Transfer Prices (Example Guide)
| Vehicle & Use Case | Seats | Luggage Guide | Example Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon – best for couples/solo | 4 | 2 large + 2 cabin | £60–£95 |
| Estate – more luggage space | 4 | 3 large + 2 cabin | £70–£105 |
| Executive cars – premium comfort | 4 | 2 large + 2 cabin | £85–£120 |
| MPV / 7 seater – families & gear | 7 | 4–5 large + 4 cabin | £95–£130 |
| Minibus (up to 8 passengers) | 8 | Group & kit | £110–£145 |
View our full Gatwick Airport taxi prices and Heathrow Airport taxi prices for complete fleet pricing across all routes.
Gatwick to Heathrow: All Your Transfer Options Compared
There are several ways to travel between these two airports. Here's how they stack up:
| Option | Journey Time | Approx. Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked private hire taxi | 45 min – 1 hr 15 min | £60–£95 (saloon) | Groups, families, heavy luggage, tight connections |
| London black cab | 45 min – 1 hr 15 min | £150–£180 (metered) | Walk-up convenience, but much more expensive |
| National Express coach | 1 hr – 1 hr 30 min | £20–£35 | Solo budget travellers with light luggage |
| Train via London | 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr | £25–£45 | Solo travellers comfortable navigating the Tube |
| Uber | 45 min – 1 hr 15 min | £55–£120 (variable) | App-based convenience, but surge pricing risk |
For 2+ passengers with luggage, the pre-booked taxi is almost always the best value. The per-person cost drops quickly: a £75 saloon split between 3 people is just £25 each — cheaper than the coach, and far more convenient.
Why Choose a Pre-Booked Taxi for This Transfer?
The Gatwick-to-Heathrow route is one of the busiest airport-to-airport transfers in the UK. Public transport options exist but involve changes, luggage handling, and timing uncertainty. A pre-booked taxi transfer gives you:
- Terminal-to-terminal service: Your driver meets you at the arrivals hall at Gatwick (North or South Terminal) and drops you directly at your Heathrow terminal (2, 3, 4, or 5).
- Flight tracking: If your inbound flight is delayed at Gatwick, your driver adjusts automatically — no charge for delays.
- Fixed pricing: No surge pricing, no meter anxiety. The price quoted is the price paid.
- Luggage space: International travellers with multiple bags don't need to wrestle suitcases through station barriers or onto coaches.
- Connecting flight peace of mind: When you're catching an onward flight from Heathrow, reliability matters more than saving a few pounds.
Booking Your Ride (Simple Steps)
- Use the booking form: Enter Gatwick Airport (specify North or South Terminal) as pickup and Heathrow Airport (specify Terminal 2, 3, 4, or 5) as drop-off.
- Add flight details: Your inbound flight number at Gatwick and outbound flight number at Heathrow help the driver track timing.
- Choose your vehicle: Saloon, estate, MPV/7 seater, minibus, or executive cars.
- Get an instant quote & book online: Fixed fare confirmed — all-inclusive.
- Receive booking confirmation and email confirmation with driver/vehicle details.
Pro tip: If you're connecting from a long-haul Gatwick arrival to a domestic Heathrow departure, let your driver know so they can factor in immigration and baggage reclaim time at Gatwick.
Gatwick to Heathrow: What to Expect on the Day
- Meet and greet: Your TfL-licensed driver waits in the arrivals hall at your Gatwick terminal with a name board — Costa Coffee area (South Terminal) or WHSmith area (North Terminal).
- Help with baggage: Assistance with luggage from the terminal to the car.
- Direct route: M23 north → M25 west → Heathrow via Junction 14 or 15. Experienced drivers monitor live traffic and may use the A217/A30 alternative if the M25 is congested.
- Terminal drop-off: Your driver takes you directly to the departures forecourt at your specific Heathrow terminal.
- Your driver: All drivers are DBS-checked, TfL-licensed, and experienced on the M23/M25 inter-airport corridor.
Can I Go Heathrow to Gatwick Instead?
Absolutely. Heathrow to Gatwick transfers are equally popular — same distance, same pricing, same fixed-fare reliability. Your TfL-licensed driver meets you at the designated pickup area at your Heathrow terminal and takes you directly to Gatwick North or South. Perfect for connecting flights, or for travellers arriving at Heathrow and heading to a hotel near Gatwick.
Connecting to Other London Airports?
If you need to transfer between other London airport pairs, we cover them all:
| Airport Pair | Distance | Approx. Saloon Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Gatwick → Heathrow | 38–44 miles | £60–£95 |
| Gatwick → Stansted | ~80 miles | £110–£145 |
| Gatwick → Luton | ~75 miles | £100–£135 |
| Gatwick → London City | ~45 miles | £65–£95 |
| Heathrow → Stansted | ~70 miles | £95–£130 |
| Heathrow → Luton | ~40 miles | £60–£85 |
See full pricing on our Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend price pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi cost from Gatwick to Heathrow?
A pre-booked saloon taxi from Gatwick to Heathrow typically costs £60–£95 with London Airport Taxi, a TfL-licensed private hire operator rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews. The journey covers 38–44 miles in 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes via the M23 and M25. By comparison, a London black cab on the meter would cost £150–£180 for the same journey. Pre-booking guarantees a fixed fare with no surprises, and all airport drop-off and pickup fees are included. For groups of 3, the per-person cost is as low as £20–£32.
How long does a taxi take from Gatwick to Heathrow?
The journey typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes via the M23 northbound to the M25 westbound (Junctions 7 to 14). During rush hour (7–9 am and 4–7 pm), the M25 between Junctions 7 and 14 can be heavily congested, potentially adding 30–45 minutes. Early-morning transfers (before 7 am) and late-evening transfers are usually at the faster end of the range. Your experienced driver monitors live traffic and may use the A217/A30 alternative if the M25 is congested.
Is there a direct bus from Gatwick to Heathrow?
Yes — National Express runs a direct coach service between the two airports, typically taking 1–1.5 hours for around £20–£35 per person. It's a budget option for solo travellers with light bags. However, coaches run to fixed timetables and cannot accommodate flight delays, making them less practical for groups, those with heavy luggage, or passengers with tight connecting flights. A pre-booked taxi offers flight tracking and adjusts to your actual arrival time.
Can I take the train from Gatwick to Heathrow?
There is no direct train between Gatwick and Heathrow. You would need to travel via central London — Gatwick Express or Thameslink to Victoria or London Bridge, then the Tube (Piccadilly Line) or Elizabeth Line to Heathrow — a journey of 1.5–2 hours with multiple changes and station transfers. This route is not recommended if you have heavy luggage, young children, or a tight connecting flight. A direct taxi at £60–£95 saves significant time and stress.
What about Uber from Gatwick to Heathrow?
Uber operates at both airports with average fares of £55–£120 depending on demand. The main risk is surge pricing during busy periods (peak hours, school holidays, bad weather), which can push costs well above a pre-booked fare. Unlike Uber, London Airport Taxi offers guaranteed fixed pricing with no surge, free flight tracking, and meet-and-greet inside the arrivals hall. For a journey where reliability matters — particularly connecting flights — a fixed-price taxi gives you certainty.
How much time should I allow between flights?
For connecting flights between Gatwick and Heathrow, allow at least 3–4 hours between your Gatwick arrival and Heathrow departure. This accounts for immigration and baggage collection at Gatwick (30–60 minutes depending on terminal and time of day), the taxi transfer itself (45–75 minutes depending on M25 traffic), and check-in at Heathrow (airlines typically require 60–90 minutes before departure for long-haul, 45–60 minutes for short-haul). Inform your London Airport Taxi driver of your outbound flight time for optimised timing.
Can I book a taxi for 7 or 8 passengers?
Yes. London Airport Taxi offers a full range of vehicle options from standard saloons right up to 8-seater minibuses, all with professional, DBS-checked drivers. For 7 passengers, an MPV such as a Mercedes V-Class costs £95–£130. For 8 passengers, a minibus costs £110–£145. Families connecting flights with child seats and multiple bags should book an MPV or minibus for comfort. All bookings include fixed pricing, free cancellation, and meet-and-greet at arrivals.
Route Tips & Local Knowledge
- The M25 clockwise (Junctions 7→14) is the standard route. When it's congested, experienced drivers use the A217 through Reigate and Sutton, or the A3 through Guildford, to bypass the worst sections.
- Heathrow Terminal 5 is accessed via a dedicated spur road — it's slightly further from the M25 than Terminals 2/3, so allow a few extra minutes.
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man passengers frequently connect between Gatwick and Heathrow. If this is your route, mention it when booking so the driver can plan around typical BA/easyJet schedules.
- If your Gatwick flight arrives late and you're worried about missing your Heathrow connection, call London Airport Taxi immediately — your driver will already be tracking your flight and adjusting accordingly.
How to Request a Tailored Quote
When you enquire for a Gatwick to Heathrow taxi transfer, include:
- Gatwick terminal (North or South) and inbound flight number
- Heathrow terminal (2, 3, 4, or 5) and outbound flight number/time
- Passenger count (e.g., 4 passengers, 3 passengers, or 8 passengers)
- Luggage details (number of large suitcases, cabin bags, child seats, sports equipment)
- Any special requirements (wheelchair access, baby seats, extra waiting time)
You'll get clear transfer prices and a vehicle recommendation. London Airport Taxi covers all six London airports — see pricing for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend airports.
Summary: Getting the Best Value
For a reliable Gatwick to Heathrow inter-airport transfer, a pre-booked fixed-fare taxi offers the best balance of speed, comfort, and value. At £60–£95 for a saloon — split between a group, that's as little as £20–£30 per person — you get terminal-to-terminal door to door service, flight tracking, and no M25 anxiety. London Airport Taxi is TfL-licensed, rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews, and operates 24/7 with DBS-checked drivers. Book your Gatwick to Heathrow taxi online now for an instant fixed-price quote.
