42 miles can stand between one flight and the next. That is the approximate road distance between Heathrow and Gatwick, and changing London airports can involve far more than simply getting into a car.
An airport to airport transfer needs to account for the route, journey time, traffic, luggage, terminals and how much time you actually have before your next flight. If you are travelling between Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City or Southend, the right option can also vary significantly in price and convenience.
This guide compares current transfer prices, journey times, road routes, coach alternatives, black-cab fares and the practical details you should check before booking a London airport connection.
Why Do London Airport Connections Need More Planning?
Changing airports is effectively a new departure journey.
If your flights are booked separately, Heathrow explains that you are a self-connecting passenger. You may need to pass through immigration, collect checked baggage, travel to the second airport, check in again, drop your bags and clear security before the onward flight.
That means your true connection time is not simply:
| Second departure time − first arrival time |
Instead, think about it as:
| Available road-transfer time = onward airport check-in target − time needed to leave the first airport |
Your transfer window therefore needs to account for:
- Immigration
- Baggage collection
- Customs
- Finding the driver or coach
- Road or public transport time
- Traffic or service disruption
- Check-in at the second airport
- Bag drop
- Security
Heathrow specifically advises passengers travelling between airports to factor in passport control, baggage reclaim, check-in, security, waiting time and possible traffic or service delays.
How Much Does an Airport-to-Airport Transfer Cost in 2026?
An airport-to-airport transfer in London can cost from £80 to £120 on the Heathrow routes covered below. The final cost depends on the airports involved, exact pickup terminal, vehicle requirements and any additional journey requirements.
There is no single London-wide airport transfer rate, so current route fares provide a more useful comparison than a generic market-wide price range.
| Route | Main Road Route | Journey Time | MLT Fare |
| Heathrow → Gatwick | M4 Spur → M4 → M25 → M23 | ~45 mins | £90 |
| Heathrow → London City | M4 → A4 → Central/East London → A1203/A1261 → A1020 | ~70 mins | £80 |
| Heathrow → Stansted | M4 Spur → M4 → M25 → M11 | ~90–95 mins | £110 |
| Heathrow → Luton | M4 Spur → M4 → M25 → M1 → A1081 | ~75 mins | £90 |
| Heathrow → Southend | M4 Spur → M4 → M25 → A127 | ~90 mins | £120 |
These are planning figures rather than permanently guaranteed prices. The exact fare can vary slightly according to the pickup point, terminal, vehicle selected and any additional journey requirements. The price confirmed when the booking is completed is the relevant fare for that transfer.
Journey times are also estimates. London traffic, motorway congestion, roadworks, incidents and the exact arrival and departure terminals can all affect how long an airport connection takes.
1. Heathrow to Gatwick Airport Transfer
| Detail | Information |
| Route | Heathrow Airport (LHR) → Gatwick Airport (LGW) |
| Typical Road Route | M4 Spur → M4 → M25 → M23 → Gatwick Spur |
| Distance | Approximately 42 miles / 68 km |
| Price | £90 |
| Estimated Journey Time | Around 45 minutes |
A Heathrow to Gatwick Airport transfer costs approximately £90, with an estimated journey time of around 45 minutes.
Heathrow Airport gives the road distance between Heathrow and Gatwick as approximately 42 miles or 68 km.
What Road Route Does a Heathrow to Gatwick Transfer Take?
The exact starting roads depend on the Heathrow terminal.
- From Terminals 2 and 3, the vehicle normally leaves Heathrow’s Central Terminal Area through the airport tunnel and follows the M4 Spur towards Junction 4. It then joins the M4 westbound for the short section towards the M25 interchange at Junction 4B/15, before joining the M25 southbound/anticlockwise.
- From Terminal 4, the transfer typically follows Southern Perimeter Road, joins Airport Way/A3113, and reaches the M25 at Junction 14.
- From Terminal 5, access is more direct. The vehicle follows the Terminal 5 Spur Road towards M25 Junction 14 and joins the motorway from there.
Once on the M25, the journey continues towards the M23 interchange at M25 Junction 7. The driver then joins the M23 southbound towards Crawley and Gatwick.
Gatwick is directly connected to the M23 at Junction 9. The transfer leaves the motorway at M23 Junction 9, follows the Gatwick Spur, and reaches the airport roundabouts around Junction 9a. From there, signs separate traffic for the North Terminal and South Terminal, so the final approach depends on the passenger’s departure terminal.
The broad route is therefore:
| Heathrow → M4/M25 → M23 → Junction 9 → Gatwick Spur → North or South Terminal |
Traffic on the M25 is the biggest variable on this transfer. Congestion around Heathrow, the M25/M3 and M25/A3 areas, or the M23 approach can materially increase the journey time, which is why 45 minutes should be treated as a planning estimate rather than a guaranteed drive time.
What Is the Cheapest Direct Alternative?
For passengers comparing a private transfer with public transport, National Express currently offers direct Heathrow-to-Gatwick coaches from £14.90 one way, with up to 56 daily departures and the fastest listed journeys taking around 50 minutes.
National Express serves Heathrow Central Bus Station for Terminals 2 and 3, as well as Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Heathrow also lists direct coach options between the two airports. There is no direct train between Heathrow and Gatwick, so travelling by rail involves a connection.
For a solo passenger with plenty of connection time, the coach can be substantially cheaper. For groups, however, it is useful to compare the total private-transfer fare on a per-passenger basis.
And for four passengers:
| £90 ÷ 4 = £22.50 per passenger |
The coach remains cheaper at its lowest advertised fare, but a private transfer provides a vehicle dedicated to the booking and travels between the required airport pickup and drop-off points according to the booked schedule.
2. Heathrow to Stansted Airport Transfer
| Detail | Information |
| Route | Heathrow Airport (LHR) → Stansted Airport (STN) |
| Typical Road Route | M4 Spur → M4 → M25 → M11 → Stansted Airport access roads |
| Price | £110 |
| Estimated Journey Time | Around 1 hour 30–35 minutes |
A Heathrow to Stansted Airport transfer costs approximately £110, with an estimated journey time of around 1 hour 30 to 35 minutes.
What Road Route Does a Heathrow to Stansted Transfer Take?
The exact starting route depends on the Heathrow terminal, but all terminal routes ultimately connect with the M25 before continuing towards the M11 and Stansted Airport.
- For passengers leaving Terminals 2 or 3, the vehicle normally exits the Central Terminal Area through Heathrow’s main tunnel before joining the M4 Spur. It then joins the M4 westbound and connects with the M25 at Junction 15.
- From Terminal 4, the route normally uses Southern Perimeter Road and the A3113 to reach M25 Junction 14.
- Passengers departing from Terminal 5 can use the Terminal 5 Spur Road, which also connects directly with the M25 at Junction 14.
After joining the M25, the driver follows the motorway clockwise around the north-west and northern side of London. This section takes the transfer past the major motorway interchanges serving the M40, M1 and A1(M) before reaching the M11 interchange at M25 Junction 27.
At Junction 27, the vehicle joins the M11 northbound, following signs for Harlow, Cambridge and Stansted Airport.
Approaching Stansted from London, airport traffic normally leaves the M11 at Junction 8a. From there, the route follows the airport approach road for just over a mile before branching towards Stansted Airport.
For the terminal area, traffic continues towards Bassingbourn Roundabout, then follows Thremhall Avenue and airport signage towards the terminal, Short Stay areas and passenger drop-off facilities.
The main road sequence is therefore:
| Heathrow → M4/M25 → M25 Junction 27 → M11 northbound → Junction 8a → Stansted Airport approach → terminal |
This route covers a substantial section of the M25, so the actual time can change significantly if there is congestion around Heathrow, Watford, the M1 junction, the A1(M) interchange or the M11 approach.
Is There a Direct Coach from Heathrow to Stansted?
National Express operates direct Heathrow-to-Stansted services, with fares currently advertised from £18 one way. Its fastest listed services take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, although the actual duration depends on the Heathrow departure point and individual service.
The coach can therefore be considerably cheaper for one passenger, but its departure timetable needs to fit the flight connection. A private transfer departs according to the booked pickup time rather than a scheduled coach departure.
When comparing the two, allow enough time for immigration, baggage reclaim, reaching the pickup point, road traffic, check-in and security at Stansted.
3. Heathrow to Luton Airport Transfer
| Detail | Information |
| Route | Heathrow Airport (LHR) → Luton Airport (LTN) |
| Typical Road Route | M4 Spur → M4 → M25 → M1 → Junction 10 → A1081/New Airport Way |
| Price | £90 |
| Estimated Journey Time | Around 1 hour 15 minutes |
A Heathrow to Luton Airport transfer costs approximately £90, with an estimated journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
What Road Route Does a Heathrow to Luton Transfer Take?
The first part of the journey varies by Heathrow terminal, but each route ultimately connects with the M25 before joining the M1 northbound towards Luton.
- From Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3, the journey generally begins through the Central Terminal Area and airport tunnel before joining the M4 Spur. The vehicle then joins the M4 westbound and connects with the M25 at Junction 15.
- From Terminal 4, the driver usually follows Southern Perimeter Road and Airport Way/A3113, joining the M25 at Junction 14.
- From Terminal 5, the Terminal 5 Spur Road provides direct access to the same M25 junction.
The transfer then follows the M25 clockwise towards Watford. At M25 Junction 21, the vehicle joins the M1 northbound, following signs for The North and Luton.
The M1 forms the main northbound section of the journey. Drivers remain on it until Junction 10, the principal motorway exit for London Luton Airport.
After leaving at Junction 10, traffic follows the airport signs onto the A1081/New Airport Way. London Luton Airport is approximately two miles from the M1 junction, and the A1081 leads towards the airport’s passenger terminal, parking facilities and drop-off areas.
The typical road sequence is:
| Heathrow → M4/M25 → M25 Junction 21 → M1 northbound → M1 Junction 10 → A1081/New Airport Way → London Luton Airport |
Traffic around the M25/M1 interchange and the M1 approach to Luton can affect the overall transfer time, particularly during weekday commuting periods.
Is the Coach Cheaper Than a Private Transfer?
National Express currently advertises direct Heathrow-to-Luton tickets from £14.50 one way, with up to 16 services per day and its fastest listed journeys taking approximately 40–50 minutes, depending on the service.
This route clearly demonstrates the difference between lowest price and private-transfer flexibility.
For one passenger travelling with enough connection time, the coach can be substantially cheaper. A private vehicle may be more practical where passengers are travelling as a family or group, carrying several bags, need child-seat arrangements or have flight times that do not match the coach timetable.
4. Heathrow to London City Airport Transfer
| Detail | Information |
| Route | Heathrow Airport (LHR) → London City Airport (LCY) |
| Typical Road Route | M4 → A4 → Central London → A1203 → A1261 → A1020 → A112/Hartmann Road |
| Price | £80 |
| Estimated Journey Time | Around 1 hour 10 minutes |
A Heathrow to London City Airport transfer costs approximately £80, with an estimated journey time of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
What Road Route Does a Heathrow to London City Airport Transfer Take?
This journey is less fixed than the other Heathrow airport transfers because it crosses London rather than relying primarily on one motorway corridor.
- From Terminals 2 and 3, the vehicle generally leaves through Heathrow’s Central Terminal Area and joins the M4 Spur, before taking the M4 eastbound towards central London.
- From Terminal 4, the driver may use the airport perimeter roads to connect with either the M4 corridor or another route selected according to traffic.
- From Terminal 5, the journey may initially use the Terminal 5 Spur and M25/M4 connection, depending on traffic conditions and the route selected by navigation.
The M4 continues east from Heathrow before becoming the A4 on the approach to central London. The exact central section can change substantially because drivers may divert around congestion, closures, roadworks or restricted streets.
A common route continues east through London before reaching the A1203 Limehouse Link. From there, the journey can continue via the A1261/Aspen Way corridor through Docklands.
The route then moves towards the Royal Docks using the A1020, which is one of the principal strategic road connections serving London City Airport.
Closer to the airport, the journey follows roads around the Royal Docks, including the A1020/Connaught Bridge area and A112 Connaught Road, before turning onto Hartmann Road, which provides direct access to London City Airport.
A typical sequence can therefore look like:
| Heathrow → M4 eastbound → A4 → Central London roads → A1203 Limehouse Link → A1261 Aspen Way → A1020 → A112 Connaught Road → Hartmann Road → London City Airport |
However, this is the route where a driver is most likely to change the road sequence according to live traffic. Depending on congestion, navigation may instead route the vehicle through alternative central or East London roads.
London City Airport’s road network connects with the A1020, A112 and A13, so the final section generally approaches through the Royal Docks regardless of which cross-London route is used earlier.
London City Airport access charges also need to be considered when comparing quotations. TfL’s 2026 taxi tariff notice confirms a £6 London City Airport drop-off extra for taxis where the driver incurs the airport’s £6 drop-off charge.
That rule specifically concerns London taxis and metered taxi fares, so passengers using a private-hire airport-transfer service should check whether applicable airport access charges are already included in the confirmed quote.
5. Heathrow to Southend Airport Transfer
| Detail | Information |
| Route | Heathrow Airport (LHR) → London Southend Airport (SEN) |
| Typical Road Route | M4 Spur → M4 → M25 → Junction 29 → A127 → Southend Airport |
| Price | £120 |
| Estimated Journey Time | Around 1 hour 30 minutes |
A Heathrow to Southend Airport transfer costs approximately £120, with an estimated journey time of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
What Road Route Does a Heathrow to Southend Transfer Take?
The starting route varies according to the Heathrow terminal, but the journey ultimately joins the M25 before continuing clockwise towards Junction 29 and the A127 for Southend.
- From Terminals 2 and 3, the transfer generally leaves Heathrow through the airport tunnel and joins the M4 Spur. It then uses the M4 westbound briefly before connecting with the M25 at Junction 15.
- From Terminal 4, the usual exit follows Southern Perimeter Road and the A3113 to M25 Junction 14.
- From Terminal 5, the vehicle uses the Terminal 5 Spur Road to join the M25 at Junction 14.
The driver then follows the M25 clockwise for a long section around the northern and eastern sides of Greater London. The route passes the major junctions for the M40, M1, A1(M), M11 and A12 before continuing into Essex.
For Southend Airport, the vehicle leaves the M25 at Junction 29 and joins the A127 towards Southend.
The A127 becomes the principal road for the remainder of the journey towards Southend-on-Sea. As the vehicle approaches the airport area, drivers follow the airport signs from the A127 onto the local approach roads leading towards London Southend Airport and its terminal, parking and pickup/drop-off areas.
The principal route is therefore:
| Heathrow → M4/M25 → M25 clockwise → Junction 29 → A127 eastbound towards Southend → airport approach roads → London Southend Airport |
London Southend Airport specifically directs motorists travelling via the M25 to leave at Junction 29 for the A127 towards Southend and then follow airport signs as they approach.
Because this transfer covers a long section of the M25, congestion at any point across north and east London can affect the journey. The 1 hour 30 minute figure should therefore be used for initial planning rather than as a guaranteed arrival time.
London Southend Airport currently charges £8 for up to 10 minutes in its Express Pick-up and Drop-off area.
Passengers should not automatically add this charge to a transfer fare. Instead, check whether airport access, pickup or drop-off fees are already included in the confirmed quotation.
What Affects the Cost of an Airport-to-Airport Transfer?
The airports involved are only one part of the final transfer price. The exact Heathrow terminal, vehicle size, passenger numbers, luggage requirements, additional stops and airport access arrangements can all affect a booking.
The terminal also changes the first part of the road journey. Heathrow official page states Terminals 2 and 3 sit within Heathrow’s Central Terminal Area and normally access the strategic road network through the airport tunnel and M4 Spur. Terminal 4 sits on the southern side of Heathrow and commonly connects to the M25 via Southern Perimeter Road and the A3113. Terminal 5 has its own spur connection towards M25 Junction 14.
Road conditions affect journey time as well. Gatwick transfers depend heavily on conditions around the M25 and M23, Stansted transfers use a long stretch of the M25 before joining the M11, Luton journeys normally involve the M25 and M1, Southend requires a substantial M25 journey followed by the A127, while journeys to London City cross London and are more likely to change route in response to congestion.
For this reason, use the prices and journey times above for planning, then rely on the confirmed quotation and pickup details for the actual booking.
What Airport Drop-Off Charges Apply in 2026?
Airport access costs are another reason two quotes can differ.
Current official charges include:
| Airport | Current Convenient Drop-Off Charge |
| Heathrow (LHR) | £7 per entry |
| Gatwick (LGW) | £10 for first 10 minutes |
| Stansted (STN) | £10 for up to 15 minutes |
| Luton (LTN) | £9 for 12 minutes |
| London City (LCY) | £6 taxi drop-off extra |
| Southend (SEN) | £8 for up to 10 minutes |
These charges vary by airport and by the type of drop-off facility used, so they can affect the final cost of an airport transfer. The exact amount also depends on how long the vehicle remains in the designated drop-off area.
- Heathrow’s £7 charge applies each time a vehicle enters a terminal drop-off zone.
- Gatwick currently charges £10 for the first 10 minutes and £1 for each additional minute up to its limit.
- Stansted charges £10 for stays up to 15 minutes and £28 when the stay goes beyond 15 minutes in its Express Set Down area.
- Luton currently charges £9 for 12 minutes and £1 for each additional minute, with a 30-minute maximum stay.
- Southend’s Express facility currently costs £8 for up to 10 minutes.
Do not simply add every airport’s drop-off charge to a private-transfer fare. Ask whether it is already included in the quote.
Conclusion
An airport to airport transfer is easiest to plan when you look beyond the cheapest headline fare. The airports involved, connection window, traffic, luggage, passenger numbers and pickup arrangements can all affect which option makes sense.
Use current route prices and journey times as planning figures, leave enough time for immigration, baggage, check-in and security, and always confirm your final fare and pickup details before travelling.
Worried that traffic, a flight delay or the wrong pickup plan could turn your airport connection into a missed flight?
My London Transfer provides direct airport-to-airport transfers between Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend, giving passengers a straightforward alternative to coordinating multiple trains, coaches or taxis.
Our airport to airport transfer service includes a pre-confirmed fixed quote, flight monitoring, meet-and-greet, vehicle options for different passenger and luggage requirements, and direct travel to your required airport.
Enter your pickup airport, destination and travel details to get your quote and book your London airport transfer today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do black-cab prices work between London airports?
Black cabs do not have fixed TfL fares for every airport-to-airport route. Fares are normally based on time, distance and tariff, while journeys outside Greater London may have a fare agreed before departure. Always confirm whether the journey will be fixed-price or metered and ask about any airport charges.
2. Airport to airport shuttle or private car which should you choose?
Choose a scheduled coach if keeping costs low is your priority and the timetable suits your connection. Choose a private car if you prefer direct terminal-to-terminal travel, have more luggage, are travelling in a group, or need a vehicle timed around your flight.
3. What happens if your first flight is delayed?
If your flights are booked separately, you may need to clear immigration, collect baggage and check in again, and the second airline may not be responsible for a missed connection. Give your transfer company your incoming flight number so they can monitor delays and adjust the pickup where possible.
4. How much time should you allow between London airports?
There is no single minimum connection time that works for every journey. Allow time for immigration, baggage reclaim, the road journey, traffic, check-in, bag drop and security at the second airport, with an additional buffer for delays.
5. What about an airport transfer from hotel to airport?
A hotel-to-airport transfer can be useful for early departures or overnight London connections. Provide your hotel address, airport and terminal, flight time, passenger count and luggage, then choose the pickup time by working backwards from your required airport arrival time.
6. How does My London Transfer handle airport-to-airport connections?
My London Transfer provides direct transfers between Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend airports. Services include fixed pricing before travel, flight monitoring, meet-and-greet, different vehicle sizes, luggage options and 24/7 support. Your live booking confirmation should always be treated as the final fare.
