Expert: Michael - 9/2/2006

Question
Hi Michael,
I found this question in google but is the bus actually quicker from Heathrow to Gatwick than a prebooked cab or car hire? We arrive at Heathrow 7:10am and leave for Dubrovnik from Gatwick at 11:40am on different airlines. Thanks, Kathryn

Answer
Hello Kathryn,

Thanks for your question. I'm afraid that my answer is probably not the most reassuring.

Certainly, the quickest route from Heathrow to Gatwick is to take a prebooked cab. However, it is both expensive, and even as the fastest route, is at some risk of traffic delays.

A pre-booked cab from Heathrow to Gatwick is likely to cost around £70, or US$130. You can pre-book many services online, by entering your flight details.

According to UK government transport website, the journey from Heathrow to Gatwick by road takes a minimum of 60 minutes in normal traffic. However, you have indicated that you will be flying in during early morning rush hour (presuming you are referring to a weekday arrival). Because the two airports are joined by London's busiest motorway (the M25 orbital) I would expect that journey to be considerably lengthened at that time of day on a weekday.

Once you add in time for you to clear Customs & the Baggage Hall at Heathrow, and reach your pre-arranged meeting point for your cab you can expect transfer to take in excess of 2 hours. Thus, the possibility of delays can be quite problematic. I note that British Airways imposes a minimum of 3 hours for its own internal transferring passengers, but these are obviously for passengers flying BA on both legs. Also, this advice pre-dates the new stricter controls on baggage and boarding flights, and the extended recommended check-in time of 2.5 hours

I would strongly advise that you contact your airline for the Gatwick-Dubrovnik leg and both inform them of your plans, and ask for any advice they are able to give. It is possible that you may be able to alert staff at Heathrow of your arrival before transferring to Gatwick - a kind of remote check-in

If you flight is on time, then I should imagine that transfer by pre-booked cab would be the wisest route, and you have left reasonable time for your transfer. Likewise, if your transfer is at a weekend, then your journey is likely to be much easier. Nevertheless, if you are arriving on a weekday morning, please be prepared for a longer, busy journey to Gatwick.

For your assistance, I have provided some useful and relevant links:
UK Government transport planner:
http://www.transportdirect.info/

Heathrow & Gatwick Airports:
http://www.baa.co.uk/

Airport Transfer Services:
http://www.britainexpress.com/great_british_sites/airport.htm

I hope that my thoughts have been useful, and not too gloomy! I'm always wary to warn folk of the possible delays, but then feel like I've been too negative. Rest assured that I have been outlining the worst case scenario - most passengers pass easily through our airports; with two of the busiest airports in the world, the staff are quite used to dealing with such things!

I hope you enjoy your journey; should you wish to ask any further questions, please don't hesitate.

Kindest Regards
Michael