London boasts a whopping six international airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City, and Southend. But choosing the right one can significantly impact your trip. The right choice can save you time and money and make your journey far more enjoyable.
Many travelers find themselves stuck trying to decide between Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW). Both are major international hubs, but they cater to different needs and offer distinct experiences.
This guide offers a comprehensive comparison to assist you in making the right choice between Gatwick vs Heathrow Airport for your next trip. We’ll break down the key differences, covering location, accessibility, flight options, amenities, and potential costs, so you can make an informed decision and start your trip off right.
Location and accessibility: Getting to and from the airports
Both Heathrow and Gatwick are outside of Central London, so you’ll need to factor in travel time when you’re deciding which airport to use.
Heathrow: Location and Transportation
Heathrow is about 16 miles from Central London. You can get there using these methods:
- Heathrow Express: This train will whisk you to Paddington Station in about 15 minutes.
- Piccadilly Line: This Underground line takes 45 to 60 minutes to reach Central London.
- Car/Taxi/Uber: Depending on traffic, this will take about an hour. An Uber will probably cost you around £50 (about $65 U.S.).
Gatwick: Location and Transportation
Gatwick is farther from Central London, about 28 miles. Here are your transportation options:
- Gatwick Express: This train gets you to Victoria Station in about 30 minutes.
- Other train services: Other train lines may offer cheaper fares than the Gatwick Express.
- Car/Taxi/Uber: This will take about 90 minutes, traffic permitting. Expect to pay around £65 (about $83 U.S.) for an Uber.
Accessibility Comparison
Public transportation may be quicker to Gatwick than to Heathrow. But neither airport is particularly close to the city center, so plan on spending at least an hour getting to or from downtown London.
Flight Options: Airlines, Destinations, and Connectivity
When choosing between Gatwick and Heathrow, one of the most important considerations is whether your airline flies to and from that airport, and whether the airport serves your intended destination.
Heathrow: Flight Network
Heathrow serves a significantly larger number of long-haul international flights than Gatwick.
Major airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United, Delta, and American operate flights to and from Heathrow. You’ll find extensive connectivity to North America, Asia, and just about any other global destination you might have in mind.
Gatwick: Flight Network
Gatwick has become a popular alternative to Heathrow, in part because Heathrow’s flight slots are so limited. Gatwick tends to focus more on low-cost carriers and routes within Europe.
That said, you can also find flights on British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, Air China, and China Airlines, among others.
For example, Cathay Pacific offers one flight a day to Gatwick from Hong Kong, Air China offers one flight a day from Shanghai to Gatwick, and China Airlines offers four flights a week from Taipei to Gatwick.
Choosing Based on Route
The best airport for you will depend on the specific route you plan to take and your personal travel preferences. Before you book anything, make sure the airport you’re considering actually serves your airline and destination.
Airport Amenities and Lounges: Enhancing the Travel Experience
After you clear security, you may want to relax in a lounge or browse a few shops before your flight. Here’s how Heathrow and Gatwick stack up when it comes to amenities.
Heathrow: Amenities and Lounges
Heathrow generally has a wider range of lounge options, including lounges dedicated to specific airlines and elite members. For example, British Airways offers its Concorde Room to first-class passengers and top-tier elite members.
There were plans for an Amex Centurion Lounge at Heathrow, scheduled to open in 2020, boasting 7,000 square feet. Check to see if that lounge is up and running, since the scheduled date has passed.
Heathrow also has an extensive range of shops and restaurants, so you’ll have plenty of options for dining and last-minute shopping.
Gatwick: Amenities and Lounges
Gatwick also has lounges, although there are fewer options than Heathrow. Gatwick has third-party lounges that are accessible to Priority Pass members.
One standout is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, which some travelers have called a “flawless ground experience.”
Gatwick offers a sufficient selection of shops and restaurants, although the selection is not as extensive as Heathrow’s.
Comparing the Airport Experiences
Because it’s a larger airport, Heathrow offers a more extensive range of amenities than Gatwick. However, both airports provide essential services and a decent selection of dining and shopping options.
Cost Comparison: Flights and Transportation
When choosing between Gatwick and Heathrow, it’s crucial to consider the overall cost, not just the flight itself. Transportation to and from the airport can significantly impact your budget.
Flight Costs
Gatwick is often the choice of budget travelers, as flights tend to be cheaper. Heathrow flights can be pricier, largely due to higher demand and a limited number of available landing slots. When making your decision, compare flight costs to both airports to see which offers the better deal.
Transportation Costs
Getting to and from the airport should factor into your decision. As of this writing, the average Uber cost from Gatwick is about £65 (around $83), while the average Uber to Heathrow is about £50 (roughly $65). Public transportation costs can vary, so it’s worth exploring alternative train services to Gatwick, as these may offer a cheaper alternative.
Overall Cost Considerations
If flight costs are similar, you’ll have to weigh whether the convenience of Heathrow is worth the higher transportation costs. The best approach is to balance flight and transportation expenses to find the most economical option for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of Gatwick Airport?
Gatwick often boasts cheaper flights than Heathrow, especially for budget airlines. It’s generally less crowded, making for potentially quicker security lines and a less stressful experience. Plus, it’s conveniently located for access to the south of England and coastal areas.
Which is better to fly into, Heathrow or Gatwick?
It depends! Heathrow is generally better for international connections and has more long-haul flights. Gatwick is often preferred for cheaper fares, especially on short-haul and budget airlines, and for access to the south of England. Consider your destination, budget, and connection needs.
Is Gatwick as big as Heathrow?
No, Gatwick is significantly smaller than Heathrow. Heathrow is the UK’s largest airport, handling far more passengers and flights annually. Gatwick has fewer terminals and runways compared to Heathrow’s extensive infrastructure.
Which airport is better for London?
Both airports offer good access to London, but Heathrow is generally considered more convenient for reaching central London. It has a direct Heathrow Express train link. Gatwick requires a train journey to London Victoria, which may be slightly longer and involve more changes depending on your final destination.
In Summary
London is a major hub for international travel, and both Heathrow and Gatwick offer access to destinations around the world. Heathrow, as the busier and more centrally located airport, tends to offer more international flights. However, you may find it more expensive to fly into or out of Heathrow.
Gatwick, while slightly less convenient to reach, is often the preferred choice for budget travelers. You may find cheaper flights at Gatwick, especially on budget airlines.
Ultimately, the best airport for you depends on your individual travel needs and preferences. Check flight prices for your specific route and compare the cost of getting to and from each airport. Consider which airlines fly to your destination from each airport and whether your budget or convenience is the bigger priority.
Before you head to the airport, be sure to check your flight information to confirm which terminal your flight departs from.
With a little planning, you can weigh the factors discussed here and make an informed decision about which airport best suits your specific circumstances, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.