Is Gatwick Closer to London Than Heathrow?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a trip to London and trying to figure out which airport is closer to the city center? If so, you may be wondering, is Gatwick closer to London than Heathrow? Let’s take a closer look.

Distance between Gatwick and London

Gatwick Airport is located approximately 28 miles south of central London. This means that if you’re traveling from Gatwick to London, you’ll need to cover a distance of around 28 miles.

Distance between Heathrow and London

Heathrow Airport, on the other hand, is located approximately 14 miles west of central London. This means that if you’re traveling from Heathrow to London, you’ll need to cover a distance of around 14 miles.

Travel time from Gatwick to London

The travel time from Gatwick Airport to central London depends on the mode of transportation you choose. If you take the Gatwick Express train, which runs every 15 minutes, it will take you approximately 30 minutes to reach Victoria Station in central London. However, if you choose to take a taxi or drive yourself, it can take up to an hour or more depending on traffic conditions.

Travel time from Heathrow to London

Similarly, the travel time from Heathrow Airport to central London also depends on the mode of transportation. If you take the Heathrow Express train, which runs every 15 minutes, it will take you approximately 15 minutes to reach Paddington Station in central London.

Which airport is closer?

Based on distance alone, it may seem like Heathrow Airport is closer to central London than Gatwick Airport. However, when considering travel time, the two airports are fairly comparable. The Gatwick Express train may take slightly longer than the Heathrow Express, but both options will get you to central London relatively quickly.

Conclusion

So, is Gatwick closer to London than Heathrow? While Heathrow may be closer in terms of distance, both airports offer fast and convenient transportation options to central London. Ultimately, the decision of which airport to choose will depend on factors such as flight availability, cost, and personal preference.