Is Heathrow or Gatwick Closer to Central London?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning to travel to London and wondering which airport is closer to the city center? The two most popular international airports in London are Heathrow and Gatwick. In this article, we will compare the distance and accessibility of both airports to help you decide which one is best for your trip.

Distance from Central London

The distance between an airport and the city center is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an airport. Heathrow airport is located 14 miles west of central London, while Gatwick airport is situated 28 miles south of central London.

Transportation Options

When it comes to transportation options, both airports offer various convenient ways to get to the city center.

Heathrow Airport:

  • Heathrow Express: This non-stop train service runs every 15 minutes to Paddington Station in central London. The journey takes around 15 minutes.
  • Taxis: Taxis are available outside all terminals at Heathrow Airport, and the journey time can vary depending on traffic.

    The average cost of a taxi ride from Heathrow Airport to central London is around £50-£70.

  • Tube: The Piccadilly Line connects Heathrow Airport with central London. The journey time takes around 50 minutes, and the cost varies depending on where you’re travelling to in central London.

Gatwick Airport:

  • Gatwick Express: This non-stop train service runs every 15 minutes from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Station in central London. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
  • Taxis: Taxis are available outside all terminals at Gatwick Airport, and the journey time can vary depending on traffic.

    The average cost of a taxi ride from Gatwick Airport to central London is around £90-£110.

  • Thameslink: This train service connects Gatwick Airport with central London. The journey time takes around 60 minutes, and the cost varies depending on where you’re travelling to in central London.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Heathrow and Gatwick airports offer convenient transportation options to get to central London. However, Heathrow airport is closer to the city center than Gatwick airport.

If you’re looking for a faster and more direct transportation option, then Heathrow Express may be the best choice for you. But if you’re travelling on a budget, then Thameslink or the Piccadilly Line can be more affordable options.

Ultimately, it depends on your travel needs and preferences. We hope this article has helped you decide which airport is closer to central London and which transportation option fits your budget and schedule best. Safe travels!