Connecting between London’s six airports is one of the most common and most poorly served journeys in UK travel. Whether you have landed at one airport with an onward flight from another, or are managing a multi-leg itinerary that spans different terminals across the city, this guide brings together everything you need to know about airport-to-airport transfers across London.
London’s six airports
Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend each serve different route networks and airline bases, and it is increasingly common for travellers to arrive at one and depart from another, particularly when combining a long-haul flight with a budget short-haul connection.
Why airport-to-airport transfers are different
Public transport between London’s airports typically requires routing through central London itself, adding significant time and at least one change, often more. A direct private transfer moves between airports without entering the city centre at all, which can save considerable time, particularly during rush hour when central London routes slow dramatically.
Typical journey times between London airports
Heathrow to Gatwick typically takes around an hour to an hour and a half by road
Heathrow to Stansted typically takes around an hour and a half to two hours
Gatwick to Stansted typically takes around two hours, given the distance between the south and northeast of the city
Luton to Stansted typically takes around an hour, both sitting north of London
Heathrow to Luton typically takes around an hour to an hour and a half
London City to any other London airport typically adds extra time given its central Docklands location
Actual times vary significantly with traffic, time of day, and specific terminal, so these figures are a general guide rather than a fixed quote.
Why this matters for tight connections
Travellers with a genuinely tight connection between two different London airports benefit most from a pre-booked, fixed-time transfer, since the alternative of relying on public transport with an unfamiliar route through the city adds real risk to an already tight schedule. A private transfer removes this uncertainty by confirming your pickup and drop-off in advance.
Booking an airport-to-airport transfer
When booking this type of journey, providing both your inbound and onward flight details allows the transfer to be planned around real timing on both ends, rather than a single flight as with a standard airport-to-destination transfer.
Business travellers with multi-airport itineraries
Business travellers managing multi-leg trips across different airlines and airports particularly benefit from this kind of direct transfer, avoiding the need to navigate central London with luggage between connections.
Frequently asked questions
Can a transfer be booked between any two London airports?
Yes, direct transfers are available between all six London airports.
How much time should I allow between flights for an airport-to-airport transfer?
This depends on the specific route and traffic conditions. Discussing your exact connection time when booking allows for realistic planning.
Is it faster to go via central London or take a direct transfer?
A direct transfer avoiding the city centre is generally faster, particularly outside very late-night hours when city traffic is lighter.
Does real-time flight tracking apply to both legs of an airport-to-airport journey?
Yes, your inbound flight is tracked to time the pickup accurately.
Can I book this type of transfer for a group with mixed luggage?
Yes, an MPV option is available for groups or additional luggage.
Should I book airport-to-airport transfers further in advance?
Given the tighter timing typically involved, booking as early as your flight details are confirmed is recommended.
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Email: info@dmairporttransfers.co.uk
Website: dmairporttransfers.co.uk
