Route Comparer: London Airport Transfer Options
Compare the most practical ways to travel between London airports, central London hotel areas, and cruise connections. Start with the route closest to your trip, then use Ask Thomas or one of the planning tools for a more specific recommendation.
Choose your route type
Heathrow to Gatwick
Best for travellers changing airports. Compare coach, private transfer, taxi, and rail-change options.
Heathrow to central London
Compare Elizabeth line, Tube, Heathrow Express, taxi, and private transfer options.
Gatwick to central London
Compare Gatwick Express, Thameslink/Southern, coach, taxi, and private transfer options.
Airport to hotel area
Find the airport and transfer style that best fits your hotel area, luggage, and arrival time.
Airport to cruise port
Plan a safer connection to Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Tilbury, or another cruise port.
Late arrival or stopover
Decide whether to go into London, use an airport hotel, or book a lower-stress transfer.
Quick comparison
| Option | Usually best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Train / Elizabeth line / Tube | Daytime travellers, light luggage, lower cost | Stairs, changes, strikes, late-night frequency |
| Coach | Airport-to-airport trips and budget travel | Traffic, fixed departure times, luggage loading |
| Taxi | Door-to-door convenience without pre-booking | Cost can rise with traffic or distance |
| Private transfer | Families, heavy luggage, late arrivals, cruise connections | Usually needs pre-booking; compare inclusions |
| Airport hotel | Very late arrivals, early departures, tired families | May add one hotel change |
Ask Thomas prompts
For the best answer, include your arrival airport, hotel or destination area, arrival time, number of travellers, luggage, and whether you prefer cheapest, fastest, or easiest.
- I am landing at Heathrow late and going to my hotel.
- I am arriving at Gatwick with kids and luggage.
- I need to transfer from Heathrow to Gatwick.
- I am going from Heathrow or Gatwick to a Southampton cruise.
- I want to compare train versus taxi versus private transfer.
Important: Prices, schedules, strikes, road conditions, and availability can change. Always confirm live details before booking. Some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.