Due to limited slots at Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick airport has become an attractive alternative for long-haul international routes – yet many question if its extra distance from central London justifies such a decision.
At the core of it all lies your location in London – Victoria or elsewhere in South London may make Gatwick your top choice.
Gatwick vs Heathrow for families.
Getting to and from the airport
Transport options in London provide convenient solutions to ensure solo parents with children can quickly get from airport to hotel quickly and effortlessly.
Heathrow Airport is one of the world’s premier international hubs, serving more than 80 million passengers yearly through five terminals that offer an impressive variety of flights and amenities. However, its enormous capacity comes at the cost of long waits and overcrowded roadways.
London Gatwick Airport offers less crowded service with two terminals (North and South), connected landside by an automated people mover that departs every few minutes. While facilities may be less extensive compared to Heathrow, Gatwick remains a suitable option for those prioritizing comfort and convenience, or traveling with young children.
Heathrow Express train service offers the quickest and easiest route from London Heathrow airport into central London, departing every 15 minutes throughout the day at PS23 per ticket. Tickets may be purchased ahead of time online or at stations; Oyster cards or Contactless can also be used at terminal entry points to gain entry onto trains. When arriving at Paddington station, passengers can connect with London Bridge/Blackfriars stations on Northern and Jubilee lines respectively or Kings Cross St Pancras for Circle/District/Hammersmith& City lines respectively.
Taxis
Transportation costs to and from an airport can make an enormous impactful statement about your experience of travelling. Although public transit options offer low initial fares, hidden expenses such as luggage fees and multiple transfers quickly add up over time. Furthermore, recent data demonstrates service delays during peak travel seasons are all too often an issue.
Taxis offer the fastest and easiest method for traveling to Gatwick Airport. While initial costs may be higher, you will save both time and money by booking one early. Furthermore, some taxi services allow flexible departure times that help prevent traffic delays; these personalised services can especially helpful during busy travel periods.
National Express coaches also offer convenient transportation alternatives; with multiple departures per day and comfortable amenities such as on-board washrooms. It is wise to book tickets prior to arriving at the airport. Alternatively, take the Heathrow Express to Paddington then switch onto London Underground Circle Line until Victoria Station, before finally taking Gatwick Express back home.
What London airport best suits your needs will depend on your priorities. For convenience and a comprehensive selection of flights, Heathrow may be best; while Gatwick may provide cheaper alternative, providing access to various European destinations.
Trains
When selecting between Heathrow or Gatwick as your airport of entry to London, convenience may be your determining factor. Both airports provide convenient connections into central London; which one would best suit you depends on factors like distance from home and available time.
Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest in the world, boasts ample space and amenities to manage its vast number of passengers. Connected directly to London through various forms of public transport like Tube trains and buses, you can arrive by train in just 15 minutes or opt for more leisurely modes like buses or taxis if your schedule allows.
Gatwick Airport may not be as accessible from central London, but still takes less than 30 minutes by public transit. Victoria Station provides the Gatwick Express that runs regularly between 30 minutes and an hour until it reaches Gatwick – this option may also save money, although may take slightly more time and cost less overall. National Rail services may also be an economical solution but may take slightly more time before reaching their destination.
Gatwick doesn’t boast as many lounges as Heathrow, but does provide airline-branded and third party options. Most can be reached using Priority Pass membership; which many credit cards offer free. Plus there are plenty of restaurants and cafes for budget travelers – making Gatwick an attractive choice when flying abroad.
Buses
Gatwick Airport is home to numerous European budget airlines such as easyJet, Wizz Air, Norwegian and Vueling. In addition, major UK carriers such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic use Gatwick for domestic routes as well.
Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal caters primarily for low-cost carriers while the North Terminal houses British Airways and other established operators, giving the airport access to virtually every corner of the globe. Furthermore, it offers numerous lounges both run by airlines themselves and independent lounges that serve passengers passing through its gates.
Gatwick Airport’s convenient location makes it an excellent option for anyone living in South London or Brighton and is often cheaper to access than Heathrow; just be aware of any additional travel time into central London from Gatwick.
Buses between the airport and city are frequent and affordable, but make sure to leave plenty of time for travel if connecting through Terminal 5. Ideally, leave at least three hours between flights.
Buses are the ultimate eco-friendly mode of transport and can help reduce your carbon footprint, as well as being an amazing way to explore scenic gems along your route. To save money when travelling by bus during weekday rush hours – when buses tend to be less busy and you’ll save on fuel costs!
