Gatwick vs. Heathrow
 

How far from the city center is Gatwick Airport? Is Heathrow closer? We've found a good fare to Gatwick, but I want to make sure we won't use up the savings by transportation costs into the city. Thanks.

Heathrow is closer, but there's not a huge difference in cost to get into London. Go with the flight which offers the best price and schedule.

There's a lot more info on this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34920277

Agree with PM.

Whilst, on a map, Gatwick looks quite a distance from London itself - the Gatwick Express rail link gets into the city quickly.

Also, Gatwick isn't as crazy and busy as Heathrow.

I find Gatwick easier than Heathrow. Immigration queues are often shorter and it is really easy to get into London on the Gatwick express.

Carolena

And even cheaper to <u>not</u> take the Gatwick Express. For &pound;5 less, you can get to Victoria station on Southern Trains.

Assuming of course your hotel is near Victoria as from Gatwick you can get to many train stations in London which may be a lot closer to your hotel. See the journeyplanner on www.tfl.gov.uk and have the ADDRESS of your hotel handy

If you do choose Gatwick, with luggage you may find journey planner not the best advisor.

First Capital Connect Rail, formerly Thameslink, run from Gatwick to London Bridge, where you can stay on the platform, and take the next train to Waterloo East, for hotels on the south bank, and Charing Cross, for hotels in Covent Garden and nearby

Or to Blackfriars or Farringdon, for nearby hotels (which are few)

Or to Kings Cross, for hotels there and two bus stops or a quick taxi away in Bloomsbury

Journey Planner takes little account of bags

Ben Haines, London
[email protected]

Actually the journeyplanner does show the train only trips so it is quite reliable as long as you have the address of the hotel or the nearest station name

gatwick is more comfortable and 'friendly'. heathrow is more manic. choose the option with the cheapest and most convenient flight times. i live in london and will fly out of either.

Thanks to all of you for your advice! I'll probably go with the flight to Gatwick since the price is right.