London airports
Aug 25th, 2008, 07:56 AM
#1
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London airports
I am flying into Heathrow and need to make a connection at Gatwick. How difficult is it to get from one to the other? I've never been to Gatwick. What is the best way to get from Heathrow to Gatwick? Thanks.
Ayla
Ayla
Aug 25th, 2008, 08:31 AM
#2
This has been asked a few times so if you do a search on this forum you should find some answers.
Also check http://www.heathrowairport.com/
click on 'To and from Heathrow Airport' (at the top left) then click on 'Travel Between Airports' (bottom left).
It says to allow 75 mins by coach but I would allow longer, in case of any traffic jams.
Kay
Also check http://www.heathrowairport.com/
click on 'To and from Heathrow Airport' (at the top left) then click on 'Travel Between Airports' (bottom left).
It says to allow 75 mins by coach but I would allow longer, in case of any traffic jams.
Kay
Aug 25th, 2008, 08:36 AM
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Ifyou search I think you will see the consensus is that this is a huge PIA. And you need to allow at least 5 hours from wheels down to scheduled departure to allow for Immigration, customs, getting from one to the other, checking in and getting through security.
Aug 25th, 2008, 10:00 AM
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It is not difficult, but definitely a pain, especially if you are flying into Heathrow from overseas (eg US). Imagine after a night of poor sleep, you need to:
1) stand in line for immigration
2) pick up your luggage (if you have checked luggage)
3) find the National Express bus stop
4) ride the 1+hr long bus
5) arrive at Gatwick and locate your airline counter
6) stand in line to check in for your flight
7) stand in line to get thru security check
It's just an exhausting ordeal, especially so if you're doing it without much sleep.
1) stand in line for immigration
2) pick up your luggage (if you have checked luggage)
3) find the National Express bus stop
4) ride the 1+hr long bus
5) arrive at Gatwick and locate your airline counter
6) stand in line to check in for your flight
7) stand in line to get thru security check
It's just an exhausting ordeal, especially so if you're doing it without much sleep.
Aug 25th, 2008, 02:37 PM
#8
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1) Immigration usually moves pretty quickly, even when the lines are long.
2) Carry-on only, don't check anything - ever.
3) Walk out the door, follow the signs, there's the coach.
4) Sleep on the bus.
5) Walk in the door, follow the signs, there's your airline check-in.
6) Check in at a kiosk. Or, better yet, check in online before you leave home.
7) Security at Gatwick usually moves pretty quickly, even when the lines are long.
Just let the excitement of going new places carry you along. Have fun.
2) Carry-on only, don't check anything - ever.
3) Walk out the door, follow the signs, there's the coach.
4) Sleep on the bus.
5) Walk in the door, follow the signs, there's your airline check-in.
6) Check in at a kiosk. Or, better yet, check in online before you leave home.
7) Security at Gatwick usually moves pretty quickly, even when the lines are long.
Just let the excitement of going new places carry you along. Have fun.
Aug 25th, 2008, 03:32 PM
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julia - correct me if I'm wrong, but looking at National Express coach's website, the coach only has 2 stops at Heathrow: Central Bus Station and Terminal 5.
So, unless the OP is flying into T5, chances are she will have to find her way from her gate/terminal to the Heathrow Central Bus Station. If she flies into T1/2/3, it's a good 5-10 minute walk to the Central Bus Station. If she arrives at T4, then she'd have to take Heathrow Express from T4 to the Central Bus Station.
It's not as easy as stepping out of the terminal and finding the bus stop.
For you who has done it many times, I'm sure it's a piece of cake. However, for a novice, it can be a bit daunting, especially if one is doing this after a 10+hr overnight flight with little sleep.
So, unless the OP is flying into T5, chances are she will have to find her way from her gate/terminal to the Heathrow Central Bus Station. If she flies into T1/2/3, it's a good 5-10 minute walk to the Central Bus Station. If she arrives at T4, then she'd have to take Heathrow Express from T4 to the Central Bus Station.
It's not as easy as stepping out of the terminal and finding the bus stop.
For you who has done it many times, I'm sure it's a piece of cake. However, for a novice, it can be a bit daunting, especially if one is doing this after a 10+hr overnight flight with little sleep.
Aug 25th, 2008, 08:07 PM
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Just follow the signs. It's well posted. In English. And there are information counters with helpful people. Who all speak English.
I always find it most helpful to be positive and reassure myself, and others, when there's no big problem, rather than dwell on the negatives.
I fly from Seattle, so yes, I'm tired when I arrive. And I'm 60-something, so I'm no spring chicken with unlimited reserves of energy.
I always find it most helpful to be positive and reassure myself, and others, when there's no big problem, rather than dwell on the negatives.
I fly from Seattle, so yes, I'm tired when I arrive. And I'm 60-something, so I'm no spring chicken with unlimited reserves of energy.
Aug 25th, 2008, 10:17 PM
#12
despite some effort to sugar coat the transfer - LHR is generally a total ZOO. Unless one has been through the various terminals several times, it can be a overwhelming. Taking the National Express Coach to LGW is very easy - but getting to the right terminal/finding the coach ain't . . . .
As has been mentioned several times - just make sure you have at least 5 hours between flights.
As has been mentioned several times - just make sure you have at least 5 hours between flights.
