Gatwick And Heathrow: Two Airports, Distinct Differences

London is served by a number of airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick. Both airports have their own advantages and disadvantages, and differ in terms of location, accessibility, flight costs, and amenities. This article will explore the differences between the two airports to help travellers decide which airport suits their needs.

Location and accessibility

London Heathrow International Airport and London Gatwick International Airport are two of the five international airports based in London. Heathrow is the primary and busiest airport in London, while Gatwick is the secondary airport and the second busiest airport in the UK.

Heathrow is located on the west side of London, about 25 kilometres from Central London. It has better and faster rail links compared to Gatwick, with the Heathrow Express taking passengers into London in 15-20 minutes. The Heathrow Express can be expensive, but there are also cheaper options like TFL Rail and the Piccadilly Line. London Oyster Cards and contactless cards are accepted on all rail routes from Heathrow Airport into London.

Heathrow has five terminals and four runways. It handles nearly twice the volume of travellers as Gatwick and is fully equipped to manage large passenger volumes. Heathrow has better transport links to Central London than Gatwick.

Gatwick Airport is located near Crawley, West Sussex, 45 kilometres south of Central London. It takes about 30 minutes to travel between Gatwick and Central London. The airport has two terminals, the North Terminal and the South Terminal, and operates as a single-runway airport, with a second runway available but not in simultaneous use due to its proximity to the main runway.

Gatwick is accessible by the Gatwick Express and mainline Thameslink trains. The Gatwick Express offers a faster connection to London, taking around 30 minutes, while mainline trains may take longer but connect to more destinations beyond London, such as Peterborough and Luton.

Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports have access to road and railway transport, as well as taxis, buses, coaches, and car hire services.

International and domestic flights

London Heathrow International Airport and London Gatwick International Airport are two of London's six airports. Heathrow is the primary airport, with Gatwick following as the secondary airport.

Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK, flying 78 million passengers to over 170 destinations each year. It is located 14 miles west of London, and is reachable by train on the Piccadilly Line or the Heathrow Express. The airport has five terminals and four runways. Most long-haul international flights depart from Heathrow, with premium airlines such as Etihad, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and Qantas operating out of terminals 1-4, and British Airways and Iberia occupying Terminal 5.

Gatwick is the second busiest airport in London and the sixth busiest in the world. It serves, on average, 46 million passengers per year, travelling to over 200 destinations. Gatwick is located 28 miles south of Central London, and is reachable by the Gatwick Express Train. The airport has two terminals and two runways, although only one runway is currently in use. Airlines that operate out of Gatwick include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, and low-cost carriers such as easyJet.

Both Heathrow and Gatwick offer flights to international and domestic locations. Heathrow is the primary airport for international, long-haul flights, while Gatwick is favoured when it comes to chartered flights.

Amenities

London is a popular destination for travellers from across the globe. The city is served by five international airports, two of which are London Heathrow International Airport and London Gatwick International Airport.

Heathrow and Gatwick are two very different airports. Heathrow is the primary airport for London and the busiest in the country, while Gatwick is the secondary airport and the second busiest. Heathrow is larger, with five terminals and four runways, while Gatwick has two terminals and two runways, although only one is currently in use. Heathrow is also closer to Central London, at 25 kilometres from the city centre, while Gatwick is 45 kilometres away.

Now, let's take a closer look at the amenities offered by each airport:

Gatwick Airport Amenities

Gatwick Airport provides a range of amenities to cater to the diverse needs of its passengers. The airport is family-friendly and offers facilities for travellers with children, including a dedicated entertainment zone for kids located near the Dixons Travel store. For travellers who require special assistance, Gatwick provides a dedicated lounge in the departures hall. The airport also offers a range of communication, baggage, cash, and self-service facilities throughout the terminals.

Gatwick has a variety of dining options, including well-known brands such as Jamie's Italian, Wagamama, Pret a Manger, Wetherspoons, and Caviar bar. There are also several coffee shops, including Costa Coffee and Jamie Oliver Coffee. For travellers who want to relax before their flight, Gatwick offers lounges starting at just £32, and there are hotels to suit all budgets.

The airport provides facilities for different religious practices, including a multi-faith chapel and a prayer room. For travellers' convenience, Gatwick offers currency exchange services, baggage storage, and a lost and found service. High-speed Wi-Fi is available for free, and there are charging points for mobile phones.

Gatwick also has a range of shopping options, including well-known brands such as Dixons Travel, Fat Face, Harrods, Hugo Boss, Superdry, and Ted Baker. Duty-free shopping is also available for travellers.

Heathrow Airport Amenities

Heathrow Airport is known for its world-class facilities and aims to provide support to all travellers. The airport offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for its passengers. Heathrow provides facilities for families travelling with children and has a variety of services to assist passengers with special accessibility needs.

Heathrow has charging points and free Wi-Fi available in all terminals, allowing travellers to stay connected. The airport also has designated smoking areas and provides access to water fountains. For religious travellers, Heathrow offers multi-faith prayer rooms and a chapel that welcomes people of all faiths.

Heathrow boasts a variety of shopping and dining options, including big brands and culinary delights. There are also lounges, hotels, and spa services available for travellers seeking relaxation and comfort before their flight.

Heathrow provides essential services such as postal facilities, ATMs that accept major international cards, and lost property services. The airport also offers a range of transport options, including official airport parking, taxis, and rail connections to Central London.

In summary, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports offer a comprehensive range of amenities to cater to the diverse needs of their passengers. While Gatwick may have fewer facilities due to its smaller size, it still provides a wide range of options and services for travellers. Heathrow, as the larger and busier airport, offers a vast array of world-class facilities and is well-equipped to handle high volumes of passengers.

Flight and transportation costs

Heathrow and Gatwick are two international airports based in London, UK. They are located 42 miles apart, with Heathrow situated 15 miles west of central London, and Gatwick 30 miles south.

Flight Costs

Heathrow is the primary hub for international flights to and from London, offering a wider range of destinations and airlines. It is the busiest airport in Europe by passenger traffic, handling nearly twice the volume of travellers compared to Gatwick. As such, flights to Heathrow can often be more expensive due to higher demand and more international flights.

Gatwick, on the other hand, is a major base for low-cost carriers, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers. While it serves a large number of international destinations, the selection is generally smaller than Heathrow.

Transportation Costs

Heathrow is well-connected to central London and offers various transport options. The Heathrow Express train is the quickest way to reach Paddington Station, taking just 15 minutes. However, it is also the most expensive option, with prices starting from £27.50.

Other transport options from Heathrow include:

• The Piccadilly Line on the London Underground, which takes 45-60 minutes and is a more economical choice, with prices starting from £5.50.
• The Elizabeth line, which takes 60 minutes and costs from £12.80.
• Numerous bus and taxi services are also available.

Gatwick is also connected to central London by the Gatwick Express, which runs to Victoria Station in about 30 minutes. This service is again relatively expensive, but alternative train services like Southern Rail and Thameslink offer more economical options, with tickets starting from £18.30 and £12.90, respectively. These services take slightly longer but often connect to more destinations.

Additionally, bus and taxi services are available from Gatwick.

Efficiency and convenience

Heathrow and Gatwick are two of London's six international airports. While Heathrow is the primary airport for international flights, Gatwick is also a popular option, particularly for budget-conscious travellers.

Efficiency and Convenience

Heathrow is located about 15 miles west of central London, while Gatwick is situated around 30 miles south of the city centre. In terms of accessibility, Heathrow is generally more convenient, offering various transport options to reach central London. The Heathrow Express train provides a quick connection to Paddington Station in just 15 minutes, although it is quite expensive. Alternatively, the Piccadilly Line on the London Underground is a more affordable choice, but the journey takes approximately 45-60 minutes. There are also several bus and taxi services available.

On the other hand, Gatwick is connected to central London by the Gatwick Express, which takes around 30 minutes to reach Victoria Station. Southern and Thameslink trains offer longer but often cheaper routes to different parts of London. Bus and taxi services are also available for travellers arriving at or departing from Gatwick.

Heathrow is known for its efficient handling of travellers and comfortable facilities, despite being one of the busiest airports in the world. It boasts multiple terminals equipped to manage large volumes of passengers. However, this efficiency comes at a cost, with long lines and congested roadways being a common occurrence.

Gatwick, being generally less crowded, can offer a more relaxed experience, especially during peak travel times. It operates two modern and well-equipped terminals, providing a smaller-scale version of the amenities found at Heathrow, including shops, restaurants, and lounges.

When it comes to flight costs, Heathrow tends to be more expensive due to higher demand and a greater number of international flights. However, Gatwick is favoured by low-cost carriers, making it a more affordable option for travellers.

Frequently asked questions