Travel Guide: Gatwick To Stansted Airports

how can i go from gatwick to stansted airports

There are several ways to travel between Gatwick and Stansted airports. The fastest way is via train through Central London, which takes approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. This involves taking the Gatwick Express to London Victoria, the Victoria line to Tottenham Hale, and then the Stansted Express to Stansted Airport. Alternatively, you can take a direct National Express coach, which offers up to 16 daily services with ample luggage room. This option requires a connection in London and takes around 4 hours and 35 minutes.

Characteristics Values
Time taken by road vehicle Unpredictable due to congestion on London's orbital motorway, the M25
Time taken by train 2 hours
Fastest way to travel Gatwick-Stansted train via Central London
Shuttle bus Requires 3 hours
Coach Requires a connection in London; last coach leaves Gatwick Terminal at 23:30 and arrives at Stansted Airport Coach Station at 04:35
Train route Gatwick-Victoria-Tottenham Hale-Stansted

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Gatwick to Stansted by coach

National Express offers direct coach services from Gatwick to Stansted airports. With fares starting at £6.50 one-way, National Express provides a cost-effective option for your journey. The first coach departs Gatwick South Terminal at 3:35 am, arriving at Stansted Airport Coach Station at 8:30 am, while the last coach leaves Gatwick Terminal at 11:30 pm and reaches Stansted Airport by 4:35 am. These coaches require a change in London.

National Express coaches offer a convenient and comfortable travel experience, with ample luggage space. You can bring one large suitcase or two medium suitcases, along with one soft hand luggage item. However, it's important to check your flight luggage allowance with your airline before packing. National Express also provides a range of fare options, including Standard and Fully Flexible tickets, which can be amended if needed.

The coach operator recommends arriving at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled flight departure time to ensure a stress-free experience. Both Gatwick and Stansted airports offer various facilities within a short distance from the terminals, including newsagents, restaurants, and coffee shops.

While some travellers opt for the train or shuttle bus between Gatwick and Stansted, the National Express coach service provides a direct and affordable alternative. With up to 16 daily services, guaranteed seats, and ample luggage room, you can travel between the airports in comfort and style. Remember to use the National Express Journey Planner to find the most suitable route for your specific needs.

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Gatwick to Stansted by train

Gatwick Airport and Stansted Airport are approximately 54 miles (86 km) apart. Travelling between the two airports by train is possible and usually takes around 2 hours, with the fastest journey time being 1 hour and 53 minutes to 1 hour and 55 minutes. There are around 40 trains running each day from Stansted Airport to Gatwick Airport, and 73 trains running in the opposite direction.

There are no direct trains between the two airports, so you will need to make a minimum of two changes during your journey. The main train operating companies running services between the two airports include Elizabeth Line, Southern, Abellio Greater Anglia, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express. When travelling from Stansted Airport to Gatwick Airport, you will likely be travelling with Greater Anglia, Thameslink, or Southern.

You can save money on your train tickets by booking in advance, with fares starting from as little as $48.04 or £52.20. Tickets are usually more expensive when purchased on the day of travel. You can also save money by travelling during Off-Peak times or using a Railcard, which offers a 1/3 discount on eligible train tickets. If you catch this train more than three times per week, you could also benefit from purchasing a Season Ticket.

Amenities on trains between the two airports can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

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Gatwick to Stansted by tube

Gatwick and Stansted airports are on opposite sides of London, and there is no direct train between the two. Therefore, the journey from one airport to the other can be quite long and potentially challenging, especially if you have luggage.

One option is to take the Gatwick Express train from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria, which takes 30 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. From Victoria, you can take the London Underground (the tube) to Tottenham Hale, which takes 20 minutes, and then catch the Stansted Express to Stansted Airport. The tube trains from Victoria to Tottenham Hale run every three minutes. The Stansted Express runs every 15 minutes and takes 36 minutes to reach the airport. This whole journey by train and tube will take at least 2 hours and 20 minutes, but you may also have to wait for your trains, so it could be longer.

Another option is to take the Thameslink train to Farringdon, and then take the tube from there to Liverpool Street. From Liverpool Street, you can take the Stansted Express to the airport. This journey will also take around 2 hours and 20 minutes.

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Gatwick to Stansted by shuttle bus

National Express offers a shuttle bus service between Gatwick and Stansted airports. The first coach leaves from Gatwick South Terminal at 3:35 am, with one change in London, and arrives at Stansted Airport Coach Station at 8:30 am. The last coach departs from Gatwick Terminal at 11:30 pm, also with one change in London, and arrives at Stansted Airport at 4:35 am.

The journey between the two airports takes around 3 hours. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight departure time to ensure a stress-free travel experience. Therefore, you should consider this when planning your journey and allow enough time for any potential delays.

The National Express coach service offers a comfortable journey with onboard washrooms and ample luggage space. You can bring one large suitcase or two medium suitcases, as well as one soft hand luggage item. It is important to note that the route between Gatwick and Stansted airports is along some of the most heavily congested motorways in Europe, so delays are common, especially during peak hours on weekdays and late Sunday afternoons.

The direct Gatwick-Stansted buses are not dedicated to this route only. Most of the buses start or terminate at Gatwick Airport and service Heathrow and Stansted airports before continuing to Cambridge and Norwich. You can purchase tickets for two separate National Express services that connect with each other, offering more flexibility.

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Gatwick to Stansted by car

If you want to travel from Gatwick to Stansted by car, there are a few different routes you can take. The M25 is the most common route, which is about 72 miles and can take up to 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, keep in mind that the time it takes to travel between the two airports can vary depending on traffic and the time of day.

Another option is to take the M1 and M11, which is a slightly shorter route at 71 miles. This route typically takes between 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

When planning your journey, it's always a good idea to check for any road closures or construction that may affect your travel time. Additionally, leave early to allow for any potential delays and give yourself plenty of time to return your rental car and check in for your flight.

If you're not in a hurry and want to make the most of your time in London, you could consider taking a short detour to some of the nearby attractions. For example, you could stop at Buckingham Palace, which is just a 15-minute walk from Victoria Train Station.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a more scenic route, you could avoid the highways and take smaller roads through the countryside. This will likely add some time to your journey, but it can be a pleasant way to see more of the area.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended to book your train tickets in advance as tickets can start from $48.29 but can be more expensive when purchased on the day.

The average train journey from Gatwick to Stansted takes 2 hours and 9 minutes, with the fastest journey taking 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Train tickets from Gatwick to Stansted can start from as little as $48.29 when booked in advance.

The fastest way to travel between Gatwick and Stansted is by taking the Gatwick-Stansted train via Central London, which takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Yes, there are direct National Express buses from Gatwick to Stansted. However, they are not the quickest option, with a journey time of around 3 hours.

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