Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport are two of London’s five international airports in the UK. Officially known as London Heathrow and London Gatwick, these London-based airports are among the busiest in the world.
The renowned Heathrow Airport is bigger with five terminals and four runways compared to Gatwick’s two terminals and only one runway in use.
London Heathrow International Airport is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom followed by London Gatwick International Airport. In a single year, over 19 million passengers use Heathrow and more than 6 million passengers travel through Gatwick Airport.
But which airport should you fly into as an international traveller?
Stay with us as discuss the difference between Hearth airport vs Gatwick airports.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is the primary international airport in the United Kingdom, located in the capital, London. The international airport officially opened on March 25, 1944, as the London Airport.
In 1966, the airport’s name was changed to London Heathrow (LHR, IATA, ICAO). Heathrow Airport is part of the London Airport system, which consists of five other international airports.
Currently, Heathrow is the largest of the six international airports. The international airport is also the busiest in the United Kingdom and the eighth busiest international airport in the world.
However, in 2022, Heathrow was the second-busiest airport in the world by international passenger traffic. As of 2023, the airport was the busiest in Europe and the airport with the world’s most international connection.
Heathrow is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings, Qatar Investment Authority and The Caisse de depot et Placement du Québec (CDPQ).
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Location
London Heathrow Airport is 23 kilometres (14 miles) west of Central London, 4.8 kilometres (3 miles) west of Hounslow and 4.8 kilometres (3 miles) northeast of Staines upon Thames.
Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick Airport is an international in London, United Kingdom. It’s the secondary international airport serving London and the entire UK, one of the six international airports in the London airport system.
Gatwick is the second-busiest international airport in the United Kingdom, only second to Heathrow. In 2022, Gatwick Airport was the eighth busiest international airport in Europe by total passenger traffic.
London Gatwick Airport covers a total area of 1,670 acres. The airport opened in the late 1920s as an aerodrome and since 1933, Gatwick has been used for commercial flights.
The London-based international airport has two terminals, the North Terminal and the South Terminal. Gatwick Airport currently uses only one runway. The airport has a secondary runway but it can only be used when the main runway is not in use. This is due to the secondary runway’s proximity to the main runway.
Heathrow Airport vs Gatwick Airport: Key Differences between Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport
Heathrow and Gatwick Airport are among the six international airports in the London airport system. They are also among the busiest international airports on the European continent by total passenger traffic in a year.
London Heathrow is one of the world’s renowned international airports. It serves as a major hub for international travel, with flight options to different countries across the world.
London Gatwick is the second-busiest international airport in the UK. It’s a prominent international airport, one of the busiest in Europe, and the secondary UK hub for British Airways.
Getting to Gatwick airport from the city centre is a bit far. The international airport is located approximately 45.06 kilometres (28 miles) south of central London.
The airport may be a bit farther from the city centre, but it offers better transportation options for travellers heading to other nearby European countries and other parts of the UK.
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Heathrow Airport vs Gatwick Airport: Distance to Downtown
Heathrow
Compared to Gatwick Airport, Heathrow is closer to central London and this could be one of the reasons that makes the airport the busiest in the United Kingdom.
Heathrow’s location makes it a preferred choice for travellers heading towards the city. Travellers heading to the international airport can go through the Piccadilly Line on the Underground metro system in London.
Trains operate regularly, so passengers can easily access all five terminals and three tube stations in Zone 6. Travelling from Zone 1 to the airport only takes about 45 minutes or more.
Gatwick
Gatwick Airport is not too far from central London and there are various transportation options for travellers.
Travelling from central London to Gatwick Airport takes about 30 minutes or more. Transportation options available include the Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink train services.
With the Gatwick Express, you will get to your destination faster- but the price for the service is a bit steep. You may consider travelling with Southern and Thameslink trains as their services are more affordable.
Heathrow Airport vs Gatwick Airport: Transportation Options
Heathrow
Heathrow provides public transportation that travellers can access by using the Oyster card or contactless payment card.
If you are more concerned about your comfort and want to avoid long journeys, you may want to use Heathrow’s bus and coach services.
National Express operates various coach services travelling from Victoria coach station to the international airport. It’s a well-connected transport system linking the airport to the entire city.
Travellers who prioritise privacy can take the traditional black cabs in London to get to their destination.
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Gatwick Airport
Gatwick’s coach services are a better option for travellers on a budget. They are reliable and more economical for easy travel to and from the airport.
easyByus is one of the companies that offer affordable tickets. National Express is another transportation option that offers convenience and takes passengers to different locations around London.
Gatwick Airport also provides cycle access- situated on National Cycle Route 21. It runs from Greenwich in south London and there are also bike parking facilities and bike lifts.
With this in place, it’s easy to navigate your way out of the South terminal and explore the entire city.
Heathrow Airport vs Gatwick Airport: Airline and Flight Options
Heathrow
Heathrow is a renowned international airport, one of the busiest in Europe that provides a variety of flight options.
Heathrow offers a wide selection of non-stop flights operated by major carriers in the aviation industry. International travellers at Heathrow can choose from Delta, United, and American Airlines for passengers heading to North American destinations.
Other major carriers at Heathrow include Cathay Pacific, ANA, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.
Gatwick
Major lines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Norwegian Airlines operate at Gatwick Airport. These airlines travel from Gatwick to North American cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Orlando.
Gatwick also remains the preferred option for shorter intra-European flights.
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Heathrow Airport vs Gatwick Airport: Airport Amenities and Perks
Heathrow Airport offers luxury for continental and international travel.
Travellers at the airport can explore the exquisite shopping mall at Heathrow. There is also the British Airway’s exclusive Concord Room that offers premium services to first-class passengers.
Major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines also offer premium lounges at Heathrow.
Passengers with long layovers or delayed flights can check into the airport hotels.
Gatwick
Gatwick Airport also provides various lounges open to Priority Pass Members.
Priority Pass Members can get a discount at the Grain Store Café and Bar located in the South Terminal. There is also a variety of dining and shopping options for passenger.
Conclusion
Heathrow and Gatwick are renowned international airports in the UK. They are among the six international airports in the London airport system, and their distance from central London can only take about 45 minutes or tops.
Gatwick and Heathrow Airport offer transportation options and luxurious relaxation for passengers.
