Illustrative comparison based on typical fares and public transport costs. Ticket prices vary by airline, season and booking date.
Heathrow's Elizabeth Line gets you to central London 20-30 minutes faster than Gatwick's train.
Full-service airlines into Heathrow typically include baggage — no surprise fees at check-in.
Heathrow's trains run every 10–15 minutes; Gatwick Express every 15 but you may wait longer for connections.
The total door-to-door journey is ~30 minutes shorter through Heathrow despite the slightly longer flight.
Heathrow connects to more London Underground lines, making onward travel simpler.
If you find an easyJet fare at least €40 cheaper than the Heathrow option — the saving covers the longer transfer.
If you are travelling with only hand luggage — the baggage cost gap disappears.
If you are heading to south London, Brighton or the south coast — Gatwick is geographically closer.
If you want the shortest flight — Gatwick flights are ~5 min shorter.
Illustrative breakdown. Actual costs depend on your specific flight, baggage and chosen transfer option.
Faster transfer, more transport options, closer to most London offices.
Direct train connections from the airport — easier with tired children and luggage.
easyJet fares from CDG can be very low. The saving justifies the slightly longer transfer.
Every hour counts — the faster transfer means more time in London.
Gatwick is south of the city — closer to Croydon, Brighton and the south coast.
For central Paris to central London, the Eurostar (2h 15m) often beats flying door-to-door.
Add baggage fees, airport transfer cost and schedule waiting time. A €50 saving on the ticket can disappear after one checked bag and a coach transfer.
Gatwick is 45km from central London. The transfer costs time and money — factor it in.
Budget airlines into Gatwick often charge €35–60 for a checked bag. Full-service airlines into Heathrow frequently include it.
RER B — factor this into the total journey before comparing London airports.
Gatwick and other budget-airline airports often have cheaper advertised ticket prices from Paris. However, once you add baggage fees (€35–60 on budget airlines) and the longer, more expensive airport transfer, Heathrow is frequently cheaper overall. Always compare the complete door-to-door cost.
Gatwick Express — ~30 min, ~£20 off-peak.
Elizabeth Line — ~35 min, ~£12 off-peak.
Yes. Late-night arrivals at Gatwick mean fewer transport options. Late-night arrivals at Heathrow still have the Piccadilly Line (24-hour on Fri/Sat) and night buses. Early morning departures may require arriving at the airport the night before.
The Piccadilly Line costs £5–6 and takes 50–60 minutes. The Elizabeth Line costs ~£12 and takes ~35 minutes. Both run frequently throughout the day. The Piccadilly Line is the budget option; the Elizabeth Line is faster and more comfortable.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Next factual review: January 2027
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