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Flying London to Reykjavik: LHR or LGW?

In early June I need an afternoon flight to Reykjavik. Will be coming from Rye by train. Icelandair has direct flights from both LHR and LGW, same time, comparable price. Comparing the "hassle factor" of the two airports, which would be better?

It's been a long time since of been to Gatwick, but thinking it might be better because it's smaller (fewer people.) Haven't researched the trains exhaustively, but thinking I'll have to go through from Rye via London for either airport. Don't want to have to buy a more expensive, flexible airline ticket, so does either of the train routes to the airports have more issues? Thanks for your help!

Posted by
142 posts

Heathrow via Heathrow Express is the shortest route, however the Gatwick Express is a bit longer but still quite convenient. Why not choose the cheaper of the two airports?

Posted by
995 posts

The plane ticket price is identical from both airports. So is departure time. What I really need to know is whether immigration at LHR is going to take a lot longer, increasing the risk that I might miss the flight. (There will be a lot of moving parts that day.) Any thoughts on that?

Posted by
16413 posts

From Rye, there is no need to go into London to get to Gatwick. One change at Hastings.

The train to Heathrow involves numerous changes.

Why would you go through immigration at Heathrow if you are leaving? There is no exit passport control in the UK.

Posted by
16413 posts

The price is the same buying from a third party or directly from the train operator.

When you are ready to buy your ticket, buy it directly from the operator of the train. If there is a delay, it is easy to get full or partial refunds. There is no benefit buying from a third party since the price is the same.

Tickets are usually available three months before the travel day.

Use this official site to find the train times and links to the train operator:

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk