We are traveling to Dublin in June. Our routing taking us from the US to London then Dublin. Unfortunately we have to change airports in London. I shouldn't complain though because I was able to get mileage tickets (thus the weird routing). Has anyone done this airport switch? Do you suggest taking a bus or a private car/cab? Thank you.
Posted by
Boscombe, Dorset, UK
964 posts
Hi Ann, there's a good and frequent bus service between the 2 airports- I forget who runs it- someone with more functioning grey cells than me will be along in a minute to let you know, I'm sure!
A private car or taxi will cost a small fortune. Cheers, Maggie
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
There is frequent direct service between the airports on National Express coaches (highway buses). However, you need to know that the M25 is the most heavily traveled highway in the UK so traffic congestion can delay your transfer time. You need to allow a MINIMUM of four hours (five hours would be safer) between your scheduled arrival at LHR and your scheduled departure from LGW.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue
4 posts
Thank you Maggie & Tim! I really appreciate the information. Fortunately we have lots of time between flights so there shouldn't be a problem.
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
FYI - the National Express bus station at Heathrow is walkable from terminals 1, 2 and 3, but if you arrive at/depart from terminals 4 or 5 you'll have to connect to/from 'Heathrow Central' via a shuttle train (free).
Posted by
London
291 posts
The Heathrow - Gatwick bus stops at Terminal 5 at Heathrow, its only T4 that you need the train shuttle to Central.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue
4 posts
Bob & Tim,
Thank you for the information. I haven't been to Heathrow for 3 years (before the new construction was finished)and would probably have floundered until I figured out where to go.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
2 posts
Hello Ann,
I just made the same trip you described 2 days ago. I am currently in London. The previous posts about National Express are correct. It is easily accessible from Terminal 5. Actually, it is very close to the baggage claim. It cost 19 pounds per ticket. After the 10 hour flight from LAX though, we really wished that we had booked with Air Lingus (sp?) and flown straight out of Heathrow.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue
4 posts
Michelle,
Thank you so much for letting me know about your experience taking the shuttle. We did not have a choice with the routing because we used mileage to get our tickets. I hope you have a wonderful trip!