A common diversion headache: you land at one London airport, but your car is parked at another — or you need to reach a different airport for onward plans. There’s no fast direct train between London’s airports (rail means going into the city and out again), so a direct fixed-price taxi is usually the sensible way across. This guide gives the distances, times and indicative fares for the routes people actually need after a diversion, all door-to-door and running 24/7. And remember — if the diversion caused this, the cost may be reimbursable, so keep the receipt.
Key takeaways
- No fast train between airports — rail means into London and back out; a direct car is simpler.
- Car parked at the original airport? A fixed-price transfer takes you straight to it.
- 24/7, fixed price — no surge even late at night, with a driver assigned to you.
- Common routes: Gatwick–Heathrow ~45 mi, Luton–Heathrow ~40 mi, Stansted–Gatwick ~65 mi.
- Keep the receipt — a diversion-caused transfer may be reimbursable by the airline.
01 / WHYWhy a direct car between airports
London’s airports aren’t linked to each other by a quick train — almost every rail route runs into central London and back out again, which is slow and awkward with luggage, and often impossible late at night. A direct private-hire car goes straight across on the motorway network (mostly the M25), door-to-door, at a fixed price. After a diversion, when you’re tired and just need to reach your car or your onward airport, that’s the least stressful option.
02 / ROUTESDistances, times & indicative fares
Indicative fixed saloon fares for the routes most needed after a diversion (larger vehicles cost more; fares confirmed before you travel with no surge):
| Route | Approx distance | Approx time | From (saloon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luton → Heathrow | ~40 mi | ~1–1¼ h | from £93 |
| Gatwick → Heathrow | ~45 mi | ~1–1½ h | from £100 |
| Stansted → Heathrow | ~60 mi | ~1½ h | from £121 |
| Stansted → Gatwick | ~65 mi | ~1½–2 h | from £129 |
| Stansted → Luton | ~35 mi | ~1 h | from £85 |
Fares are indicative and depend on your exact pickup and vehicle — get a fixed quote for your route.
03 / CAR PARKEDYour car’s at the other airport
This is the most common case: you flew from Heathrow, left your car there, and your inbound flight diverted to Gatwick or Stansted. Rather than wait for an airline coach that may take hours, a direct fixed-price transfer takes you straight to your car park, 24/7. Give us the terminal and car park so the driver drops you right by your vehicle, and keep the receipt — if the diversion caused the extra trip, it may be reimbursable.
04 / OPTIONSDirect car vs the alternatives
Direct fixed-price taxi
Pros: Straight across, door-to-door; fixed price; 24/7; a driver assigned; room for luggage.
Cons: A cross-London fare isn’t cheap — though often reimbursable and far quicker than rail.
Train (into London and out)
Pros: Cheaper if it’s daytime and running.
Cons: Slow (two journeys with a cross-city change); often not running late; painful with luggage.
Airline coach
Pros: Free if provided, and goes to your original airport.
Cons: Can be hours away; not on your schedule when you just want your car.
05 / WHYWhy a fixed-price transfer here
Cross-airport hops are exactly where a fixed price earns its keep: M25 traffic doesn’t change what you pay, a TfL-licensed driver is assigned to you, and dispatch runs 24/7 so a late-night “my car’s at Heathrow” problem is solved straight away. As a Transport for London-licensed private hire operator, Rushxo confirms the fare and driver before you travel — and you keep the receipt for any airline claim.
06 / TIPSDo these now
- Give both airports and terminals (and your car park, if collecting a car) for an accurate quote and drop.
- Ask the airline whether they’ll cover the transfer — keep the receipt either way.
- Check if a coach is coming — if it’s hours away, a car is usually worth it.
- Travelling as a group? One vehicle split between you is better value.
- Book from the terminal — a car can be arranged 24/7.
FAQFrequently asked questions
Can I get a taxi between London airports after a diversion?
Yes. A fixed-price, 24/7 airport-to-airport transfer takes you straight across — there’s no fast direct train between London’s airports, so a car is usually the sensible option, door-to-door.
My car’s at Heathrow but my flight landed at Gatwick — what do I do?
A direct fixed-price transfer takes you from Gatwick to your Heathrow car park (about 45 miles, 1–1.5 hours), 24/7. Give your terminal and car park for the drop, and keep the receipt in case the diversion cost is reimbursable.
How much is a taxi from Gatwick to Heathrow?
Indicatively from around £100 for a saloon (about 45 miles), agreed before you travel with no surge. Larger vehicles cost more; get a quote for your exact pickup.
Is there a train between London airports?
Not a fast direct one — rail routes run into central London and back out, which is slow and awkward with luggage and often not running late at night. A direct car is usually quicker and simpler.
Diverted to Luton but I need Heathrow — how far is it?
About 40 miles, roughly 1–1.25 hours by road, indicatively from around £93 for a saloon. A fixed-price car goes direct, 24/7, door-to-door.
Can I get an airport-to-airport taxi late at night?
Yes. Dispatch runs 24/7, so a Stansted-to-Gatwick or similar transfer can be arranged at any hour, with the fare fixed and no night surge.
Will the airline pay for an airport-to-airport transfer?
If the diversion caused it, the cost may be reimbursable as reasonable onward travel. Ask the airline, get it in writing where possible, and keep the receipt.
How much is Stansted to Gatwick by taxi?
About 65 miles, roughly 1.5–2 hours, indicatively from around £129 for a saloon, fixed before you travel. Get a quote for your exact route and vehicle.
Time Matters
Get a fixed-price airport-to-airport car, 24/7
Fixed fares confirmed before you ride. Local licensed drivers, flight tracking, 24/7 human support — and no surge, ever.