Gatwick - Luton Airport bus shuttle transfer

National Express airport coach service with high frequency both directions

Slow but cheap - National Express Luton - Gatwick bus

National Express coaches run direct, frequent coaches between all of London's four major airports, including a Luton - Gatwick Airport Bus.

This coach service isn't the fastest way to travel between Gatwick and Luton airports (that's the Thameslink train link), but it is the only one that will take you from passenger terminal to passenger terminal at both airports.

Gatwick to & from Luton

Comparison

Train

Public Bus

Private Car/Bus

National Express bus between Gatwick & Luton Airport

The Luton - Gatwick Airport Bus is operated by National Express with comfortable coaches complete with on board washrooms.

Gatwick and Luton Airports are opposite sides of London, the National Express coach goes around London's orbital motorway/freeway.

 

Half way around the orbital motorway is Heathrow Airport where the coaches make several stops at the passenger terminals.

Minimum times between flights?

The journey time on the bus is scheduled at between 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.

Absolute minimum time with no contingency between flights that you should contemplate making a transfer between Gatwick and Luton is 6 hours using this service.

Remember the fastest way between Gatwick Airport and Luton Airport are the Thameslink trains, not the National Express coaches.

Road congestion warning!

Most of the route between Gatwick and Luton is along some of the most heavily congested motorway/freeway in Europe.

It only takes one accident or lane closure and the whole road comes to gridlock with major delays.

Mondays to Fridays between 6.30am and 10am and 3.30pm and 7pm traffic congestion is routine, expect delays at this time.

There can also be severe congestion late Sunday afternoon/ early evening. But at anytime the slightest incident can bring the road to gridlock.

 

The approach road to the passenger terminal at Luton is also prone to traffic congestion delays.

Finding the bus at Gatwick & Luton

Luton Airport

In front of the main front doors of Luton Airport's passenger terminal is a very large bus station, you cannot miss it. Everyone has to walk through it to get to the other forms of transport like the taxi rank and car park shuttles. All the different buses are lined up with their own bus bays.

Gatwick Airport

At Gatwick the National Express bus visits both North and South Terminals. For boarding and drops the the coach bays are well signed and are directly in front of the passenger terminals, a few yards out of the door.

National Express luggage allowance

You can carry two medium-sized suitcases - weighing up to 20kg (44 lbs) each - plus one small piece of hand luggage per person. Drivers loading the baggage do not weigh bags.

Customers will be permitted to pool their individual allowances if they are travelling in a group or as a family, but they must be travelling on the same ticket.

Over this allowance and steep excess luggage charges kick in.

If you need to take extra luggage on your journey, this can be arranged either in advance or on your day of travel when you arrive at the coach station. However buying your extra luggage on-line in advance is much cheaper.

 

National Express bus routing

The Gatwick - Luton buses are not dedicated Gatwick to Luton buses.

Most of the buses terminate/start at Gatwick Airport and visit Heathrow Airport before going onto Luton airport and beyond.

National Express fares - the key points

Remember: with National Express you book a seat on a specific bus schedule.

National Express fare types

National Express have three fare types:

Restricted Fare: online only - not amendable

This fare is the cheapest fare of all for a reason - it is neither refundable nor amendable.

Standard Fare: the cheapest fare. Amendable (for a fee) but not refundable

This ticket is not refundable but the journey date and time can be changed prior to your current departure date and time. Amendments must be made prior to the journey. An amendment fee will apply.

Fully Flexible Fare: unlimited amendments and refunds allowed before travel

The most expenstive option means that you can make unlimited amendments anytime prior to departure without incurring an amendment fee. You can also receive a full refund up to 24 hours before travel if you need to.

The Airport flexible add on - (Change & Go) The flexibility to switch schedule if your flight is early/late

(£5 each way)

For peace of mind if your flight is early or delayed with this add-on you may board any available coach 12 hours before or 12 hours after your original departure time you have selected on reservation.

You can amend your ticket to a new departure date as well - free of charge.

You can obtain a refund on your ticket up to 24 hours before departure.

You add the Change & Go Add On during the booking process, not at the original selection screen where you select your schedule and fare.

The option comes up on a subsequent screen with other supplemental options like excess luggage and travel insurance are offered and before payment.

National Express Group Discount (for 3 people or more)

If you're travelling on the National Express services in a group of four or more, you can travel between London's airports for just £20 per person.

Luggage supplements

The National Express coaches come with a free luggage allowance of either 2 medium or 1 large cases for the hold of the bus.

Medium cases should be no more than 70cm x 45cm x 30cm.

Large cases no more than 75cm x 50cm x 32cm.

Neither case should weigh more than 20kg (44lb).

An item of hand luggage is allowed in the passenger cabin but only laptop/handbag size.

There are steep excess luggage charges if you exceed these limits.

For supplement prices please click through on the link below.

3 extra cases is usually around twice the price to just one extra case if you book in advance, but will cost up to three times as much if you leave it to the day.

You will usually save at least a couple of pounds (or more if multiple extra bags) by booking in advance, in addition to guaranteeing yourself a space (extra luggage space can't be guaranteed on the day).

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Luton - Gatwick Airport private transfers

A private car or bus with a clear run takes around 80 minutes to make the journey between Luton and Gatwick.

As well as being the most convenient and stress free option, private vehicles can make real sense, especially if there is a group of you or you have lots of luggage.

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