Heathrow, Gatwick or Stanstead. ( a Tale of Three Airports)

Heathrow, Gatwick or Stanstead
(A tale of three airports)

London is served by two major airports; Heathrow and Gatwick. Everyone has heard of Heathrow, which claims to be the world's busiest international airport, but what about Gatwick?
Gatwick's development became necessary in the early 1960's because Heathrow was at capacity. American based carriers such as Continental, American, Northwest and Delta all use Gatwick along with other airlines from across the globe.
Another emerging airport in the London area is Stanstead. Stanstead is considered a minor airport but will become more visible in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympics and act as an overflow for Heathrow and Gatwick. Stanstead is located north of London and services mostly European countries however American Airlines recently started service from New York (JFK).
So what airport do you choose? The surprise answer is either airport because the most important factor is accessibility to the center of London and here all three airports shine. So here are the facts that will enable you to make confident choices. Transportation to London is listed from expensive to least expensive.

Heathrow to London:

Taxi:
It's door to door but you pay for it and because of traffic it takes the longest. One good point is that a London cab driver can't shut up so be prepared for a commentary on the way in. Make sure you choose a black cab from the taxi stand and ignore any solicitation from bogus drivers.
Journey time: 1hr. 15min.
Frequency: Always available
Cost: $104.00.

Rail: Heathrow Express:
It's the fastest way; non-stop from all terminals to Paddington Station.
Use Paddington Underground or grab a cab to your final destination.
Journey time: 15 minutes.
Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
Cost: $23.57 one way.

Rail: London Underground: (The Tube).
Less cost than the Heathrow Express but you will work for it. Departs from all terminals; be prepared for crowded trains and around 15-17 stops. In some stations you will have to tote your baggage up and down small stairways.
Journey time: 45 - 50 minutes to central London stations.
Frequency: Every 5 minutes.
Cost: $14.00 one way.

Bus:
National Express runs regular service into Victoria Coach Station. This is the least expensive but be prepared for congested roads. Use the Underground or cabs to your final destination.
Journey time: 1hr 15min.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes
Cost: $8.00 one way

Gatwick to London:

Taxi:
Once again the most expensive, however it's door to door. Make sure you use official London Taxis. (Black Cabs)
Journey Time: 1hr 45 min; varies depending on traffic.
Frequency: Always available
Cost: $150.00

Rail:
The Gatwick Express is the fastest service into London. The station covers both North and South terminals and the non-stop journey drops you off at London Victoria station. Take the Underground or a cab to get to your final destination.
Journey Time: 45 minutes.
Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
Cost: $24.00.

Bus: National Express:
Departs from Gatwick Airport Bus Station to London Victoria Coach Station
Use the underground or a cab to your final destination.
Journey Time:
1hr 45minutes
Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Cost: $14.00 one way

Stanstead to London:

Taxi:
Checker Cabs is the recommended company and is featured on Stanstead's website. They have a booking booth in the airport.
Journey Time: 1hr 30minutes.
Frequency: Always available.
Cost: $196.00 (yikes)

Rail: Stanstead Express:
This is the most economical and fastest way to London. The final destination is Liverpool Street station. Take the Underground's Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Central lines to your final destination. The train also makes one stop at Tottenham Hale Station. Here you can take the Underground if your destination is at or near a station on the Victoria Line
Journey Time: 45minutes
Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
Cost: $30.00 one way.

Bus:
National Express from airport to Victoria Bus Station
Journey Time: 1hr 45 min.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Cost: $21.00

Airport to Airport:
Transfers to and from airports is simple and are by bus.
For times and costs visit the National Express website.
Allow plenty of time to make your next flight, as you will be traveling on England's busiest highway; the M25. It's London's main ring road and always has lane closures for one reason or another.

The above rates and times are approximate but are accurate at time of publishing. Now you have the tool to make a confident transfer decision on arrival at one of London's airports.