If you’re flying into Heathrow Airport (LHR) and departing from Gatwick Airport (LGW) or vice versa choosing the right airport hotel can save you stress, time, and money.
Many travellers ask:
> Should I stay near Heathrow?
> Should I stay near Gatwick?
> Is there a good hotel between Heathrow and Gatwick?
This guide compares Heathrow airport hotels vs Gatwick airport hotels so you can book smarter.
Quick Answer: Where Should You Stay?
| Scenario | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Early morning flight from Gatwick | Stay near Gatwick |
| Late night arrival at Heathrow | Stay near Heathrow |
| Travelling with kids | Stay at departure airport |
| Short overnight transfer | Stay at departure airport |
| Looking for cheaper rates | Compare both – Gatwick often cheaper |
| Want easy walk to terminal | Choose on-airport hotel |
👉 Staying “in between” Heathrow and Gatwick is usually NOT ideal.
Heathrow Airport Hotels Pros & Cons
Heathrow is closer to central London and has more transport connections.
Advantages of Hotels Near Heathrow
* 4 terminals with connected hotels
* Easy access via Tube (Piccadilly Line)
* Large range of business hotels
* Frequent shuttle services
* Good for central London overnight stays
Popular options include:
* Premier Inn Heathrow Terminal 4
* Hilton Heathrow
* Sofitel Heathrow
* Budget airport hotels near Terminal 2 & 3
Heathrow works well for:
* Business travellers
* Overnight layovers
* Late arrivals from US flights
Heathrow Downsides
* Can be more expensive
* Traffic congestion around airport
* Hotel parking can cost extra
* Early morning transfers can still require shuttle time
Gatwick Airport Hotels – Pros & Cons
Gatwick is smaller and easier to navigate.
Advantages of Hotels Near Gatwick
* North & South Terminal hotels within walking distance
* More budget-friendly airport hotels
* Strong availability for last-minute stays
* Shorter security queues (generally)
* Easier morning departures
Popular options:
* Premier Inn Gatwick North Terminal
* Premier Inn A23 Airport Way
* Hampton by Hilton Gatwick
* Courtyard by Marriott Gatwick
* Travelodge Gatwick
Gatwick works well for:
* Family travel
* Early morning flights
* Last-minute airport hotel deals
* Travellers wanting simple transfers
Gatwick Downsides
* Further from central London
* Limited Tube access (requires train)
* Fewer luxury options compared to Heathrow
Is There a Good Hotel Between Heathrow and Gatwick?
Short answer:
Not really.
There is no practical “midpoint” hotel that makes travel easier.
Why?
* Heathrow is west of London
* Gatwick is south of London
* “In between” usually means central London
* Transport the next morning can be complicated
If you try to stay in central London:
* You double transfer costs
* You increase morning travel stress
* Hotels are often more expensive
Best advice:
👉 Stay at the airport you depart from.
Best Option for Families
If you need:
* Family room (3 beds or sofa bed)
* Early morning departure
* Minimal stress
Choose:
✔ Premier Inn family rooms
✔ Airport hotels with shuttle
✔ Hotels within walking distance to terminal
Gatwick tends to be slightly better for family logistics due to shorter walking distances.
Which Airport Is Cheaper for Hotels?
Generally:
* Gatwick airport hotels are often cheaper
* Heathrow has more premium business hotels
* Match demand affects both
* School holidays increase both prices
Pro tip:
Search:
* “cheap hotels near Heathrow”
* “budget hotels near Gatwick North Terminal”
* “airport hotels with free cancellation”
Booking 2–3 weeks ahead usually gets the best availability.
Transport Comparison
Heathrow to Gatwick Transfer Options
* National Express coach (direct)
* Taxi (expensive)
* Train via central London
* RailAir + train combination
Travel time: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on method.
If you land late, transferring same night to Gatwick is often easier than transferring in the morning.
Smart Booking Strategy
Instead of searching:
“Hotel between Heathrow and Gatwick”
Search:
✔ Hotels near Gatwick North Terminal
✔ Hotels near Gatwick South Terminal
✔ Hotels near Heathrow Terminal 3
✔ Heathrow airport hotel with shuttle
✔ Gatwick airport hotel parking package
Heathrow vs Gatwick Hotel Comparison Summary
| Feature | Heathrow | Gatwick |
|---|---|---|
| Number of hotels | Higher | Moderate |
| Budget options | Good | Very good |
| Walking distance hotels | Yes | Yes (easier layout) |
| Family convenience | Good | Excellent |
| Business travel | Excellent | Good |
| London access | Better | Further |
| Simplicity | Moderate | Simpler |
Final Verdict
If you're flying from Gatwick the next morning:
👉 Stay at Gatwick.
If you're arriving late at Heathrow:
👉 Stay at Heathrow first, then transfer early.
Trying to stay “between” Heathrow and Gatwick usually adds cost and stress.
For most travellers, especially families, the best airport hotel is simply:
✔ The one at your departure airport
✔ Within walking distance
✔ With flexible cancellation
Looking for more hotels near Gatwick Airport?
Explore our guide:
