The Georgian City · Somerset

Airport

Bath to Heathrow or Gatwick

The fast-train instinct is wrong for Heathrow, but right for Gatwick - we explain why

Bath to Heathrow or Gatwick
Photo: Cihan Yüce / Pexels

To get to Heathrow or Gatwick from Bath, you have several options: coach, train, or transfer. The best option for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. For Heathrow, the direct coach (from £7 on FlixBus, 3x daily) is often cheaper and quicker than the train, which involves backtracking via Reading or Paddington. On the other hand, for Gatwick, the train is usually the best option.

comparing your options

Here's a comparison of the options for getting to Heathrow and Gatwick from Bath:

AirportOptionCostTime
HeathrowCoach (FlixBus)from £7varies
HeathrowTrain (via Reading or Paddington)varieslonger than coach
GatwickTrainvariesfaster than coach
GatwickCoachvariesslower than train

As you can see, the best option for you will depend on the airport you're heading to.

why the coach is a good option for heathrow

The coach is a good option for getting to Heathrow from Bath because it's often cheaper and quicker than the train. FlixBus offers direct coaches from Bath to Heathrow from £7, 3x daily. This can be a good option if you're on a budget or short on time.

why the train is a good option for gatwick

The train is a good option for getting to Gatwick from Bath because it's often faster than the coach. The train journey from Bath Spa to Gatwick involves fewer changes and is generally more convenient than the coach. If you're planning a trip from Bath to Heathrow or Gatwick, you may also want to consider using a taxi or private transfer service, such as those offered by Tick Taxi group (our publisher), which can provide a door-to-door service. For more information on things to do in Bath, see our guide to Bath in one weekend, which includes a section on day trips from Bath. You may also want to consider using the park and ride service, as described in our guide to Parking in Bath. For more information on getting to Bristol, see our guide to Bath to Bristol.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to get to Heathrow from Bath?

The coach (from £7 on FlixBus, 3x daily) is often the cheapest option

What is the fastest way to get to Gatwick from Bath?

The train is usually the fastest option

Can I use a taxi or private transfer service to get to the airport?

Yes, companies like Tick Taxi group (our publisher) offer door-to-door services

How do I get to the city centre from the park and ride?

The park and ride service takes around 10-15 minutes to get to the city centre

What are the prices for the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa?

The Roman Baths cost from about £27.50 and Thermae Bath Spa costs from about £42.50

Questions people ask

What is the cheapest way to get to Heathrow from Bath?

The coach (from £7 on FlixBus, 3x daily) is often the cheapest option

What is the fastest way to get to Gatwick from Bath?

The train is usually the fastest option

Can I use a taxi or private transfer service to get to the airport?

Yes, companies like Tick Taxi group (our publisher) offer door-to-door services

How do I get to the city centre from the park and ride?

The park and ride service takes around 10-15 minutes to get to the city centre

What are the prices for the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa?

The Roman Baths cost from about £27.50 and Thermae Bath Spa costs from about £42.50

Prices and times checked August 2026.

See something wrong?

Prices move and places close. If something on this page is out of date or wrong, tell us and the desk will check it.

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