# Airport-to-airport transfers London's airports are spread around the city and are not linked by a dedicated airport rail network. Changing airports can take a substantial part of a day, especially when immigration, baggage collection and a second security check are involved. ## Direct coaches National Express runs direct coach services on several airport pairs, including routes involving [Heathrow](page:532), [Gatwick](page:533), [Stansted](page:534) and [Luton](page:535). A direct coach can be simpler with luggage than taking trains across central London, but road traffic makes the timing less predictable. ## Rail usually means crossing London There is no single rail service connecting all London airports. Many rail transfers require a change in central London and sometimes a change between stations or transport systems. This can be efficient for light luggage, but it is a poor plan with a tight connection. ## Leave a large buffer An airport change is not an ordinary flight connection. Allow for immigration, baggage reclaim, the surface journey, check-in or bag drop, security and disruption. If the itinerary is on separate tickets, the second airline will normally treat a missed flight as your problem rather than a protected connection. --- ## Links here - [Getting there](page:62918) - [Ground Transport](page:538)