7) Other options - Limobike, car hire and flying.
We don't have much collective experience about this method of travel, and it's only suitable for a single traveller with very limited baggage. But at least in theory this is the most reliably fast route between Heathrow and Gatwick. Limobikes is a long established company which provides a pillion ride service on the back of a Yamaha FJR1300. The driver provides protective clothing, helmet and a weatherproof blanket if necessary. [Note this is probably the fastest way of transferring between airports, we're putting it in a key position since realistically taxi and coach transfers are more practical].
Cost
The quoted cost is £160 but it can be higher for late night and weekend bookings.
Time / service frequency
On confirming a booking with Limobikes you are met in the arrivals area, given your helmet and protective clothing, and led to the Yamaha. The journey time should be no more than 5o minutes even if the traffic is bad and could take less than that.
Baggage
The maximum baggage you can take is a medium sized wheelie bag, which is strapped on to the back, and there are two side panniers for smaller bags / handbags.
Step free and accessibility
Due to the lifts at both ends, this journey could be entirely step free, but it may not be the most suitable method of transport for those with disability issues.
Hassle factor
Low, other than the need to tog up for the motor bike ride. If you are not used to motorbiking you may be (un)comfortably numb at the end of the journey.
How to book
Contact the service provider directly, they ideally need 3 or 4 days notice. They do respond quickly to emails and will try to fit in last minute bookings.
0203 176 4441/ +44 203 176 4441
[email protected]
http://www.limobike.com
============
Car hire
In the Beta thread it was pointed out that hiring a car would be an option for some. There isn't the same car hire culture in the UK as exists in USA or South Africa, but it's a valid option. The advantage being potentially cost and luggage space particularly if several people are travelling. The downside is the paperwork completion would add quite a bit to journey times compared to the alternatives. Still it may work for some travellers. The road journey is relatively straightforward and is well signposted.
============
Fly!
Well this wouldn't be BA Flyertalk without this option. It's not entirely, certifiably, mad should you need to increase the number of Eligible Flights for BAEC membership. The best way is via AMS, GVA, EDI or GLA, since your normally won't have a security or passport check at AMS, GVA, EDI or GLA. In the case of EDI and GLA you will also have easy access to the lounge if eligible. In the LGW to LHR direction you won't have a security check at T5 either in the case of EDI and GLA. You will have a LGW security check in the LHR to LGW direction however, but if your onward flight is international then there is a dedicated fast passage for this, provided you don't get a bus transfer at the LGW gate from EDI or GLA. The journey time about 4 hours in all. The cheapest revenue ticket I could find for this was £84 HBO LGW-GLA-LHR (so cheaper than some taxi options!), or £89 for LGW-GVA-LHR (2 singles). For RFS - which doesn't count towards Eligible Flights - it's £35 and 8k Avios off peak in EuroTraveller or Domestic. You can save approx £1.30 by going via GVA and redeeming single tickets rather than a return. If your connection is LHR T3 to LGW or vice versa then one would go via Vienna or Barcelona, obviously, to reduce the need to go via T5. Hat tip:
pinkcat.