Merton, equally close to both

How do Gatwick and Heathrow compare from Merton?

Gatwick is about 23 miles away and takes around 41 minutes off-peak and 53 minutes in the rush, via the A24 or the A217 to the M25 and the M23. Heathrow is about 31 miles away by the fastest route, round the M25 and up the M4 spur or the A3 and the A316, and takes around 43 minutes off-peak and 56 in the rush.

With so little between them, choose the airport that suits the flight. Heathrow has most of the long-haul network. Gatwick has a large share of European holiday flights and some long-haul leisure routes. If the fares and times are similar, many Merton travellers pick the terminal they find easier.

What routes do chauffeurs use?

For Gatwick, the usual line runs south through Morden and Sutton or Carshalton to the M25 at Reigate Hill or Leatherhead, then onto the M23. For Heathrow, chauffeurs from Raynes Park and Wimbledon often use the A3 and the M25, while those from Mitcham and Colliers Wood may go through Wandsworth to the A4 and the M4.

Traffic on the A24 through Colliers Wood and on the A3 at the Robin Hood roundabout can be slow in the morning rush, and the chauffeur checks both before setting off. Your fixed price does not change with the route taken.

Is the train a better choice?

Sometimes, for Gatwick. From Wimbledon and Mitcham Junction, some rail journeys to Gatwick are quick with a change at Clapham Junction or East Croydon. For Heathrow, there is no simple rail route from most of Merton; the usual option is the District line and the Piccadilly line with a change, or a journey into central London and out again.

A car is the simpler choice with luggage, children or an early flight, and for most Heathrow journeys from the borough it is noticeably quicker than public transport.

How does the Wimbledon Championships affect journeys?

For two weeks every summer, the Championships bring large crowds and heavy traffic to Wimbledon, Southfields and the roads around the All England Club. Some streets close or come under restrictions, parking is suspended across a wide area, and Church Road and the surrounding routes are slow for much of the day.

If your pickup falls during the tournament, we will check the dates when you book. The chauffeur may suggest a route that avoids the area or a pickup point on a quieter road. For visitors staying locally for the tennis, we can arrange airport pickups around the day’s schedule.

What about early departures?

Both airports have a busy first wave of departures between 06:00 and 08:00. For a 07:00 flight from Gatwick, a pickup at about 04:15 is usually right from Morden or Mitcham, leaving two hours at the terminal. For Heathrow, allow a little longer for long-haul check-in.

At that hour, the roads from Merton to either airport are nearly empty, so the drive time is predictable. We confirm early pickups the evening before, and the chauffeur messages you when they are outside.

How do pickups work in Merton?

Most homes in Morden, Raynes Park, Motspur Park and the residential parts of Mitcham have a driveway or a quiet street outside, and the car will wait at your door. Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon have busier main roads, and the chauffeur may meet you on a side street.

For the new flats around Colliers Wood and Morden town centre, give us the building name and the entrance with a drop-off area. For addresses near Mitcham Common, where some roads are unadopted or unlit, a short description in the notes helps.

What about London City and the other airports?

London City is about 16 miles away but takes around 57 minutes, because the route crosses central London. Biggin Hill, for private flights, is about 41 minutes east, and Farnborough about 53 minutes west. Luton and Stansted are well over an hour each.

Which car suits a Merton journey?

The Mercedes E-Class suits one or two travellers to either airport, and it is the most common choice for business trips from Wimbledon. Families with holiday luggage should book the V-Class, which takes six passengers and six large cases, with room for pushchairs and car seats. For groups heading to a wedding or an event abroad, the V-Class keeps everyone together.