My original gateway was Heathrow. On a good day with a following wind I could be there in 45 min. However, I used to take the bus so it took 1hr 15 min. On the other hand, I didn't have to park a car and wrestle with the shuttles to the terminal. To say I hated LHR with a passion is an understatement.
Nowadays, my gateway is sunny Luton. 20 min and I am there. Unless the M1 is chockers and then it takes 30 min.
2 hours wouldn't be a hassle but it's up to you to get to the gateway on time. Others do live further away. Fortunately home standby with a mad scramble is rare.
Early shows used to be common place but I have found that they are the exception now. On rare occasions I get a 0400z show, but last week I got a 1400z show.
The norm for me is somewhere between 0800z and 1000z.
Other gateways may have a different experience.