Looking for a faster, easier way to invoke AWS Lambda functions without the overhead of API Gateway? Enter AWS Lambda URLs—a powerful feature that lets you trigger functions via HTTPS with minimal setup. Ideal for simple endpoints long-running tasks, or public webhooks, Lambda URLs are the shortcut many developers haven’t discovered yet. Here’s what they are, when to use them, and why they might be your next go-to tool in serverless architecture.

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Contents

• - The Problem with API Gateway
• - What Is an AWS Lambda URL?
• - Benefits of Lambda URLs
• - What’s Missing?
• - When to Use Lambda Without API Gateway
• - Final Thoughts

The Problem with API Gateway?

AWS API Gateway is often the default choice for exposing Lambda functions to the web—but it brings complexity. From configuring resources and methods to writing CloudFormation templates, the setup can feel bloated, especially for small, fast-moving projects.

Even with frameworks like Serverless Framework or AWS SAM, there’s still a learning curve. And let’s not forget about timeout limitations: API Gateway still tops out at 1 minute, even after AWS’s recent updates. In contrast, AWS Lambda functions can run for up to 15 minutes, making API Gateway a bottleneck for long-running processes.

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Classical AWS ApiGateway Client - Server flow diagram

What Is an AWS Lambda URL?

The AWS Lambda Function URL is a simple, built-in HTTPS endpoint that you can enable directly on your Lambda function. No API Gateway. No extra infrastructure. Just a direct way to invoke Lambda functions over HTTP.

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Benefits of Lambda URLs?

• — No API Gateway required – drastically simplifies your setup
• — Long-running task support – up to 15 minutes of execution time
• — Great for webhooks & simple public endpoints
• — Perfect for MVPs, internal tools, or low-security use cases

Similar flow as AWS ApiGateway, but simple and more efficient

What’s Missing?

Lambda URLs are lightweight—but that means fewer features:

• — No built-in authorization (though IAM-based sig auth is available)
• — No request/response mapping, caching, or rate limiting
• — No custom domains or advanced routing (without extra configuration)

If your use case needs fine-grained control, API Gateway still wins. But if you’re after simplicity and speed, Lambda URLs shine.

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When to Use Lambda Without API Gateway

Here are some ideal scenarios:

• — Building a public webhook endpoint
• — Running a background process or data processing job
• — Creating a proof of concept, MVP, or internal dashboard
• — Deploying a tool where security can be managed elsewhere or isn’t a major concern

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Final Thoughts

AWS Lambda URLs offer a clean, no-fuss way to expose your functions to the web. While they may not replace API Gateway in complex apps, they’re perfect for quick wins and straightforward use cases.

If you’re building serverless and looking to move fast with less friction, try Lambda Function URLs. Sometimes, the best tool is the simplest one.