A transfer fixing apparatus including an intermediate transfer member having an outer surface onto which a toner image is transferred, a transfer fixing member having an outer surface onto which the toner image is transferred by the intermediate transfer member, a heating member configured to heat the toner image on the outer surface of the transfer fixing member, and an opposite member formed opposite the transfer fixing member. A nip is formed between the transfer fixing member and the opposite member, the toner image being fixed onto the recording medium while passing through the nip. The transfer member is separated by a space from the intermediate transfer member by a thickness of the toner image.