Saloon taxi · Airport transfers

Saloon taxi airport transfer, fixed from £40.

A saloon taxi airport transfer is a private, pre-booked journey in a four-door car for up to four passengers, at a fixed price agreed before you travel. Your driver tracks your flight, meets you at arrivals with a name board and takes you door to door, 24 hours a day, to and from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend.

  • 60 minutes’ free waiting after landing
  • Meet and greet with a name board
  • Free child seats, on request
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup

Waiting-time, child-seat and cancellation conditions are set out in our terms. Fares are starting prices from central London.

Saloon taxi for airport transfers

Quick answers

Saloon taxi airport transfer: the short answers

The questions travellers ask most before booking a saloon, answered in a few lines each. The detail follows below.

What is a saloon taxi airport transfer?

A private, pre-booked journey in a four-door car with a separate boot, at a fixed price agreed before you travel. It is the lowest-priced vehicle class for one to four passengers with standard luggage.

How many passengers and bags fit?

Up to 4 passengers with 2 large suitcases and 2 hand bags. With 3 large suitcases, 3 passengers is the comfortable limit. For five or more people, or for golf clubs and skis, book an estate or MPV.

How much is a saloon from central London?

From £40 to London City and £45 to Heathrow, up to £80 to Gatwick. These are starting fares from central London; the exact fixed fare for your postcode is shown before you pay.

Is a saloon the cheapest option?

Yes, it is the lowest price tier. An estate typically costs about £10 more on the same route, an MPV about £20 more and an executive car about £40 more (indicative).

What is included in the fixed fare?

Meet and greet, flight tracking, free waiting after landing and free child seats, with airport and road charges shown before you pay. The booking summary is the final word on what is included.

What if my flight is early or late?

Your pickup moves with your landing time: we track the flight number you give us. Up to 60 minutes of free waiting after landing are included at airports, as stated in your booking terms.

Can I book at night or very early?

Yes, 24 hours a day. Early-morning, late-night and overnight journeys can be booked, and the fare shown for your date and time is the fare you review before paying.

Is a train or Uber cheaper than a saloon?

For one traveller, usually the train. For two to four people with luggage, one fixed vehicle fare often competes once you add every ticket and the last leg.

Published 7 October 2026 · Updated 7 October 2026 Written by the Global Airport Taxi team London fares are saloon “from” prices; your exact fixed fare is shown before you pay

At a glance

Saloon taxi airport transfer at a glance

  • 4 passengersthe most a saloon carries, with 2 large suitcases and 2 hand bags
  • £40the lowest saloon fare from central London, to London City
  • 60 minof free waiting after landing for airport arrivals
  • A saloon is a four-door car with a separate boot and the lowest-priced class in our fleet.
  • It carries up to 4 passengers, with 2 large suitcases and 2 hand bags (3 passengers with 3 large suitcases).
  • Fixed fares start at £40 (London City) and £45 (Heathrow) from central London.
  • Meet and greet at arrivals, with a driver holding a name board, is included for airport pickups.
  • Flight tracking is included: the pickup follows your actual landing time.
  • Up to 60 minutes of free waiting after landing for airport arrivals, per your booking terms.
  • Child and booster seats are free on request. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.
  • Available 24 hours a day for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend.
  • Journeys are carried out by licensed private hire drivers; London journeys use TfL-licensed, DBS-checked drivers.
  • Type any address or postcode into the booking page and the fixed fare appears before you pay.
  • No surge pricing and no hidden charges: the fare you accept is the fare you pay.
  • Rated 4.9 out of 5 on average across Google, Tripadvisor and other review platforms.

Fares are starting prices from central London and depend on the pickup postcode. Waiting time, child seats and cancellation are set out in our terms.

The basics

What is a saloon taxi airport transfer?

A saloon taxi airport transfer is a private, pre-booked car with a driver, a fixed price and a named pickup, in the most common vehicle class on the road.

A saloon is a four-door car with a separate boot

In the UK a saloon is a four-door car with a fixed boot behind the rear seats. The same car is called a sedan in the US. Booked in advance with a driver, it is a private hire car, often called a minicab, rather than a black cab, so it is not hailed on the street. It is the standard vehicle for private hire, which is why it is the lowest-priced class in almost every fleet.

What counts as a saloon in an airport transfer

Our saloon class covers mid-size family and business cars such as the Volkswagen Passat or Ford Mondeo, and also hybrids and electric cars of the same size, such as the Toyota Prius or Tesla Model 3. A few of these, including the Prius and Hyundai Ioniq, are five-door liftbacks, but they carry luggage like a saloon.

Who it suits

One to four people with standard luggage: solo travellers, couples, business travellers and small families. A saloon gives four adults proper legroom, air conditioning and a boot for two large suitcases. It is not the right class for larger groups, bulky sports gear or a lot of cases, and the sections below show where to go instead.

Clean saloon taxi ready for an airport transfer
A clean saloon taxi ready for an airport transfer. Photo: Global Airport Taxi.

Models vary by availability and are typical examples, not a promise of a particular make.

Capacity

How many passengers and bags fit in a saloon?

The boot, not the seats, decides. Try your own party below, then check the table. The most common mistake is four adults with four large suitcases.

Check your party

Saloon. Fits up to 4 passengers with 2 large suitcases and 2 hand bags.

Common combinations

Whether a saloon taxi fits common combinations of passengers and luggage
Your partyDoes it fit?Note
4 passengers, hand luggage onlyYesComfortable with cabin bags
4 passengers, 2 large suitcases and 2 hand bagsYesFull, so a tight fit for tall passengers
3 passengers, 3 large suitcasesYesComfortable limit for large cases
2 passengers, 2 large suitcases and golf bagsChoose an estateGolf bags need the longer boot
5 passengersNoBook an MPV
4 passengers, 4 large suitcasesNoBook an estate or MPV

Luggage sizes

These are the sizes we use when we say a case is large or a bag is hand luggage.

Standard sizes for a large suitcase, a hand bag, a pushchair, a child seat and sports equipment
ItemSize or rule
Large suitcaseUp to 75 × 50 × 38 cm and 23 kg
Cabin bag or carry-onUp to 56 × 45 × 25 cm and 18 kg
Folded pushchairCounts as one large case
Child or booster seatFitted in the car; it takes seat or boot space, so tell us your bags
Golf clubs or a ski bagBook an estate

Capacities are guidelines: exact boot room varies by model. When in doubt, size up, or tell us your bags when you book and we will confirm the right vehicle at no charge.

Prices

Saloon taxi airport transfer prices from central London

Starting fares for a saloon from central London to each of the six London airports. Your exact fixed fare depends on your postcode and is shown before you pay.

Saloon starting fares from central London to six London airports, with distance, drive time and the headline airport drop-off charge
AirportDistanceBy carSaloon fromDrop-off chargeBook
London City Airport~9 miles east30–50 min£40£8Book a saloon to or from London City Airport
Heathrow Airport~15 miles west45–75 min£45£7Book a saloon to or from Heathrow Airport
Stansted Airport~38 miles north-east60–90 min£55£10Book a saloon to or from Stansted Airport
Southend Airport~42 miles east70–100 min£60£8Book a saloon to or from Southend Airport
Luton Airport~32 miles north50–80 min£75£7Book a saloon to or from Luton Airport
Gatwick Airport~28 miles south60–90 min£80£10Book a saloon to or from Gatwick Airport

What sets the price

Distance and pickup postcode are the main factors, then the vehicle class and any road charges that apply. The fare is fixed when you book and does not change with traffic or the time of day on the booking you confirm.

Why the saloon is the lowest tier

It is the smallest vehicle that takes four passengers, so it has the lowest running cost. Every step up in space or comfort adds a predictable amount, as the table shows.

How much more an estate car, an MPV and an executive car usually cost than a saloon on the same route
VehicleCompared with a saloon
Estate carAbout £10 more
MPV (6-seater)About £20 more
Executive carAbout £40 more

Fares are indicative starting prices per vehicle, taxes included, for a saloon with up to 4 passengers. The drop-off charge column is the airport’s headline charge for reference, as of our London price guide reviewed 7 September 2026 (see the Heathrow charge); your booking summary states which airport, toll and road charges are included. Enter any address or postcode and choose Get Quote for your exact fare.

What is included

What is included in a saloon fare

Every extra that a meter or an app might add is covered in the fare you are quoted. The conditions behind each line are in our terms and in your booking summary.

Fixed fare per vehicle

Quoted for the whole car, not per person, and agreed when you book, with no surge pricing. Traffic or a longer queue does not change it.

Flight tracking

Give us your flight number and the pickup follows your actual landing time, early or late.

Meet and greet

At airport arrivals your driver waits at the meeting point with a name board and helps with the bags.

Free waiting time after landing

Up to 60 minutes of free waiting time for airport arrivals, so a slow baggage hall or an immigration queue does not cost you.

Free child seats

Baby, toddler and booster seats on request at no extra cost. Give each child’s age when you book.

Licensed drivers

Your transfer is carried out by licensed private hire drivers. On London journeys they are TfL-licensed, with a PCO badge, and DBS-checked.

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before pickup at no cost. Later cancellations and no-shows follow the terms.

Support by phone and WhatsApp

A person to talk to before you fly and on the day, 24 hours a day.

Your booking summary is the final reference for the exact service, the charges included and the waiting allowance.

Compared

Saloon, estate, executive, MPV or minibus?

The saloon is the right choice for most journeys, and here is exactly where it stops being the right one.

Passengers, luggage, best use and the typical step-up in fare for the saloon, estate, executive car, MPV and 8-seater minibus
VehiclePassengersLuggageBest forFare tier
Saloon taxiUp to 42 large + 2 handSolo, couples, business, small familiesLowest tier
Estate carUp to 44 large + 4 handExtra luggage, golf, pushchairsAbout +£10
Executive carUp to 32 large + 2 handCorporate travel, clients, comfortAbout +£40
MPV (people carrier)5 to 64 to 5 largeLarger families, small groupsAbout +£20
8-seater minibusUp to 86 to 8 largeBig groups, ski and golf tripsQuoted by route

Fare tiers are indicative and vary by route. See every vehicle on our fleet page.

Alternatives

Saloon transfer, train, black cab or Uber?

We sell transfers, so check this against anything else you read. Where another option is the better deal, we say so.

When the train wins

For one traveller with light luggage, the Underground or Elizabeth line is usually the cheapest way into central London, and Heathrow Express is the fastest at about 15 minutes to Paddington.

When the saloon wins

Price is per person on a train and per vehicle in a car. For two to four people with luggage, add every ticket and the last leg to your door, then compare it with one fixed vehicle fare.

How price works, door-to-door access, flight tracking and the best use for a saloon transfer, the Underground, the Elizabeth line, a black cab and Uber or Bolt
OptionHow the price worksDoor to door?Flight tracked?Best for
Saloon fixed-fare transferFixed for the whole car, from £45Door to doorYes, flight trackedTwo to four people, luggage, early or late flights
Underground (Piccadilly line)Per person, Heathrow lists fares from £5.50Station to stationn/aOne traveller with light bags
Elizabeth linePer person, about £13.90 to central LondonStation to stationn/aFast and cheap for one traveller
Black cabTfL-regulated meterDoor to doorNoTaxi rank, no booking
Uber or BoltLive estimate that follows demandDoor to doorNot as a meet serviceFlexible, short-notice trips

Figures are indicative guides from our London price guide, last reviewed 7 September 2026. Read the full London airport transfer price guide and our comparison of fixed-price taxis and ride-hailing apps.

Who books a saloon

Who books a saloon airport transfer

The saloon suits these trips best, and it is easy to tell when it does not.

Passengers arriving at a busy airport for a transfer
Passengers arriving at a busy airport. Photo: Global Airport Taxi.

Business travel

Quiet, punctual and accountable, with an invoice for expenses. For clients, see business-class transfers.

Solo travellers

The most affordable private ride, door to door, instead of a rank queue.

Couples

Comfortable space for two and a couple of cases.

Small families

Up to four people, with free child seats on request.

Students

Budget-friendly term-time and holiday transfers.

The cars

The saloon taxis you may travel in

We match every booking with a clean, modern saloon from trusted manufacturers. These are the three kinds you may get.

Saloon class taxi for airport transfers, a Volkswagen Passat or similar
The saloon class: a Volkswagen Passat or similar. Photo: Global Airport Taxi.

The saloon class

Our saloon class is a Volkswagen Passat or similar: a four-door car with air conditioning, room for four passengers with two large suitcases and two hand bags, and free child seats on request.

  • Up to 4 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases and 2 hand bags
  • Fixed fare from £40 to London City
  • See every class on our fleet page

Typical models by fuel type

Ford Mondeo saloon taxi for airport transfers

Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat

Petrol or diesel

Spacious, smooth and economical.

Toyota Prius saloon taxi for airport transfers

Toyota Prius or Corolla

Hybrid

Low-emission hybrids for a quieter airport run.

Tesla Model 3 saloon taxi for airport transfers

Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq

Electric

Zero-emission saloons.

You are matched with the best available car for your trip. A particular make or fuel type cannot be guaranteed, but you can add a preference in the booking notes. Cars have air conditioning.

Reviews

What travellers say about Global Airport Taxi

Ratings and reviews as shown by our review widget on 29 September 2026. They come from travellers at airports across our network, and we show a selection of passenger reviews about airport transfers. Every review stays on the platform where it was written.

Write a review

Excellent4.9453 reviewsShowing all 10 reviews

  • Paul Phillips22 Sep 2026
    Google

    Excellent service...arrived at terminal and driver was waiting...helped with luggage to the car...smooth drive...perfect overall

  • Jenna S14 Sep 2026
    Tripadvisor
    Reliable, good communication

    Very reliable and easy to get a hold of. I was very confused leaving the airport - user error haha - and they were super helpful. My flight was also delayed and the guy who picked me up was on top of it.

  • sayyam27 Sep 2026
    Trustindex
    Affordable and professional airport transfers

    Super affordable and professional service! The pricing was very clear from the start, with no hidden charges, which I really appreciated. Everything went smoothly, and the professionalism of the global airport taxi service stood out. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a hassle-free and budget-friendly option.

  • Christina Bundrick20 Sep 2026
    Google

    Amazing taxi service to the airport! Our driver was friendly, on time, and made the whole trip so easy. The car was clean and comfortable, and we got to the airport right on time. Would definitely use this service again!

  • AnonymouslyProvenExpert
    ProvenExpert

    Excellent service , driver waited for us as flight was delayed, clean car and smooth ride

  • Shailesh Singh19 Sep 2026
    Tripadvisor
    GLOBAL AIRPORT TAXI - Reliable when you need !!!

    I would totally recommend Global Airport Taxi to anyone needing a taxi service for their airport commute. I decided on way to the airport that I was flying out of that I will need a cab service at LHR. They were quick to respond to and accommodated some of my last minute schedule change requests after I had landed at LHR. Totally reliable and willing to be flexible. Outstanding customer support provided by Jennifer and Root. Keep it up guys !!

  • Sarah Finch22 Sep 2026
    Google

    This was a brilliant service our driver was excellent he was friendly and helpful. Used again for the return journey and driver was professional and ensured we made it to the airport on time with heavy traffic

  • Noor26 Sep 2026
    Trustindex
    Punctual airport rides

    The service was extremely reliable. My cab arrived exactly on time for my early morning flight, which was a huge relief. Everything went smoothly, and I felt confident choosing this service. Highly recommend global airport taxi for stress-free airport transfers!

  • Samantha W21 Sep 2026
    Tripadvisor
    Great service

    Amazing customer service, on time driver helped with cases. A pleasant experience Thank you

  • BarhamK11 Apr 2026
    Yell

    Very clean car and on time very polite driver will use them again

Get QuoteRead all reviews

The ratings cover every airport we serve, not only London. The widget is provided by Trustindex, and each review is shown as its author wrote it.

Trust

Who you are booking with, and what is promised in writing

A transfer is only as good as the people and the rules behind it. Here is who arranges your booking, what we promise and where to read the full terms.

Who you are booking with

Global Airport Taxi is a trading name of QMH Technologies Ltd, registered in England and Wales (company no. 13506378, VAT GB 469 6859 13), at 10-16 Tiller Road, London E14 8PX. You can reach us by email at bookings@globalairporttaxi.com or on WhatsApp.

Who carries out your transfer

We are a booking platform. Your transfer is carried out by a licensed private hire driver. On London journeys, drivers are TfL-licensed and DBS-checked, and your confirmation shows the driver and vehicle details.

Payment and your data

Payments are processed securely through Stripe, PayPal or other certified gateways with SSL encryption, and you can pay by card, PayPal or Google Pay. Your data is handled under the UK Data Protection Act and GDPR.

Our promises in writing

What Global Airport Taxi promises for a saloon transfer and where the detail is written
PromiseWhat it meansWhere to check
Price shown before you payYou see the fare for each vehicle before you confirm.Booking page and fleet page
Free cancellationCancel up to 24 hours before the pickup at no cost.Booking page and your confirmation
Late cancellations and no-showsNot refundable, unless the fault lies with the transport provider.Terms, “Cancellations & refunds”
Flight trackingGive us your flight number and the pickup follows your actual landing time.Fleet page and reviews page
Waiting after landingUp to 60 minutes after your actual landing time for airport arrivals, as stated in your booking terms.Your booking terms
Child seatsBaby, toddler and booster seats on request, at no extra cost.Fleet page
Your detailsCorrect flight, pickup and contact details are your responsibility, and wrong details can mean charges without a refund.Terms, “General booking terms”

If anything in your booking confirmation differs from this page, the confirmation applies. The full conditions are in our terms and privacy policy.

How to book

How to book a saloon taxi airport transfer

It takes a few minutes to book. Here is what happens next.

  1. Enter your journey

    Add your pickup, the airport, the date and the number of passengers and bags, so the right vehicle is shown.

  2. See your fixed price

    The fixed fare for each vehicle appears before you pay, including the saloon, so you can compare classes.

  3. Add your flight number

    It switches on flight tracking and the waiting allowance, so the pickup follows your landing.

  4. Confirm and relax

    Pay securely online and receive your confirmation and invoice, with the driver’s details sent before the pickup.

Questions

Saloon taxi airport transfer: your questions answered

What is a saloon taxi airport transfer?
A saloon taxi airport transfer is a private, pre-booked journey in a four-door car with a separate boot, at a fixed price agreed before you travel. It is the lowest-priced class for one to four passengers with standard luggage, with a driver who tracks your flight and meets you at arrivals.
How many passengers can travel in a saloon airport taxi?
Up to four passengers, with two large suitcases and two hand bags. With three large suitcases, three passengers is the comfortable limit, because the boot is the constraint. Five or more people need an estate or an MPV.
Is a saloon taxi a 4-seater taxi?
Yes, a saloon taxi is a four-seater. It carries four passengers with two large suitcases and two hand bags, or three passengers with three large suitcases. For five or more people, choose an MPV.
How much luggage fits in a saloon taxi?
Two large suitcases and two hand bags with four passengers, or three large suitcases with three passengers. A folded pushchair counts as one large case. Golf clubs and ski bags need an estate car.
How much is a saloon from central London to Heathrow?
From £45 for a saloon from central London to Heathrow. Starting fares are £40 to London City, £55 to Stansted, £60 to Southend, £75 to Luton and £80 to Gatwick. Your exact fixed fare depends on your postcode and is shown before you pay.
Is a saloon cheaper than an estate, MPV or executive car?
Yes, the saloon is the lowest price tier. An estate typically adds about £10, an MPV about £20 and an executive car about £40 on the same route. These steps are indicative and vary by route.
Is the saloon taxi airport transfer price fixed?
Yes. The fare is fixed when you book, with no surge pricing and no hidden charges, and it does not rise because of traffic or busy periods. Check your booking summary for the vehicle, the charges included and the waiting allowance before you pay.
Are airport drop-off and parking fees included?
Your booking summary states which airport, toll and road charges are included before you pay. For reference, the headline drop-off charges are Heathrow £7, Gatwick £10, Stansted £10, Luton £7, London City £8 and Southend £8. Pickup parking may cost a different amount.
Does the fixed fare include the Congestion Charge?
Your booking summary states it. The London Congestion Charge and airport access fees can raise a total unless the confirmation says they are included, so check which road and airport charges are covered before you pay.
Does a saloon airport taxi include flight tracking?
Yes. Give us your flight number and the pickup follows your actual landing time, so an early or late arrival does not leave you waiting or the driver missing you.
Is meet and greet included with a saloon transfer?
Yes, for airport arrivals. Your driver meets you at the arrivals meeting point with a name board and helps with your luggage. The exact meeting point is in your confirmation.
How long is the free waiting time at the airport?
Up to 60 minutes after landing for airport arrivals, as stated in your booking terms. That covers a slow baggage hall or an immigration queue.
Are child seats free in a saloon?
Yes. Baby, toddler and booster seats are available on request at no extra cost. Give each child’s age when you book, and mention your bags, because a fitted seat takes space.
Can I book a saloon taxi for an early-morning or late-night flight?
Yes, 24 hours a day. Early-morning departures, late-night arrivals and overnight journeys can be booked, subject to confirmation. The fare shown for your date and time is the fare you review before paying.
What happens if my flight is delayed or lands early?
Your pickup follows your actual landing time, because we track the flight number you give us. Up to 60 minutes of free waiting after landing are included for airport arrivals.
Can I cancel or change a saloon booking?
You can cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup. Later cancellations and no-shows follow our terms. Changes to the time, flight or address go through our support team by phone, WhatsApp or email.
Can I book a return or round-trip saloon taxi?
Yes. The booking form offers one way and round trip. Enter both dates and times, and your flight numbers if you are flying, and the fixed fare for the return is shown before you pay.
Can I book a saloon taxi from one airport to another?
Yes. Enter both airports on the booking page, for example Heathrow to Gatwick, and the fixed fare for the saloon is shown before you pay. Any airport name, code or address works in the booking form.
Is a saloon taxi suitable for a London airport transfer?
Yes. A saloon works for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend. It is the most economical door-to-door option for one to four passengers with standard luggage.
What is the difference between a saloon and an estate airport taxi?
Luggage space. A saloon and an estate carry a similar number of passengers, but an estate has a larger boot. Choose an estate for extra suitcases, pushchairs, golf clubs or ski bags.
Can I book a 5-seater taxi?
Not in a saloon, which seats four passengers. A 5-seater taxi means an MPV, which carries up to six passengers with four to five large cases. Tell us your party and bags and we confirm the right vehicle.
Which saloon taxis do you use?
Typical examples are the Volkswagen Passat or Ford Mondeo, with hybrids and electric cars of the same size, such as the Toyota Prius or Tesla Model 3. You are matched with the best available car, and a particular make cannot be guaranteed.
Can I ask for an electric or hybrid saloon?
You can add a preference in the booking notes, but a specific make or fuel type cannot be guaranteed. Hybrid and electric saloons are part of the fleet and are allocated by availability.
Is a saloon cheaper than the train or Uber?
For one traveller, usually the train. For two to four people with luggage, one fixed vehicle fare can compete once you add every ticket and the last leg. Compare the total before you decide.
Are your saloon drivers licensed?
Yes. Journeys are carried out by licensed private hire drivers, and London journeys use TfL-licensed drivers with a PCO badge, DBS-checked. Global Airport Taxi is a booking platform, and your confirmation shows the driver and vehicle details.
How do I book a saloon taxi airport transfer?
Enter your pickup, the airport, the date, your flight number and your passengers and bags. Your fixed fare appears before you pay, you choose the saloon and confirm securely online, and your confirmation is emailed with the driver’s details.
How can I pay for a saloon taxi?
Online, by card, PayPal or Google Pay, when you book. Payments are processed securely, and your fixed fare is locked in once you confirm.
Volkswagen Passat saloon or similar, a typical saloon taxi for airport transfers

A Volkswagen Passat saloon or similar. Photo: Global Airport Taxi.

Need a saloon? Your driver is waiting.

Your fixed fare is shown before you pay, and your driver tracks your flight and meets you at arrivals with a name board. Choose the saloon for up to four passengers, ask for child seats at no extra cost, and cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup.

  • Fixed price
  • Free cancellation
  • 60 min free waiting
  • Flight tracking