How many terminals does Gatwick have?
Two: the North Terminal and the South Terminal, about 0.75 mile apart and linked by a free shuttle train of about 2–3 minutes. There is no Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at Gatwick.
Cheap airport transfers
Gatwick Airport (LGW) · Taxi and transfers
Book a Gatwick Airport taxi (LGW) as a private transfer and the fare is fixed at booking. Your driver tracks your flight, waits inside Arrivals at the North or South Terminal with your name on a board and drives you door to door, 24 hours a day. Central London, Brighton, Heathrow, the cruise ports or any town in the south of England: one price, agreed before you fly.
Meets every flight, 24 hoursIn short
What most travellers need to know before landing at Gatwick, in four lines.
Quick answers
The questions travellers ask most before landing at Gatwick, answered first. The detail follows below.
Two: the North Terminal and the South Terminal, about 0.75 mile apart and linked by a free shuttle train of about 2–3 minutes. There is no Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at Gatwick.
Our pre-booked transfer is typically £80–90 per car, fixed when you book. A September 2026 third-party guide puts a black cab at £100–150 and Uber at £60–100. Allow 60–90 minutes by road.
It depends on your airline. On a list dated 30 September 2026, British Airways, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Vueling and Jet2 were at the South Terminal and easyJet, Emirates and Qatar Airways at the North. Check your booking and give us your flight number.
Inside the Arrivals hall of your terminal, holding a name board. Your confirmation gives the exact spot and the driver’s mobile number. Licensed black cabs wait at the ranks.
About 30 minutes to London Victoria, non-stop, every 15 minutes (35 minutes on Sundays), from the South Terminal station.
£10 for up to 10 minutes on the forecourt, then £1 a minute to 20 minutes, £30 maximum, with a 30-minute maximum stay. A Parking Charge Notice is £100 (£60 if paid within 14 days).
Airport Cars Gatwick is the airport’s official private hire operator, with kiosks in both terminals. Black cabs use the ranks. We are an independent pre-booking service with a driver waiting for you.
Usually, and the price is certain. A black cab runs on the meter. A transfer is fixed before you fly, for the whole car, and the driver is already waiting.
If it is delayed, do nothing: we follow your flight number and move the pickup to the new landing time. If it is diverted to another airport, contact us as soon as you know.
Our vehicles
Nine vehicle types, from a car for a couple to a 50-seater coach. The fixed fare is per vehicle, so count the bags, not just the seats.
Typical vehicle: Volkswagen Passat or similarSaloon taxi
4 passengers, 2 large bags
A couple or a solo traveller going to the hotel.
View vehicle →
Typical vehicle: Mercedes E-Class or similarExecutive car
3 passengers, 2 large bags
A calmer, more premium ride to a hotel or a villa.
View vehicle →
Typical vehicle: An estate taxiEstate taxi
4 passengers, 3 large bags
Four people with extra luggage or golf bags.
View vehicle →
Typical vehicle: A 6-seater MPV people carrierPeople carrier
5 to 6 passengers, 4 to 5 large bags
Families of five or six, pushchair included.
View vehicle →
Typical vehicle: A 7 seater taxi7 seater taxi
7 passengers, 7 cabin bags
Seven friends or a family travelling light.
View vehicle →
Typical vehicle: An 8 seater taxi8 seater taxi
8 passengers, 6 to 8 large bags
Eight people, or a group with golf bags.
View vehicle →
Typical vehicle: A 16 seater minibus16 seater minibus
16 passengers, about 14 large bags
Weddings, teams and tour groups.
View vehicle →
Typical vehicle: A 30-seater coach30-seater coach
30 seats
Conferences and corporate groups.
View vehicle →
Typical vehicle: A 50-seater coach50-seater coach
50 seats
Large events and incentive trips, planned in advance.
View vehicle →| Extra | What to know |
|---|---|
| Child seats | Infant, child and booster seats are available on request at no extra cost. In the UK, children need a child seat until they are 12 or 135 cm tall, with narrow exemptions for taxis and private hire vehicles, so give us the children’s ages when you book. |
| Surfboards, golf clubs, bikes | Fine with notice. Tell us the item and its length at booking so a vehicle with the right load space is allocated. |
| Wheelchair-accessible vehicles | Request one at booking so we can confirm a suitable vehicle for your route and date. |
Every vehicle is shown on our fleet page. Models are typical for each class, so your quote confirms what is offered. Tell us your party size and bag count so the right vehicle is allocated.
Reviews
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.
Excellent4.9453 reviewsShowing all 10 reviews
Excellent service...arrived at terminal and driver was waiting...helped with luggage to the car...smooth drive...perfect overall
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.
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.
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!
Excellent service , driver waited for us as flight was delayed, clean car and smooth ride
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 !!
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
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!
Amazing customer service, on time driver helped with cases. A pleasant experience Thank you
Very clean car and on time very polite driver will use them again
The ratings cover every airport we serve, not only the UK. The widget is provided by Trustindex, and each review is shown as its author wrote it.
Gatwick at a glance

Distances and times are typical and change with traffic. Traffic figures are for 2025 (CAA and airport reports). Facts last verified 8 October 2026.
Gatwick taxi price
Per car, not per person. Our prices are typical ranges for a car for up to four passengers, and the fare is fixed when you book.
Showing all 22 destinations
| Destination | Distance | Typical drive | Our price (car) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crawley and Gatwick hotels | about 3 mi | about 15 min | £25–30 | Book Crawley and Gatwick hotels |
| Redhill and Reigate | about 9 mi | about 30 min | £40–50 | Book Redhill and Reigate |
| Horsham | about 16 mi | about 30 min | £50–60 | Book Horsham |
| Croydon | about 20 mi | about 45 min | £60–70 | Book Croydon |
| Central London (Westminster, Kensington, the City) | about 28 mi | 60–90 min | £80–90 | Book Central London (Westminster, Kensington, the City) |
| London Victoria station | about 28 mi | 60–90 min | £80–90 | Book London Victoria station |
| London King’s Cross and St Pancras | about 30 mi | 75–105 min | £85–95 | Book London King’s Cross and St Pancras |
| Canary Wharf | about 30 mi | 75–100 min | £90–100 | Book Canary Wharf |
| London City Airport | about 31 mi | 70–105 min | £95–105 | Book London City Airport |
| Heathrow Airport | about 35 mi | 60–90 min | £110–120 | Book Heathrow Airport |
| Luton Airport | about 66 mi | 70–100 min | £150–160 | Book Luton Airport |
| Stansted Airport | about 70 mi | 80–110 min | £165–175 | Book Stansted Airport |
| Guildford | about 25 mi | about 60 min | £80–90 | Book Guildford |
| Brighton and Hove | about 27 mi | about 45 min | £90–100 | Book Brighton and Hove |
| Portsmouth | about 59 mi | 80–95 min | £165–175 | Book Portsmouth |
| Southampton and the cruise terminals | about 72 mi | 95–115 min | £185–195 | Book Southampton and the cruise terminals |
| Dover cruise terminal and port | about 80 mi | 90–120 min | £190–200 | Book Dover cruise terminal and port |
| Oxford | about 77 mi | 85–110 min | £180–190 | Book Oxford |
| Bristol | about 128 mi | 2 h 15 min–2 h 45 | £275–285 | Book Bristol |
| Birmingham | about 138 mi | 2 h 30 min–3 h | £285–295 | Book Birmingham |
| Manchester | about 221 mi | 4–4 h 30 min | £420–430 | Book Manchester |
| Leeds | about 227 mi | 4–4 h 30 min | £425–435 | Book Leeds |
Prices in this table are guides and can change. Check the current figure before you travel; the booking page shows your fixed fare before you pay.
Reading, Windsor, Cambridge, Canterbury, Chichester, Winchester, the Cotswolds and anywhere else in England are quoted at booking. Every route page is listed under more Gatwick routes, and Stansted, Luton and London City also have their own airport pages.
| Vehicle | Fits | Central London | Brighton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon taxi | 4 passengers, 2 large bags | £80–90 | £90–100 |
| Executive car | 3 passengers, 2 large bags | £95–105 | £120–130 |
| MPV, up to 8 passengers | Families and groups with luggage | £125–135 | £160–170 |
Estate cars, people carriers, 16-seater minibuses and coaches are quoted at booking: see the whole fleet and the executive car page.

Where we drive
One short guide for each of the journeys travellers book most, in the same order: distance, drive time, our price, the public option and who it suits.
About 28 miles, 60–90 minutes by road. Our private transfer: typically £80–90 per car, fixed when you book. By train: the Gatwick Express to Victoria in about 30 minutes. Best for: hotels, apartments and meetings, a family with luggage or a late landing. Gatwick to London taxi
About 27 miles, about 45 minutes, which is the airport’s own average taxi time. Typically £90–100 per car. By train: direct, about 30 minutes. Best for: a group, a hotel away from the station, or the conference centre. Gatwick to Brighton taxi
About 35 miles, 60–90 minutes on the M23 and M25. Typically £110–120 per car. Public options are slow and need a change in London or a coach. Best for: a connecting flight, when a fixed fare and a driver who waits matter. Add buffer: this is the journey where traffic hurts most. Heathrow Airport taxi
About 72 miles, 95–115 minutes; the airport’s average taxi time is about 1 hour 45. Typically £185–195 per car. Best for: cruise passengers with large cases, who would otherwise change trains in London. Gatwick to Southampton taxi
About 59 miles, 80–95 minutes. Typically £165–175 per car. Best for: the cruise terminal, the Isle of Wight ferries and Southsea hotels. Gatwick to Portsmouth taxi
About 25 miles, about 60 minutes, which is the airport’s own average taxi time. Typically £80–90 per car. By train: direct, about 40 minutes. Best for: the university, the cathedral and the Surrey Hills. Gatwick to Guildford taxi
About 3 miles, about 15 minutes. Typically £25–30 per car. Best for: the Gatwick hotels, an early flight and the local towns. The shuttle hotels near the airport often run their own free service: check first. Gatwick to Crawley taxi
About 80 miles, 90–120 minutes by the M25 and M20. Typically £190–200 per car. Best for: the cruise terminal, the ferries and the Channel Tunnel. Allow extra time on a Friday evening or a bank holiday. Gatwick to Dover taxi
| Town | Average taxi time (the airport) | Our price (car) |
|---|---|---|
| Crawley | 15 min | £25–30 |
| Horsham | 30 min | £50–60 |
| Redhill and Reigate | 30 min | £40–50 |
| Brighton | 45 min | £90–100 |
| Croydon | 45 min | £60–70 |
| Tunbridge Wells | 45 min | Quoted at booking |
| Guildford | 60 min | £80–90 |
| Reading | 75 min | Quoted at booking |
| King’s Cross | 1 h 45 min | £85–95 |
| Southampton | 1 h 45 min | £185–195 |
Average taxi times are the airport’s own, to the North Terminal, checked 8 October 2026. Our price is a typical range for a car, fixed when you book.
Inside London
London is one price band but several different arrivals. Here is how each one works, so the driver stops where you need to be.

About 28 miles, 60–90 minutes by road. Typically £80–90 per car. The Gatwick Express reaches Victoria in about 30 minutes, so the car is for luggage, children, a late flight or a hotel in Belgravia or Pimlico. Gatwick to Victoria taxi
About 30 miles, 75–105 minutes; the airport lists about 1 hour 45 as its average taxi time to King’s Cross. Typically £85–95 per car. Thameslink runs from Gatwick to St Pancras, the Eurostar station. Best for: a Eurostar check-in deadline, when a fixed pickup time matters. Gatwick to King’s Cross taxi
About 30 miles, 75–100 minutes. Typically £90–100 per car. By train: to London Bridge, then the Jubilee line. Best for: offices and hotels in the docklands, where the car stops at the door. Gatwick to Canary Wharf taxi
The Congestion Charge zone and the Ultra Low Emission Zone apply in central London, and the Dartford Crossing charge applies on some routes to Essex and Kent. Your booking summary lists any charge that applies to your journey, so you know the fare before you pay.
Airport to airport
Airport-to-airport is a journey of its own: a fixed time, luggage and a connection that will not wait. These are the usual ones, with the same fixed fare and the same flight tracking.
About 35 miles, 60–90 minutes on the M23 and M25. Typically £110–120 per car. Tell us the Heathrow terminal (2, 3, 4 or 5) and your check-in or connection deadline, and we plan the pickup back from it. Public options need a change in London or a coach. Heathrow Airport taxi
About 70 miles, 80–110 minutes by the M25. Typically £165–175 per car. For Essex, Cambridge and the budget flights, door to door without a change in London. Stansted Airport taxi
About 66 miles, 70–100 minutes. Typically £150–160 per car. Thameslink runs from Gatwick to Luton Airport Parkway station in about 1 hour 20 minutes, then a short transfer to the terminal. Luton Airport taxi
About 31 miles, 70–105 minutes. Typically £95–105 per car. By train: to central London, then the DLR. Best for: business flights with a tight check-in. London City Airport taxi
Smaller and business airfields are quoted at booking, one fixed fare per car. Gatwick to Southend Airport taxi
Longer journeys
The towns around London are the usual ones. These longer journeys use the same fixed fare and the same service, and five of them are in the price table under “Longer journeys across England”.

About 77 miles, 85–110 minutes, typically £180–190 per car. The colleges, the hospitals and the gateway to the Cotswolds. Gatwick to Oxford taxi
About 128 miles, 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45, typically £275–285 per car. The harbourside and the west, without a change in London. Gatwick to Bristol taxi
About 138 miles, 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, typically £285–295 per car. The NEC, the city centre and the Midlands. Gatwick to Birmingham taxi
About 221 miles, 4 to 4 hours 30 minutes, typically £420–430 per car. Door to door for a family or a team with luggage. Gatwick to Manchester taxi
About 227 miles, 4 to 4 hours 30 minutes, typically £425–435 per car. The north, with one driver and one fare. Gatwick to Leeds taxi
Reading, Windsor, Cambridge, Canterbury, Chichester, Winchester and the Cotswolds are quoted at booking, one fixed fare per car. For a long journey we suggest a break and tell you the plan before you fly.
How long-distance fares are set: see our long-distance taxi prices guide.
All routes
Every route has its own page with the distance, the time and the fixed fare. These are the ones travellers book most, from the stations of London to the cities of the north.
Not on the list? Give us the address and we quote it: see the price table, or talk to our team.
Official operator and charges
Gatwick has one official private hire operator, a set of black-cab ranks and a charge that most guides leave out. Here is what each one means for your fare.
Airport Cars Gatwick (Gatwick Cars Ltd) is the airport’s official private hire operator. It has kiosks in both terminals and fixed rates, and the airport says it meets passengers in the arrivals hall only if requested. You can reach it on +44 (0)1293 550000. It does not publish fares on its website, so compare a quote before you decide.
Licensed taxis wait at the ranks at both terminals. A rank taxi runs on the meter, so the final fare depends on the road. For a journey of 60 to 90 minutes the meter can be the biggest unknown in your travel budget.
The airport says that operators other than its official partner add the forecourt drop-off charge to the fare. Operators also pay for the private hire waiting area at the South Terminal (£2 for up to 2 hours, £4 for up to 4 hours and £20 for up to 24 hours). That is why a low headline price can grow: ask what is included.
Charges are set by the airport and can change: see the airport’s taxi page. Checked 8 October 2026.
Terminal guide
Gatwick has two terminals, not Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Knowing which one you land in saves time at the other end.


| At the airport | South Terminal | North Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Airlines (third-party list, 30 September 2026) | British Airways, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Vueling, Jet2, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Norse and others | easyJet, Emirates, Qatar Airways, SWISS, ITA Airways, Delta, Icelandair, JetBlue, WestJet and others |
| Norwegian and TUI | Appear in both lists | Appear in both lists |
| Size (third party) | About 160,000 m² and 32 jetbridge gates | About 98,000 m² and 31 gates |
| Postcode (third party) | RH6 0NP | RH6 0PJ |
| Rail | Gatwick Airport station is at the South Terminal: Gatwick Express, Southern, Thameslink | Take the free shuttle train to the South Terminal, about 2–3 minutes |
| Coaches | Most coaches use the lower forecourt, the airport says: National Express and The Oxford Airline | Coaches also serve the North Terminal bus station |
| Taxi ranks and ride-hailing | Licensed taxis at the rank; Uber pick-up in the short-term car park (third-party guide, 2025) | Licensed taxis at the rank; Uber pick-up in the short-term car park (third-party guide, 2025) |
| Our driver | Inside the Arrivals hall, name board | Inside the Arrivals hall, name board |
The larger of the two. It reopened on 27 March 2022 after closing in June 2020, and the railway station is here, so the Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink all start at this terminal. Most coaches use its lower forecourt.
The smaller terminal, linked to the South Terminal and the station by the free shuttle train: 0.75 mile, about 2–3 minutes, running frequently and 24 hours a day. Allow extra time to reach the platform with bags.
Gatwick keeps the forecourt clear. Private hire drivers wait in the airport’s paid waiting area (RH6 0NY, open 24 hours) and meet you in the Arrivals hall, so the exact spot comes in your booking confirmation.
Airline allocation is from third-party lists dated 30 September 2026 and can change; sizes and postcodes are third-party; the shuttle, rail, coach and waiting-area facts are from the airport’s own pages, checked 8 October 2026.
Flights
Gatwick is the UK’s second-largest airport. This is the traffic that decides your arrival.

| Route | Passengers in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Malaga | About 1.24 million |
| Barcelona | About 1.23 million |
| Dublin | About 1.00 million |
| Dubai | About 0.96 million |
| Alicante | About 0.85 million |
| Rome | About 0.82 million |
Passenger numbers are from the CAA, via the public route table for LGW, and airport and industry reports on the 2025 results.
Most of Gatwick’s traffic is leisure: Spain and Italy lead the list, with Dublin the busiest non-holiday route and Dubai the busiest long-haul one. Flights from the Mediterranean arrive in waves at breakfast time and in the late evening, when the rank can queue.
Every international arrival goes through UK border control. The e-gates are open to eligible travellers from age 10, and from age 8 with an adult, and visitors who need an ETA must hold it before they fly. See the border section below for the details.
If your flight is delayed, do nothing: we follow the inbound flight and move the pickup. If it is diverted to another airport, call the number on your confirmation as soon as you know.
Arriving
Here is what happens between touchdown and your seat in the car, and how the rank works if you have not booked.

Licensed black cabs wait at the ranks at both terminals and run on the meter. Airport Cars Gatwick, the official private hire operator, has kiosks in both terminals. Uber and other ride-apps use designated, signposted pick-up areas.
Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles carry a plate and a licence disc issued by their council. A driver should be able to show an operator booking for you by name. If you are unsure, ask for the booking details before you get in.
In England, a private hire driver may only carry a passenger who has booked. If someone approaches you inside the terminal offering a ride, decline: your pre-booked driver is waiting in the Arrivals hall with a name board.
How a meet and greet works at an airport: see our meet and greet guide.
Border checks
Border policy has changed, and it is the part of arrival that nobody can predict. This is what applies to you, and what it means for your transfer.
| Your flight | Border control | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| A flight within the UK | No border control | Baggage reclaim, then the Arrivals hall |
| An international flight, British or Irish passport | E-gates, or a desk | No ETA needed. Allow for queues at busy times |
| An international flight, eligible biometric passport (age 10 or over) | E-gates | You scan the passport. Visitors who need an ETA must have one |
| A child aged 8 or 9, with an adult and at least 120 cm tall | E-gates, since 8 July 2026 | The adult and the child need eligible biometric passports |
| An international flight, a child under 8 or a passport that is not eligible | A staffed Border Force desk | Queues can be longer in the summer waves |
GOV.UK says most visitors who do not need a visa need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. The fee is £20, each traveller needs one, including babies and children, and it allows stays of up to 6 months. British and Irish citizens do not need one. Apply through the GOV.UK ETA page or the official UK ETA app before you travel, and check your nationality there.
Gatwick says you scan your passport at the e-gates on arrival. They are open to travellers aged 10 or over with a biometric passport from an eligible country, including the UK, the EU and EEA, Switzerland, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Since 8 July 2026 children aged 8 to 9 can also use them with an adult, if they are at least 120 cm tall (Heathrow’s immigration page). Younger children and other passengers go to a staffed Border Force desk.
Border rules change: check the GOV.UK ETA page and the Gatwick passport control page before you fly. Checked 8 October 2026.
Flying out
Most of this page is about arriving. If you are flying out, this is how the journey to Gatwick works and how to choose the pickup time.
Rail and coach timetables do not cover the whole night. A car booked for a 04:00 departure or a 01:00 landing does not depend on any timetable. We operate 24 hours a day and, for arrivals, we follow your flight.
The North and South Terminals have separate Departures halls and are linked by a free shuttle train of about 2–3 minutes. A wrong terminal costs a shuttle ride with your bags, and the minutes that go with it. Check your ticket.
Gatwick charges at least £10 for a forecourt stay of up to 10 minutes, with a £30 maximum and a 30-minute maximum stay. Your booking summary shows any charge that applies to your journey, and the free Long Stay drop-off with the shuttle is an option if you are early.
Check-in and bag-drop deadlines are set by each airline. The drive times are the typical ones in the table above.
Rail, coach and apps
Gatwick has its own railway station and a good train service to London. This is how each option works.
| Option | Goes to | Where and when | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Express | London Victoria, non-stop | Every 15 min, about 30 min (35 on Sundays) | The fastest way to central London with a suitcase |
| Southern | London Victoria and London Bridge; Brighton direct | Frequent; roughly 35–45 min to central London, about 30 min to Brighton | A cheaper rail option, and the line to Brighton |
| Thameslink | London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras | Frequent; roughly 35–45 min to central London | The City and St Pancras for Eurostar, without a change |
| Free shuttle train | Between the North and South Terminals | Frequent, 24 hours, about 2–3 min | Moving between terminals |
| National Express | Coaches to many UK cities | Most use the lower forecourt at the South Terminal | A low fare to a city with a direct coach |
| The Oxford Airline | Oxford | Check the timetable for your day | Oxford without a change in London |
| Uber and ride-hailing apps | Anywhere | Designated, signposted pick-up areas | App users who accept a variable price |
Gatwick Airport station is at the South Terminal, and the free shuttle brings North Terminal passengers to it in about 2–3 minutes. Three train operators serve it: Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink. Oyster and contactless cards are accepted between Gatwick and central London; Travelcards are not valid.
Trains reach stations, not hotels, villas or ports. With bags, children, a late flight or an address that is not near a station, a car that waits is simpler.
Operators, facts and times are from the airport’s transport pages, checked 8 October 2026; train times of 35–45 minutes and the Express fare are third-party figures. Check the operators’ timetables before you travel.
Compared
We sell transfers, so check this against anything else you read. Where another option is the better deal, we say so.
The first is the number of people, because a car carries up to four for one fare. The second is the luggage. The third is the time of arrival. The fourth is how much a surprise would cost you on a tight schedule.
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked private transfer Global Airport Taxi | typically £80–90 per car to central London, fixed when you book | 60–90 min, no queue | Families, groups, late arrivals, an address away from a station | Our service A driver who waits inside Arrivals, a car sized to your group and a fare settled before you fly. |
| Gatwick Express | About £21.50 per adult online (third party, Sept 2026) | About 30 min to Victoria | One or two people with light bags | Fastest Stops at stations, not your door. |
| Southern or Thameslink | A standard rail fare, below the Express | Roughly 35–45 min | Light packers and the City or St Pancras | Cheapest Check the last train before a late flight. |
| Black cab | £100–150 to central London (third-party guide, Sept 2026) | 60–90 min | Spontaneous trips with no booking | Depends On the meter, so the traffic sets the fare. |
| Uber and ride-hailing apps | £60–100 to central London (same guide) | Depends on nearby cars | App users who accept a variable price | Depends Pick-up is in the signposted areas and prices can rise at busy times. |
| Official private hire kiosk | Fixed rates at the kiosk; no fares published online | 60–90 min | Travellers who did not pre-book | Depends Airport Cars Gatwick, the airport’s official operator. |
| Coach | A low fare to a city | Depends on the route | Long journeys on a budget | Cheap Fixed timetable; check the last coach. |
Prices in this table are guides and can change. Third-party figures come from guides dated September 2026. The booking page shows your fixed fare before you pay. More on the difference: fixed-price taxi against ride-hailing apps.
The calendar
A large part of Gatwick’s traffic follows a calendar that repeats every year. On these dates the M23, the M25 and the trains stop behaving normally, so book your transfer when you book your flight.
| Event | When | Where | What it means for your transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easter and half-terms | March, April, May, October, December | The airport and the M23 | School holiday waves fill the airport and the road to the coast. Book as soon as you book your flight. |
| Cruise season | April to October | Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover | Ship days bring long queues at the ports. Book the transfer to the ship’s boarding window. |
| Royal Ascot and the Derby | June | Ascot and Epsom | Hotels in Surrey fill. Check the road closures and book early. |
| Glastonbury Festival | 23–27 June 2027 | Pilton, Somerset | A long journey west that sells out. The festival takes a break in 2026. |
| Wimbledon | 28 June to 11 July 2027 | South-west London | The roads to Wimbledon slow down. A car that drops and collects is the practical choice. |
| Goodwood Festival of Speed | July | Chichester | About an hour from Gatwick; check the organiser for the dates. |
| Summer school holidays | Late July to early September | Everywhere | Gatwick’s busiest weeks. Saturday and Sunday changeovers are the worst. |
| Brighton Pride | August | Brighton | Roads and trains to Brighton are busy. Check the organiser for the dates. |
| Christmas, New Year and rail works | Late December | The airport and the railways | Trains can be reduced for engineering work. A car does not depend on the timetable. |
Dates for Wimbledon and Glastonbury in 2027 are from the organisers or the listings, checked 8 October 2026. Events marked with a month are held at that time each year: check the organiser for the dates.
Beyond the airport run
Gatwick is a gateway for ships and private aircraft as well as holidaymakers.

| Port | Distance | Typical drive | Our price (car) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southampton and the cruise terminals | about 72 mi | 95–115 min | £185–195 |
| Portsmouth | about 59 mi | 80–95 min | £165–175 |
| Dover cruise terminal and port | about 80 mi | 90–120 min | £190–200 |
Many cruise passengers arrive at Gatwick from overseas and travel on to the ship. We time the pickup to your boarding window and plan a car for large cases. Harwich and Tilbury are quoted at booking. The table above gives the usual ports: see the pages for Southampton, Portsmouth and Dover.
Hotels around the airport, such as the Sofitel London Gatwick, Hampton by Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott, BLOC and YOTELAIR, are minutes from the terminals, and many run their own shuttle, so check first. For a hotel in Crawley we drop you at the door, typically £25–30 per car. Gatwick to Crawley taxi.
Redhill Aerodrome and Biggin Hill are the nearby airfields. Tell us the handler’s name and the aircraft registration when you book, and we plan the pickup at the handler, not at a terminal.
Weddings, teams and tour groups travel in a 16-seater, a 30-seater or a 50-seater coach, planned in advance. Companies that book regularly can ask about a business account: invoicing and reporting are agreed with our team before they are promised.
Groups and luggage
The most common booking mistake at an airport is a car for four adults with four large suitcases. Four people fit. Four people and four large cases do not.
| Your party | Pre-booked | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 passengers, cabin bags | Car, typically £80–90 to central London | No difference in space |
| 3 passengers, 3 large cases | Saloon, 4 passengers and 2 large bags | Ask the driver before you load |
| 4 passengers with cases | Estate taxi, 4 passengers, 3 large bags | Count the bags, not the seats |
| 5–6 passengers | One people carrier, 5 to 6 passengers | One vehicle, one fare |
| 7–8 passengers | A 7 seater or an 8 seater taxi | Tell us the bags |
| Golf clubs, prams, mobility scooters | Booked by size with notice | Tell us the size at booking |
| A wheelchair user | Request an accessible vehicle at booking | Ask when you book |
Count each pushchair, golf bag and mobility scooter as a bag, and tell us at booking. Child seats are available on request at no extra cost: give us the children’s ages and we fit the right ones before you arrive. For 10 to 16 people see the 16 seater minibus.
What is included
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 confirmation.
Your driver waits at the arrivals meeting point holding a name board, and helps with the luggage.
We track your inbound flight, so a delay simply moves the pickup to the new landing time.
For airport arrivals the first 60 minutes after landing cost nothing, enough for the border and the carousel (see your booking terms).
The fare is agreed at booking, for the vehicle and not per person. VAT, airport charges and any tolls are itemised in your booking summary.
Baby, toddler and booster seats on request. In the UK, children need a child seat until they are 12 or 135 cm tall, with narrow exemptions for taxis and private hire vehicles, so ask for one.
A licensed driver carries out every journey, and your confirmation names the driver and the car.
Cancel free until 24 hours before pickup. After that, and for no-shows, the terms decide what happens.
Phone, WhatsApp or email, from booking until you reach your hotel or villa.
Luggage within the vehicle’s capacity is part of the fixed fare. Extra stops and waiting beyond the included time are quoted on request.
Trust
Here is who arranges your booking, what we commit to and where the full wording lives.
Global Airport Taxi is a trading name of QMH Technologies Ltd: company no. 13506378, VAT GB 469 6859 13, registered in England and Wales, 10-16 Tiller Road, London E14 8PX. Contact: bookings@globalairporttaxi.com or WhatsApp.
We handle the booking; a licensed local driver does the trip, and your confirmation names the driver and the vehicle.
You can pay by card, PayPal or Google Pay via secure, certified gateways. Personal data follows UK data protection law and the GDPR.
| Promise | What it means | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed fare | The fare on the booking page is the one you confirm. | Booking page |
| Flight following | The pickup tracks your flight number and landing. | Booking confirmation |
| Free waiting | Up to 60 minutes after landing at airport arrivals. | Your booking terms |
| Child seats | Free if asked for, with the child’s age noted. | Booking notes |
| Licensed driver | A licensed local driver, named in your confirmation. | Booking confirmation |
| Free cancellation | Until 24 hours before pickup. | Terms, “Cancellations & refunds” |
| Late cancellations and no-shows | Not refunded unless the transport provider is at fault. | Terms, “Cancellations & refunds” |
| Right details | Flight, pickup and contact details must be correct, or extra charges may follow. | Terms, “General booking terms” |
If your confirmation says something different from this page, follow the confirmation. The complete conditions are in our terms and privacy policy.
How it works
It takes a few minutes to book. Here is what happens next.
It is the field that matters most. We follow the real landing time, so a late arrival or an early one changes nothing for you.
Before pickup you receive the driver’s name, mobile number and the meeting point. Keep your phone on when you switch off flight mode.
Border control and baggage can take longer than planned, and up to 60 minutes of waiting after landing are included for airport arrivals. If you are held longer, message the driver.
You pay securely online when you book, and your confirmation is emailed once the payment is processed. The fare on it is the fare you pay.
Questions
Elsewhere in the UK
Flying on from Gatwick, or into another British city? The same booking, flight tracking and meet-and-greet service runs at these airports.

An executive car, a Mercedes E-Class or similar. Photo: Global Airport Taxi.
Your fixed fare is agreed before you fly, and a driver is waiting at Arrivals with your name on a board. We follow your flight, so a delay simply moves the pickup, and up to 60 minutes of waiting after landing are included for airport arrivals. Ask for child seats at no extra cost, and cancel free up to 24 hours before.