How many terminals does Heathrow have?
Four: Terminal 2 (The Queen’s Terminal), Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Terminal 1 closed in 2015. We collect from, and take you to, all four.
Heathrow Airport (LHR) · Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5
Heathrow Airport taxi, a price fixed before you fly.
Book a Heathrow Airport taxi (LHR) as a private transfer and the fare is fixed at booking. We serve all four terminals, 2, 3, 4 and 5: your driver tracks your flight, waits inside Arrivals with your name on a board and drives you door to door, 24 hours a day. Central London, Windsor, Gatwick, the cruise ports or any town in England: one price, agreed before you fly.
- 60 minutes’ free waiting, counted from your actual landing time
- A name board at Arrivals
- Child seats at no extra cost, on request
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup
Meets every flight, 24 hours- Terminals
- T2
- T3
- T4
- T5
In short
Heathrow Airport taxi: the short version
What most travellers need to know before landing at Heathrow, in five lines.
Quick answers
Heathrow Airport taxi: nine quick answers
The questions travellers ask most before landing at Heathrow, answered first. The detail follows below.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to central London?
Our pre-booked transfer is typically £90–100 per car, fixed when you book. 2026 third-party guides put a black cab at £70–110 and Uber at £40–75. Allow 45–90 minutes by road.
Which terminal does my flight use?
It depends on your airline. On a list dated 24 May 2026, Star Alliance airlines and Aer Lingus were at Terminal 2, Virgin Atlantic and oneworld airlines at Terminal 3, SkyTeam and Qatar Airways at Terminal 4 and British Airways at Terminal 5. Check your booking.
Where do I find my driver?
Inside the Arrivals hall of your terminal, holding a name board, and then a short walk to the car. Heathrow does not allow pick-ups on the forecourts. Your confirmation gives the exact spot and the driver’s mobile number.
How long does the train take?
The Elizabeth line takes about 30 minutes to Paddington and costs £15.50; the Heathrow Express takes 15 minutes, every 15 minutes, with advance singles from £10.
What is the Heathrow drop-off charge?
£7 each time a vehicle enters a terminal drop-off area, 10 minutes maximum. It rose from £6 on 1 January 2026. A Parking Charge is £80 (£40 if paid within 14 days). Taxis and private hire are not exempt.
Is there an official taxi at Heathrow?
Heathrow lists WeKnow as its on-site private hire option, with desks in each Arrivals hall. Black cabs wait at the ranks outside every terminal. We are an independent pre-booking service with a driver waiting for you.
Is a pre-booked transfer cheaper than a black cab?
Often, 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.
What if my flight is delayed or diverted?
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
Choosing the right vehicle for your Heathrow transfer
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
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 2026Google
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.
- Christina Bundrick20 Sep 2026Google
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!
- AnonymouslyProvenExpertProvenExpert
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 !!
- Sarah Finch22 Sep 2026Google
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
- BarhamK11 Apr 2026Yell
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.
Heathrow at a glance
Heathrow Airport at a glance
- 84.5 millionpassengers in 2025, up 0.7% on 2024 (83.9 million)
- 4terminals in use: 2, 3, 4 and 5. Terminal 1 closed in 2015
- 15 minon the non-stop Heathrow Express to London Paddington, every 15 minutes
- Official name
- Heathrow Airport (London Heathrow), usually called Heathrow
- Airport code
- LHR / EGLL
- Location
- Hillingdon, west London, about 15 miles from central London
- Terminals
- Four in use: 2 (The Queen’s Terminal), 3, 4 and 5. Terminal 1 closed in 2015
- Traffic in 2025
- 84.5 million passengers, up 0.7% on 2024
- Ranking
- The UK’s busiest airport
- Rail
- Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express and the Piccadilly line
- On-site private hire
- WeKnow, with desks in each Arrivals hall; black cabs at the ranks outside every terminal
- Drop-off charge
- £7 per entry to a terminal drop-off area, 10-minute maximum stay
- Our price to central London
- Typically £90–100 per car
Distances and times are typical and change with traffic. Traffic figures are for 2025 (Heathrow results, reported in 2026). Facts last verified 8–9 October 2026.
All four terminals
Heathrow Terminal 2, 3, 4 and 5 taxi: airlines, pick-up point and station
We serve every terminal, for arrivals and departures. This is how the four differ, so your driver and you end up in the same place.
| At the airport | Terminal 2 | Terminal 3 | Terminal 4 | Terminal 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airlines (third-party list, 24 May 2026; hubs from Heathrow) | Star Alliance carriers and Aer Lingus; Air India moved here from Terminal 4 in 2025 | Virgin Atlantic’s hub, and oneworld airlines: American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas; Emirates | SkyTeam, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines and Etihad | British Airways’ main hub, and Iberia |
| Our driver | Inside the Arrivals hall, name board | Inside the Arrivals hall, name board | Inside the Arrivals hall, name board | Inside the Arrivals hall, name board |
| Where the car waits | Terminal Parking, about a 2-minute walk | Terminal Parking, about a 2-minute walk | Priority Pick-Up Area outside, or Park & Ride Zone A | Terminal Parking, about a 2-minute walk |
| Station | One station shared with Terminal 3 | One station shared with Terminal 2 | Its own station | Its own station |
| Elizabeth line, daytime (third party) | About every 10 minutes | About every 10 minutes | About every 15 minutes | About every 30 minutes |
| Heathrow Express | From Heathrow Central, a short walk | From Heathrow Central, a short walk | Shuttle bus from Heathrow Central | Its own station, about 6 minutes beyond Heathrow Central |
| Black cabs and on-site private hire | Rank outside; WeKnow desk in Arrivals | Rank outside; WeKnow desk in Arrivals | Rank outside; WeKnow desk in Arrivals | Rank outside; WeKnow desk in Arrivals |
| Drop-off charge | £7 per entry, 10 minutes | £7 per entry, 10 minutes | £7 per entry, 10 minutes | £7 per entry, 10 minutes |
| Our page | Terminal 2 taxi | Terminal 3 taxi | Terminal 4 taxi | Terminal 5 taxi |
Terminal 2 (The Queen’s Terminal) taxi
Airlines: Star Alliance carriers and Aer Lingus; Air India moved here from Terminal 4 in 2025. Pick-up: your driver meets you inside the Arrivals hall with a name board and walks you to the car, which waits at Terminal Parking car park, about a 2-minute walk from the terminal doors. Rail: T2 and T3 share one station: Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express and the Piccadilly line. We drop off at the Departures forecourt (£7 airport charge, 10 minutes maximum). Heathrow Terminal 2 taxi
Terminal 3 taxi
Airlines: Virgin Atlantic’s hub and the oneworld airlines: American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas; Emirates. Pick-up: your driver meets you inside the Arrivals hall with a name board and walks you to the car, which waits at Terminal Parking car park, about a 2-minute walk from the terminal doors. Rail: Shares the T2 station: Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express and the Piccadilly line. We drop off at the Departures forecourt (£7 airport charge, 10 minutes maximum). Heathrow Terminal 3 taxi
Terminal 4 taxi
Airlines: SkyTeam, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines and Etihad. Pick-up: your driver meets you inside the Arrivals hall with a name board and walks you to the car, which waits at the Priority Pick-Up Area outside the terminal, or the free Park & Ride Zone A. Rail: Its own station on the Elizabeth line and the Piccadilly line; Heathrow Express by shuttle bus from Heathrow Central. We drop off at the Departures forecourt (£7 airport charge, 10 minutes maximum). Heathrow Terminal 4 taxi
Terminal 5 taxi
Airlines: British Airways’ main hub, and Iberia. Pick-up: your driver meets you inside the Arrivals hall with a name board and walks you to the car, which waits at Terminal Parking car park, about a 2-minute walk from the terminal doors. Rail: Its own station: Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth line and the Piccadilly line. We drop off at the Departures forecourt (£7 airport charge, 10 minutes maximum). Heathrow Terminal 5 taxi
Why the pick-up is not at the kerb
Heathrow does not allow pick-ups on the terminal forecourts, and a vehicle that waits there is charged or removed. At Terminals 2, 3 and 5 the airport directs pick-ups to Terminal Parking, about a 2-minute walk from the terminal doors; at Terminal 4 it offers the Priority Pick-Up Area right outside, or Park & Ride Zone A. Private hire operators wait in the airport’s Authorised Vehicle Area on Northern Perimeter Road until the passenger is ready.
Terminal 4 works
From 23 June 2026 the airport closed the Terminal 4 multi-storey car park for redevelopment. Pick-up for Terminal 4 uses the Priority Pick-Up Area or Park & Ride Zone A, and your confirmation says which.
Terminals can change
Heathrow has been consulting more than 80 airlines about terminal changes, the first review since 2014, and had announced no timetable when the review was reported in February 2025. Air India moved from Terminal 4 to Terminal 2 in 2025. Check the terminal on your ticket, not on a list.
Airline allocation is from a third-party list dated 24 May 2026 and Heathrow’s own terminal pages (Terminal 3 as Virgin Atlantic’s hub, Terminal 5 as British Airways’ main hub), and can change. Pick-up, drop-off and Heathrow Express facts are from the airport and Heathrow Express, checked 8 October 2026; Elizabeth line frequencies are a third-party figure for 2026.
Heathrow taxi price
Our prices from Heathrow Airport
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 24 destinations
| Destination | Distance | Typical drive | Our price (car) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow hotels and Hounslow | about 3 mi | 10–20 min | £40–50 | Book Heathrow hotels and Hounslow |
| Windsor and Eton | about 9 mi | 20–40 min | £50–60 | Book Windsor and Eton |
| London Paddington | about 15 mi | 40–75 min | £80–90 | Book London Paddington |
| Central London (Westminster, Kensington, the City) | about 16 mi | 45–90 min | £90–100 | Book Central London (Westminster, Kensington, the City) |
| London King’s Cross and St Pancras | about 17 mi | 50–90 min | £90–100 | Book London King’s Cross and St Pancras |
| Canary Wharf | about 21 mi | 60–100 min | £100–110 | Book Canary Wharf |
| London City Airport | about 25 mi | 60–100 min | £95–105 | Book London City Airport |
| Luton Airport | about 36 mi | 55–90 min | £95–105 | Book Luton Airport |
| Gatwick Airport | about 38 mi | 60–95 min | £100–110 | Book Gatwick Airport |
| Stansted Airport | about 54 mi | 75–110 min | £130–140 | Book Stansted Airport |
| Guildford | about 25 mi | 40–70 min | £85–95 | Book Guildford |
| Reading | about 28 mi | 40–70 min | £90–100 | Book Reading |
| Tilbury cruise terminal | about 40 mi | 60–95 min | £105–115 | Book Tilbury cruise terminal |
| Portsmouth | about 65 mi | 80–110 min | £155–165 | Book Portsmouth |
| Brighton and Hove | about 66 mi | 80–120 min | £155–165 | Book Brighton and Hove |
| Southampton and the cruise terminals | about 66 mi | 80–115 min | £155–165 | Book Southampton and the cruise terminals |
| Dover cruise terminal and port | about 100 mi | 105–150 min | £205–215 | Book Dover cruise terminal and port |
| Oxford | about 46 mi | 65–100 min | £130–140 | Book Oxford |
| Cambridge | about 70 mi | 90–130 min | £170–180 | Book Cambridge |
| Bath | about 99 mi | 105–150 min | £220–230 | Book Bath |
| Bristol | about 104 mi | 105–155 min | £225–235 | Book Bristol |
| Birmingham | about 107 mi | 115–165 min | £240–250 | Book Birmingham |
| Manchester | about 190 mi | 3 h 30 min–4 h 30 | £375–385 | Book Manchester |
| Leeds | about 197 mi | 3 h 30 min–4 h 30 | £385–395 | 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.
Slough, Richmond, Twickenham, Woking, Crawley, Chichester, Winchester, Canterbury, Liverpool and anywhere else in England are quoted at booking. Every route page is listed under more Heathrow routes, and Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City also have their own airport pages.
Price by vehicle: central London and Brighton
| Vehicle | Fits | Central London | Brighton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon taxi | 4 passengers, 2 large bags | £90–100 | £155–165 |
| Executive car | 3 passengers, 2 large bags | £110–120 | £190–200 |
| MPV, up to 8 passengers | Families and groups with luggage | £140–150 | £240–250 |
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
Heathrow Airport transfers by destination: distance, time and price
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.
Heathrow Airport to central London
About 15 miles, 45–90 minutes by road. Our private transfer: typically £90–100 per car, fixed when you book. By train: the Elizabeth line to Paddington in about 30 minutes. Best for: hotels, apartments and meetings, a family with luggage or a late landing. Heathrow to central London taxi
Heathrow Airport to Windsor and Eton
About 9 miles, 20–40 minutes. Typically £50–60 per car. Public transport needs a bus or a train with a change. Best for: Windsor Castle, Eton College, Legoland and a hotel in the town. Heathrow to Windsor taxi
Heathrow Airport to Gatwick
About 38 miles, 60–95 minutes on the M25. Typically £100–110 per car. Public options are a coach of about 1 hour 15 minutes or a train via London. 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. Gatwick Airport taxi
Heathrow Airport to Oxford
About 46 miles, 65–100 minutes by the M40. Typically £130–140 per car. The Oxford Airline coach is the cheaper public option. Best for: the colleges, the hospitals and the Cotswolds. Heathrow to Oxford taxi
Heathrow Airport to Brighton and Hove
About 66 miles, 80–120 minutes. Typically £155–165 per car. By train: about 2 hours with a change in London. Best for: a group, a hotel away from the station, or the conference centre. Heathrow to Brighton taxi
Heathrow Airport to Southampton
About 66 miles, 80–115 minutes by the M3. Typically £155–165 per car. Best for: cruise passengers with large cases, who would otherwise change trains. Heathrow to Southampton taxi
Heathrow Airport to Guildford
About 25 miles, 40–70 minutes. Typically £85–95 per car. Best for: the university, the cathedral and the Surrey Hills. Heathrow to Guildford taxi
Heathrow Airport to Reading
About 28 miles, 40–70 minutes by the M4. Typically £90–100 per car. Best for: Thames Valley offices and hotels, with no change at Paddington. Heathrow to Reading taxi
Distances are driving miles from Rome2Rio, off-peak. Times are typical and longer at rush hour: the airport publishes no taxi times, and third-party guides give 45–90 minutes to central London. Our price is a typical range for a car, fixed when you book.
Inside London
Where we drop you in London: Paddington, King’s Cross, Canary Wharf and the City
London is one price band but several different arrivals. Here is how each one works, so the driver stops where you need to be.
London Paddington
About 15 miles, 40–75 minutes by road. Typically £80–90 per car. The Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in 15 minutes, so the car is for luggage, children, a late flight or a hotel in Bayswater. Heathrow to Paddington taxi
King’s Cross and St Pancras
About 17 miles, 50–90 minutes. Typically £90–100 per car. The Piccadilly line runs direct to King’s Cross St Pancras, the Eurostar station. Best for: a Eurostar check-in deadline, when a fixed pickup time matters. Heathrow to King’s Cross taxi
Canary Wharf
About 21 miles, 60–100 minutes. Typically £100–110 per car. By train: the Elizabeth line, direct or with one change. Best for: offices and hotels in the docklands, where the car stops at the door. Heathrow to Canary Wharf taxi
West London
Richmond, Twickenham, Kensington and Hammersmith are the closest parts of London to the airport, 20 to 60 minutes depending on the road. Quoted at booking, one fixed fare per car. Heathrow to Richmond taxi and Heathrow to Twickenham taxi.
Charges inside London
The Congestion Charge zone covers central London, not Heathrow itself. The Ultra Low Emission Zone covers all London boroughs, 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
Heathrow to Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City
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.
Gatwick Airport
About 38 miles, 60–95 minutes on the M25. Typically £100–110 per car. Tell us the Gatwick terminal (North or South) and your check-in or connection deadline, and we plan the pickup back from it. Public options are a coach or a train via London. Heathrow to Gatwick taxi and Gatwick Airport taxi
Stansted Airport
About 54 miles, 75–110 minutes by the M25 and M11. Typically £130–140 per car. For Essex, Cambridge and the budget flights, door to door without a change in London. Heathrow to Stansted taxi and Stansted Airport taxi
Luton Airport
About 36 miles, 55–90 minutes. Typically £95–105 per car. For Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and the north, without a train change in London. Heathrow to Luton taxi and Luton Airport taxi
London City Airport
About 25 miles, 60–100 minutes. Typically £95–105 per car. By train: the Elizabeth line, then the DLR. Best for: business flights with a tight check-in. London City Airport taxi
Southend, Farnborough and Biggin Hill
Smaller and business airfields are quoted at booking, one fixed fare per car. Heathrow to Southend Airport taxi
| To | Road | Our typical fare (car) | Public transport | Drop-off charge at that airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick | about 38 mi, 60–95 min | £100–110 | Coach, about 1 h 15 min (Rome2Rio); or train via London | £10 minimum, up to 10 minutes (the airport’s figure, from 6 January 2026) |
| Stansted | about 54 mi, 75–110 min | £130–140 | Coach or train via London, 2 h or more | £7 up to 15 minutes (2026 third-party guide) |
| Luton | about 36 mi, 55–90 min | £95–105 | Coach or train via London | £7 for 10 minutes, then £1 a minute (2026 third-party guide) |
| London City | about 25 mi, 60–100 min | £95–105 | Elizabeth line, then the DLR | £8 from 6 January 2026 (2026 third-party guide) |
Drop-off charges at the other end are set by each airport and change: check the airport’s website before you travel. Gatwick’s figure is from its own page; the others are from a 2026 third-party guide. If a charge applies to your journey, your booking summary lists it before you pay.
Longer journeys
Beyond London: Oxford, Bath, Birmingham and the north
The towns around London are the usual ones. These longer journeys use the same fixed fare and the same service, and seven of them are in the price table under “Longer journeys across England”.
Oxford
About 46 miles, 65–100 minutes, typically £130–140 per car. The colleges, the hospitals and the gateway to the Cotswolds. Heathrow to Oxford taxi
Cambridge
About 70 miles, 90–130 minutes, typically £170–180 per car. The colleges and the science parks, without a change in London. Heathrow to Cambridge taxi
Bath
About 99 miles, 105–150 minutes, typically £220–230 per car. The Roman Baths and the spa hotels. Heathrow to Bath taxi
Bristol
About 104 miles, 105–155 minutes, typically £225–235 per car. The harbourside and the west, without a change. Heathrow to Bristol taxi
Birmingham
About 107 miles, 115–165 minutes, typically £240–250 per car. The NEC, the city centre and the Midlands. Heathrow to Birmingham taxi
Manchester
About 190 miles, 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30, typically £375–385 per car. Door to door for a family or a team with luggage. Heathrow to Manchester taxi
Leeds
About 197 miles, 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30, typically £385–395 per car. The north, with one driver and one fare. Heathrow to Leeds taxi
Anywhere else in England
Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield, York, Exeter, 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
More Heathrow Airport taxi 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.
London stations
London areas and sights
Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex and the coast
Not on the list? Give us the address and we quote it: see the price table, or talk to our team.
On-site operator and charges
Taxis at Heathrow: the on-site operator, the £7 drop-off charge and what a pick-up costs
Heathrow has an on-site private hire partner, black-cab ranks at every terminal and charges that most guides leave out. Here is what each one means for your fare.
The on-site private hire partner
Heathrow lists WeKnow as its on-site private hire option: licensed, fully electric cars at fixed rates, with service desks in each terminal’s Arrivals hall. We are an independent pre-booking service, so there is no desk to find: your driver is waiting with your name.
Black cabs and the ranks
London’s black taxis wait at ranks outside each terminal, 24 hours a day. A rank taxi runs on the meter, so the final fare depends on the road: 2026 third-party guides put a central London fare at £70–110, with a £1.60 rank surcharge. For a journey of 45 to 90 minutes the meter can be the biggest unknown in your travel budget.
What every operator pays
Taxis and private hire are not exempt from the drop-off charge, and a pick-up costs the operator £8.00 for up to 29 minutes in Terminal Parking, rising with the wait. A private hire driver who waits for your call uses the airport’s Authorised Vehicle Area on Northern Perimeter Road (TW6 2EQ), which costs £1.00 an hour for the first five hours. That is why a low headline price can grow: ask what is included.
What it costs to collect a passenger at Heathrow
| Where | Shortest stay | Longer stays |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Parking (Terminals 2, 3 and 5) | £8.00 | £12.50 (30–44 min), £15.50 (45–59 min), £20.00 (1–2 hours) |
| Park & Ride (all terminals) | First 29 minutes free | £9.40 from 30 minutes to 1 hour 59, shuttle bus every 15 minutes |
| Terminal 4 Priority Pick-Up Area | £7.00 for up to 10 minutes | £14.00 (11–29 min), £25.00 (30–60 min) |
| Terminal 4 Park & Ride Zone A | Free for up to 2 hours | £9.40 (2–4 hours) |
Heathrow’s own figures. This is the cost a friend or an operator pays to meet you; it is the reason the airport cannot be treated like a kerb.
Charges are set by the airport and can change: see the airport’s drop-off page and its passenger pick-up page. Checked 8 October 2026.
Flights
Flights into Heathrow: who flies, where they land and when it is busiest
Heathrow is the UK’s busiest airport. This is the traffic that decides your arrival.
Who flies in
Heathrow is a hub airport: British Airways is based at Terminal 5, Virgin Atlantic at Terminal 3, and the Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam airlines are spread over Terminals 2, 3 and 4. Long-haul arrivals come in waves, early in the morning from Asia and the Middle East, and in the afternoon and evening from North America, which is when the ranks queue.
What a first-time visitor should know
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.
Passenger numbers are from Heathrow’s 2025 results as reported in 2026; the night-flight limit is from the airport’s own night flights page, checked 8 October 2026.
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
From the aircraft to the car at Heathrow Airport
Here is what happens between touchdown and your seat in the car, and how the rank works if you have not booked.
- Off the aircraftAllow a few minutes to walk from the gate to the arrivals area, longer if the aircraft is on a remote stand and you are bussed to the terminal.
- Border control, on international flightsEligible travellers use the e-gates with a biometric passport; others go to a Border Force desk. Visitors who need an ETA must hold it before they fly. Domestic UK flights skip this step.
- Baggage reclaimCheck the airport’s flight board for your belt. Bags can take longer at busy times, which is one reason the waiting time is counted from landing.
- Meet your driverYour driver waits inside the Arrivals hall of your terminal with a name board, having tracked your flight. Your confirmation gives the exact spot and the driver’s mobile number.
- Walk to the carHeathrow does not allow pick-ups on the forecourts, so your driver carries the bags to the car in the terminal car park, about a 2-minute walk at Terminals 2, 3 and 5. If you paid online, there is nothing to settle in the car.
If you have not pre-booked
Licensed black cabs wait at the ranks outside every terminal and run on the meter. WeKnow, Heathrow’s on-site private hire partner, has desks in each Arrivals hall. Uber passengers meet their driver in the terminal’s Terminal Parking car park.
Recognise a licensed driver
Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles carry a plate and a licence disc issued by their licensing authority. 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.
Unofficial offers in the hall
In England, a private hire driver may only carry a passenger who has booked. Third-party guides warn about touts inside the Arrivals halls. If someone approaches you offering a ride, decline: your pre-booked driver is waiting with a name board, and the black-cab ranks are signposted outside.
How a meet and greet works at an airport: see our meet and greet guide.
Border checks
Passport control, e-gates and the ETA at Heathrow Airport
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 |
| A child under 8, or a passport that is not eligible | A staffed Border Force desk | Queues can be longer in the early-morning waves |
The ETA
Heathrow says some visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), including children and babies. It is linked to your passport and costs £20. British and Irish citizens and people with UK immigration status 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.
The e-gates
Heathrow says travellers aged 10 and over can use an eGate with an eligible biometric passport, and that children aged 8 to 9 can use one from 8 July 2026 if they travel with an adult and are at least 120 cm tall. Younger children and other passengers go to a staffed Border Force desk. Border Force may ask about your relationship to a child who has a different surname: carry a birth certificate or a letter of permission, and stay together.
Border rules change: check the GOV.UK ETA page and the Heathrow immigration page before you fly. Checked 9 October 2026.
Flying out
Taxi to Heathrow Airport: from your door to the Departures hall
Most of this page is about arriving. If you are flying out, this is how the journey to Heathrow works and how to choose the pickup time.
- Book the pickupEnter your home, hotel or address as the pickup and Heathrow, with your terminal and flight time, as the destination. The booking page shows the fixed fare before you pay. You can book both legs together or add the return later.
- Choose the pickup timeWork backwards from your airline’s check-in or bag-drop deadline, then add the drive time and a margin for traffic. Many airlines ask for two to three hours before departure: your booking shows yours.
- Meet the driverYour driver is at the address at the time agreed. Your confirmation gives the driver’s mobile number and the vehicle.
- Drop-off at DeparturesThe driver stops at the Departures forecourt of your terminal and helps with the bags. Heathrow charges £7 each time a vehicle enters a drop-off area, with a 10-minute maximum stay, so keep the goodbyes short. Tell us the terminal at booking: it is on your ticket, or in the terminal table above.
Early flights
The first scheduled departures leave around 06:00. See the section on early and late flights above for how to plan a pickup in the small hours. We operate 24 hours a day.
Four terminals, four Departures halls
Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 each have their own Departures hall, and the drop-off is at your terminal. A wrong terminal costs a transfer with your bags, and the minutes that go with it. Check your ticket, or give us the flight number.
The forecourt charge
Heathrow charges £7 each time a vehicle enters a terminal drop-off area, with a 10-minute maximum stay, and a Parking Charge of £80 if it is not paid (£40 within 14 days). Your booking summary shows any charge that applies to your journey, and the free Park & Ride drop-off with the bus 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.
Early and late
Early flights and late landings at Heathrow: what the timetable really allows
Heathrow is open all day and night, but it does not schedule flights at all hours. This is what the airport says, and what it means for your pickup.
| Rule | What the airport says | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled departures | None between 22:40 and 06:00 | The first flights leave around 06:00, so a pickup for them is in the small hours |
| Scheduled arrivals | None between 22:55 and 05:05 | The earliest scheduled landing is 05:05 |
| The early-morning wave | About 80% of night flights fall between 04:30 and 06:00 | An average of 16 arrivals a day in that window; a voluntary ban stops flights scheduled for 04:30–06:00 from landing before 04:30 |
| Night flights a year | A limit of 5,800: 3,250 in summer and 2,550 in winter | Late landings after 23:00 are delayed flights, not scheduled ones |
| Freight | No scheduled freight flights in the 23:30–06:00 quota period | Passenger flights only at night |
Early departures
A 06:00 flight is among the first of the day. Many airlines ask for check-in two to three hours before departure, so the pickup is typically between 02:30 and 04:00 from London. Rail and coach timetables do not cover the whole night, but a car does not depend on any timetable. We operate 24 hours a day.
Late landings
Because the airport schedules no arrivals between 22:55 and 05:05, a landing at midnight or 02:00 is a delayed flight. Give us the flight number: we follow it by flight number and move the pickup to the real landing time, with 60 minutes of waiting from touchdown included.
Public transport at night
The first Elizabeth line trains to Heathrow run before 05:30 and the last trains leave the airport around midnight (third-party guide, 2026); night buses also serve the airport, so check the current routes with TfL. With a very early flight, children or heavy bags, a pre-booked car is the simplest plan.
Figures are from Heathrow’s own night flights page, checked 8 October 2026.
Rail, coach and apps
Heathrow Airport by train, coach and app
Heathrow has three railways and a coach station. This is how each option works.
| Option | Goes to | Where and when | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth line | Paddington, Bond Street, Liverpool Street, Stratford and east London | £15.50 flat, about 30 min to Paddington; about every 10 min to Terminals 2 and 3, 15 to Terminal 4, 30 to Terminal 5 (third party) | Central London with a suitcase, at any time of day |
| Heathrow Express | London Paddington, non-stop | Every 15 min, 15 min; advance singles from £10 when booked 30 or more days ahead | The fastest way to central London |
| Piccadilly line | Central London and the west; serves Terminals 2 and 3, 4 and 5 | From £5.90 (third party); the slowest rail option | The cheapest way in, for light packers |
| National Express | Coaches from Heathrow Central Bus Station: Gatwick, Cambridge and many UK cities | For example to Gatwick in about 1 h 15 min, about every 15 min (Rome2Rio) | 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 |
| Black cabs | Anywhere in London | Ranks outside every terminal, 24 hours; metered | Spontaneous trips with no booking |
| WeKnow (on-site private hire) | Anywhere in Britain | Desks in each Arrivals hall; fixed rates | Travellers who did not pre-book |
| Uber and ride-hailing apps | Anywhere | Pick-up in the terminal’s Terminal Parking car park | App users who accept a variable price |
Rail, in a few lines
Three railways serve Heathrow. The Elizabeth line and the Piccadilly line call at all terminals; the Heathrow Express calls at Heathrow Central (a short walk from Terminals 2 and 3) and Terminal 5, with a shuttle bus to Terminal 4. Terminals 2 and 3 share one station, and Terminals 4 and 5 each have their own.
Where public transport stops helping
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 and operators’ own pages, checked 8 October 2026; the Elizabeth line fare and frequencies, the Piccadilly fare and the coach times are third-party figures. Check the operators’ timetables before you travel.
Compared
Every way from Heathrow Airport to your hotel, compared
We sell transfers, so check this against anything else you read. Where another option is the better deal, we say so.
Four things matter more than the headline fare
The first is the number of people, because a car carries up to four for one fare: at £90–100 to central London that is about £22–25 each for four people, still more than the £15.50 Elizabeth line, so on price alone the train wins. 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 £90–100 per car to central London, fixed when you book | 45–90 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. |
| Heathrow Express | Advance singles from £10; check the walk-up fare | 15 min to Paddington | One or two people with light bags | Fastest Stops at stations, not your door. |
| Elizabeth line | £15.50 per adult, flat (third party, 2026) | About 30 min to Paddington | Central London with a suitcase | Good value Direct to Bond Street, Liverpool Street and beyond. |
| Piccadilly line | From £5.90 (third party) | The slowest rail option | Light packers on a budget | Cheapest Direct to King’s Cross St Pancras. |
| Black cab | £70–110 to central London (third-party guides, 2026) | 45–90 min | Spontaneous trips with no booking | Depends On the meter, so the traffic sets the fare. |
| Uber and ride-hailing apps | £40–75 to central London off-peak (third party) | Depends on nearby cars | App users who accept a variable price | Depends Pick-up is in the Terminal Parking car park and prices can rise at busy times. |
| On-site private hire (WeKnow) | Fixed rates at the desk | 45–90 min | Travellers who did not pre-book | Depends Heathrow’s listed on-site partner. |
| 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 2026. The booking page shows your fixed fare before you pay. More on the difference: fixed-price taxi against ride-hailing apps.
The calendar
Events that change how you reach Heathrow Airport
A large part of Heathrow’s traffic follows a calendar that repeats every year. On these dates the M4, 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, the M4 and the M25 | School holiday waves fill the airport and the roads. Book as soon as you book your flight. |
| Chelsea Flower Show | May | Chelsea, west London | Hotels in west London fill. Check the organiser for the dates. |
| Royal Ascot | June | Ascot, Berkshire | Close to Heathrow: hotels and roads fill. Check the organiser for the dates. |
| 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. |
| Henley Royal Regatta | Late June to early July | Henley-on-Thames | Thames Valley roads are busy. Check the organiser for the dates. |
| Summer school holidays | Late July to early September | Everywhere | Heathrow’s busiest weeks. Saturday and Sunday changeovers are the worst. |
| Notting Hill Carnival | August bank holiday weekend | Notting Hill, west London | Roads around Notting Hill close. Plan the drop-off a few streets away. |
| 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. |
The date for Wimbledon in 2027 is from the organiser, checked 8 October 2026. Events marked with a month are held at that time each year: check the organiser for the dates.
Days out
From Heathrow to Legoland, Wembley, the Studio Tour and Silverstone
Many visitors land at Heathrow for an event rather than a hotel. These are the venues we are asked for most, with one fixed fare per car and a driver who knows the roads.
| Venue | Distance | Typical drive | Our price (car) | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legoland Windsor Resort | about 11 mi | 20–45 min | £55–65 | Families with pushchairs and a booked entry time. Heathrow to Windsor taxi |
| Wembley Stadium | about 13 mi | 35–75 min | £75–85 | Match and concert days: plan an hour more. Heathrow to Wembley taxi |
| Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (Leavesden) | about 21 mi | 35–65 min | £90–100 | A timed entry: we plan the pickup back from your slot. |
| Blenheim Palace (Woodstock) | about 53 mi | 65–100 min | £140–150 | Oxford and the Cotswolds in one journey. Heathrow to Oxford taxi |
| Silverstone Circuit | about 57 mi | 80–120 min | £150–160 | Race weekends close roads: leave early and book the return. |
Distances are road estimates from Rome2Rio (2026) and drive times allow for traffic. Stonehenge, the Cotswolds and other venues are quoted at booking: give us the address, the date and the time of entry.
Beyond the airport run
Cruise ports, private flights and groups at Heathrow
Heathrow 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 66 mi | 80–115 min | £155–165 |
| Portsmouth | about 65 mi | 80–110 min | £155–165 |
| Dover cruise terminal and port | about 100 mi | 105–150 min | £205–215 |
| Tilbury cruise terminal | about 40 mi | 60–95 min | £105–115 |
Southampton has five cruise terminals
| Terminal | Docks | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth II | Eastern Docks | Taxis reach the terminal by Dock Gate 4. Covered taxi area. |
| Ocean | Eastern Docks | Next to the Queen Elizabeth II terminal, also by Dock Gate 4. |
| City | Western Docks | By Dock Gate 10, on the left after the gate. |
| Horizon | Western Docks | By Dock Gate 10, straight ahead after the gate. |
| Mayflower | Western Docks | By Dock Gate 10, deeper in the docks: a car is the easy way in. |
Docks and gates are from a third-party cruise guide (2026). A ship can be moved to another berth when the port is busy: use the terminal on your cruise documents and give us the ship’s name when you book.
How to get from Heathrow to the ship
| Option | Typical time | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked taxi | 80–115 min, £155–165 | Door to door to the terminal on your documents, with your cases. |
| Train | About 2 h, plus a short taxi ride | No direct train from Heathrow: you change, then take a taxi from Southampton Central to the port (about 10 minutes, third-party guide). |
| Coach, then a taxi | About 2 h 10 min, plus a taxi | National Express to Southampton Central, then a taxi to the terminal (third-party guide, 2026). |
Times for the train and the coach are from a 2026 third-party guide; check the operators for today’s timetable. Cruise lines give each passenger a boarding window: tell us, and we plan the pickup back from it.
Cruise passengers
Many cruise passengers arrive at Heathrow from overseas and travel on to the ship. We time the pickup to your boarding window and plan a car for large cases. Harwich is quoted at booking. The table above gives the usual ports: see the pages for Southampton, Portsmouth and Dover.
Airport hotels
Hotels at the airport, such as the Sofitel London Heathrow at Terminal 5 and the Hilton at Terminal 4, are minutes from the terminals, and many run their own shuttle, so check first. For a hotel in Hounslow or along the Bath Road we drop you at the door, typically £40–50 per car. Heathrow to hotels taxi.
Private jets and business aviation
Farnborough Airport and Biggin Hill are the nearby business 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.
Groups and business travel
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
Count the bags, not the seats
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 £90–100 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
What is included in the price
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.
A driver at Arrivals
Your driver waits at the arrivals meeting point holding a name board, and helps with the luggage.
Your flight, followed
We track your inbound flight, so a delay simply moves the pickup to the new landing time.
An hour of free waiting
For airport arrivals the first 60 minutes after landing cost nothing, enough for the border and the carousel (see your booking terms).
One fixed fare
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.
Child seats at no cost
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.
Licensed drivers
A licensed driver carries out every journey, and your confirmation names the driver and the car.
Free cancellation
Cancel free until 24 hours before pickup. After that, and for no-shows, the terms decide what happens.
Someone to call
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
Who is behind your Heathrow Airport taxi booking, and what do we promise?
Here is who arranges your booking, what we commit to and where the full wording lives.
Our details
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.
Who does the driving
We handle the booking; a licensed local driver does the trip, and your confirmation names the driver and the vehicle.
Payment
You can pay by card, PayPal or Google Pay via secure, certified gateways. Personal data follows UK data protection law and the GDPR.
The promises, line by line
| 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
From touchdown to your hotel or villa
It takes a few minutes to book. Here is what happens next.
Book with your flight number
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.
Get your driver’s details
Before pickup you receive the driver’s name, mobile number and the meeting point. Keep your phone on when you switch off flight mode.
Walk out to a name board
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.
Pay what the confirmation says
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
Heathrow Airport taxi: your questions answered
How much is a taxi from Heathrow Airport to central London?
Our pre-booked private transfer is typically £90–100 per car to central London, fixed when you book, with a driver waiting inside Arrivals and 60 minutes of waiting after landing included. Third-party guides from 2026 put a black cab at £70–110 and Uber at £40–75, both variable with traffic and demand. The fare is per car, not per person.
How far is Heathrow Airport from central London?
About 15 miles by road (16 miles to Charing Cross, off-peak), and you should allow 45–90 minutes by car, longer at rush hour. The Elizabeth line takes about 30 minutes from Paddington to Terminals 2 and 3.
How many terminals does Heathrow have?
Four: Terminal 2 (The Queen’s Terminal), Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Terminal 1 closed in 2015 and is no longer in use. We collect from, and take you to, all four.
Do you cover all Heathrow terminals?
Yes: Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, for arrivals and for departures. Tell us the terminal and your flight number when you book. If you do not know the terminal yet, give us the flight number and airline: your confirmation names the terminal and the pick-up spot.
Which terminal does my flight use at Heathrow?
It depends on the airline. On a third-party list dated 24 May 2026, Star Alliance airlines and Aer Lingus were at Terminal 2; American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates at Terminal 3; SkyTeam, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines and Etihad at Terminal 4; and British Airways and Iberia at Terminal 5. Heathrow has been consulting airlines about terminal changes, with no timetable announced, so check your booking or the airport flight board.
Where does my driver meet me at Heathrow?
Inside the Arrivals hall of your terminal, with a name board, then walks you to the car. Heathrow does not allow pick-ups on the terminal forecourts, so the car waits in the terminal car park. Your confirmation gives the exact meeting spot and the driver’s mobile number.
Where do private hire cars pick up at Heathrow?
In the car parks, not on the forecourt. At Terminals 2, 3 and 5 the airport directs pick-ups to Terminal Parking, about a 2-minute walk from the terminal doors. At Terminal 4 it offers the Priority Pick-Up Area right outside the terminal, or Park & Ride Zone A. Park & Ride car parks serve every terminal by shuttle bus.
What is the Heathrow Airport drop-off charge?
£7 every time a vehicle enters a terminal drop-off area, with a 10-minute maximum stay. It rose from £6 on 1 January 2026. Non-payment brings a Parking Charge of £80 (£40 if paid within 14 days). Payment is by card only, online, by phone or by autopay, by midnight the next day, and re-entering a zone means paying again. Taxis and private hire vehicles are not exempt.
Is the Heathrow drop-off charge included in your fare?
Your booking summary itemises it before you pay. The fare you see on the booking page is the fare you pay, and airport access charges, tolls and any Congestion Charge are listed there where they apply. Ask us if you want the charge or the free Park & Ride drop-off explained for your journey.
How can I avoid the Heathrow drop-off charge?
Take the train, or use the free Park & Ride drop-off with the free bus transfer to the terminal. Blue Badge holders get a 100% discount, including in a taxi, if the badge is registered with the airport in advance (allow up to 5 days to approve an online account). There is no discount for electric vehicles.
Is there an official taxi or private hire operator at Heathrow?
Heathrow lists WeKnow as its on-site private hire option, with fixed rates and service desks in each Arrivals hall. Black cabs wait at the ranks outside every terminal, 24 hours a day. We are an independent pre-booking service: no desk, no queue, and a driver waiting for you with your name on a board.
Is there a taxi rank at Heathrow Airport?
Yes, licensed black cabs wait at ranks outside each terminal. A rank taxi runs on the meter, so the final fare depends on traffic. A third-party guide adds a £1.60 rank surcharge. A pre-booked private hire car is a different service: the fare is fixed at booking.
How long does the Elizabeth line take from Heathrow, and what does it cost?
About 30 minutes from Paddington to Terminals 2 and 3, and £15.50 pay-as-you-go from any zone 1 station, flat at all times (third-party guide, 2026; it rose from £13.90 in early 2026). Trains run about every 10 minutes to Terminals 2 and 3, every 15 to Terminal 4 and every 30 to Terminal 5. The first trains leave before 05:30 and the last around midnight.
How long does the Heathrow Express take, and how often does it run?
15 minutes non-stop to London Paddington, every 15 minutes, according to Heathrow Express. Advance singles start at £10 when booked 30 or more days ahead; check the current walk-up fare on its site. It serves Heathrow Central (a short walk from Terminals 2 and 3) and Terminal 5, and Terminal 4 by shuttle bus from Heathrow Central.
Which is better from Heathrow to London, a taxi or the train?
The train is cheaper, and fast, for one or two people with light bags going to a station. The Elizabeth line is about 30 minutes and £15.50; the Heathrow Express is 15 minutes to Paddington. A taxi is for door-to-door journeys, a group, children, heavy luggage, a late landing, or any address that is not near a station.
Is a pre-booked transfer cheaper than a black cab from Heathrow?
Often, and the price is certain. A black cab runs on the meter, and 2026 third-party guides put a central London fare at £70–110. Our typical £90–100 per car to central London is fixed before you fly. The train is cheaper again for one person with a small bag.
Does Uber work at Heathrow Airport?
Yes. Heathrow says Uber passengers meet their driver on foot in their terminal’s Terminal Parking car park. A third-party guide puts Uber at £40–75 to central London off-peak, but app fares follow demand and can match or exceed a black cab at busy times, whereas a pre-booked transfer is fixed when you book.
Do National Express coaches run from Heathrow?
Yes, from Heathrow Central Bus Station. Rome2Rio lists National Express coaches from there to Gatwick (about 1 hour 15 minutes, roughly every 15 minutes) and to Cambridge (about 2 hours 20 minutes). Check the operator’s timetable for your destination.
What happens if my flight is delayed or diverted?
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 so we can reroute the driver; we cannot promise a refund in every case, so read your terms.
How long will the driver wait at Heathrow?
Up to 60 minutes after landing is included for airport arrivals, counted from your actual landing time, enough for border control and the carousel. If you are held longer, message the driver.
Do I need an ETA to arrive at Heathrow?
Most visitors without a visa do. Heathrow says some visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), including children and babies; it is linked to your passport and costs £20. British and Irish citizens and people with UK immigration status do not need one. Apply before you travel on the official GOV.UK ETA page or the UK ETA app, and check your nationality there.
Can I use the e-gates at Heathrow?
Yes, with an eligible biometric passport, from age 10, and from age 8 if you travel with an adult and are at least 120 cm tall. Children aged 8 to 9 have been able to use the gates since 8 July 2026. Under-8s go to a staffed Border Force desk, as do passengers whose passport is not eligible. Your driver follows your landing time, not your exit time.
Can I book a taxi to Heathrow Airport for my departure?
Yes. Enter your home, hotel or address as the pickup and Heathrow, with your terminal and flight time, as the destination; the booking page shows the fixed fare before you pay. You can book the arrival and the return together or add the return later.
How early should my taxi pick me up for a flight from Heathrow?
Work back from your airline’s check-in or bag-drop deadline. Many airlines ask for two to three hours before departure; your booking shows yours. Add the drive time (about 45–90 minutes from central London) and extra for the M4, the M25 and rush hour. If in doubt, take the earlier pickup.
Do you pick up at night or very early in the morning?
Yes, we operate 24 hours a day. Heathrow’s night rules mean there are no scheduled departures between 22:40 and 06:00, so the first flights leave around 06:00 and a pickup for them is in the small hours. A car does not depend on a rail or coach timetable, and for arrivals we follow your flight number.
Do flights land at Heathrow in the middle of the night?
Not on the schedule. The airport says no arrivals are scheduled between 22:55 and 05:05, and about 80% of its night flights fall between 04:30 and 06:00, averaging 16 arrivals a day. A late landing after 23:00 is a delayed flight, and we follow it by flight number and move the pickup.
Do you provide child seats for Heathrow transfers?
Yes, at no extra cost. Infant, child and booster seats are available on request: tell us the children’s ages when you book, and as early as you can, because last-minute requests may be harder to fit. In the UK, children need a seat until they are 12 or 135 cm tall, with narrow exemptions for taxis and private hire vehicles: see the GOV.UK rules.
Can you take wheelchair users from Heathrow?
Yes, with notice. Ask for an accessible vehicle when you book and give us the chair’s size and whether it folds, so we can confirm a suitable vehicle for your date. Airport assistance in the terminal is booked through your airline.
Do you offer transfers from Heathrow to the cruise ports?
Yes: Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover and Tilbury. Southampton and Portsmouth are each about 65 miles from the airport and Dover about 100. We time the pickup to your boarding window, and a car sized to your luggage is planned for cruise cases. Typical prices are in the table above, fixed when you book.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to Gatwick?
Typically £100–110 per car for about 38 miles. Allow 60–95 minutes on the M25 and add buffer for a connecting flight: this is the airport-to-airport journey where traffic hurts most. Public options are a coach of about 1 hour 15 minutes or a train via London. Tell us the Gatwick terminal (North or South) and your check-in deadline. See our Gatwick Airport taxi page.
Can you take me from Heathrow to Stansted, Luton or London City?
Yes. Typical prices per car, fixed when you book: London City about 25 miles, £95–105; Luton about 36 miles, £95–105; Stansted about 54 miles, £130–140. Allow 55–110 minutes by road, more at rush hour, and take the earlier pickup for a flight. See the Stansted, Luton and London City airport pages.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to Windsor?
Typically £50–60 per car for about 9 miles and 20–40 minutes. Windsor is the nearest big destination, so a taxi is often the simplest way with luggage. See Heathrow to Windsor taxi.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to Oxford?
Typically £130–140 per car for about 46 miles and 65–100 minutes by the M40. The Oxford Airline coach is the cheaper public option. See Heathrow to Oxford taxi.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to Brighton?
Typically £155–165 per car for about 66 miles and 80–120 minutes. Public transport takes about 2 hours with a change in London, so a taxi suits a group, a hotel away from the station or a late arrival. See Heathrow to Brighton taxi.
Do you cover long-distance transfers from Heathrow?
Yes: Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds are in the table above as fixed fares per car. For other towns, give us the address and we quote it. For a group with luggage, one car door to door is often simpler than several train changes.
Can you take me from Heathrow to King’s Cross or St Pancras for the Eurostar?
Yes. Typically £90–100 per car, about 17 miles and 50–90 minutes. The Piccadilly line also runs direct to King’s Cross St Pancras. Work back from your Eurostar check-in deadline and take the earlier pickup. See Heathrow to King’s Cross taxi and Heathrow to St Pancras taxi.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to Canary Wharf?
Typically £100–110 per car for about 21 miles and 60–100 minutes. By train it is the Elizabeth line, direct or with one change. See Heathrow to Canary Wharf taxi.
Can I book a return transfer to and from Heathrow?
Yes. Book the arrival and the return together, or add the return later from your confirmation. Each leg shows its fixed fare before you pay. Choose the Heathrow terminal for each leg separately, because your return flight may leave from a different terminal.
Can you take me to a hotel near Heathrow Airport?
Yes. Hotels at the airport, such as the Sofitel London Heathrow at Terminal 5 and the Hilton at Terminal 4, are minutes from the terminals, and many run their own shuttle, so check first. For a hotel in Hounslow or along the Bath Road we drop you at the door, typically £40–50 per car: see Heathrow to hotels taxi.
How much is an executive car or an 8-seater from Heathrow?
To central London, typically £110–120 for an executive car and £140–150 for an MPV of up to 8 passengers, against £90–100 for a saloon. To Brighton: £190–200, £240–250 and £155–165. Estates, people carriers and minibuses are quoted at booking: see the fleet.
Do I need to pre-book for Wimbledon, Royal Ascot or the school holidays?
Yes, book early. Wimbledon runs from 28 June to 11 July 2027. Roads and trains fill, rank queues lengthen and cars sell out in the summer holidays, at Royal Ascot, Henley and at Christmas, so book your transfer when you book your flight.
Are tolls and the Congestion Charge included?
The fare you are quoted is the fare you pay, and tolls and any Congestion Charge are itemised in your booking summary where they apply. The Congestion Charge zone covers central London, not Heathrow itself, and the Dartford Crossing charge applies on some routes to Essex and Kent. Ask us if you want it confirmed for your journey before you book.
Which Southampton cruise terminal will you take me to?
The one on your cruise documents. Southampton has five cruise terminals: Queen Elizabeth II and Ocean in the Eastern Docks, and City, Horizon and Mayflower in the Western Docks (third-party cruise guide, 2026). A ship can be moved to another berth when the port is busy, so give us the ship’s name and the terminal your cruise line shows when you book. Heathrow to Southampton is about 66 miles, 80–115 minutes, typically £155–165 per car, and we plan the pickup back from your boarding window.
Can you take me from Heathrow to Legoland, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Wembley or Silverstone?
Yes, one fixed fare per car to any address. Legoland Windsor is about 11 miles (typically £55–65), Wembley Stadium about 13 miles (£75–85), the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London at Leavesden about 21 miles (£90–100), Blenheim Palace about 53 miles (£140–150) and Silverstone about 57 miles (£150–160). Give us the venue, the date and the time of the event and we plan the pickup and the return around it. Match days and event days slow the roads, so book early.
What are the drop-off charges at Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City?
Gatwick charges a £10 minimum for up to 10 minutes on the forecourt, from 6 January 2026 (the airport’s own figure). A 2026 third-party guide lists Stansted at £7 for up to 15 minutes, Luton at £7 for 10 minutes and London City at £8 from 6 January 2026. Each airport sets and changes its own charge: check its website before you travel. If a charge applies to your airport-to-airport journey, your booking summary lists it before you pay.
What is the Authorised Vehicle Area at Heathrow?
It is the airport’s waiting area for licensed private hire vehicles, on Northern Perimeter Road (TW6 2EQ). It is open 24 hours a day and costs £1.00 an hour for the first five hours, and drivers must show their operator licence on request. Your driver can wait there until you are through the terminal and then drive to the pick-up point for your terminal. See the airport’s page.
How many suitcases fit in the car?
Count the bags, not the seats. A saloon takes 4 passengers and 2 large bags, an estate 4 passengers and 3 large bags, and an executive car 3 passengers and 2 large bags. A people carrier or an 8-seater takes more: tell us the number of large cases, cabin bags, pushchairs and golf bags at booking and we choose the vehicle.
Do I tip the driver?
No. A tip is a thank-you, not an obligation. The fare is agreed when you book and tipping is not expected in the UK. Some passengers round up or add a little for help with heavy luggage or an early start; it is entirely your choice.
Can I bring an assistance dog or a pet?
Assistance dogs travel with you at no extra charge. Under the Equality Act 2010, licensed taxi and private hire drivers must carry an assistance dog unless they hold a medical exemption certificate: see section 170. Other pets are at the discretion of the driver: tell us when you book, bring a carrier or a lead, and we confirm before you fly.
What if I leave something in the car?
Contact us as soon as you notice, with your booking reference and the flight number. We ask the driver to check the vehicle and tell you what we find. If you left it in the terminal, ask the airport’s lost property service; if it was in a black cab, ask the licensing authority, Transport for London.
How do I make a complaint?
Write to us first, with your booking reference and what happened. We look into it with the driver and reply. A London private hire driver and vehicle are licensed by Transport for London, which takes complaints about drivers who break the licence conditions.
Are you licensed to operate at Heathrow?
Global Airport Taxi is a trading name of QMH Technologies Ltd (company no. 13506378). A licensed driver and a licensed vehicle carry out every journey, and your confirmation names both.
How do I avoid unlicensed drivers at Heathrow?
Use the signed rank, the airport’s on-site private hire desk or a driver who is waiting with your name. 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 busy is Heathrow Airport?
It handled 84.5 million passengers in 2025, up 0.7% on 83.9 million in 2024, a record year. It is the UK’s busiest airport, with four terminals in use.
Elsewhere in the UK
Airport taxis elsewhere in the UK
Flying on from Heathrow, or into another British city? The same booking, flight tracking and meet-and-greet service runs at these airports.
Gatwick Airport taxiWest Sussex, Brighton and the south coast.
Stansted Airport taxiEssex, Cambridge and the east.
Luton Airport taxiBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and north London.
London City Airport taxiThe City, Docklands and east London.
Manchester Airport taxiManchester and the north-west.
Birmingham Airport taxiThe Midlands and the NEC.
Edinburgh Airport taxiEdinburgh, Fife and the Lothians.
Glasgow Airport taxiGlasgow and the west of Scotland.
All UK airportsEvery airport we cover in the United Kingdom.
An executive car, a Mercedes E-Class or similar. Photo: Global Airport Taxi.
Land, walk out, and go.
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.
- Fixed price
- Free cancellation
- Free child seats
- Flight tracking