Getting to Gatwick, the easy way
Gatwick sits just under 30 miles south of central London, between Crawley and Horley on the Surrey–Sussex border. It’s the UK’s second-busiest airport and a huge base for holiday flights, which means a lot of early starts, a lot of luggage and a lot of families trying to get everyone out of the door on time. That’s exactly where a pre-booked Gatwick taxi earns its keep.
With ukairportscabs.com you book online in about a minute, see a fixed price for every vehicle, and know that your driver will be outside at the time you chose – whether that’s 3:30am for a first-wave departure or midnight when you land from Tenerife. We cover both terminals and pick up from London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and anywhere else you need.
North Terminal or South Terminal?
Gatwick has two terminals, North and South, linked by a free shuttle train that takes a couple of minutes. It’s still much easier to be dropped at the right one, especially with children and cases in tow. Your booking confirmation or airline app will tell you which terminal you’re flying from; add your flight number when you book and we’ll double-check it for you.
For pickups, your driver will wait in the arrivals area of the correct terminal. If your airline changes terminal at short notice, give us a call and we’ll redirect your driver.
Typical journey times to Gatwick
| From | Approx. distance | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Central London (Victoria / Westminster) | 28–30 miles | 1h 10m – 1h 30m |
| South West London (Wimbledon / Putney) | 22–25 miles | 50m – 1h 10m |
| Croydon | 17 miles | 35 – 50m |
| Canary Wharf | 35 miles | 1h 15m – 1h 40m |
| Heathrow Airport | 45 miles (M25) | 55m – 1h 20m |
These are guides only – the M23, A23 and M25 can be slow at peak times and during roadworks. When you book, we’ll help you pick a sensible pickup time. For most flights, aim to arrive two hours before departure for short-haul and three for long-haul.
Why take a taxi rather than the Gatwick Express?
If you live near Victoria and travel light, the Gatwick Express or Thameslink can make sense. For most people, though, the train means getting to the station first, hauling bags up and down stairs, and paying per person. A pre-booked car picks you up at your front door and drops you at the terminal entrance. For two or more travellers with luggage, it’s often the cheaper option too, because our fares are per vehicle.
It’s also the only option that works reliably for very early flights. Many Gatwick departures leave before the first trains of the day reach the airport – your driver doesn’t keep timetables.
Landing at Gatwick? We track every inbound flight, so your driver arrives when you do – not when you were scheduled to. You get 60 minutes of free waiting from landing, and meet and greet in arrivals with a name board.
Gatwick meet and greet
We’ll text you your driver’s name and mobile number before you land. Once you’ve cleared passport control and collected your luggage, head out into the arrivals hall and look for your name. Your driver will help with your bags and walk you to the car in the short-stay car park. If you need a few extra minutes – a lost bag, a long queue at the border – just call or message your driver.
Cars for every trip to Gatwick
Holiday travel usually means more luggage than a business trip, so choose your car with that in mind. A saloon suits up to four passengers with two large cases; an estate takes four passengers with four cases; and our 6 and 8-seater MPVs are ideal for families, groups of friends and anyone carrying golf clubs, pushchairs or ski bags. If you’re not sure, tell us what you’re bringing and we’ll recommend the right vehicle. Browse the fleet for photos and capacities.
Gatwick to the cruise ports
Flying into Gatwick to join a cruise? We run direct transfers from both terminals to Southampton, Portsmouth and Dover, timed around your flight and your ship’s boarding window. See our cruise port transfers page for more.
Gatwick taxi FAQs
How much is a taxi from London to Gatwick?
Prices depend on your pickup address and vehicle. Get an instant fixed quote using the form above – there’s no obligation, and the price won’t change once you’ve booked.
Can you pick me up for a very early flight?
Yes, we operate 24 hours a day. Early-morning Gatwick runs are some of our most common journeys.
Do you go to both Gatwick terminals?
Yes – North and South. Add your flight number and we’ll make sure your driver goes to the right one.
What happens if my Gatwick flight lands late?
Nothing extra to pay. We track your flight and your driver adjusts to the actual arrival time, with 60 minutes of free waiting from landing.
Can I bring extra luggage like golf clubs or a bike box?
Yes – just tell us in the booking notes and choose an estate or MPV so there’s room. If you’re unsure, call us and we’ll advise.