How Much Is a Taxi to Gatwick Airport?
Gatwick Airport, located 28 miles south of Central London in West Sussex, is the UK's second-busiest airport. Getting accurate Gatwick taxi prices before you travel eliminates one of the biggest uncertainties of any airport journey — what that ride is actually going to cost you.
A pre-booked private transfer from Central London to Gatwick costs between £65 and £85 for a standard saloon vehicle, making it a competitive alternative to both metered black cabs and variable-rate ride-hailing services. Here is everything you need to know about Gatwick taxi fares in 2026.
Gatwick Taxi Prices from Popular London Areas
| Pickup Area | Distance | Private Transfer | Black Cab (est.) | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central London (W1/WC1) | 28 miles | £65 – £85 | £90 – £140 | 60–90 min |
| South London (Croydon/Bromley) | 18 miles | £45 – £60 | £55 – £85 | 35–55 min |
| City / Canary Wharf | 32 miles | £75 – £95 | £100 – £155 | 70–100 min |
| West London (Ealing/Hounslow) | 35 miles | £80 – £100 | £110 – £165 | 70–100 min |
| North London (Camden/Islington) | 32 miles | £75 – £95 | £100 – £160 | 75–105 min |
| Brighton | 28 miles | £55 – £70 | £65 – £100 | 40–55 min |
Gatwick Taxi vs. Train — Which Is Better Value?
The Gatwick Express and Southern/Thameslink trains are popular alternatives. Here is how they stack up against a taxi:
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Express | £19.90 (advance) / £32 (walk-up) | 30 min to Victoria | Solo, Victoria destination |
| Southern Railway | £12–18 | 35–45 min | Budget solo traveller |
| Private Transfer | £65–85 (up to 3 pax) | 60–90 min | Groups, luggage, door-to-door |
| Black Cab | £90–140 | 60–90 min | Spontaneous |
For two or more passengers with luggage, a private transfer typically delivers the best per-person value and eliminates the hassle of navigating train stations with suitcases. For a complete analysis, read our taxi vs train London airport transfer comparison.
North Terminal vs. South Terminal — Any Price Difference?
Gatwick has two terminals connected by an automated shuttle train. With a fixed-price service like LDN Transfers, the fare is identical to both terminals. For metered taxis, the difference is negligible as both terminals share the same access road from the M23. Your driver will drop you directly at your terminal's departures level.
Peak Hours and Traffic Impact on Gatwick Fares
The route to Gatwick primarily uses the M23 motorway, which is generally reliable. However, the A23 through Croydon and Purley can be heavily congested during rush hours. This significantly impacts metered taxi fares but has zero effect on fixed-price transfers.
- Best travel times: Before 7am, 10am–3pm, or after 8pm
- Worst travel times: 7–9am and 4–7pm weekdays (M25/M23 junction congestion)
- Weekend considerations: Saturday mornings can be busy during holiday season
Saving Money on Your Gatwick Taxi
Whether you are looking for the cheapest airport transfer in London or simply want to ensure you don't overpay, these tips apply:
- Pre-book at least 24 hours ahead — advance fares are 15–20% lower than same-day bookings
- Choose standard over executive — unless you need the prestige, save 40–60% with a saloon
- Share with fellow travellers — a £75 fare split three ways is just £25 each
- Avoid metered taxis during rush hour — congestion on the A23 can add £20–40 in meter charges
- Book a return — some providers offer discounted round-trip rates
For complete airport transfer London cost comparisons across all five airports, visit our comprehensive pricing hub. Or explore our dedicated Gatwick airport transfers service page to learn more about what's included in every booking.
Fixed Gatwick taxi prices from £65. No surge, no extras, no stress. Get your personalised quote using the booking form — it takes less than 60 seconds.