• Home
• Flight Arrivals
• Flight Departures
• Terminal Information
• Transportation
• Shopping & Leisure
• News

Gatwick Taxi Services

London Gatwick Airport is something of a misnomer as the airport is actually situated some 28 miles south of central London. It is in fact to be found in the county of Sussex, 3 miles north of Crawley.

Gatwick is the second busiest airport in the UK and London’s second largest international airport, in terms of passenger numbers and air traffic. It has two terminals, North and South, which are easily connected by a shuttle service whilst the monorail transit system is being upgraded.

The airport is a popular choice of arrival for both business and leisure travellers to central London, as well as those visiting the Home Counties. As a departure point it serves everyone from the package market to those travelling on long haul flights for business or pleasure.

Taxi options

There is an enormous choice of taxi companies serving Gatwick and prices can vary significantly. As a guide, a standard taxi to Central London may cost between £63 and £93, licensed taxis and minicabs are exempt from the congestion charge so this should not have to be paid, but it is worth checking with the taxi company. It will take around an hour to get there, although depending on traffic conditions and the time of day it can be much longer.

For passengers living in the Home Counties, a taxi to and from the airport can often make financial sense compared to parking at the airport for the duration of the holiday. For instance, a taxi from Leatherhead in Surrey to Gatwick can cost as little as £22. Many taxis cost more if you are travelling early or late in the day or on a Bank Holiday but this is by no means universal so it is worth shopping around.

Some taxi companies will charge an additional fee to cover short term parking at the airport. If you do not need someone to pick you up from the Arrivals Hall and help you with your luggage, it is worth asking if the driver can wait outside, especially if you exchange mobile phone numbers. In times of increased security this may of course not be an option.

Most taxi companies operating at Gatwick work on a quoted fare system, avoiding nasty surprises at times of heavy traffic, and will accept either cash or credit card, whilst many also offer account facilities, with invoices issued periodically or when the credit limit is reached.

In many instances taxis can be booked online and requests made for child seats or swivel seats for passengers with impaired mobility. Whether booking by phone or by internet, you will invariably be asked for details of your return flight so that the driver can check for delays before setting off.

A more luxurious journey can be experienced by booking an executive or chauffeur driven car. Extras such as Wi-Fi, DVD players and hand held games consoles can be pre-ordered and the vehicles will normally come with air conditioning and leather upholstery. If you would like newspapers, water or snacks, many luxury taxi companies will customise the service required on request.

Minicabs and Taxis

The main difference between a taxi and a minicab is that taxis can be hailed without prior booking and minicabs cannot. Both have to be licensed but a minicab does not have a meter like a taxi and so it is important that you know what you are likely to pay before setting off. It is inadvisable to get into a minicab where the driver is touting for custom as this is illegal.

Popular Destinations from Gatwick

All timings are approximate and will vary depending on traffic.

London

Museums, art galleries, historic houses, palaces, churches, theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, cinema – London has everything a culture vulture could want. If shopping is your thing then you have a huge choice, from speciality shops in Covent Garden to the iconic Harrods and of course Europe’s busiest shopping street, Oxford St. World class restaurants, bars and clubs complete the perfect city break.

Brighton

If you like your city break by the sea, then Brighton in Sussex is ideal. Now regarded as one of Europe’s premier spots for night life, Brighton also offers good shopping, especially around the Lanes, and interesting tourist attractions such as the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Marina. Brighton has a good LGBT scene and is regarded as the “gay capital” of the UK. For those who enjoy the outdoors there are some excellent walks on the South Downs and along the coast.

Chessington World of Adventures

If you have children or are a thrill seeker yourself, a trip to Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey is a must. Originally a zoo, the theme park at Chessington opened in 1987 making it an extremely popular visitor destination. In addition to the traditional tigers, lions and monkeys there is also a Sea Life Centre complete with walk-under glass tunnel with sharks and rays. The rides in the theme park offer something for everyone, although minimum heights apply for certain rides. For more information and to avoid disappointment see their website.

Hampton Court Palace

A favourite royal palace of Henry VIII and world famous for its maze, Hampton Court is one of these places which really bring history to life and makes an ideal day out for young and old alike. It is situated in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and enjoys a picturesque riverside setting. On a nice day it is possible to spend hours exploring the 60 acres of gardens (especially if you get lost in the maze!). The Tudor kitchens are one of the most interesting parts of the palace and live Tudor cookery demonstrations are held throughout the year. See their website for further details of these plus other activities such as the Ghost Tours and Tudor Christmas events.

Bluebell Railway

If you or your children enjoy the Thomas the Tank Engine books then a visit to the Bluebell Railway is a must-do. Popular in the spring when the bluebells are at their best and at Christmas for the Santa Specials, anyone who is into steam engines will love this 9 mile stretch of heritage line.