Gatwick is the UK's second-busiest airport and one of the most-searched airport transfer routes in the country, mostly because it sits far enough south of London that the fare and journey time genuinely matter. Here's what actually affects your transfer.
All prices here are estimates that vary; we confirm your final fare.
North terminal or South terminal?
Gatwick runs from two separate terminals, linked by a free shuttle:
- North Terminal — mostly long-haul and charter airlines.
- South Terminal — the original terminal, still the busier of the two.
They're not walking distance apart, so being dropped at the wrong one means an extra shuttle ride with your luggage. Always confirm your terminal with us when you book, ideally from your airline confirmation rather than guessing — our guide to which Gatwick terminal you need covers how to check and what the shuttle involves.
Meter vs a fixed quote — it matters more here than most airports
Because a Gatwick-to-London transfer is a genuinely long run (around 28 miles up the M23/M25), the gap between a metered black cab and a pre-agreed private-hire price tends to be larger than on shorter routes. A meter keeps charging through M25 traffic; a fixed quote agreed before you travel doesn't. For a predictable journey like this one, comparing an estimate first is worth the two minutes it takes.
Popular Gatwick routes
- London to Gatwick — south from the capital via the M23, one of the most-searched airport routes in the country.
- Heathrow to Gatwick — the airport-to-airport connection round the M25, common for self-connecting long-haul passengers. Our Heathrow to Gatwick transfer guide covers journey time and minicab vs coach.
- Gatwick is also a common gateway for Brighton and the Sussex coast — a shorter, less traffic-heavy run than the London leg. Our London to Brighton minicab guide covers the full run.
- For North London postcodes such as Hampstead, Highgate and Muswell Hill — the wrong side of town for Gatwick Express — see our Gatwick to North London transfer guide.
Booking tips specific to Gatwick
- State North or South terminal clearly — don't assume the driver will guess from your airline. Coming from Surrey or the south London edge, see our Gatwick from Surrey guide for fixed prices by town.
- If you're catching an early or late flight, mention it — Gatwick's road access can be quieter outside peak hours, which sometimes means a faster, cheaper estimate.
- For a long-haul arrival with a connecting flight already missed or delayed, having us track your flight number is more forgiving than a rank queue.
- Compare an estimated Gatwick fare before you commit, especially for the longer London leg.
If you're weighing a metered black cab against a private-hire quote more generally, see our breakdown of London black cab and minicab costs.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Does Gatwick have two terminals? A: Yes — North Terminal and South Terminal, on separate sites linked by a free shuttle. They are not walking distance apart, so confirm which one your airline uses from your booking rather than guessing.
Q: Which Gatwick terminal do I need? A: North Terminal handles mostly long-haul and charter airlines; South Terminal is the original and still the busier of the two. Your airline confirmation is the reliable source — being dropped at the wrong one means an extra shuttle ride with your luggage.
Q: Is a meter or a fixed quote better for Gatwick to London? A: A fixed quote agreed before you travel is usually the safer option on this route. Gatwick to London is around 28 miles up the M23 and M25, so a meter keeps charging through traffic in a way a pre-agreed price does not.
Q: How far is Gatwick from central London by car? A: Around 28 miles via the M23, one of the most-searched airport routes in the country. Journey time is heavily traffic-dependent, particularly on the M25 section.
Q: Can I get a minicab from Gatwick to Brighton or the Sussex coast? A: Yes — Gatwick is a common gateway for Brighton and the coast, and it is generally a shorter, less traffic-heavy run than the London leg.
Q: What happens if my flight into Gatwick is delayed? A: Give us your flight number when you book and the pickup tracks your actual arrival. For a long-haul arrival, or one where a connection has already been missed, that is considerably more forgiving than joining a rank queue.
We provide the journey directly with our licensed drivers.