Gatwick is the UK's second-busiest airport and one of the most-searched airport taxi 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; the licensed taxi partner confirms 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 the taxi partner when you book, ideally from your airline confirmation rather than guessing.
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.
- Gatwick is also a common gateway for Brighton and the Sussex coast — a shorter, less traffic-heavy run than the London leg.
Booking tips specific to Gatwick
- State North or South terminal clearly — don't assume the driver will guess from your airline.
- 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, a licensed taxi partner tracking 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 taxi costs.
MiniCabFinder is a comparison service, not a taxi operator. We forward your request to a licensed local taxi partner who provides the journey.