Landed at Gatwick and heading into London? The short answer: a private transfer is worth it if you are travelling as a group of three or more, carrying heavy luggage, arriving late at night, or going somewhere that is not next to a main station. If you are on your own with a small bag and staying near Victoria, the train is cheaper and usually quicker.
Below are the real numbers so you can decide for your own trip: fixed fares by London area, journey times, and the cost per person compared with the train.
Gatwick to London Private Transfer Prices
These are our typical fixed fares from Gatwick Airport. The final price depends on your exact address and the vehicle you choose, and it is confirmed when you book, so it will not change if you get stuck in traffic.
| Destination | Typical fixed fare (per vehicle) | Typical journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Central London (Westminster, Victoria, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street) | £55 to £85 | 60 to 90 minutes |
| South London (Croydon, Wimbledon, Clapham) | £40 to £65 | 30 to 50 minutes |
| Heathrow Airport (terminal to terminal) | £85 to £120 | 60 to 90 minutes |
Optional extras: meet and greet in the arrivals hall usually adds £5 to £15, and child seats cost £5 to £10 each. For more routes, see our full guide to Gatwick taxi fares.
How Long Does It Take to Get From Gatwick to London by Car?
Most journeys to central London take 60 to 90 minutes. The route runs up the M23 and A23, and both get busy during weekday rush hours, which can add 30 to 45 minutes. Early morning and late evening arrivals are usually at the quicker end of the range.
The Gatwick Express train reaches Victoria in about 30 minutes, which sounds much faster. But that time only covers the train itself. Add the walk from arrivals to the platform, the wait for the next departure, and the onward trip from Victoria by Tube or taxi, and the door-to-door time is often closer than it looks. If your hotel is in Canary Wharf, Kensington or anywhere away from Victoria, the car can end up just as quick with no changes.
Private Transfer vs Train: Cost Per Person
A private transfer is priced per vehicle, while train tickets are priced per person. That is why the answer changes so much with group size. Using a central London fare of £55 to £85 and a Gatwick Express single of around £20 to £25 when booked in advance:
| Passengers | Private transfer (per person) | Gatwick Express (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | £55 to £85 | £20 to £25 |
| 2 | £28 to £43 | £20 to £25 |
| 3 | £18 to £28 | £20 to £25 |
| 4 | £14 to £21 | £20 to £25 |
For three or four people, the private transfer costs about the same as the train or less, and it takes you to the door. Train fares vary by time of day and can reach £30 or more on the day, so check current prices on National Rail before you compare.
When the Train Is the Better Choice
We would rather you pick the right option than the most expensive one. The train usually makes more sense if:
- You are travelling alone with hand luggage only
- Your hotel or meeting is within walking distance of Victoria, London Bridge or another station on the line
- You are arriving on a weekday evening when the roads into London are at their worst
- You want the cheapest possible option: Thameslink and Southern services start from around £10 to £15
For a side-by-side look at trains, Uber and taxis, read our Gatwick taxi vs Uber vs train comparison.
When a Private Transfer Is Worth It
Families and groups. Once you are splitting the fare three or four ways, the cost per person drops below a train ticket and nobody has to carry bags through ticket barriers.
Heavy luggage. Large suitcases, pushchairs, golf clubs or sports equipment are hard work on crowded trains and the Tube. In a car, they go in the boot at the terminal and come out at your door.
Early or late flights. Trains run less often late at night and early in the morning. A pre-booked car is waiting when you land, whatever the time.
Destinations away from the main stations. If you would need a train, then the Tube, then a walk, a direct car removes all of that.
Business travel. A fixed price makes expenses simple, and you can take calls or prepare for a meeting on the way.
Which Vehicle Do You Need?
- Saloon: 1 to 4 passengers, 2 check-in bags and 2 hand luggage
- Estate car: 1 to 4 passengers, 3 check-in bags and 3 hand luggage
- 6-seater minivan: up to 6 passengers with hand luggage only
- 8-seater minibus: up to 8 passengers, 8 check-in bags and 8 hand luggage
If you want a higher standard of car for a business trip or special occasion, see our executive Gatwick taxi service.
How a Gatwick to London Transfer Works
- Book in advance with your flight number, London address, number of passengers and bags. You get a fixed price at this point.
- We track your flight, so if it lands early or late the pickup time moves with it.
- Meet your driver at arrivals, or add meet and greet and they will wait in the arrivals hall with a name board.
- Go straight to your door with no changes, no ticket barriers and no carrying bags through stations.
Note that airport car park charges for pickups are paid by the customer. Our pre-book airport taxi checklist covers what to have ready before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a private transfer from Gatwick to central London?
Our fixed fares to central London typically range from £55 to £85, depending on the exact address and the vehicle. The price is agreed when you book.
How long does a taxi take from Gatwick to London?
Usually 60 to 90 minutes to central London and 30 to 50 minutes to South London, depending on traffic on the M23 and A23.
Is a taxi cheaper than the train from Gatwick to London?
For one person, no. For three or four people sharing, a private transfer often costs the same as the train per person or less, and it takes you to your door.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
We monitor your flight and adjust the pickup time, so your driver is there when you actually land.
Can you take a group of 8 from Gatwick to London?
Yes. Our 8-seater minibus takes up to 8 passengers with 8 check-in bags. Minibus prices are given on request.
Book Your Gatwick to London Transfer
Tell us your flight and London address and we will confirm a fixed price with no surge charges. Book your transfer here. Travelling from Kent instead? Our Tunbridge Wells to Gatwick taxi runs at fixed fares from £70.