A pre-booked taxi from Gatwick to central London is typically around £80 to £100 as a fixed price, taking 60 to 90 minutes for the 28-mile trip. Metered black cabs run higher, roughly £90 to £140 with traffic. The official operator is Airport Cars Gatwick, bookable online or at the taxi booth near the terminal exit. Uber and Bolt are available too. Prices checked August 2026.
The official operator and booking booth
Airport Cars Gatwick, formerly Checker Cars, is the sole official private-hire operator for both the North and South Terminals. You can pre-book online at airportcars-gatwick.com or at the taxi booth near the terminal exit, and an arrivals meet-and-greet is available. As the official provider, it is exempt from the airport's vehicle drop-off surcharge, so that fee is not added to your fare. Other operators are subject to the charge and usually pass it on.
Fixed price versus metered
Pre-booking a fixed price is generally cheaper than a metered ride and removes any surprise on arrival. A fixed fare to central London is agreed up front at roughly £80 to £100, with no meter and no surge if you land late or into traffic. Metered black cabs are available but tend to come in higher, around £90 to £140 depending on the route and time of day.
Typical fares to the city and beyond
The central London range below reflects the pre-booked fixed price and the higher metered figure. Other destinations are indicative and should be confirmed with the operator when you book, since fares vary with distance, traffic and time of day.
| Destination | Driving time | Indicative taxi fare |
|---|---|---|
| Central London | 60 to 90 min | £80 to £140 |
| Brighton | ~45 min | £55 to £90 |
| Croydon | 40 to 45 min | £45 to £60 |
| Horsham | ~30 min | £35 to £55 |
For the full list of destinations, distances and driving times, see the popular routes page.
Uber, Bolt and ride-hailing
Uber, Bolt and FreeNow all operate at Gatwick. The designated ride-app pickup is inside the short-stay car parks, not at the kerb outside arrivals: South Terminal is Level 3, Row A of the short-stay (Orange) car park, and North Terminal is Level 3, Row B of the short-stay car park. Walk to the car park and follow the in-app directions rather than waiting outside arrivals. Ride-app fares include the airport's drop-off and access charge, because non-official operators are subject to the vehicle charge.
When a taxi beats the alternatives
If you are a group with luggage, or you land at an unsociable hour, a fixed-price taxi to the door can work out sensibly per head and avoids changing trains or waiting for a coach. For a solo traveller watching the cost, the cheaper options are on the public transport page, where Thameslink starts from about £14.80 and coaches from around £2. If someone is dropping you off by car instead, compare the drop-off charges first, because the forecourt costs £10 for 10 minutes while the Long Stay car park gives 2 hours free.
Taxi FAQs
How much is a taxi from Gatwick to central London? Roughly £80 to £100 pre-booked as a fixed price with Airport Cars Gatwick, or £90 to £140 in a metered black cab, taking 60 to 90 minutes for the 28-mile trip.
Who is the official taxi operator at Gatwick? Airport Cars Gatwick, formerly Checker Cars, is the sole official private-hire operator for both terminals. It is exempt from the airport's vehicle drop-off surcharge, bookable online or at the taxi booth near the exit.
Is Uber allowed at Gatwick? Yes. Uber, Bolt and FreeNow pick up inside the short-stay car parks: South Terminal Level 3 Row A, North Terminal Level 3 Row B. The fare includes the airport's access charge.
Is a pre-booked fixed fare cheaper than a meter? Usually. A fixed price is agreed up front at about £80 to £100 to central London, with no surge, while metered black cabs tend to run higher at £90 to £140.
More: Overview, Public transport, Parking, Drop-off, Routes, FAQs.
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Last verified August 2026 by the Gatwick Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official Gatwick Airport website before you travel.