LGW — London (Gatwick) — Taxi Fare Guide

Gatwick Airport has official licensed taxi ranks outside both the North and South Terminals, operated by the airport's approved provider. Unlike short city hops, licensed black cabs at Gatwick do not use a fixed rate into central London; the fare is metered by distance and time, and central London is roughly 45 km (28 miles) away.

Because the meter runs on a long motorway journey, expect roughly £90-£120 to reach central London, plus a £6 airport pickup surcharge and any road tolls passed en route. Pre-booked private transfers (minicabs) are often cheaper and fixed, typically starting around £70-£100 for a saloon car, agreed in advance.

Note that Gatwick also charges a £10 drop-off fee (up to 10 minutes) in the forecourt zones at both terminals, raised from £7 in January 2026; this affects vehicles dropping passengers off, not the metered fare into town. Journey time is usually 60-75 minutes but can exceed 90 minutes in rush hour.

Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt operate at Gatwick with designated pickup points; fares are broadly comparable to pre-booked minicabs but surge during peak demand. Many travellers instead use the Gatwick Express train (about 30 minutes to Victoria) as a faster alternative.

Practical tips: Use only the marshalled official rank or a pre-booked minicab; ignore drivers touting inside the terminal. Confirm a fixed price before departure for private cars, and expect the £6 airport surcharge plus tolls on metered black cabs. For solo travellers on a budget, the Gatwick Express or Thameslink train is far cheaper than any taxi.

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