info@britishexpresscars.co.uk
Quick answer
From Gatwick, trains are quick for solo travellers staying near a mainline station, but a pre-booked private transfer is usually easier and often better value for families, groups, heavy luggage and late arrivals. British Express Cars charges from £59 per vehicle from Gatwick to central London, with meet and greet and flight tracking included.
What are the main ways to get from Gatwick to central London?
Gatwick sits about 30 miles south of the capital and has four common routes into the centre:
| Option | Door to door? | Typical journey | Price basis | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked private transfer | Yes | About 1 hr to 1 hr 30 min by road, traffic-dependent | Fixed per vehicle, from £59 | Families, groups, luggage, early or late flights |
| Black cab | Yes | Similar by road | Metered or agreed in advance | Travellers who have not pre-booked |
| Gatwick Express | No – station to station | About 30 minutes to Victoria | Per person (rail fare) | Fast trips to Victoria |
| Thameslink / Southern rail | No – station to station | Direct services to several central stations | Per person (rail fare) | Solo travellers near a station |
Rail fares and timetables change, so check the current details with Gatwick Airport or National Rail before you travel.
When is a private transfer better than the train?
Train tickets are priced per person, a private transfer per vehicle. As a guide:
- 1 traveller, light bag, hotel near a mainline station: the train is usually cheapest.
- 2 travellers with suitcases: once you add a taxi or Tube from the station to your hotel, the gap narrows.
- 3–4 travellers or a family: one fixed-price car is often cheaper than several tickets, and you are dropped at the door.
- Late night or very early start: reduced train timetables make a waiting car the safer choice.
Which Gatwick terminal do I arrive at?
Gatwick has a North Terminal and a South Terminal, linked by a free shuttle. Your airline's booking shows which one you use. A private transfer meets you in the arrivals hall of your terminal. See our Gatwick meeting points.
What should I check before booking any Gatwick transfer?
- Licensing: in London, book minicabs only through a TfL-licensed private hire operator, and never accept an unbooked ride offered in the terminal (TfL guidance).
- What the price includes: meet and greet, waiting time and parking should be in the quote.
- Flight tracking: your pickup should move automatically if your flight is early or late.
- Child seats: request them in advance. See our baby seats page.
Going the other way? See London to Gatwick transfers.
Need a car? Get a fixed price in under two minutes.
Book the transfers mentioned in this guide
Gatwick Airport Transfers — fixed-price quote
Gatwick to London Transfers — fixed-price quote
London to Gatwick Transfers — fixed-price quote