info@britishexpresscars.co.uk
Quick answer
The ULEZ charge is £12.50 a day for non-compliant vehicles and covers all London boroughs, not the M25. The congestion charge is £18 and applies in central London at set hours; private hire cars are not exempt. Fixed-price quotes should say clearly what is included, so ask before you book.
What are ULEZ and the congestion charge?
London has two separate road charges that can affect an airport transfer. They are run by Transport for London (TfL), apply to different areas and different vehicles, and are often confused.
| ULEZ | Congestion Charge | |
|---|---|---|
| What it targets | Vehicle emissions | Traffic in central London |
| Where | All London boroughs (not the M25) | Central London charging zone |
| When | 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day | 7:00-18:00 Monday-Friday, 12:00-18:00 weekends and bank holidays |
| Cost | £12.50 a day if the car does not meet the standard | £18 if paid on the day or in advance; £21 if paid later |
| Do private hire cars pay? | Only if non-compliant | Yes - the private hire exemption was removed in 2019 |
Check the latest figures and the charging zone map on TfL's ULEZ and congestion charge pages.
Does the ULEZ affect a Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted transfer?
The ULEZ covers all London boroughs, so a journey that enters Greater London can pass through it. The charge only applies to vehicles that do not meet the emissions standard, so a modern, compliant car does not trigger it. What matters for you is who pays if a charge applies, which should be stated in your quote.
Does the congestion charge apply to my airport transfer?
Only if the car enters the central charging zone during charging hours - for example if your hotel is inside it. A journey to an address outside the zone does not. TfL lets you check an address or postcode on its website. Licensed taxis are exempt, but private hire vehicles are not, so a minicab to a central hotel during charging hours can include the charge.
What should you check in an airport transfer quote?
- Is the price fixed per vehicle? A fixed quote should state what is included.
- Are road charges, parking and waiting time included? Ask before you book rather than finding out at the end of the journey.
- Is the operator licensed? See the checks in our airport transfer checklist.
Compare your options for your airport: Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. For a price for your journey, use the instant quote form.
Need a car? Get a fixed price in under two minutes.
Book the transfers mentioned in this guide
Heathrow Airport Transfers — fixed-price quote
Gatwick Airport Transfers — fixed-price quote
Get a Quote — fixed-price quote
London to Heathrow Transfers — fixed-price quote