About Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick (LGW) is the UK's second busiest airport, handling over 46 million passengers annually. Located 30 miles south of Central London in West Sussex, it serves as a major hub for leisure and business travel.
Unlike Heathrow's sprawling five terminals, Gatwick operates with just two terminals, North and South, connected by a free inter-terminal shuttle. This compact layout makes navigation straightforward, but the drop-off charges and pickup procedures still catch many first-time visitors off guard.
Gatwick is the world's busiest single-runway airport. Morning peak hours (6-9am) see over 55 movements per hour, so if you're flying early, leave extra time!
💰 Gatwick Drop-Off Charges 2026
As of January 6, 2026, Gatwick Airport increased its drop-off charge. Here's what you need to know:
Who's Exempt?
- Blue Badge holders, Must register vehicle in advance at gatwickairport.com
- Buses & coaches, Use designated coach bays
Free Drop-Off Alternative
Don't want to pay? Use the Long Stay car parks where drop-off is free. A complimentary shuttle bus runs to the terminals every 10-15 minutes. However, if you're in a rush, this adds 15-20 minutes to your journey.
All our fixed prices include the £10 drop-off charge. No surprise fees at the terminal, what you're quoted is what you pay.
📍 Where to Get Picked Up
North Terminal
- ✓ Pickup: Level 0, outside Arrivals
- ✓ Meet & Greet: Inside Arrivals Hall by Costa
- ✓ Short Stay: NCP Car Park
South Terminal
- ✓ Pickup: Ground floor, outside Arrivals
- ✓ Meet & Greet: Inside Arrivals by WH Smith
- ✓ Train Station: Direct access to platforms
Our Meet & Greet Service
When you book with Prime Airport Transfer, our driver will be waiting inside the terminal holding a name board. No searching for your car, no confusing pickup zones. We include:
- 60 minutes for international arrivals and 30 minutes for domestic arrivals
- Official flight checks, using the flight number you provide
- Luggage assistance, we'll help with all bags
- Child seats available on request
✈️ Airlines by Terminal
Knowing which terminal your airline uses saves time. Here's the 2026 breakdown:
🅽 North Terminal
🅢 South Terminal
💡 Tip: Check your booking confirmation, airlines occasionally move terminals. The free shuttle between terminals runs 24/7 if needed.
🧴 Gatwick Security and Liquid Rules
Gatwick has rolled out next-generation CT security scanners and the liquid rules have changed. Gatwick now says cosmetics and toiletries no longer need to be under 100ml. Rules still differ between airports, so check the airport you fly home from as well, and confirm with Gatwick or your airline before you travel.
What Gatwick says at the moment:
- Up to two litres: liquids can go through security in containers holding up to two litres.
- Not metal or double walled: containers that are metal, or double walled, are not accepted.
- Check the other end: the airport you return from may still run the 100ml rule, so pack for the stricter of the two.
- Medicines and baby food: still allowed, declare them at security and carry proof where you can.
Where the new scanners are fully switched on you can often leave liquids and laptops inside your bag, which speeds up the queue. Fast Track security is worth considering for early morning departures when queues build quickly, and you book it through Gatwick rather than through us.
💡 Driver tip: sort your liquids before you leave home so you are not repacking at the security tray. The calmer your run through security, the better your trip starts, and a door-to-door transfer that gets you there relaxed and on time sets that up. See live fares on our Gatwick transfers page.
💷 Fixed Taxi Prices to Gatwick
Our prices are all-inclusive, no surge pricing, no hidden fees. The £10 drop-off charge is included in every quote.
| From | Distance | Time | Fixed Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rickmansworth | 38 miles | 55-70 min | £109 | Book Now |
| Watford | 42 miles | 60-75 min | £119 | Book Now |
| St Albans | 48 miles | 65-80 min | £127 | Book Now |
| Central London | 30 miles | 45-60 min | £65 | Book Now |
| Cambridge | 82 miles | 90-110 min | £179 | Book Now |
Fares shown are Prime’s own fixed daytime prices, quoted before you travel. Each one includes the Gatwick drop-off charge, meet and greet, and free waiting time, 60 minutes after an international arrival and 30 after a domestic one. Night pickups and the festive period are priced differently.
Train or private taxi to Gatwick
The Gatwick Express is the quickest way into Victoria if you are travelling light. Where a taxi differs is what happens either side of the train ride.
| Comparison | Gatwick Express | Prime Airport Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Journey Time | 30 mins to Victoria | 45-60 mins door-to-door |
| Luggage | Carry yourself | Driver assists ★ |
| Early/Late Flights | Limited service | 24/7 ★ |
| Drop-off Location | Victoria Station only | Your exact address ★ |
Solo travellers heading to Victoria? The train is hard to beat. Everyone else, couples, families, groups, anyone not ending at Victoria, a pre-booked taxi takes you door to door and the driver helps with the bags.
🎯 Insider Tips from Our Drivers
⏰ Best Time to Travel
Avoid the M25 between 7-9am and 4-7pm. For early flights (before 7am), traffic is minimal. For afternoon departures, factor in 30 extra minutes during peak times.
🛣️ Best Routes from North
From Hertfordshire, we take M1 → M25 (clockwise) → M23. Avoid the A24 through Dorking unless it's a Sunday, too many villages and traffic lights.
🅿️ If You're Driving Yourself
If you are driving and parking, book online in advance rather than turning up at the barrier, and check the current rates on Gatwick’s own site. For pickups, the Long Stay car park runs a free shuttle to the terminals.
📱 Flight Delays
Provide your flight number when booking. Our team checks official airport arrival information and adjusts the planned pickup when needed. Your fare includes 60 minutes of waiting after an international arrival and 30 minutes after a domestic arrival; additional waiting may be charged under our terms.
Questions? Answers.
Everything you need to know about Gatwick transfers.
Before you book: the details that make this journey easier
Before you check the fare, make sure the route, airport details and timing are all confirmed in one place. That matters most for Gatwick disruption and backup transfer planning because small booking mistakes usually create the biggest travel-day problems.
Start from the right route page
Have these ready when you book
Open a prefilled fare check and adjust if your journey is slightly different:
Book Your Gatwick Transfer
Fixed prices. No surge. Drop-off charge included.