Getting from Richmond to Gatwick
Gatwick sits in West Sussex, south of the M25, so the trip from Richmond is longer than a Heathrow run but still simple. By train you would usually change at Clapham Junction, which is fine with a small bag and much less fun with two suitcases and children. A Richmond to Gatwick taxi collects you from your front door and drops you outside your terminal, at a price agreed before you travel.
Plan on 55–80 minutes for most journeys. Early-morning trips are often quicker. Weekday rush hours, Friday afternoons and summer Saturdays can be slower, particularly on the M25 between the A3 and the M23.
The usual routes
Drivers decide on the day, but these are the routes you are most likely to see:
- A3 then the M25 and M23. South-west from Richmond through Kingston to the A3, east along the M25 to junction 7, then south on the M23 to the airport. This is often the most predictable route.
- Through Sutton and Reigate. Local A-roads such as the A217 can be quicker when the M25 is closed or very slow.
Whatever the route, the price you were quoted stays the same, unless you change the journey, add stops or keep the driver waiting longer than agreed.
North Terminal or South Terminal?
Gatwick has two terminals, connected by a free shuttle. The terminal depends on your airline, and sometimes on the destination. Your booking confirmation from the airline will say which one to use. Give us the flight number when you book and the driver can plan for the right one.
If you are dropped at the wrong terminal by mistake, the inter-terminal shuttle takes only a few minutes, but it is better to check before you leave home.
Drop-off charges
Gatwick charges vehicles for using its drop-off zones outside the terminals. Your quote will show whether this is included. The latest rules are on the official Gatwick Airport website.
Arriving at Gatwick: pick-ups
Coming home to Richmond after a holiday is when a pre-booked car is most welcome. For arrivals you can ask for meet and greet, where the driver waits for you in the arrivals area. Because the driver parks in a short-stay car park, airport parking time is usually added to the quote.
Things that help the pick-up go smoothly:
- Add your flight number so the operator can plan around your landing time.
- Keep your phone on after you land and reply to the driver's message.
- Tell us if you have extra items such as a pushchair, car seat or bike box.
Long-haul arrivals at Gatwick can take a while to clear passport control and baggage reclaim, so do not worry if you are later out than the scheduled landing time.
Vehicles for Gatwick trips
Many Gatwick flights are holidays, which means more luggage than a business trip. A saloon is fine for two people with normal cases. For a family of four with full-size suitcases, an MPV gives you more boot space. For larger groups, book a 6 seater taxi, a minibus for up to eight, or ask about a 7 seater.
When to book
Book at least a day ahead for Gatwick, and earlier for flights between 6am and 9am, which are common for summer holidays. To check in two hours before a 7am departure, you may need to leave Richmond around 3.30am to 4am. Booking early makes sure a car and driver are arranged for that time.
From around Richmond
We arrange Gatwick transfers from all parts of the area, including East Sheen, Teddington and Ham. From the south of the borough the drive can be a little shorter, as you are closer to the A3.
Comparing airports? See our guides to Heathrow and Stansted. If you are taking the Gatwick Express from central London instead, we can take you to Victoria station.
