The Strand runs from Trafalgar Square to Aldwych, lined with theatres, hotels and offices, and it is one of the busiest parts of central London for visitors. Our Strand to Gatwick taxi picks you up from your hotel, office or the stage door and takes you straight to the North or South Terminal for a fixed price.
Every Onward Travel Solutions booking is quoted as a fixed price for the whole vehicle, so the fare you see when you book is the fare you pay, whatever the traffic does on the day. Enter your pickup and drop-off in the form above to see your price in seconds.
The Strand to Gatwick Journey
From the Strand the driver crosses the Thames at Waterloo Bridge, heads south via Elephant and Castle and Kennington, then follows the A23 through Brixton and Streatham to the M23. Central London traffic means the first few miles can be slow, so we allow extra time in weekday rush hours and on theatre evenings.
We check the roads before the pickup and adjust the route if there are closures or long delays, so the time estimate stays realistic. For a flight, we work back from your departure time and build in a buffer for check-in and bag drop, so you are not watching the clock on the motorway.
- Distance: about 28 miles
- Typical journey time: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Main roads: Waterloo Bridge, A23 and M23
- Airport: Gatwick Airport (North and South Terminals)
Why Book a Fixed-Price Strand to Gatwick Taxi
Hotels around the Strand, such as those near the Savoy and Aldwych, are well placed for sightseeing but tricky to leave with luggage: the nearest mainline stations mean a walk or a short taxi, then a change. A car from your door takes you straight onto the southbound route. Theatre companies and touring crews also book us for early airport runs after late shows.
- Fixed fare: agreed at booking, for the whole vehicle.
- Flight tracking: if your plans change, tell us and we move the pickup.
- Free waiting time: a short free wait at your pickup address.
- Licensed drivers: private hire licensed, DBS checked and experienced on airport runs.
- Door to door: no changes, no lifting cases on and off trains.
Drop-Off at Gatwick Airport
We drop at the departures forecourt of the North or South Terminal. Check your airline’s terminal before you travel, because the two buildings are linked by a free shuttle, not a short walk. If you are running late on the day, call us and the driver will adjust the drop-off to the closest door for your airline.
For terminal information, parking and live flight updates, see the official Gatwick Airport website. For everything we offer at this airport, see our main Gatwick Airport taxi page.
Vehicle Options
Choose the car by passengers and luggage, not just head count. A family of four with large cases is usually more comfortable in an estate or people carrier than a saloon.
Saloon
Up to 3 passengers with 2 large cases and 2 cabin bags. A comfortable, economical choice for couples and solo travellers.
Estate
Up to 3 passengers with 3 large cases. Useful when you have more luggage than a saloon boot takes.
Executive
A premium saloon for up to 3 passengers, popular for business travel and special occasions.
People Carrier
Up to 5 or 6 passengers with luggage, ideal for families and small groups.
8-Seater Minivan and Minibus
For larger groups of up to 8 passengers, with bigger minibuses available for 12 or 16. Luggage space depends on passenger numbers, so give us both when you book.
Typical Fares by Vehicle Class
Prices depend on the exact addresses, date and time, so the booking form gives the precise figure. As a guide to how the classes compare on this route:
| Vehicle | Passengers | Relative price |
|---|---|---|
| Saloon | 1-3 | £ |
| Estate | 1-3 | £+ |
| Executive | 1-3 | ££ |
| People Carrier | 4-6 | ££ |
| 8-Seater Minivan | 7-8 | £££ |
| Minibus (12-16) | 9-16 | ££££ |
Taxi vs Train vs Driving Yourself
Charing Cross and Embankment are at the western end of the Strand, but Gatwick trains leave from Victoria, London Bridge, Blackfriars and St Pancras. The easiest rail option is often a short walk or Tube to Blackfriars for Thameslink, which runs direct to Gatwick in about 45 minutes. Door to door, allow around an hour and ten minutes.
| Pre-booked taxi | Train or coach | Driving yourself | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door to door | Yes | No | Yes, plus parking transfer |
| Luggage handling | Driver helps | You carry it | You carry it |
| Early or late flights | Any time | Limited by timetables | Any time |
| Cost for a group | One fixed price | Per person | Fuel plus parking |
Booking in Advance
We recommend booking at least 24 hours ahead, and earlier in peak holiday weeks when larger vehicles go quickly. If you need a car sooner, call us and we will do our best. For an early morning flight, we can collect at any hour.
Tips for a Smooth Departure
- Check your terminal: confirm it with your airline a day before, as airlines do move terminals.
- Leave enough time: aim to reach the airport two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul one.
- Have bags ready: if your cases are by the door when the driver arrives, you leave on time and use none of your waiting time.
- Keep documents handy: passports and boarding passes in a cabin bag, not the boot.
- Tell us about extras: child seats, a wheelchair that folds, sports equipment or an extra stop on the way.
Pickup Areas Around the Strand
We collect along the full length of the Strand and from Aldwych, Covent Garden, Charing Cross, Temple and the Embankment. Hotels in the area usually have a set-down point on a side street, and our drivers know where they are. We also pick up from King’s College London’s Strand campus and nearby offices.
We cover the Strand, Aldwych, Covent Garden, Charing Cross, Temple, Embankment, Trafalgar Square, Holborn, and anywhere nearby. If your address is outside these areas, the booking form will still quote it.
Accessibility and Special Requests
If a passenger uses a folding wheelchair or walking frame, tell us when you book and we will send a vehicle with enough boot space, and the driver will help with loading. We can also arrange child seats on request, extra stops and space for bikes, golf clubs or skis. Please note we do not currently operate wheelchair-accessible vehicles with ramps.
Business and Group Travel
Business customers can pay on account with monthly invoices. For group trips, a single minibus keeps everyone together and costs less than splitting into several taxis. See our corporate accounts page for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a taxi from the Strand to Gatwick take?
Usually 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day. We allow extra time at peak hours.
How far is the Strand from Gatwick?
Around about 28 miles by road, mainly on the Waterloo Bridge, A23 and M23.
Is the price fixed?
Yes. The price is agreed when you book and covers the whole vehicle, including luggage. It does not change with traffic or delays.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
If your flight time changes before you travel, tell us and we move the pickup at no cost.
Can I book a child seat?
Yes, child seats are available on request. Add them when you book, with the children’s ages, so we send a suitable vehicle.
How much luggage can I bring?
It depends on the vehicle. A saloon takes 2 large cases, an estate 3 and a people carrier about 5. Tell us about bulky items such as golf clubs or bikes.
Can I pay on the day?
Yes. You pay the driver on the day, and business customers can pay on account with monthly invoices.
Do you run early morning and late night journeys?
Yes, we work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including bank holidays.
Can you collect after a late theatre show?
Yes. We work 24 hours a day, so early morning or late night pickups after a show are no problem.
Is the Strand pickup point easy for drivers?
The Strand is busy, so the driver may use a side street such as Savoy Street or Southampton Street. They will call you with the exact spot.