STREATHAM · WIMBLEDON · CLAPHAM · WANDSWORTH · FULHAM · CHELSEA → GATWICK
South West London to Gatwick taxi,
honest advice, not just a sales pitch.
RushXO connects you with local, licensed drivers for a fixed-fare departure transfer from South West London to Gatwick. There's a genuinely good direct train from Clapham Junction — we'll tell you when that's your better option, and when a taxi is.
Fares and terminal info checked 17 August 2026
| Fixed fareStandard saloon | FROM £48 | — |
| Journey timeVaries by postcode | TYPICAL | 40–70 min |
| £10 forecourt chargeSince Jan 2026 | INCLUDED | no extra |
| TerminalNorth & South, check every time | CONFIRM | 2026 changes |
BY POSTCODE
Gatwick sits south — so the ranking flips.
Unlike Heathrow, where Chelsea and Fulham are closest, Gatwick sits south of London, so Streatham and Wimbledon have the shorter run and Chelsea and Fulham are further.
| Area | Postcodes | Typical time | Fare from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streatham / Brixton | SW16, SW2, SW9 | 40–50 min | £48 |
| Balham / Tooting | SW12, SW17 | 45–55 min | £50 |
| Wimbledon | SW19, SW20 | 45–55 min | £50 |
| Clapham | SW4 | 50–60 min | £55 |
| Wandsworth / Battersea | SW18, SW11 | 50–60 min | £56 |
| Putney / Barnes | SW15, SW13 | 55–65 min | £58 |
| South Kensington | SW7 | 55–70 min | £60 |
| Chelsea / Fulham | SW3, SW6, SW10 | 60–70 min | £62 |
Figures are typical, non-peak estimates — your exact fare is confirmed to your specific address when booking.
The short answer: a taxi from South West London to Gatwick typically costs from around £48, with a journey of 40 to 70 minutes depending on your exact postcode and traffic.
TAXI OR THE TRAIN?
We'll say it plainly: the Clapham Junction train is genuinely good.
Southern operates a direct service from Clapham Junction to Gatwick Airport station, which sits right beneath South Terminal — roughly 24 to 35 minutes, several times an hour throughout the day.
When the train wins
Travelling solo, starting near Clapham Junction, light on luggage, no time pressure, mid-morning to early evening — the train is often faster and cheaper than a taxi. We're not going to pretend otherwise.
When a taxi wins
Starting anywhere other than right by Clapham Junction, heavy luggage, a group splitting one fare, or travelling with young children.
Very early or late departures
The direct service doesn't run at every hour — a taxi is often the only door-to-door option before the first trains or after the last.
Landing at North Terminal
The train arrives at South Terminal — if your airline uses North, you'll need the monorail on top of the walk from the platform.
TERMINAL GUIDE
Two terminals — but 2026 has been unusually volatile.
Gatwick runs just two terminals, North and South, linked by a free automated monorail taking a couple of minutes. Simpler than Heathrow's four — but this year has seen more terminal changes than usual.
EasyJet consolidated its Gatwick flights to North Terminal across all routes in 2026, having previously split between both. Jet2 opened a major new base at South Terminal in March 2026. If you've flown the same airline from Gatwick before, that experience may no longer apply — always confirm your terminal on your boarding pass before travelling, and tell us when booking so we take you to the right one.
North Terminal
Includes Emirates and TUI Airways among its carriers — a longer-haul and package-holiday presence.
South Terminal
Jet2's new 2026 base, alongside a broad mix of short-haul European routes.
Free monorail transfer
A couple of minutes between terminals if you need to move — but confirming beforehand avoids the need entirely.
HOW PRICING WORKS
One fare, set before you set off.
The fare is set by your exact postcode and vehicle type, confirmed before you travel, and doesn't move for traffic, time of day, or the £10 Gatwick forecourt charge — that's already built in.
HOW TO BOOK
Four steps, then confirm North or South.
- Enter your South West London pickup address
Any SW postcode — we'll confirm the exact fare for your specific starting point.
- Confirm your terminal and flight time
Give your flight number so we can track it and time your pickup correctly.
- Confirm the fixed price
See the full fare before you commit — no estimate, no range, £10 charge included.
- Book and track
Pay online or with the driver, then track your vehicle as pickup approaches.
FAQ
South West London to Gatwick — your questions.
How much does a taxi from South West London to Gatwick cost?
From around £48 for most SW postcodes, with a journey of 40 to 70 minutes depending on your exact starting point and traffic. Streatham and Wimbledon tend to be quickest; Chelsea and Fulham a little longer, since Gatwick sits south rather than west.
Isn't the train from Clapham Junction faster and cheaper?
For a solo traveller starting near Clapham Junction with light luggage, often yes — Southern operates a direct service, roughly 24 to 35 minutes, several times an hour. A taxi wins on door-to-door convenience from other postcodes, heavy luggage, very early departures, or a group splitting one fare rather than several train tickets.
Which Gatwick terminal do I need?
Gatwick has only two terminals, North and South, connected by a free monorail. Terminal assignments have shifted more than usual in 2026 — even if you've flown the same airline from Gatwick before, don't assume it's the same terminal this time. Always confirm on your boarding pass.
Why is Gatwick's drop-off charge higher than other airports?
Gatwick charges £10 per vehicle for forecourt drop-offs (up from £7 in January 2026), currently the highest of any major UK airport, camera-enforced with a 10-minute limit before extra charges apply. This is included in your RushXO fixed fare.
How do I get between North and South Terminal?
A free automated monorail (formerly the Gatwick Shuttle) connects the two terminals in a couple of minutes. If you're dropped at the wrong one, it's a quick fix — but better to confirm beforehand so your driver takes you straight there.
Do you charge more during rush hour or on weekends?
No. Your fare is fixed at booking regardless of traffic, time of day, or how busy the roads are.
What vehicle should I book for a family holiday?
An estate or MPV gives noticeably more boot space than a saloon — a common choice for family holidays given Gatwick's strong leisure and package-holiday traffic. An 8-seater minibus is available for larger groups on one fare.
Can I book a very early morning pickup for a holiday flight?
Yes, 24/7. Early package-holiday departures are one of our most common Gatwick bookings, and the direct Clapham Junction train doesn't run at every hour, so a taxi is often the only door-to-door option before dawn.
Related pages
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Book your Gatwick departure transfer — fixed price, £10 charge included.
Licensed driver, confirmed vehicle, timed to your flight.