How to choose a good taxi service at Gatwick airport

Gatwick Airport, also popularly known as London Gatwick, is located approximately 30 miles south of central London. It is the second largest international airport in London. In 2011, almost 34 million passengers traveled through Gatwick, making it the second busiest airport in the UK after Heathrow. Due to the significant presence of the three main types of airlines, charter, no frills and full service, this airport is quite popular with business and leisure travelers.

To meet the needs of passengers, a wide range of taxi services are available at Gatwick. However, their prices are highly variable. If you hire a standard taxi to central London, you will have to shell out between £50 and £100. Licensed taxis are normally exempt from the congestion charge, but before hiring such a taxi, it is advisable to check with the company. Taxis take around an hour to reach central London, although much depends on general traffic conditions and the time of day. All taxis operating at Gatwick Airport are metered. However, to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially on a busy day, ask the taxi company for a price.

Taxis can be booked online or by phone. In both cases, you will be required to reveal your flight details so that the driver can check the status of your flight before leaving to pick you up. For a luxurious experience, you can opt for a chauffeured car instead of a standard taxi. In addition to air conditioning and exotic upholstery, luxury taxis are often equipped with facilities such as Wi-Fi, game consoles, newspapers, and snacks. There are some taxi companies at Gatwick airport that will customize the taxi service as per your requirements. Compared to a standard taxi, these custom luxury taxis are expensive.

Parking fees at the airport are quite high, and the taxi company will charge an additional fee if for some reason the driver has to wait for you in the parking lot. A better option will be to exchange mobile phone numbers and ask the driver to wait outside while you drag your luggage out of the arrivals hall. In times of high security alert, this option may not be available and you will have to bear the extra cost.

All taxis at Gatwick Airport are licensed and fully insured. It is mandatory that they have a functional GPS (Global Positioning System) device. In addition, on request, child seats or swivel seats are provided at no additional cost. There are over 600 taxi companies at Gatwick Airport. In an attempt to attract customers, service providers often offer attractive discounts and membership packages. If you are a frequent traveler, these offers are sure to help you save a lot of money.