UK Airport Transfers, Taxis & Cruise Ports

Transfer companies in United Kingdom

UK airport transfers and taxis: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow, plus Southampton and Dover cruise ports.

Updated October 2026

UK airport transfers and taxis

The UK’s busiest airports are around London, with big regional hubs in Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Most have fast trains or buses into town, plus taxi ranks and pre-booked private hire cars. Transfer firms quote a fixed price per vehicle, which suits families, groups and cruise passengers.

Main UK airports for transfers

Heathrow to Central London: black cab typically £45–£85, 30–60 minutes
Gatwick Airport: about 30 miles south of London, Gatwick Express to Victoria in about 30 minutes
Manchester Airport to the city centre: taxi from around £20
Edinburgh Airport to the city centre: metered taxi around £25–35

Black cabs vs minicabs in the UK

Black cabs (hackney carriages) wait at official ranks and charge a council or TfL meter fare. Minicabs and chauffeur cars are private hire: they must be pre-booked through a licensed operator, often at a fixed price. Never accept a lift from a tout in the arrivals hall. Most UK airports also charge for dropping off outside the terminal, usually about £5.50 to £10, so ask whether your fare includes it.

Southampton and Dover cruise transfers

Southampton is the UK’s busiest cruise port, about 68 miles from Heathrow. Dover is the second busiest, about 79 miles from Gatwick. Taxis are limited at Dover, and both ports are busy on turnaround days, so book your car ahead.

Belfast and Northern Ireland transfers

Belfast has two airports: George Best Belfast City, about 3 miles from the centre, and Belfast International, about 30 minutes away by road. Taxis follow Northern Ireland maximum fares, and the Enterprise train and direct coaches link Belfast with Dublin in about 2 hours.

Transfers in United Kingdom: FAQs

How much is a taxi from Heathrow to Central London?

A black cab typically costs £45–£85 on the meter.

Can I take a minicab from a UK airport without booking?

No, minicabs are private hire and must be pre-booked through a licensed operator, while black cabs wait at ranks.

How far is Southampton cruise port from Heathrow?

About 68 miles, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car.

Transfer companies in United Kingdom

Addison Lee

Admiral Chauffeur

Airport Pickups London (APL Cars)

CH Chauffeurs & Airport Service

Clocktower Cars Gatwick

Collins Travel

Elite Chauffeurs

HCD Chauffeur Drive

Heathrow Minibus Service

MMA Transfers

Premier Chauffeur Drive

Street Cars Manchester

TransFar Near & Far

viaUNO Cars Southampton

Western Cars Horley

Getting around United Kingdom: travel guides