Quick answer: Gatwick has taxi ranks outside arrivals at both the North Terminal and the South Terminal. Follow the taxi signs after you leave the arrivals hall, join the queue, and take the next licensed taxi. Fares are usually metered, so you’ll only know the final price at the end. If you’d rather have a fixed price and a driver waiting for you, pre-book instead.
This guide is about the Gatwick taxi rank: where it is, how it works, when it’s busy and when it’s worth using. If you’d rather skip the queue altogether, see our main Gatwick airport taxi page for pre-booked, fixed-fare transfers.
Where the taxi ranks are at Gatwick
North Terminal
Leave the arrivals hall and follow the signs for taxis. The rank is outside the terminal building, close to the arrivals exit. More on the terminal layout and pickups is on our Gatwick North Terminal taxi page.
South Terminal
The South Terminal also has a taxi rank outside arrivals, again signed from the arrivals hall. See our Gatwick South Terminal taxi page for terminal details.
Not sure which terminal you’re arriving at? It depends on your airline. Check our North or South Terminal guide.
How the Gatwick taxi rank works
- Follow the taxi signs from arrivals to the rank.
- Join the queue. Taxis are taken in order, first come first served.
- Tell the driver your destination and check the fare basis before you set off. Most rank taxis charge by meter.
- Pay at the end of the journey. Ask in advance if you want to pay by card.
How much does a Gatwick rank taxi cost?
Rank taxis are usually metered, so the fare depends on how far you go, how long the journey takes and the time of day. Slow traffic on the M23 or into London keeps the meter running, which is why the same journey can cost noticeably different amounts on different days. You won’t know the exact total until you arrive.
A pre-booked transfer works differently: you’re given a fixed fare when you book, and it doesn’t change with traffic. You can see how our fares are set on our Gatwick taxi prices page, and we explain the two types of service in Gatwick minicab vs black cab.
When is the rank busiest?
Queues usually build when several flights land close together. That tends to happen in the morning and early afternoon waves, on Friday evenings, at the start and end of school holidays, and after disruption when delayed flights all land at once. Late at night, fewer taxis may be waiting, so waits can be unpredictable. If you’re landing at one of these times, or with a group, booking ahead avoids the gamble.
What to do if the rank queue is long
A long queue after a busy wave of arrivals doesn’t always move quickly, especially if taxis have gone out on long journeys and haven’t come back yet. You have a few options:
- Wait it out if you’re not in a hurry and the queue is moving steadily.
- Book a car from the terminal. Use the booking form on this page on your phone, giving the terminal and your details, and a driver will be sent to collect you. It takes a little time for a car to reach you, but you’ll have a fixed fare and a confirmed pickup.
- Take the train for part of the journey if you’re travelling light and your destination is near a station.
Next time you fly, booking your return before you leave home avoids the question altogether. The driver will already be tracking your flight when you land.
Using the rank with a group
Most rank taxis are standard-size vehicles. If there are five or more of you, or you have lots of luggage, you may need two taxis, and they won’t necessarily be next to each other in the queue. That means splitting up on arrival and paying two metered fares. A pre-booked people carrier or 8-seater keeps everyone together in one vehicle on one fixed fare, which is usually simpler and often cheaper for groups.
Rank taxi or pre-booked transfer?
| Gatwick taxi rank | Pre-booked transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | None needed, just turn up | Booked in advance |
| Price | Usually metered, known at the end | Fixed when you book |
| Waiting | Queue for the next taxi | Driver waits for you |
| Delayed flight | Queue on arrival, whatever the time | Driver tracks the flight |
| Vehicle | Next taxi in line | Chosen for your group and luggage |
| Meet in arrivals | No | Optional name board |
The rank makes sense when
- Your plans changed and you need a car immediately.
- You’re going a short distance nearby.
- It’s quiet and there’s no queue.
Pre-booking makes more sense when
- You’re travelling a long way, into London or across the South East.
- You’re landing late at night, early in the morning or at a busy time.
- You have children, lots of luggage or a large group. See our 7 and 8-seater Gatwick taxis.
- You want someone waiting in arrivals. See Gatwick meet and greet.
Rank taxi from Gatwick into London
London is one of the most common destinations from the Gatwick rank. The journey is long enough that traffic makes a big difference to a metered fare. A clear evening run is very different from a weekday rush hour through South London. If you’re heading into London, compare a fixed-fare quote before you land. Our Gatwick to Central London taxi page covers that route in detail.
Taxi rank vs ride-hailing pickups
App-based rides don’t use the taxi rank. They have their own pickup areas, which can mean a walk with your bags, and prices that can rise at busy times. We compare the options in Gatwick taxi vs Uber, and there’s more on ride-hailing pickups in our Uber vs pre-booked taxi guide.
Safety tips at the Gatwick taxi rank
- Only use the official rank or a car you’ve booked. Don’t accept offers of a ride from people approaching you inside the terminal.
- Check the taxi is licensed. Licensed taxis display licence plates and the driver carries a badge.
- Agree how you’ll pay before you set off, especially if you want to pay by card.
- Keep your destination address to hand, ideally with a postcode.
Accessibility at the rank
If you use a wheelchair or need an accessible vehicle, it’s worth arranging transport before you travel rather than relying on whatever taxi is next in the queue. Tell us about the wheelchair and whether the passenger can transfer to a seat when you book, and we’ll arrange a suitable vehicle and time the pickup around any special assistance you’ve booked with your airline.
Going to Gatwick rather than leaving it?
The ranks are for arriving passengers. For departures, you’ll need a car to come to you. Book a pickup from home, your hotel or your office, and the driver will drop you at the right terminal. Remember that Gatwick charges for forecourt drop-offs. Our drop-off charge guide explains how it works.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a taxi rank at Gatwick Airport?
Yes. There are taxi ranks outside arrivals at both the North Terminal and the South Terminal, signed from the arrivals halls.
Do I need to book a taxi at Gatwick?
Not for the rank. You can just join the queue. Pre-booking gets you a fixed fare, flight tracking and no queue.
Are Gatwick rank taxis metered?
Rank taxis are usually metered, so the fare depends on distance, time and traffic. Check with the driver before you set off.
Can I pay by card at the rank?
Many taxis accept cards, but it’s worth confirming with the driver before the journey starts.
Is it cheaper to pre-book than use the rank?
For longer journeys it often is, because a fixed fare doesn’t go up in traffic. Get a quote for your route to compare.
Want to skip the rank? Get a fixed-fare quote with the booking form at the top of this page, or see all routes on our Gatwick airport taxi page.