• Door-to-door convenience with professional, licensed drivers

• Flight monitoring and adjusted pickup for delays

• Meet and greet at arrivals with a clear name sign

• Clean, comfortable vehicles sized to your party and luggage

• Fixed-price quotes before you travel and no surge pricing

• Options for child seats on request

• Support for special requests such as extra stops or accessible vehicles

When the train might be better

If you are a solo traveller with a backpack and your hotel sits directly on a fast rail link, a dedicated airport train can be cost effective. If you are a family, a group, arriving late, carrying multiple cases, or staying away from a train hub, the private transfer usually wins on time, comfort, and overall hassle.

How your journey works

1. Book online with flight number, terminal, party size, and luggage details

2. Receive confirmation with pickup instructions and driver contact details before arrival

3. On the day, your driver tracks your flight and meets you after customs

4. Walk to the car, load luggage, and head directly to your hotel or apartment

5. For departures, schedule your pickup with buffer time for traffic and security

Airport-by-airport guide

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

London’s busiest hub has five terminals and heavy traffic patterns that vary by time of day.
Typical drive time to Central London

• Off-peak: 35–60 minutes

• Peak: 60–90 minutes

Why book a private car here

• Multiple terminals and long walks can be confusing after a long-haul flight

• Taxis can queue; prebooking guarantees a car ready for you

• Ideal for families with tired children and lots of luggage

Pro tips

• Share your terminal and flight number to streamline the pickup

• Ask about a Windsor Castle detour if you land early and want to maximize your day

• If your accommodation is in West or South West London, a car can be faster than rail plus taxi

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Located south of London with North and South terminals.
Typical drive time to Central London

• Off-peak: 60–90 minutes

• Peak: 75–110 minutes

Why book a private car here

• Direct door-to-door ride avoids train transfers at London Bridge or Victoria

• Great for early or late flights when trains are less frequent

• Convenient for families heading to hotels south of the river

Pro tips

• Confirm the terminal for a smooth meet and greet

• Consider adding a short stop for SIM cards or essentials if you have kids in tow

Stansted Airport (STN)

A major hub for European flights, northeast of London.
Typical drive time to Central London

• Off-peak: 60–90 minutes

• Peak: 75–110 minutes

Why book a private car here

• Direct ride avoids a long train plus Underground connection with bags

• Useful for late-night arrivals when onward trains are limited

• Perfect if staying in the City, Shoreditch, or Canary Wharf where a drop-off at the door saves time

Pro tips

• Tell us about any oversized bags such as equipment cases

• Add a supermarket stop if you are self-catering in an apartment rental

Luton Airport (LTN)

Popular with families and budget carriers, north of London.
Typical drive time to Central London

• Off-peak: 60–90 minutes

• Peak: 75–110 minutes

Why book a private car here

• The train requires a shuttle to Luton Airport Parkway; private cars skip the transfer

• Smoother if you have strollers and multiple suitcases

• Handy for hotels in North or West London

Pro tips

• If your party has more than four travellers or lots of luggage, choose an MPV or minibus

• For early flights home, prebook a departure pickup with ample buffer time

London City Airport (LCY)

Closest airport to the financial district and the East End.
Typical drive time to Central London

• Off-peak: 20–40 minutes

• Peak: 30–50 minutes

Why book a private car here

• Fastest point-to-point option to Canary Wharf, the City, and Shoreditch

• Ideal for business travellers on tight schedules

• Great for families who prefer to skip the Docklands Light Railway with luggage

Pro tips

• Share your exact drop-off entrance if heading to large office complexes

• For theatre or dinner bookings, allow extra time if crossing central bridges at rush hour

Southend Airport (SEN)

Smaller airport east of London with limited rail frequency.
Typical drive time to Central London

• Off-peak: 70–100 minutes

• Peak: 85–120 minutes

Why book a private car here

• Rail connections can involve multiple changes and long waits

• Private transfer gives a straightforward path to East London or the City

• Best for late arrivals and large luggage

Pro tips

• If you are staying in zones 1–2, share the exact address for the most efficient routing

• Combine with a short grocery stop if you are heading to a serviced apartment

Vehicle guide and luggage planning

Selecting the right vehicle makes the entire trip easier and safer. Use this as a quick reference and choose the next size up if you are unsure.

• Saloon sedan

  • Seats up to 3 passengers

  • Works best with 2 large suitcases plus 2 carry-ons

  • Good for solo travellers or couples

• Estate wagon

  • Seats up to 3 passengers

  • Fits 3 large suitcases plus carry-ons

  • Ideal if you have bulky items but a small party

• MPV 5 to 6 seater

  • Seats up to 5 or 6 passengers depending on configuration

  • Fits 4 to 5 large suitcases plus carry-ons

  • Great for families with strollers

• 8 seater minivan

  • Seats up to 8 passengers

  • Fits 6 to 8 medium suitcases depending on layout

  • Best for groups and extended families

• Minibus

  • For 9 to 16 passengers

  • Ample luggage space; specify cases at booking

  • Ideal for tour groups and corporate travel

If you are bringing sports gear, musical instruments, or mobility equipment, list dimensions when booking so we can allocate the right vehicle.

Families, accessibility, and special requests

• Child seats and boosters available on request

• Room for strollers and foldable buggies

• Step-free pickups and drop-offs where possible

• Accessible vehicle options on request; tell us about ramps or transfers you need

• Extra stops for nappies, pharmacy, or groceries can be added to your booking

Pricing, payments, and peace of mind

• Fixed fares quoted upfront

• No surge pricing in busy periods

• Major cards accepted

• Clear pickup instructions and driver contact details

• Local support if your plans change on the day

Smart timing for arrivals and departures

• For arrivals, build a buffer for immigration queues and baggage reclaim

• For departures, your pickup time should account for traffic patterns and airline check-in cutoffs

• Busy windows include weekday rush hours, Friday afternoons, and match or event days across London

Transfer plus attraction ideas

Turn your transfer into part of the holiday with short, prebooked detours.

• Heathrow via Windsor Castle and into Central London

• Gatwick via Hampton Court Palace to hotels in South West London

• London City via Greenwich to West End hotels

• Return-day pickups that drop you at an attraction and collect you later

Private transfer vs public transport at a glance

• Private car

  • Direct, door to door

  • Best with luggage, children, or groups

  • Comfortable after long-haul flights

• Train or express services

  • Good for solo travellers with light bags

  • Can be quick to certain hubs but often requires a taxi or Underground for the last mile

Ready to book a smooth, door-to-door airport transfer with a driver who tracks your flight and meets you in arrivals
Book your London airport transfer with WeKnowLondon and start your trip the easy way.