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Taxi, train or coach from the airport? An honest comparison
A side-by-side look at the real cost and time of a fixed-fare car against the airport expresses, the Tube, Elizabeth line and coaches, especially for families, luggage and Christmas timetables.
Trains
Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express and Stansted Express are fast to one central London terminus; advance tickets are much cheaper than walk-up fares, and the Elizabeth line is the cheap Heathrow option. The catch is the last mile: with cases, children or a destination outside Zone 1 you still need a taxi or Tube at the other end, and over Christmas rail engineering works and reduced timetables are common (see National Rail below).
Coaches
National Express and airport coaches are the cheapest per person but are slower, stop frequently and run less often overnight and on bank holidays.
Fixed-fare car
Door to door, luggage included, no change of mode, same price at 4am or on Christmas Day. For two or more people with luggage it is usually within a few pounds of train tickets plus a local taxi, and for a family of four or five it is normally cheaper. Fares below are from our live rate card.
What a fixed-fare car costs
| Destination | Heathrow saloon / 8-seater | Gatwick saloon / 8-seater | Stansted saloon / 8-seater | Luton saloon / 8-seater |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southampton Cruise Terminal | £146 / £206 | £193 / £253 | £246 / £306 | £227 / £287 |
| Portsmouth International Port | £146 / £206 | £167 / £227 | £246 / £306 | £227 / £287 |
| Dover Cruise Terminal | £199 / £259 | £184 / £244 | £220 / £280 | £236 / £296 |
Fixed fares from our live rate card, per vehicle one way, tolls and airport charges included; exact fare confirmed before you pay. Christmas & New Year airport taxis · Book now
Get a fixed price 020 8888 9988 · WhatsApp
Further reading
- Heathrow Express vs taxi (Rushxo)
- Gatwick Express vs taxi (Rushxo)
- Taxi vs train from Heathrow: which is cheaper? (Rushxo)
- All London airport transfer methods compared (Rushxo)
- Night bus vs taxi (Rushxo)
- Christmas rail engineering works (National Rail) (official)
More travel help from Woodford Chauffeur Cars
- Left Luggage & Cloakrooms at London Airports
- Airport Check-in, Security & Timing Guide
- UK Immigration, eGates & Airport Security Explained
- SIM Cards, eSIMs & Mobile Data for UK Visitors
- Things to See and Do at Christmas & New Year
- Christmas Dinner & Festive Restaurants by Taxi
- Airport Hotels & the Night Before an Early Flight
- Airport Parking vs Taxi: Christmas Costs Compared
- Christmas & New Year airport taxis
Updated October 2026. Operated by Get London Transfer Ltd, TfL private hire operator licence 11588.