Reigate is one of the closest towns to Gatwick, close enough that some people assume they can just grab whatever is at the rank. You can, but black cabs from Gatwick run on the meter, and minicabs cannot be hailed at all. A pre-booked taxi from Gatwick Airport to Reigate RH2 costs from £49 for a saloon, fixed at booking, and a driver is waiting for you in arrivals with your name on a board.
A short run with a few quirks
Reigate is about eight miles north of Gatwick. The quickest route is usually the A23 through Horley and Salfords to Redhill, then west on the A25 into Reigate. Alternatively, the driver can use the M23 and M25 and come in from junction 8 on the A217, which can be quicker for addresses on Reigate Hill or towards Kingswood.
In normal traffic it is 15 to 20 minutes. The one-way system around the town centre and the A25 between Redhill and Reigate are the slow spots at rush hour. Weekday school runs make the roads near Reigate Grammar and the other schools busy at around 8.30am and 3.30pm.
Short trips and fixed fares
Short airport journeys often cost more per mile than long ones, and there is a reason. The driver still has to get to Gatwick, park in the short-stay car park, wait while you clear passport control and collect bags, and then cover the airport charges. That is why we set a sensible minimum on the shortest runs. What you get in return is a fixed price agreed before you fly, not a meter running while you wait at baggage reclaim.
Around Reigate RH2
RH2 covers the town centre around the High Street and Bell Street, Reigate Hill and the slopes towards Wray Common, South Park and Woodhatch to the south, and the villages of Leigh and Sidlow out towards the airport. A few addresses near Reigate Heath and Priory Park sit on narrow lanes where a large vehicle needs care, so if you have booked an MPV or eight-seater, tell us about any tight turns.
Parking in the town centre is limited and controlled, but for a drop-off the driver simply pulls up outside, helps with the bags and goes. For outbound trips, tell us if you live in a flat above a shop on the High Street and we will agree the best place to meet.
Could you take the train?
Yes, and for Reigate it is a reasonable choice. Trains from Gatwick run to Redhill in a few minutes, and from Redhill there are connections to Reigate, including Great Western Railway services on the North Downs line. With a good connection the journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
The catch is that Reigate station is at the bottom of the town, and many homes are a steep walk up the hill. With cases, children or a late landing, the door-to-door car saves a lot of effort, and the price difference for two or three people is smaller than you might think.
Early departures from Reigate
Gatwick's first departures leave very early, and being so close means you can leave later than people coming from London. As a guide, for a short-haul flight we suggest leaving Reigate about two hours before departure, and two and a half hours for long-haul. We will suggest an exact pickup time once we have your flight details.
If someone is driving you to Gatwick instead
Because Reigate is so close, a lot of people get a lift to the airport from family or neighbours. It is worth knowing what that now costs. Gatwick charges £10 for the first ten minutes in the forecourt drop-off zones outside both terminals, and £1 a minute after that, up to thirty minutes. Cameras log the plate and payment is due online by midnight the next day. Miss it and a £100 penalty follows.
The free route is the Long Stay car park, where drop-off and pick-up are free for up to two hours, with a shuttle bus to North and South Terminal. Blue Badge holders do not pay the forecourt charge. With a pre-booked taxi, the charge is covered by our fixed fare and you do not have to think about it.
Meeting your driver at Gatwick
After you collect your bags and walk through into arrivals, your driver is waiting with a name board. Gatwick asks private hire drivers to park in the short-stay car parks, so there is a short walk to the car. If you need help with luggage, the driver will push the trolley. Call the number on your confirmation once you have your bags, especially if you are delayed in customs, and the driver will be ready.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Gatwick to Reigate?
From £49 for a saloon, fixed at booking, for up to four passengers. Larger vehicles have their own fixed price.
How long does it take?
Usually 15 to 20 minutes for around eight miles. Allow longer at rush hour around Redhill and the A25.
Why is a short taxi ride not cheaper?
The driver still has to park at the airport, wait for you to clear arrivals and cover the airport charges. The fixed fare includes all of that.
Can I take the train instead?
Yes. Trains to Redhill connect to Reigate in around 20 to 30 minutes. It suits solo travellers with light bags.
Do you pick up from Reigate for flights?
Yes, at the same fixed fare. We usually suggest leaving two hours before a short-haul flight.
Will the driver wait if my flight is late?
Yes. We track your flight and adjust the pickup at no extra cost.
Is it cheaper for a friend to drive me to Gatwick?
Possibly, but remember the £10 forecourt charge, or use the free Long Stay drop-off and the shuttle bus.
Where will the driver meet me at Gatwick?
In the arrivals hall with a name board, then a short walk to the short-stay car park.
