Croydon, twenty miles from Gatwick

How long does it take from Croydon to Gatwick?

About 35 minutes off-peak and around 46 minutes in the weekday rush. The route runs south along the A23 through Purley and Coulsdon, joins the M23 at Hooley, and reaches the airport about ten minutes later. From Selsdon or New Addington, chauffeurs may use the A22 and the M25 instead.

The stretch of the A23 through Purley is the slow part at busy times, particularly around the Purley Cross gyratory. Chauffeurs check traffic before setting off and pick the quicker line on the day.

Tell us which terminal your airline uses, North or South. The two are a short shuttle ride apart, but going to the right one first saves a walk with luggage.

Should you take the train from East Croydon instead?

For a solo traveller with light luggage, the train is a sensible choice. Southern and Thameslink trains run from East Croydon to Gatwick frequently, and the journey is quick. We would not suggest otherwise.

A car makes more sense when you live away from the station and would need a taxi or a bus to reach it, when you have a family or several cases, when your flight leaves before the first trains of the morning, or when you are returning late at night after a long flight. The car goes from your door to the terminal kerb, with no platforms, lifts or ticket barriers in between.

What about early morning departures?

Gatwick has a large wave of departures between 06:00 and 08:00, many of them holiday flights. For a 06:30 departure, most passengers need to be at the terminal by about 04:30, which from Croydon means a pickup at about 03:50. The roads at that hour are almost empty, so the timing is reliable.

We confirm early pickups the evening before, and the chauffeur messages you when they are outside. If you are travelling with children, tell us, and we will make sure the right child seats are fitted.

How far is Heathrow from Croydon?

About 24 miles, and roughly 56 minutes off-peak, rising to around 73 minutes in the rush. The route usually runs west through Sutton and Kingston to the A316 and the M4, or round the M25 if that is flowing better.

For long-haul flights, a pickup three and a half hours before departure gives room for both the drive and the airport. The price is fixed in advance, so a slow road does not change what you pay.

Can you drive me to Biggin Hill or London City?

Yes. London Biggin Hill is about 11 miles from Croydon and takes around 25 minutes. For a private flight, tell us the handling agent and the chauffeur will go to that building. London City is about 17 miles away and takes around 45 minutes via the A205 South Circular and the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnels.

How do pickups in Croydon work?

Central Croydon has trams on several streets, pedestrianised shopping areas and one-way systems around the Wellesley Road and Park Lane underpasses. For a flat in one of the town-centre towers, give us the building name and the entrance with a drop-off area, and the chauffeur will meet you there.

In the suburbs, from Sanderstead to Thornton Heath, most homes have a driveway or a quiet road outside, and the chauffeur will come to the door. For hotels near East Croydon station, the chauffeur will wait at the hotel entrance.

What is it like coming home from Gatwick?

Quick, which is why many Croydon residents book the return leg even if they took the train out. Your chauffeur tracks the flight, so an early landing or a two-hour delay simply moves the pickup, and waits in the arrivals hall of your terminal with a board showing your name. From there, it is a short walk to the car and usually well under an hour to your door.

Late-evening arrivals are common at Gatwick, and the last trains can be crowded or infrequent after a delay. A car booked in advance removes the question of whether you will make the connection, and the price does not change if the flight is late.

Which car is right for a Croydon journey?

For the short run to Gatwick, the Mercedes E-Class suits one or two travellers. Families with holiday luggage should book the V-Class, which takes six passengers and six large cases. For groups heading to a celebration abroad, the V-Class keeps everyone together.