Hammersmith and Fulham airport transfers
Hammersmith and Fulham, at the start of the M4
Heathrow is about 13 miles from Hammersmith and takes around 23 minutes on a clear road, because the M4 starts almost on the borough’s doorstep. It is one of the quickest Heathrow journeys anywhere in inner London.
Hammersmith and Fulham runs from White City and Shepherd’s Bush in the north, through Hammersmith and Olympia, down to Fulham and the river at Parsons Green and Sands End. The A4 Great West Road and the Hammersmith flyover carry traffic west towards the M4, and that road decides how quickly most airport journeys from here begin.
For Heathrow, the borough is ideally placed. For the other airports, the picture is more mixed, and there are local quirks worth knowing: football match days at Craven Cottage and Stamford Bridge, the closure of Hammersmith Bridge to motor traffic, and the busy junctions around the Hammersmith gyratory. This page covers each of them.
How quick is Heathrow from Hammersmith?
Around 23 minutes off-peak and about half an hour in the weekday rush. The route runs along the A4, over or under the Hammersmith flyover, and on to the M4 at Chiswick. From Fulham, it is a few minutes longer; from White City, chauffeurs may use the A40 and the A312 instead.
With a journey that short, many travellers leave later than they would from elsewhere in London. For a long-haul flight, a pickup about two and a half hours before departure is usually comfortable. For a short-haul flight with hand luggage, two hours often works, but check your airline’s own deadline.
What should you know about the Hammersmith flyover?
The flyover is the main link between central London and the M4, and it carries very heavy traffic. When there are works or restrictions on it, the ground-level route through the Hammersmith gyratory takes the load, and queues build quickly.
Chauffeurs check the flyover and the gyratory before setting off. If either is slow, the alternatives are the A40 and the A312 to the north of the airport, or the A315 through Chiswick. Because your price is fixed when you book, a diversion does not change what you pay.
Does Hammersmith Bridge affect airport journeys?
For most journeys, no. Hammersmith Bridge has been closed to motor traffic for several years, which matters for journeys south of the river towards Barnes, Richmond and the A3. For Heathrow, the route runs west along the A4 and does not need the bridge.
Where the closure does matter is on journeys to Gatwick or to addresses in south-west London. Chauffeurs use Putney Bridge or Chiswick Bridge instead, and the extra time is already allowed for in the drive times shown on this page.
How do match days change the timing?
Fulham play at Craven Cottage by the river, and Chelsea play at Stamford Bridge on the Fulham Road, which is in this borough despite the club’s name. On match days, roads around both grounds are restricted, parking suspensions extend over a wide area, and traffic on the Fulham Road and the Fulham Palace Road slows for hours before and after the game.
If your pickup falls on a match day, tell us or we will check when you book. The chauffeur may suggest an earlier pickup or meet you on a street outside the restricted area. The same applies to big events at Olympia and the Queen’s Club tennis in June.
What about Gatwick and the other airports?
Gatwick is about 38 miles away and takes around 65 minutes off-peak, via Putney, the A3 and the M25, or through Wandsworth and the A23 depending on traffic. In the rush, allow nearly an hour and a half. The rail alternative is the Overground to Clapham Junction and a fast train to Gatwick from there.
London City is about 14 miles away but takes around 51 minutes, because the route crosses all of central London. Luton is around an hour via the North Circular and the M1, and Stansted is a long run of an hour and a half.
How do pickups work in the borough?
Fulham’s residential streets are long, parked on both sides, and often one-way. The chauffeur will stop outside your door where there is room, or a few doors along and walk to you. In the mansion blocks around Baron’s Court and West Kensington, give us the block name and the entrance, as several share a street.
Around Shepherd’s Bush Green and Westfield, bus lanes and loading restrictions apply, and the chauffeur will meet you on a side street. For hotels near Olympia and Hammersmith, the chauffeur will wait at the hotel entrance and come to reception if you ask.
Which car should you book?
For the short Heathrow run, the Mercedes E-Class is the usual choice. For families with holiday luggage, the V-Class takes six passengers and six large cases. If you are heading to Southampton for a cruise, the V-Class is also the best fit; the drive from Hammersmith via the M3 takes about an hour and a half.
For arrivals after a long flight, the S-Class offers the quietest cabin for the short ride home.
Every airport
From Hammersmith and Fulham to the terminal
Off-peak and weekday rush-hour times from road routing, fastest first.
| Airport | Distance | Off-peak | Rush hour | Main roads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | 13 mi | 23 min | 30 min | M4 |
| Northolt | 10 mi | 28 min | 36 min | A40 |
| London City | 14 mi | 51 min | 66 min | A1203, A4 |
| Farnborough | 36 mi | 53 min | 69 min | A331, M3 |
| Biggin Hill | 20 mi | 59 min | 77 min | A214 |
| Luton | 38 mi | 61 min | 79 min | B653, A1081 |
| Gatwick | 38 mi | 65 min | 85 min | M23, M25 |
| Stansted | 50 mi | 90 min | 117 min | A120, M11 |
| Southend | 64 mi | 95 min | 124 min | A127, M25 |
In every fare
What the price includes
- 01
Flight tracking
The chauffeur follows your flight number, so an early landing or a delay moves the pickup with it.
- 02
Meet and greet
Your chauffeur waits in arrivals with a board showing your name, and takes the bags from there.
- 03
A fixed price
Agreed when you book. Traffic, a longer route on the day or a late landing do not change it.
- 04
Parking and drop-off
Airport drop-off and short-stay parking charges are part of the price, not added afterwards.
- 05
A route from live traffic
The chauffeur checks the roads before setting off and picks the line that is moving.
Nearby
Areas close to Hammersmith and Fulham
Straight-line distance between the two areas.
- Kensington and Chelsea1.8 mi away
- Fulham1.8 mi away
- Notting Hill2.0 mi away
- South Kensington2.6 mi away
- Chelsea2.8 mi away
- Paddington3.0 mi away
- Knightsbridge3.2 mi away
- Wandsworth3.3 mi away
Journey planner
From Hammersmith and Fulham to any airport
Heathrow Hammersmith and Fulham
- Distance
- 13miles
- Off-peak
- 23min
- Weekday rush
- 30min
Usual line: M4. Chauffeurs choose on the day from live traffic.
Good to know
Questions, answered
How long does it take from Fulham to Heathrow?
About 25 to 30 minutes off-peak, via the A4 and the M4, and around 36 minutes in the weekday rush.
Is the Piccadilly line from Hammersmith a good way to reach Heathrow?
It runs directly, so with a small bag it is a fair choice. It is slower than a car and involves stairs and crowds with luggage, so families usually prefer the car.
Can you collect near Stamford Bridge on a match day?
Yes, but road closures may mean meeting on a nearby street outside the restricted area. We check the fixtures when you book.
How far is Gatwick from Hammersmith?
About 38 miles, typically around 65 minutes off-peak and up to 85 minutes in the rush.
Is the borough inside the Congestion Charge zone?
No. Hammersmith and Fulham is outside the zone, and the route to Heathrow runs away from central London, so it does not apply.
Do you collect from White City and Shepherd’s Bush?
Yes. We cover the whole borough, including White City, Shepherd’s Bush, Brook Green, Ravenscourt Park, Parsons Green and Sands End.
Can you bring me home to Hammersmith after a late flight into Heathrow?
Yes. Your chauffeur meets you in the Heathrow arrivals hall whatever time the flight lands and drives you home to Hammersmith, Fulham or Shepherd’s Bush. Late at night the A4 is quiet, so the drive is usually close to the off-peak time.
Ready when you are
Your chauffeur, already waiting
A named chauffeur, a fixed price and a quiet car, at every London airport.