Gatwick to Canary Wharf

Why is the longer route quicker?

Because miles on a motorway are faster than miles on a London high street. From Gatwick, the car takes the M23 north to the M25, then runs east round the southern side of London to the A20 at Swanley or the A2 at Dartford, and heads back in towards the Blackwall Tunnel and Canary Wharf. Our route data puts it at about 46 miles and 65 minutes off-peak.

The direct route through Croydon, Brixton and across the river is about 30 miles, but it often takes longer, with dozens of junctions and traffic lights. The chauffeur compares both before leaving the airport.

What about the Blackwall Tunnel charge?

Since April 2025, the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels have a user charge. The eastern route usually crosses the river through one of them to reach the Isle of Dogs. When your route uses a charged crossing, the charge is part of your fixed price, so there is nothing to pay on the day.

How long should you allow?

About 65 minutes off-peak and 85 minutes at busy times. The slowest point on the eastern route is usually the approach to the Blackwall Tunnel from the A2, which can queue in the morning. Early morning and late evening journeys are quicker, often under an hour.

How do the two Gatwick terminals connect to the M23?

Both terminals have their own road links to the M23 spur, so there is little difference in time between them for this journey. The chauffeur waits in your terminal’s arrivals hall, walks you to the short stay car park beside it and joins the spur directly. If your airline moves you to the other terminal at short notice, a message is enough; the chauffeur will cross on the inter-terminal shuttle or move the car.

What happens on busy summer weekends?

On summer Fridays and Saturdays, the eastern M25 carries heavy holiday traffic heading for the Channel ports and the Dartford Crossing, and the A2 can queue near the Blackwall Tunnel approach. On those days, the chauffeur may choose the A23 and the route through south London instead, or allow a little more time for the eastern route. The decision is made from live traffic before leaving the airport, and your fixed price does not change with it.

Car or train?

The rail route is Thameslink or Southern from Gatwick to London Bridge, then the Jubilee line two stops to Canary Wharf. It involves a change but no long walks, and at busy times it can match the car. With a small bag, it is a sensible choice.

With luggage, children or colleagues, the car is simpler: one vehicle from the Gatwick kerb to your building, with no change at London Bridge.

Where does the car drop you on the estate?

Canary Wharf’s roads are privately managed, and many towers are reached from a lower-level service road or a ramp rather than the main entrance. Tell us the building and, if you know it, the entrance your reception uses for cars. For the residential towers around the estate, give us the block name; most have a concierge. For the hotels, the chauffeur will pull into the hotel’s set-down point.

Arriving from a holiday or a business trip?

Canary Wharf residents often fly from Gatwick for holidays, and many workers return from European business trips on an evening flight. For a holiday arrival with a family and luggage, the V-Class is the comfortable choice. For a business traveller with a small bag landing in the evening, the car is quick on clear roads and avoids a change at London Bridge.

Where will the chauffeur meet you at Gatwick?

In the arrivals hall of your terminal, North or South, with a board showing your name. The chauffeur follows your flight and adjusts to delays, then walks you to the short stay car park.

Is there a Congestion Charge?

No. The eastern route stays well outside the zone, and Canary Wharf is outside it too. The only charge on the route is the tunnel charge when it applies, and that is included.

And back to Gatwick?

The return runs the same way, east to the Blackwall Tunnel and round the M25. Allow about two and a half hours before a short-haul flight and three before a long-haul one on a weekday afternoon. Gatwick’s £10 drop-off charge is included.