A taxi from Brighton to Gatwick Airport with Esskay Cars costs from £65 in a saloon. That is the full fare for the car, with the Gatwick drop-off charge included. We collect from any address in Brighton and Hove, including homes, hotels, student halls and offices. We drop you at the North or South Terminal, so there is no walk to the station and no carrying cases up and down platform steps.
Brighton has a direct Thameslink and Southern rail service to Gatwick, and it is a good option if you live near Brighton station and travel light. But a taxi wins in some situations: early flights before the first trains, families with pushchairs and suitcases, groups splitting one fare, and anyone living in Hove, Saltdean or the outer estates. It is also easier on match days, when the trains around Brighton are packed.
Brighton to Gatwick taxi fares
Live fares from our booking system, checked on 24 October 2026 for a weekday morning. Each price is per vehicle with the airport charge already added.
| Vehicle | Seats and luggage | Brighton to Gatwick | Gatwick to Brighton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon | 3 passengers, 3 large cases | £65 | £65 |
| Estate | 4 passengers, 4 large cases | £74 | £74 |
| Executive | 3 passengers, 2 large cases | £87 | £87 |
| People Carrier | 6 passengers, 5 large cases | £87 | £87 |
| 8-Seater Minivan | 8 passengers, 8 large cases | £109 | £109 |
| Executive Minivan | 6 passengers, 6 large cases | £131 | £131 |
| 12-Seater Minibus | 12 passengers, 10 large cases | £282 | £282 |
| 16-Seater Minibus | 16 passengers, 14 large cases | £337 | £337 |
The price is the same to the North and South Terminals, and the same for the return journey from Gatwick back to Brighton. Split between four people in an estate, the fare is £19 each.
Journey time and distance
Gatwick is about 28 miles north of central Brighton. The route goes up the A23 past Preston Park and Patcham, over the Downs at Pyecombe, then onto the M23 at Pease Pottage and off at Junction 9 for the airport.
| When you travel | Typical journey time |
|---|---|
| Early morning (before 6:30am) | 30 to 35 minutes |
| Weekday off-peak | 35 to 45 minutes |
| Weekday morning peak | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Summer weekends and event days | 50 to 70 minutes |
The slowest part is usually getting out of Brighton itself, along the London Road and Preston Road corridor, rather than the A23. On summer Saturdays, traffic coming into Brighton can also slow the southbound carriageway on your return.
If the A23 is closed at Pyecombe or there is an incident on the M23, drivers can head north through Ditchling and Burgess Hill, or take the A273 towards Haywards Heath and join the motorway further up. Your fare does not change if the driver has to take a longer route.
When to leave for your flight
| Flight type | Leave Brighton by |
|---|---|
| Short-haul, hand luggage only | 2 hours 15 minutes before departure |
| Short-haul with checked bags | 2 hours 45 minutes before departure |
| Long-haul | 3 hours 30 minutes before departure |
| Peak summer Saturday | Add 30 minutes to the above |
Where we pick up
We cover the whole city and the surrounding area:
- Central Brighton: the Lanes, North Laine, Kemptown, Hanover, the seafront hotels and the Marina.
- Hove: Hove central, Aldrington, Westbourne, Portslade and Hangleton.
- North Brighton: Preston Park, Withdean, Patcham, Hollingbury and Westdene.
- East Brighton and the coast: Whitehawk, Woodingdean, Rottingdean, Saltdean and Ovingdean.
- University campuses: Falmer, Moulsecoomb and the halls of residence.
Outside the city, we also collect from Lewes, Shoreham, Burgess Hill, Hassocks and Peacehaven. Put the exact address in the booking form for a fixed price.
Taxi or train from Brighton?
| Esskay Cars taxi | Train from Brighton station | |
|---|---|---|
| Door to door | Yes | No. You need to get to and from the station |
| First departure | Any time, 24 hours | First trains around 5am |
| Luggage | Room for all your bags | Racks fill up at busy times |
| Cost for one person | £65 per car | Cheaper for a single traveller |
| Cost for four people | About £19 each in an estate | Four separate tickets |
If you are on your own with a small bag and live near the station, the train is cheaper and quick. For families, groups and early flights, the taxi is usually the better choice.
Early flights from Brighton
A large share of holiday flights from Gatwick leave between 6am and 8am. To be at bag drop two hours before a 6:30am departure, you need to be at the airport by 4:30am, which means leaving Brighton around 3:45am. No trains run at that time, so a pre-booked car is the practical way to get there. The fare is the same at 3am as at midday, and the driver will be outside at the time you choose. You get a booking confirmation by email as soon as you book.
Students and university staff
At the start and end of term, students at the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton often fly home with a lot of luggage. An estate holds four large cases. Two or three friends flying out on the same morning can share one car and split the fare. If you are in halls at Falmer or Moulsecoomb, give us the block name so the driver can find the right entrance.
Seafront hotels and visitors
Visitors staying on the seafront, in the Lanes or around the Marina often want a simple way back to Gatwick at the end of their stay. Give us the hotel name when you book and the driver will collect you from reception. If you arrive at Gatwick and are heading into Brighton for the first time, the driver can drop you at the door of your hotel or holiday flat, which is much easier than finding your way from the station.
Accessibility
If anyone in your party uses a wheelchair or walking aid, or needs extra help getting in and out of the car, tell us when you book. We will send a suitable vehicle and allow extra time at the pickup.
Coming home: Gatwick to Brighton
Book the return with your outward trip or on its own. Give us your flight number and we will track it. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall at the North or South Terminal with a name sign, takes your bags and drives you straight home. The fare stays the same if your flight is delayed.
Groups, stag and hen parties
Brighton sends a lot of groups abroad. A people carrier takes six passengers for £87, and the 8-seater minivan takes eight for £109. Bigger groups can book a 12 or 16-seater minibus, so everyone arrives at check-in together. See our 8-seater taxi to Gatwick page for details.
Booking
Type your Brighton address and Gatwick into the booking form at the top of this page, choose your vehicle, and confirm. You can also call 0207 8400 344 or WhatsApp 020 3355 8186 at any hour.
Nearby routes
We also cover the coast: see our Worthing to Gatwick taxi, Eastbourne to Gatwick taxi and Portsmouth to Gatwick taxi. The main Gatwick airport taxi page covers everything else.
Brighton to Gatwick taxi: common questions
How much is a taxi from Brighton to Gatwick?
A saloon is £65, an estate £74 and a people carrier £87, fixed per vehicle.
How long does a taxi from Brighton to Gatwick take?
35 to 45 minutes off-peak for the 28 miles via the A23 and M23, and up to an hour at peak times.
Is the fare the same to the North and South Terminals?
Yes, it is the same fixed price for both.
Can you pick up from Hove and Portslade?
Yes, and from anywhere in Brighton and Hove.
Is it cheaper than the train?
For one person the train is cheaper. For three or four people sharing, the taxi is often similar per head and much easier with luggage.
Can I get a taxi from Brighton to Gatwick at 4am?
Yes. We run 24 hours a day, and the fare is the same at night. Book ahead so a driver is ready at your chosen time.
Can you take a group of eight from Brighton to Gatwick?
Yes. The 8-seater minivan is £109 for the whole group, with room for eight large cases.
Do you take bookings for Lewes and Shoreham?
Yes. Enter the full address in the booking form and you will get a fixed price straight away.
Do you meet me at Gatwick on the way back?
Yes. The driver tracks your flight and meets you in arrivals with a name sign.
