Is Heathrow or Gatwick quicker from Godalming?

Heathrow is usually quicker from Godalming — roughly 45–60 minutes via the A3 and M25 anticlockwise to Terminals 2, 3, 4 or 5. Gatwick is typically 55–75 minutes via the A281/A24 or the M25 clockwise, and is more exposed to delays around the M23 junction.

How long does Guildford to Heathrow take by taxi?

Allow 40–55 minutes off-peak from Guildford to Heathrow via the A3 and M25. Between 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00 add 20–30 minutes; we build that buffer into your pickup time automatically.

Which airport is cheaper for a Surrey airport taxi?

Heathrow is the cheaper fixed fare from most of Surrey because it is the shorter run — from Godalming a Saloon starts at £86.99 to Heathrow versus £99.99 to Gatwick. Exact prices depend on your postcode and vehicle class.

Which vehicle should I book?

For family holidays out of Heathrow with hold luggage, an MPV (up to 6 passengers, 4 large cases) is the safest choice. For solo or paired business travel to Gatwick, an Executive saloon gives you a quieter, premium cabin for the longer motorway leg.

Do you monitor flights on the return leg?

Yes. Arrivals at both Heathrow and Gatwick are tracked against live flight data, and your fixed fare includes complimentary waiting time so a delayed landing never costs you extra.

Chauffeur loading luggage into an executive car outside a Surrey home before an airport transfer

Travel Guide

Heathrow vs Gatwick for Surrey residents

Travel times via the A3 and M25, typical fixed taxi fares, and which vehicle suits each airport — written for Godalming, Guildford and the surrounding villages.

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At a glance

Which airport works best?

From most of south-west Surrey, Heathrow is the shorter and cheaper run. Gatwick is worth the extra miles when the flight, the terminal timings or the airline suit you better.

Heathrow and Gatwick compared for Surrey airport transfers
Comparison	Heathrow (LHR)	Gatwick (LGW)
Typical route	A3 → M25 anticlockwise (J12–J14)	A281/A24 → M23, or M25 clockwise (J7–J9)
Distance from Godalming	~32 miles	~42 miles
Off-peak drive time	45–60 minutes	55–75 minutes
Peak-hour allowance	+20–30 minutes (M25 J10–J12)	+15–25 minutes (M23 J9)
Fixed Saloon fare from Godalming	from £86.99	from £99.99
Best suited to	Long-haul, family holidays, heavy luggage	Short-haul Europe, business day trips
Recommended vehicle	MPV or Estate	Executive saloon

Drive times are typical door-to-terminal estimates for a private hire car and exclude check-in. Fares shown are fixed-price starting points — see the full price guide for every vehicle class.

Getting to Heathrow

From Godalming and Guildford the run is straightforward: the A3 north to the M25 at Wisley, then anticlockwise to Junction 14 for Terminal 5 or Junction 15 for Terminals 2 and 3. Off-peak that is 45–60 minutes from Godalming and 40–55 minutes from Guildford.

Worst congestion is the M25 J10–J12 stretch in the morning peak.
Villages such as Elstead, Milford and Shackleford add 5–10 minutes.
Long-haul departures: leave three hours before take-off, plus travel time.

Getting to Gatwick

Gatwick is served either cross-country via the A281 and A24 through Horsham, or on the M25 clockwise to Junction 7 and down the M23. Expect 55–75 minutes from Godalming, and slightly less from Cranleigh and Dunsfold, which sit closer to the A281 corridor.

The cross-country route avoids the M25 but is slower in bad weather.
South Terminal and North Terminal drop-offs are charged separately.
Early short-haul departures often mean a 03:00–04:00 pickup from Surrey.

Vehicle suitability

Pick the right vehicle class

Heathrow: MPV or Estate

Long-haul travel means hold luggage. An MPV carries up to 6 passengers and 4 large cases, while an Estate suits a family of four with three cases. Both avoid the classic mistake of booking a Saloon and repacking on the driveway.

Gatwick: Executive saloon

Business day trips to Europe usually mean cabin bags and calls in transit. An Executive saloon gives a quieter cabin and more legroom for the longer motorway leg, with a chauffeur used to early departures and short-notice schedule changes.

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Questions

Surrey airport transfer FAQs

Is Heathrow or Gatwick quicker from Godalming?: Heathrow is usually quicker from Godalming — roughly 45–60 minutes via the A3 and M25 anticlockwise to Terminals 2, 3, 4 or 5. Gatwick is typically 55–75 minutes via the A281/A24 or the M25 clockwise, and is more exposed to delays around the M23 junction.
How long does Guildford to Heathrow take by taxi?: Allow 40–55 minutes off-peak from Guildford to Heathrow via the A3 and M25. Between 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00 add 20–30 minutes; we build that buffer into your pickup time automatically.
Which airport is cheaper for a Surrey airport taxi?: Heathrow is the cheaper fixed fare from most of Surrey because it is the shorter run — from Godalming a Saloon starts at £86.99 to Heathrow versus £99.99 to Gatwick. Exact prices depend on your postcode and vehicle class.
Which vehicle should I book?: For family holidays out of Heathrow with hold luggage, an MPV (up to 6 passengers, 4 large cases) is the safest choice. For solo or paired business travel to Gatwick, an Executive saloon gives you a quieter, premium cabin for the longer motorway leg.
Do you monitor flights on the return leg?: Yes. Arrivals at both Heathrow and Gatwick are tracked against live flight data, and your fixed fare includes complimentary waiting time so a delayed landing never costs you extra.

Popular Surrey airport routes

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