Manchester to Gatwick and Stansted: planning the long run
Flying from Gatwick or Stansted means a long drive south.
Most of our long airport runs are to Heathrow, but we also take customers to Gatwick and Stansted. These are big trips. Gatwick in particular is a long way from Manchester. This guide explains how we plan them and what you should think about before you book.
Gatwick
Where it is and how long it takes
Gatwick is south of London, near Crawley in West Sussex. From Manchester it is roughly 230 to 250 miles by road. In normal traffic the drive usually takes around four and a half to five hours, and it can be longer if the M25 is busy.
The route
The usual route is down the M6, then either the M40 or the M1, and round the M25 to the M23. The M25 is the part most likely to cause delays, so our drivers check the traffic and choose the side of London that is moving better.
Terminals
Gatwick has two terminals, North and South. They are linked by a shuttle, but you want to be dropped at the right one. Your airline or booking will tell you which, and if you give us your flight number we will check.
Stansted
Where it is and how long it takes
Stansted is north-east of London in Essex. From Manchester it is around 180 to 200 miles. The drive is usually around three and a half to four hours in normal traffic.
The route
Stansted is reached by going across the Midlands and then down the M11, without going round much of the M25. Drivers often use the M6 and A14 or the M1, depending on traffic.
Terminal
Stansted has a single terminal, so you won't need to worry about going to the wrong one. It is a big base for low-cost flights to Europe.
Working out a pickup time
With journeys this long, small delays add up. We plan with a generous buffer. As a guide:
- Start with the time your airline wants you at the airport. That is often two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight.
- Add the drive time for the time of day you are travelling.
- Add at least 45 minutes to an hour for traffic and a short stop.
For a midday flight from Gatwick, that can mean a pickup at 4am or 5am. For an early flight, some customers prefer to travel down the evening before and stay in an airport hotel. We can take you to the hotel instead; just put the hotel address as your destination.
Is a car the right choice?
For these airports, the train is usually faster than the car, but it means changing in London, usually at Euston and then across to Victoria, London Bridge or Liverpool Street for the airport trains. With heavy cases, children or people who struggle with stairs and crowds, that can be hard work.
A transfer is slower but door to door. You put your bags in the boot at home and take them out at the terminal. For a group or a family, the cost of one vehicle can be close to, or less than, several rail tickets. For a single traveller with a small bag, the train may well suit you better.
Making a long drive comfortable
- Pick a comfortable car. Our executive cars and the Mercedes S-Class (or similar) are popular for long trips. A Mercedes V-Class executive people carrier gives a small group plenty of room.
- Bring snacks and water. Drivers will stop if you need, but having something with you helps.
- Tell us about children. We will add time for a break, and child and booster seats are free.
- Dress for the car, not the destination. You can change at the airport.
- Charge your phone. A charging cable is useful on a long run.
Charges at the airport
Both Gatwick and Stansted charge cars for using the drop-off zones near the terminal. The rules and prices change from time to time. We'll tell you before you book if any parking, drop-off or toll charges apply.
The journey home
For your return, add your inbound flight number to the booking. We follow it, so the driver is there when you actually land. We recommend meet & greet (£5) at the big London airports, because the arrivals halls are large and busy. The driver waits with a name board and helps you to the car.
After a long-haul flight, the last thing most people want is a long drive. With a transfer, you can rest on the way home.
Common questions
Can I be dropped at the North Terminal and collected from the South?
Yes. Each journey is booked separately within your return, so just put the right terminal for each flight.
What if the M25 is closed?
Our drivers watch the traffic and will take another route if there is a closure. If it looks like a big delay, we will tell you as early as we can.
Can you collect me from a cruise ship instead?
Yes. We also run to Southampton, Dover and other cruise ports. See our guide to cruise days for more on that.
Is it cheaper to book a return?
Booking both journeys together is easier and means the car is arranged before you go. Enter both dates in the booking form and you will see the price for each leg.
Do I need to pay anything at the airport?
Charges at the airport and tolls on the route vary, but we'll tell you before you book if any parking, drop-off or toll charges apply. You pay by card, online or to the driver.
Book ahead
Online bookings need at least eight hours' notice, but please book long runs as early as you can. It gives us time to plan the right car and driver, especially in school holidays.
Enter your address and choose Gatwick or Stansted. You will see the fixed price before you pay, and payment is by card. Book your Gatwick or Stansted transfer, or call us on 0161 660 4006.
