Our guide to booking your airport transfers in the UK

Bob Atkinson
( Travel Expert)

With a choice of taxis, trains, coaches and more, we have found a range of companies to help you on your way in the UK. The Trainline, National Express and Holidaytaxis.com can all help.

See more of our recommended companies

What type of transport to the airport should I choose?

This will depend upon the airport you are departing from, where you live and the accessibility of the different types of travel.  Here's a guide to the options:

• Airport Coach or Bus - All UK airports have local bus services, so be sure to check out the timetables in your area for connections.  This is a great option if you live close to the airport and on a bus route.  It is also a very 'green' and inexpensive option.
  
  Coaches operate nationally to most major airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh from most UK towns and cities with many stopping points for pick ups.  These are operated by companies such as National Express and Easybus.
  
  Coach and bus services will drop you at the airport bus station or outside the terminal and will have designated stops.
  
  
• Private Car & Taxis - There is a wide range of companies offering taxi services door to door as well as traditional black cabs. Most local companies have a fixed rate for airport trips, so be sure to check your local telephone directory for a list of companies to call. Don't forget to book your journey both ways as this is cheaper than using black cabs or taxi ranks.
  
  There are also a number of companies that offer a national service linking all areas to the UK's airports.  For the more discerning traveller, there are even a series of 'luxury' and 'chauffeur driven' services, especially to and from London's airports.
  
  
• Rail - Many UK airports have direct rail services from a range of destinations, or dedicated rail links from nearby lines. Those with their own rail stations are Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow Prestwick and Southampton.  Newcastle has a Metro station.  Heathrow, Luton, East Midlands, Humberside and Glasgow International are all served by connecting buses and all remaining UK airports can be reached from local stations on local bus or taxis.
  
  When making a reservation, book ahead, although be aware that you cannot book rail services until three months before travel and many local services do not require advance booking.  However the best fares on all longer journeys are found by pre-booking.  There are a number of services to help with this such as The Train Line and Britain Express.
  
  
• Plane - The UK domestic market has grown rapidly and there are services from many local airports to gateways such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.  Use our flights search to search for the best fares.
  
  
• Take Your Own Car - sometimes, the options above are just not convenient or suitable, so you are forced to take your own vehicle.  You will need to arrange parking and may even need an airport hotel.  To find the best deals, go to our guide to Airport Parking and Hotels now for more advice.

What do I need to know when booking?

Before booking your transport to and from the airport you will need to know the following details:

• Your flight details and terminals you are departing from and arriving at
• Check in dates and times - ensure you take into account sufficient time to check in, which can be up to three hours on some services.  Also when travelling at night, ensure you check the dates you are departing carefully and bear in mind that check in may be the day before!
• Numbers of people travelling
• Your name and contact details
• Payment method if booking rail, coach or private transfer

Who do we recommend?

With so many companies to choose from, we have researched the market to find those with a wide range of options as well as some that are more specialist.  Browse our list below to find the right company for you, then click through to their web site for more information and how to book.  It couldn't be easier!

Further guides on airport transfers