How much do airport transfers cost in 2024?

Airports are usually located far away from the convenience of city centres. For smaller regional airports, there could even be a lack of public transport too. Airport transfers will pick you up from your home and take you directly to your departure terminal. They are chauffeured by professional drivers who are friendly and knowledgeable, to ensure the best possible start to your trip. You can also arrange for airport transfers to take you from the airport to your hotel once you arrive at your destination, as well as to bring you back home once you land. Many airport transfer companies also serve seaports, which is handy if you're planning on catching a ferry. 

We've put together a guide to average airport transfer costs in the UK, so you can set your holiday budget with more confidence. These are averages, though, so for the most accurate price we recommend reaching out to local drivers via Bark for free quotes.

How much does an airport transfer cost? 

The cost of an airport transfer varies widely depending on the vehicle type and your location. On average, based on what people usually pay for their journeys, you should expect to pay around £60 for a one-way trip. 

How are airport transfer costs calculated?

For the most part, you will have booked your driver in advance and they will have told you how much it costs. Except this to be a flat fee, which you will agree upfront at the time of booking. Your driver will come to this amount by calculating the mileage from your starting point to the airport, including any extras like the congestion charge in London, coupled with the time they expect it to take (for example, travelling during rush hour makes a journey longer, which will likely add to the price).

The advantage of an upfront fee is that even if things change - say, the driver needs to take a detour around roadworks, or it takes longer than expected - you will still be paying the same amount.

Note that this doesn't apply if you're taking a normal cab, an Uber, or a Lyft. On-demand services like these can vary in price, and if you pay as you go, you won't know the final amount until you arrive at your destination.

What changes the cost of an airport transfer service? 

There is a lot to consider when choosing your airport transfer. Here at the top points to keep in mind when you are working out the costs involved: 

• Petrol and car prices

• Destination 

• Your location 

• Party size 

• Vehicle type 

• Timing 

• The amount of luggage you have 

Petrol and car prices

At the time of writing, petrol prices in the UK are hovering around the £1.50 per litre mark, including at the largest supermarket chains. When petrol prices are high, the price of getting an airport transfer can rise too - your driver or driving company has to make the journey economical and charge accordingly.

Destination 

The cost of airport transfers varies dramatically depending on your location, the destination, and the vehicle type. Airport transfers to Belfast International Airport from Lisburn ranked as the cheapest overall in the UK of the routes we studied. 

Here are some of the average prices paid for trips to a few of the UK's major airports:

Your location

It’s not always the case that you will be flying from a local airport. The further you are away from the airport, the more your airport transfer will be. In addition, where you live will change the price too - the cost of living in your area will be reflected in petrol and service prices.

This is where things get interesting, though. London has one of the highest costs of living in the UK, but thanks to a higher density of airports and lots of competition from different driving companies, all competing with excellent public transport links, travellers may spend less on average than in other parts of the UK. If you live in a more rural area, on the other hand, your driver will need to travel further to reach you - and they will probably be driving you a longer distance to your destination, resulting in higher costs.

Here's the average amount of money spent on an airport transfer in different part of the UK.

Party size

The more people you have in your party, the larger the vehicle will need to be. If there are more than 6 in your party, then switching to a minibus transfer rather than separate cars will be better value. Keep in mind that there needs to be room for everyone’s luggage in the vehicle too. 

It's worth noting as well that the more people you can fit in a vehicle, the less you will pay if you choose to split the price between you. It might not be helpful for a family holiday where there are three kids involved, but a party of six friends sharing a £120 ride will only pay £20 each for door-to-door travel, which sounds like a bit of a bargain.

Vehicle type 

Airport transfers come in all shapes and sizes, from sleek Mercedes to a coach that the entire family could fit into. Luxury vehicles come at a premium but are the best way to start your holiday in style. Usually, airport transfer companies will price their vehicles accordingly before you book so you can make the best decision based on your budget.

Timing

It’s important to leave as much time as possible between leaving and when you need to be at the airport. The driver will want to be aware of the time, as well as your expected flight arrival time when you get back.

However, there may be additional fees for travelling at peak times, especially for London-based airports. When asking your driver for quotes, see if leaving a bit earlier could save you some money.

Benefits of paying for an airport transfer

There are a few reasons it's worth shelling out for an airport transfer:

• Getting your timings right whilst also packing for holiday and organising travel can be stressful for some people. Having a driver takes some of that pressure and ill temper away.

• Having a driver drop you off at the doors to the airport means you don't need to worry about finding - and paying for - parking, which you would need to figure out if you drive yourself.

• If you have a lot of luggage, it's a lot easier to fit it into a private vehicle than it is to drag it onto a train or bus, or to walk a long way with it - specially at peak times when a lot of people are heading to the same airport.

Tips for saving money on airport transfers

When traveling, airport transfers can often be an overlooked expense that quickly adds up. However, with some strategic planning and savvy choices, you can significantly reduce your spending on transportation to and from the airport. Whether you're a budget traveler or simply looking to optimize your expenses, here are some tips to help you save money on airport transfers.

Tips for Saving Money on Airport Transfers:

1. Pre-book: Consider booking shared shuttle services in advance. These services typically offer competitive rates and can be significantly cheaper than taxis, especially if you're traveling alone or with a small group.

2. Look for deals and discounts: Keep an eye out for promotions, discounts, or coupon codes offered by airport transfer companies or ride-sharing services. Many companies run special offers for first-time users or provide discounts for booking in advance.

3. Check for hotel shuttle services: If you're staying at a hotel near the airport, inquire about complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. Many hotels offer this perk to guests, which can help you save on transportation costs, especially for early morning or late-night flights.

4. Coordinate with fellow travelers: If you're traveling with friends or family who are arriving at the same time, consider coordinating your airport transfers to share costs. Splitting the fare for taxis, shuttle services, or ride-sharing can significantly reduce individual expenses.

5. Get multiple quotes: By requesting airport transfer quotes from a number of companies, you can compare prices and ensure you're getting the best deal. Just remember that if something seems too cheap, there may be a catch - so check you're happy with what's included.

Is it worth getting an airport transfer?

While holidays are supposed to relax us, the build-up including the journey to the airport can be anything but. Being stuck in traffic, missing your train connection, or simply not leaving enough time for the journey can all create unnecessary stress. Plus if you are returning after a long flight you might not even be in a fit state to drive safely. With an airport transfer, all of that hassle is taken care of for you. You’ll be taken straight to your terminal or delivered back home depending on whether you are arriving or departing. Airport transfers make for the ideal start to any holiday or business trip and so are highly recommended.