Luton to Gatwick chauffeur service, north to south

Down the M1, round the west, onto the M23

The car joins the M1 at junction 10, heads south to the M25 at junction 21 and runs anticlockwise past the M40, the Heathrow junctions and the M3. At junction 7 it turns onto the M23 and follows it to the Gatwick spur.

The stretch between the M40 and the M3, around Heathrow, carries the most traffic. The chauffeur plans around it, checking for incidents before your flight lands, and the fare you agreed doesn't change.

Met in Luton arrivals

Luton's single terminal makes the pickup easy. Your driver stands in the arrivals hall with your name, then takes the trolley out to the car park.

North or South at Gatwick

Share your flight number and the driver heads for the right Gatwick terminal. The car stops at departures, so you won't need the shuttle train that links North and South. If your airline moves terminals at short notice, the chauffeur simply follows it.

The Thameslink option

Thameslink runs directly from Luton Airport Parkway through central London to Gatwick Airport, after the Luton DART takes you down from the terminal. For one traveller with a small bag, it's a sensible choice.

The car is the better fit for families, groups and heavy luggage, and for late flights when trains run less often. It also avoids the crush on Thameslink through central London at rush hour.

Why the western M25 and not the centre

Crossing London through the middle would mean the M1 to Staples Corner, the West End or the South Circular, and then the A23 south, all at far lower speeds and through hundreds of junctions. The motorway loop adds miles but keeps the time predictable, and it gives the chauffeur several points to change plan if one junction jams or an accident closes a lane.

Holiday departures from Gatwick

Gatwick carries many of London's holiday flights to Spain, Portugal, Florida and the Caribbean. For a family starting that trip after a short break into Luton, one car with the child seats already fitted is a calmer start than a train through London.

Comfort on the longest run

Nearly an hour and a half is a long time on the road after a flight. The car has bottled water and room to rest, and the driver can pause at a motorway service area if anyone needs a break. Children travel in fitted seats, and there's space for coats, bags and a folded buggy.

Changing between easyJet flights

Separate easyJet bookings mean your bags won't follow you. Reclaim them at Luton, and check in online for the Gatwick flight during the drive, as bag drop there closes 40 minutes before departure. The driver loads everything, so you only lift your bags onto the Gatwick belt.

Enough time between flights

Allow four hours between landing at Luton and departing Gatwick. The drive alone can reach 100 minutes at busy times, and Gatwick's security queues grow on summer weekends and early mornings. For a long-haul departure, which often closes check-in an hour ahead, allow four and a half.

Cars for a long journey

A First Class S-Class suits up to 3 passengers who want extra room on a long drive. Families usually book the Business Van/SUV, with 7 seats and space for 7 bags, and child seats are available on request.