London Gatwick · LGW
Colchester to Gatwick, over the river and south.
Gatwick sits on the far side of London, so this journey is all about timing the Dartford Crossing well — something we plan for on every booking.
- Distance
- ≈95 mi
- Time to allow
- 2–3½ hrs
- Available
- 24/7
The route
How we get you from Colchester to Gatwick.
- Colchester
- A12
- Dartford Crossing
- M23
- Gatwick
We take the A12 to the M25 at Brentwood, head clockwise through the Dartford Crossing and continue around to junction 7, where the M23 runs south to the airport. It's about 95 miles; allow anything from 2 to 3½ hours, depending on the day and the time. The crossing is the main pinch point, so for busy periods we'll suggest a slightly earlier start.
At the airport
North or South Terminal
Gatwick has two terminals, North and South, linked by a free shuttle train. Airlines occasionally switch terminals, so we confirm yours the day before travel and drop you at the right one.
Departures drop-off
Gatwick charges for using its terminal drop-off zones, and the Dartford Crossing also has a charge. Both are made clear in your quote.
Arrivals pickup
We collect from the official pick-up areas at either terminal, or meet you inside arrivals with a name board.
Local knowledge
Tips for flying from Gatwick.
Double-check North or South Terminal — it's printed on your boarding pass.
The Dartford Crossing is busiest on Friday afternoons and bank-holiday weekends.
Allow extra time for summer charter flights, which often share busy check-in halls.
Colchester to Gatwick: your questions.
Is the Dartford Crossing charge included?
Your quote shows how the crossing charge is handled, so the fare you agree is the total you'll pay for the journey.
How long does it take from Colchester to Gatwick?
Anything from 2 to 3½ hours for roughly 95 miles, depending on the day, the time and traffic at the Dartford Crossing.
What if I don't know whether I'm flying from North or South Terminal?
Give us your flight number and we'll check. We confirm the terminal with you the day before every Gatwick departure.
Fixed fare, pickup time confirmed in writing, help with every bag.