Airport transfers in 2024 are like a fresh breeze of air. Going to and from the airport was never this sophisticated and easy in the past. Thanks to airport transfer companies, you can now travel comfortably without compromising on your privacy, time, and of course, your wallet.
But what exactly does an airport transfer to and from the London, Bristol, or Manchester airport exactly cost? How much does it charge to travel? What are the payment options? And is it even more convenient than others? Let’s discuss this and more in today’s blog.
How much does an airport transfer cost?
An airport transfer can cost anywhere between 60 up to 250 or even more. But before you get shocked by these charges, hold on till we compare it with those of Uber, Lyft and other unregistered taxis outside the airport.
London: Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted. These are the major airports of London City that welcome millions of passengers each year. While availing ride-hailing services could be favourable, don’t forget that these services charge you much higher due to the obnoxious and notoriously known surge pricing system. A pre-booked airport transfer, on the other hand, offers a fixed price, and guaranteed service. Here is a comparison of the charges:
- Ride-hailing (estimate): £50-80 (base price) + potential surge pricing (could add £20-50) = £70-£130
- Airport transfer: £60-90 (fixed price) depending on distance and vehicle type.
Regional Hubs: Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh. Here, public transport can be an option, costing around £15-30 but with waiting times and potential luggage struggles. Airport transfers provide a door-to-door service, taking the hassle out of arrival, typically priced around £40-70.
Airport transfers are far more reasonable in terms of pricing and service than a quick Uber ride, which can cost you sometimes more than double the actual amount. However, do note that unlike Uber, an airport transfer is not always readily available and requires pre-booking. But this entire process of a few minutes saves a lot of time and effort later on.
How are airport transfer cost calculated?
Airport transfer cost are calculated based on a number of factors. An economical ride such as the one on a Prius, Skoda or Nissan would set you back much less than the one on a Mercedes. The cost of car is a direct factor in determining a transfer’s fare.
Other than this, destination, number of passengers, luggage, and the distance, all can add up to the fare.
What changes the cost of an airport transfer service?
All of the factors mentioned earlier, can quickly change the transfer service fees. Let’s break these down one by one:
Petrol and car prices
The fuel price in the UK hovers around 143 to 153 pence per litre, which can change at a moment’s notice depending upon the international factors affecting oil prices. Do note that unlike Uber’s surge pricing, the airport transfer service like Elite Airport Transfer always factors in these costs before giving a quote for a ride. And in the likely event of an increase in the fuel price, your pre-booked ride remains booked at the same rate. This means what you have paid in advance for your elite taxi, remains unchanged despite an increase in fuel price.
Destination
Your destination, if it is within the city, is priced less than if it were out of the town. Distance, just like fuel price, has a direct impact on the ride cost. The longer the car covers the distance, the higher its fuel consumption will be, and the higher its transport charges.
Party size
If you are less than 4 people, then a sedan would fit you perfectly. But if you are a large group of family members on a vacation, or a corporate trip with your colleagues, then an 8-seater or a 16-seat minivan is suitable as you don’t need to compromise on legroom. This directly adds to the cost of the ride.
Vehicle type
The vehicle type also impacts the cost of your travel. A Prius ride is more economical than a Mercedes or an 8-seater luxurious minivan. The more luxurious the vehicle, the higher its cost, and of course, the higher the fare of trip.
Timing
Whether the car travels 20 minutes or 30 on the same distance that you pre-booked, there is NO impact on how much it takes to drop you from one destination to the other. When pre-booking, we always factor in such situations to ensure you reach your destination safely and comfortably.
The amount of luggage you have
How much luggage do you have? 3 large carrying bags? 4 hand carries? A free baby seat. Well, then a Prius may not be suitable for you. You need to opt for a bigger Sedan like a BMW, Audi or a Mercedes.
The benefits of paying for an airport transfer
The benefits of paying for an airport transfer are countless, such as:
- Fixed pricing during the time of surge rates
- Predictable rates
- Ample legroom
- Guaranteed availability
- Well-trained drivers
- Free Meet and Greet for up to 60 minutes
- Free Cancellation for up to 3 hours in advance
- Well-maintained, top-of-the-line luxury cars
Tips for saving money on airport transfers
Here are some tips for saving money on your next airport transfers in the UK:
1 Pre-book
Always pre-book your ride so that you know exactly what you are getting and paying for.
2 Look for deals and discounts
Reliable companies like Elite Airport Transfer, offer lucrative deals and discounts at different times of the day.
3 Check for hotel shuttle services
We offer hotel shuttle services, but not every service provider does that. Why not check that before making a booking with your transfer company?
4 Coordinate with fellow travellers
Always coordinate with others to ensure you are getting the best travel deal. This way, you can ensure you are always saving time and money to reach your destination comfortably and safely.
5 Get multiple quotes
Get quotes from at least 4 to 5 different transfer companies. You will be amazed to know how much you can save just by comparing and negotiating on the best price possible. Yes, it does take some time, but it is worth every penny.
Is it worth getting an airport transfer?
At all costs, absolutely! There is nothing better than using an airport transfer company. You can assume we are biassed, but we didn’t get started just like this. Our founders got furious at getting charged unfairly multiple times by these ride-hailing companies. That’s when we decided to start our own service and provide the best to our customers.
Conclusion
If you haven’t yet, go ahead and take us for a spin. You will be surprised to find out how good our services are compared to the competitors.
