Taxi from PO5 Southsea, Portsmouth to Gatwick

Getting off the island

From Southsea, the driver usually heads east to the A2030 Eastern Road and off the island at Farlington, onto the A27. From there, the A27 runs east past Havant, Chichester and Arundel to Worthing and Brighton, before the A23 and M23 head north to Gatwick. Alternatively, the driver may take the A3(M) and A3 north to the M25, or cut across country via Petersfield and Midhurst, if the A27 is congested.

It is around 65 miles. In normal traffic, it takes an hour and twenty to thirty minutes. The Eastern Road and the A27 around Chichester and Arundel are the usual slow spots. For early flights, the roads are clear.

Parking in Southsea's terraces

Southsea's streets are tightly packed with terraced houses and flats, and parking is notoriously difficult, with residents' zones on many roads. That matters for a pickup: the driver may not find a space right outside, especially in the evening. Tell us if you live in a flat with an awkward entrance or on a very narrow street. The driver will stop as close as possible, help with your bags and keep the stop short.

Around PO5

PO5 covers the heart of Southsea: Albert Road, Elm Grove and Castle Road, the streets around Palmerston Road, the area towards the Common and the seafront, and parts of the university quarter. The University of Portsmouth's halls and many student houses are in or near PO5. If you are a student heading home or abroad at the end of term, give us the hall name or house address.

Train or taxi?

Portsmouth and Southsea station is about a mile from the heart of PO5. Southern trains run from there towards Gatwick, sometimes direct and sometimes with a change, taking around two hours. For a solo traveller with light luggage, that is cheaper.

For families, students with a lot of luggage, or anyone flying early before the first trains, the door-to-door car is simpler. With three or four people, the fixed fare compares well with the train fares plus a taxi to the station.

Gatwick's drop-off charges

If someone is driving you to Gatwick, they should know that the forecourt drop-off zones have cost £10 for the first ten minutes since January 2026, then £1 a minute up to thirty minutes, enforced by cameras. The free option is the Long Stay car park, which allows up to two hours with a shuttle bus. Blue Badge holders are exempt. None of that applies to a pre-booked transfer, because the fare already covers it.

Timing your pickup

As a guide, leave Southsea around three hours before a short-haul flight and three and a half hours before long-haul. On summer weekends, allow extra time for the A27. When you book, we will recommend a pickup time based on your flight and terminal.

Coming home to Southsea

The same fixed fare applies from Gatwick to PO5. Your driver tracks your flight, waits in arrivals with a name board and helps with your luggage. Delays do not add anything to the fare.

The hovercraft and the island

Southsea is also where the hovercraft leaves for Ryde on the Isle of Wight, from its terminal by Clarence Pier. If you are travelling from the island to Gatwick, we can meet you at the hovercraft terminal. Give us your crossing time and the driver will be waiting.

Families heading on holiday

For family holidays, an estate fits four large cases, and an MPV fits six passengers with their bags. Child seats are free; just give us the children's ages when you book.

Frequently asked questions