Choosing a pickup time comes down to three numbers: when you need to be at the airport, how long the drive takes and how much buffer you want. Here's how we work it out, with real examples from Sheerness.
Step 1: when do you need to be at the airport?
Check your airline's bag-drop and gate closing times. As a rough guide, aim to arrive about 2 hours before a short-haul flight and 3 hours before long-haul. If you're travelling with hand luggage only and have checked in online, you may need less.
Step 2: how long is the drive?
From Sheerness, Gatwick is typically 1 hr 10 – 1 hr 30, Heathrow 1 hr 35 – 2 hr and Stansted 1 hr 20 – 1 hr 50. Stansted, Luton and Southend all use the Dartford Crossing, which is the least predictable part of any journey from Kent.
Step 3: add a buffer for the time of day
- Before 5am: roads are clear, so the drive is usually at the quicker end of the range
- 5am–9:30am on weekdays: the M2, M20 and M25 fill up fast, so allow 20–30 minutes extra
- Friday afternoons and bank holidays: allow extra time, especially at Dartford and on the western M25
Worked examples from Sheerness
| Flight | Be at the airport | Suggested pickup |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00am short-haul, Gatwick | 4:00am | about 2:15am |
| 11:30am short-haul, Stansted (weekday) | 9:30am | about 7:15am |
| 2:00pm long-haul, Heathrow | 11:00am | about 8:30am |
| 7:00pm short-haul, London City (Friday) | 5:30pm | about 4:00pm |
These are starting points. When you book, we'll confirm a pickup time based on your exact address, your airport and the day you travel. For how far ahead to book, see when to book an airport taxi from Sheerness.
