Quick Summary
A London to Bath taxi typically costs £150–£200 for a standard saloon from central London, covering 100–115 miles in around 2 to 2.5 hours via the M4. From Heathrow Airport, fares are lower at £130–£175. London Airport Taxi is a TfL-licensed private hire operator (rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews) offering fixed-fare transfers with no surge pricing — consistently cheaper and more reliable than Uber for this distance.
At-a-Glance Answer (Fare Overview)
For most travellers heading from London to Bath, a typical pre-booked taxi fare is £150–£200 for a standard saloon from central London (up to 4 passengers with luggage). From Heathrow Airport, the fare is lower: £130–£175. Executive cars usually run £200–£260. Larger vehicles (MPV / 7 seater or 8-seater minibuses for 8 passengers) are typically £220–£290. All fares are fixed at booking — no surge pricing, no hidden charges.
Uber vs Pre-Booked Taxi: Which Is Cheaper to Bath?
Many people search "how much is an Uber from London to Bath" — and the answer may surprise you. For a 100+ mile journey, a pre-booked private hire taxi consistently beats Uber on price and reliability.
| Factor | Uber | Pre-Booked Fixed-Fare Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated cost | £180–£350+ (variable) | £150–£200 (fixed) |
| Surge pricing | Yes — can double at peak times | No surge — fare locked at booking |
| Driver cancellation risk | High — many drivers won't accept 2+ hr trips | None — driver confirmed in advance |
| Vehicle choice | No guaranteed vehicle type | Choose saloon, estate, executive, MPV, or minibus |
| Flight tracking | No | Yes — pickup adjusted for delays |
| Meet & greet at airport | No — wait at pickup point | Yes — driver in arrivals hall with name board |
| Booking in advance | Same-day only | Book days or weeks ahead |
Why Uber struggles on this route: At 100+ miles, finding an Uber driver willing to accept a 2-hour journey away from London is difficult. Expect multiple cancellations, long wait times, and surge pricing that can push the fare above £300. A pre-booked taxi eliminates all of these problems with a guaranteed driver, fixed price, and vehicle selection.
Bottom line: A pre-booked taxi to Bath typically saves you £30–£150 compared to Uber, with guaranteed availability and a fixed price. London Airport Taxi is licensed by Transport for London and operates 24/7 with DBS-checked drivers.
What Affects the Fare from London to Bath?
Bath is approximately 100–115 miles west of London. The main route follows the M4 motorway to Junction 18, then the A46 south into the city. Your fare is shaped by:
- Pickup location in London: Central London (Paddington area) is closest to the M4. South or east London adds mileage.
- From Heathrow Airport: Already on the M4 corridor, saving 20–40 minutes and £20–£30 compared to central London.
- Vehicle type and capacity: Saloon, estate, MPV, 7 seater, executive cars, or minibus for 8 passengers.
- Drop-off in Bath: City centre, Royal Crescent area, university campus, or surrounding villages.
- Traffic: The M4 is generally fast-flowing but can be congested near Swindon and at the Almondsbury interchange (J18/J20) during rush hour.
- Time of day: Evening and weekend bookings are typically unaffected by surge pricing with fixed-fare operators.
Transparent Transfer Prices (Example Guide)
| Vehicle and Use Case | Seats | Luggage Guide | Central London Fare | Heathrow Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon – couples/solo | 4 | 2 large + 2 cabin | £150–£200 | £130–£175 |
| Estate – more luggage | 4 | 3 large + 2 cabin | £165–£215 | £145–£190 |
| Executive cars – premium | 4 | 2 large + 2 cabin | £200–£260 | £180–£235 |
| MPV / 7 seater – families | 7 | 4–5 large + 4 cabin | £220–£280 | £200–£255 |
| Minibus (8 passengers) | 8 | Group and kit | £240–£300 | £220–£275 |
View our full Heathrow Airport taxi prices for complete fleet pricing.
Taxi vs Train vs Coach: Full Comparison
The London–Bath corridor has excellent rail links, so here is how a taxi stacks up:
| Option | Cost (1 Person) | Cost for 4 | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked taxi (central London) | £150–£200 total | £38–£50 each | 2–2.5 hr door to door | Groups, families, heavy luggage |
| Pre-booked taxi (Heathrow) | £130–£175 total | £33–£44 each | 1.5–2 hr | Flight arrivals direct to Bath |
| GWR train (Paddington to Bath Spa) | £20–£70 | £80–£280 | 1 hr 22 min | Solo, advance booking |
| National Express coach | £10–£25 | £40–£100 | 2.5–3 hr | Budget solo, flexible timing |
| Uber (estimated) | £180–£350+ variable | £180–£350+ total | 2–2.5 hr + wait | Not recommended |
Key takeaway: The GWR train from Paddington is excellent for solo travellers who can get advance tickets (£20–£40). For 3–4 passengers sharing a taxi at £38–£50 each, the per-person cost is competitive with train tickets — and you get door-to-door pickup without navigating to Paddington. For Heathrow arrivals, the taxi is unbeatable — there is no direct train from Heathrow to Bath.
From Heathrow to Bath: The Direct Advantage
If you are flying into Heathrow and heading to Bath, a taxi is the standout option. There is no direct train from Heathrow to Bath — the rail route requires the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line to Paddington, then a GWR service to Bath Spa, adding connections and 30–60 minutes.
By taxi from Heathrow, you are already on the M4 — Bath is a straight motorway run west. At £130–£175 for a saloon (just £33–£44 each for 4 sharing), this is faster, simpler, and often cheaper than the combined rail journey. Your TfL-licensed driver will meet you inside the arrivals hall with a name board and assist with luggage.
All London Airports to Bath Compared
| Airport | Distance to Bath | Approx. Drive Time | Approx. Saloon Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol Airport (BRS) | ~20 miles | 25–40 min | £30–£45 |
| Heathrow (LHR) | ~95–105 miles | 1.5–2 hr | £130–£175 |
| Gatwick (LGW) | ~120 miles | 2–2.5 hr | £175–£230 |
| Luton (LTN) | ~115 miles | 2–2.5 hr | £165–£215 |
| London City (LCY) | ~115 miles | 2–2.5 hr | £170–£220 |
| Stansted (STN) | ~150 miles | 2.5–3 hr | £220–£290 |
If flying domestically or from Europe, Bristol Airport is by far the closest — just 20 miles and £30–£45 by taxi. For long-haul international flights, Heathrow offers the best combination of route choice and transfer proximity to Bath.
Bath: Sightseeing, Heritage and Why Visitors Come
Bath is one of England's most visited cities, and many taxi bookings are for tourists, international visitors, and event-goers. Key occasions that drive demand:
- Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa: Year-round tourism, often combined with London stays.
- University of Bath / Bath Spa University: Term starts (September, January) see peak demand for airport-to-Bath transfers, especially from Heathrow and Gatwick.
- Christmas Market (late November – December): One of the UK's largest, attracting day-trippers and overnight visitors.
- Bath Festival (May): Arts, literature, and music events drawing visitors from across the country.
- Jane Austen connections: Literary tourists often combine Bath with London Austen sites.
- Stonehenge day trips: Bath is a popular base for visiting Stonehenge (35 miles south) — multi-stop taxi tours available.
How to Book
Booking takes less than a minute. Enter your London pickup (hotel, home address, or Heathrow terminal) and Bath destination, choose your vehicle, and get an instant fixed quote. You'll receive confirmation with your driver's name, vehicle details, and meeting point. London Airport Taxi covers all six London airports — see pricing for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend airports.
London to Bath: What to Expect on the Day
- Route: M4 westbound from London, exit at Junction 18, then A46 south to Bath (or A4 via Chippenham for some western Bath addresses). Straightforward motorway driving for most of the journey.
- From Heathrow: Join the M4 directly — saves 20–40 minutes compared to central London pickups.
- Journey time: Typically 2 to 2.5 hours from central London, 1.5 to 2 hours from Heathrow.
- Bath city centre access: Bath's Georgian streets are narrow in places, but your driver will navigate to your exact address or hotel.
- Door to door: Pickups from anywhere in London or any Heathrow terminal. All drivers are DBS-checked, TfL-licensed, and know the M4 corridor routes thoroughly.
Can I Go Bath to London Instead?
Absolutely. Bath to London and Bath to Heathrow transfers are equally popular. Pre-booking is especially valuable for early-morning flights — a 3:30–4 am pickup from Bath gets you to Heathrow for a 7 am departure. See our London to Bristol page for the nearby Bristol route.
Route Tips and Local Knowledge
- The M4 between London and Bath passes through Swindon (Junction 15–16), which can slow during rush hour. Outside peak times, the motorway is fast and reliable.
- Heathrow advantage: If flying into London for a Bath trip, Heathrow saves you both time and money compared to Gatwick or Stansted. You join the M4 directly from the airport.
- For Bradford-on-Avon, Frome, or Trowbridge (all within 10–15 miles of Bath), your driver can continue directly — mention these destinations for an accurate fare.
- Bath Clean Air Zone: Pre-booked private hire vehicles meeting Euro 6 emissions standards are exempt from Bath's Clean Air Zone charges. London Airport Taxi's fleet meets these standards.
- Combining a Stonehenge visit with a London-to-Bath transfer is popular with international tourists. The detour adds about an hour and works well as a midway stop.
- During the Bath Christmas Market (late November to mid-December), city centre traffic is significantly heavier. Your driver will use the best approach routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from London to Bath?
A pre-booked saloon taxi from central London to Bath typically costs £150–£200 with London Airport Taxi, a TfL-licensed private hire operator rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews. The journey covers approximately 100–115 miles in 2 to 2.5 hours via the M4 motorway. From Heathrow Airport, the fare is lower at £130–£175 since you join the M4 directly. All fares are fixed at booking with no surge pricing, and include free cancellation, 30 minutes of waiting time at airports, and complimentary meet-and-greet service.
How much is an Uber from London to Bath?
Uber estimates for London to Bath typically range from £180 to £350+, depending on demand and surge pricing. At 100+ miles, many Uber drivers decline the journey, leading to multiple cancellations and long wait times. Pre-booked private hire taxis from TfL-licensed operators like London Airport Taxi are consistently cheaper at £150–£200, with guaranteed availability, a confirmed driver, fixed pricing, and your choice of vehicle from saloon to 8-seater minibus.
How long does a taxi take from London to Bath?
The journey typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours from central London or 1.5 to 2 hours from Heathrow Airport, depending on traffic. The route follows the M4 motorway westbound to Junction 18, then the A46 south into Bath. The M4 is generally fast-flowing, with occasional slowdowns near Swindon (Junction 15–16) or the Almondsbury interchange (Junction 18/20) during rush hour. Experienced drivers know alternative routes via the A4 through Chippenham for western Bath addresses.
Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Bath?
No. There is no direct rail service from Heathrow Airport to Bath. The train route requires the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line to London Paddington (15–30 minutes), then a GWR service to Bath Spa (1 hour 22 minutes), adding connections, platform changes, and luggage handling. Total rail journey time is 2–2.5 hours including transfers. A direct taxi from Heathrow to Bath via the M4 takes 1.5–2 hours door to door at £130–£175 for a saloon, making it faster, simpler, and often cheaper for 2+ passengers.
Can the driver stop at Stonehenge on the way to Bath?
Yes — Stonehenge is approximately 35 miles south of the M4 route, near Amesbury on the A303. A sightseeing detour adds approximately 1–1.5 hours to the journey and incurs a fare supplement based on the additional mileage. This is a popular option with international tourists combining a London departure with a Stonehenge visit before arriving in Bath. Other detour options include Lacock village and Castle Combe. Mention your interest when booking for an accurate multi-stop quote from our team.
Can I book a taxi from London to Bath for 7 or 8 passengers?
Yes. London Airport Taxi offers a full range of vehicle options from standard saloons right up to 8-seater minibuses, all with professional, DBS-checked drivers. For 7 passengers, an MPV such as a Mercedes V-Class or Hyundai i800 costs £220–£280 from central London. For 8 passengers, a Ford Tourneo or similar minibus costs £240–£300. Tourist groups and families visiting Bath regularly book these larger vehicles for comfort and luggage space on the 2-hour motorway journey.
What if my flight into Heathrow is delayed?
Your driver monitors your flight in real time using live tracking systems and adjusts the pickup time automatically — there is no extra charge for flight delays. Upon landing, your TfL-licensed driver will be waiting inside the arrivals hall with a name board showing your name. All airport pickups include 30 minutes of complimentary waiting time from the actual landing time, giving you ample time to clear customs, collect baggage, and make your way through the terminal.
Summary: Getting the Best Value
A pre-booked London to Bath taxi at £150–£200 for a saloon (or £130–£175 from Heathrow) consistently undercuts Uber by £30–£150 while providing guaranteed availability and a fixed price. For groups of 3–4 sharing, the per-person cost of £38–£50 is competitive with train fares — and you avoid Paddington station entirely. London Airport Taxi is TfL-licensed, rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews, and operates 24/7 with DBS-checked drivers. Book your London to Bath taxi online now for an instant fixed-price quote.
