Over the hill to SE23
Forest Hill sits on the eastern side of the Sydenham ridge, a short drive from Gipsy Hill along Sydenham Hill or across the top by Crystal Palace Parade. From our base the trip usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the route and the time of day. It is a green, hilly corner of south-east London, with Victorian streets, the Horniman Museum and plenty of woodland walks nearby.
Because the area is so hilly, a lot of short journeys that look easy on a map are hard work on foot, especially with shopping, luggage or young children. That is where a pre-booked car helps.
Around Forest Hill
The Horniman Museum and Gardens
The Horniman on London Road is one of the most popular family days out in south London, with its aquarium, natural history gallery, butterfly house and gardens with views over the city. We drop families at the entrance and collect them when they are ready to go home, which saves carrying tired children back up the hill.
Dartmouth Road and the town centre
The shops and cafés along Dartmouth Road and around the station make up the heart of Forest Hill. Forest Hill Pools, rebuilt around the old Victorian baths, is also on Dartmouth Road. We take regular local trips from here to Lewisham, Catford and Sydenham.
Woods and open spaces
Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood sit between Forest Hill and Gipsy Hill, and One Tree Hill in nearby Honor Oak gives one of the best views in south London. Walkers who want a lift to one end and a pick-up from the other are welcome to book both legs together.
Forest Hill station
Forest Hill station has London Overground trains north through New Cross Gate and Canada Water towards Highbury and Islington, and Southern trains to London Bridge. It is well connected, but a car makes sense when you are carrying luggage to a mainline terminus, catching an early train or coming home late. We collect from the station at any hour.
If your train goes from central London, see our London Bridge taxi page, or our Victoria station taxi for trains and coaches from Victoria.
Airport runs from Forest Hill
Forest Hill is on the South Circular, which is handy for both the east and the west. London City is a short drive north-east across the river, while Heathrow is reached by heading west along the A205. Gatwick means going south through Croydon to the M23.
| Airport | Typical time from Forest Hill |
|---|---|
| London City | 25–45 minutes |
| Gatwick | 45–75 minutes |
| Heathrow | 55–85 minutes |
Typical estimates only. The South Circular through Catford and Forest Hill can be slow at peak times.
Every airport booking has a fixed fare agreed in advance. For arrivals, give us your flight number and the driver will track it.
Families and groups in SE23
Families heading away on holiday often need more space than a saloon, so our 6 seater taxi is a popular choice for airport runs from Forest Hill. Parents also use our school run taxi for regular journeys across the ridge to schools in Dulwich and Sydenham.
Nearby areas we cover
Forest Hill borders Dulwich to the west and is a short drive from Crystal Palace to the south. We also cover Peckham to the north-west. See all the areas we cover for the full list.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a taxi from Gipsy Hill to Forest Hill take?
Typically around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the route over the ridge and the traffic.
Can you take us to the Horniman Museum and collect us later?
Yes. Book both journeys together, or call 020 8659 9999 when you are ready to leave and we will send a car.
Do you collect from Forest Hill station late at night?
Yes, we work 24 hours a day. Pre-book if you know your train time, or call when you arrive.
Which airport is quickest to reach from Forest Hill?
London City is usually the quickest, typically 25 to 45 minutes via one of the river tunnels.
Is the fare fixed for a Forest Hill airport transfer?
Yes. We quote a fixed fare when you book, and traffic does not change the price.