Both run licensed private hire vehicles across London. Here is how they actually differ on price, booking process and what each is built for — so you can pick the right one for your trip.
Get Your Instant QuoteAddison Lee is a large, long-established executive car service built primarily around corporate accounts and centralised billing — strong if your company already has a contract with them. Express Airport Cars is a fixed-price, independently owned airport transfer specialist (TfL licensed, PCO No. 008740101, operating since 2013) built for travellers who want a simple, transparent price without setting up an account.
Your company already has an Addison Lee account and bills centrally. That is exactly what it is designed for, and switching makes little sense.
You are booking your own airport transfer and want the exact price upfront, with flight tracking and free waiting included, and no account to set up.
| Factor | Express Airport Cars | Addison Lee |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Fixed price shown before booking | Fixed or metered depending on account type |
| Saloon fare, Heathrow → central London | From £60 | Often higher for one-off bookings |
| Booking without an account | Yes — 60-second online quote | Yes, via app or website |
| Flight tracking included | Yes, on every booking | Yes, on account bookings |
| Free waiting time | 60 minutes from landing | Varies by service tier |
| Best suited for | Individual travellers, families, one-off runs | Companies with regular, high-volume bookings |
Both companies offer a range of vehicle classes. Express Airport Cars covers Saloon, Estate, Business, MPV Plus and 8-Seater vehicles, all clean and maintained, priced with clear multipliers over the base Saloon fare rather than a separate executive pricing tier.