London

✈️

Airports

Major international and regional airports serving London, including connections and accessibility.

Sections

1. Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Location: 14 miles (23 km) west of Central London
Overview: Heathrow is the largest and busiest airport in the UK, handling long-haul international flights and serving as a hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. It has five terminals (T2-T5; T1 is closed).

Transportation Options:

  • Heathrow Express:
    • Non-stop train to London Paddington (15-20 minutes).
    • Cost: £25-£37 (one-way, depending on booking time).
    • Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
    • Tip: Book in advance for cheaper fares.
  • Elizabeth Line (Crossrail):
    • Stops at multiple central London stations (35-45 minutes).
    • Cost: £12.80 (off-peak, one-way).
    • Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
  • London Underground (Piccadilly Line):
    • Direct to central London (50-60 minutes).
    • Cost: £5.60 (peak) or £3.50 (off-peak) with an Oyster card/contactless.
  • Taxis:
    • Black cabs to central London cost £50-£100 (45-60 minutes).
    • Ride-hailing apps like Uber are slightly cheaper (£40-£70).
  • Buses:
    • National Express coaches to Victoria Station (£10-£15).
    • Local buses (cheaper but slower).

Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
  • Lounges (some accessible via Priority Pass or pay-per-use).
  • Duty-free shopping, luxury brands, and restaurants.
  • Currency exchange and ATMs.
  • Family-friendly facilities, including play areas.
  • Hotels: Sofitel (T5), Hilton (T4), and others nearby.

Tips:

  • Arrive 3 hours before long-haul flights and 2 hours for European flights.
  • Use the Heathrow app for live updates on flights and gate information.
  • Security can be busy; use Fast Track if available.

2. Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Location: 28 miles (45 km) south of Central London
Overview: Gatwick is the second-largest airport in London, with two terminals (North and South). It serves a mix of short-haul and long-haul flights, including budget airlines like easyJet.

Transportation Options:

  • Gatwick Express:
    • Non-stop train to London Victoria (30 minutes).
    • Cost: £20-£25 (one-way).
    • Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
  • Thameslink Trains:
    • Stops at multiple central London stations (30-50 minutes).
    • Cost: £10-£15 (one-way).
  • Southern Trains:
    • Slower but cheaper alternative to Victoria Station.
    • Cost: £10-£15 (one-way).
  • Taxis:
    • Cost: £60-£100 to central London (60-90 minutes).
  • Buses:
    • National Express coaches to Victoria Station (£10-£15).

Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi for 90 minutes.
  • Lounges (pay-per-use or Priority Pass).
  • Duty-free shopping, restaurants, and cafes.
  • On-site hotels: Sofitel (North Terminal) and Hilton (South Terminal).
  • Family-friendly areas and baby-changing facilities.

Tips:

  • Check which terminal your airline operates from (North or South).
  • Security queues can be long; arrive early.
  • Gatwick Express is the fastest option, but Thameslink is more affordable.

3. Stansted Airport (STN)

Location: 42 miles (68 km) northeast of Central London
Overview: Stansted is a hub for budget airlines like Ryanair, serving primarily European destinations.

Transportation Options:

  • Stansted Express:
    • Direct train to London Liverpool Street (45-50 minutes).
    • Cost: £20-£25 (one-way).
    • Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
  • National Express Coaches:
    • To Victoria, Liverpool Street, or Stratford (£10-£15).
    • Travel time: 1.5-2 hours.
  • Taxis:
    • Cost: £80-£120 to central London (60-90 minutes).
  • Ride-hailing apps:
    • Slightly cheaper than taxis (£60-£90).

Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi for 4 hours.
  • Lounges (pay-per-use).
  • Duty-free shopping and dining options.
  • Currency exchange and ATMs.
  • On-site hotel: Radisson Blu.

Tips:

  • Budget airlines often have strict baggage policies; check in advance.
  • Arrive 2-3 hours before your flight, as security can be busy.

4. Luton Airport (LTN)

Location: 28 miles (45 km) north of Central London
Overview: Luton is another hub for budget airlines like Wizz Air and easyJet, focusing on European destinations.

Transportation Options:

  • Train (via Luton Airport Parkway):
    • Shuttle bus to Luton Airport Parkway station (10 minutes).
    • Thameslink trains to central London (30-50 minutes).
    • Cost: £15-£20 (one-way).
  • National Express Coaches:
    • To Victoria or other London locations (£10-£15).
    • Travel time: 1.5-2 hours.
  • Taxis:
    • Cost: £60-£100 to central London (60-90 minutes).

Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi for 4 hours.
  • Limited shopping and dining options.
  • Lounges (pay-per-use).
  • Currency exchange and ATMs.

Tips:

  • Luton is smaller and less crowded than Heathrow or Gatwick.
  • Allow extra time for the shuttle bus to the train station.

5. London City Airport (LCY)

Location: 6 miles (10 km) east of Central London
Overview: London City is a small airport catering to business travelers and short-haul European flights. It is the closest airport to central London.

Transportation Options:

  • Docklands Light Railway (DLR):
    • Connects to the London Underground network (20-30 minutes to central London).
    • Cost: £3-£5 with an Oyster card/contactless.
  • Taxis:
    • Cost: £20-£40 to central London (20-30 minutes).
  • Ride-hailing apps:
    • Similar cost to taxis.

Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
  • Limited but high-quality dining and shopping options.
  • Business-friendly lounges.

Tips:

  • Ideal for business travelers due to its proximity to Canary Wharf and the City of London.
  • Security is usually quick, but the airport is small, so facilities are limited.

6. London Southend Airport (SEN)

Location: 42 miles (68 km) east of Central London
Overview: Southend is a smaller airport serving budget airlines and European destinations.

Transportation Options:

  • Train:
    • Southend Airport station to London Liverpool Street (50-60 minutes).
    • Cost: £15-£20 (one-way).
  • Taxis:
    • Cost: £80-£120 to central London (60-90 minutes).

Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi for 4 hours.
  • Limited shopping and dining options.

Tips:

  • Southend is less crowded, making it a stress-free option for budget travelers.

General Tips for London Airports:

  1. Oyster Card/Contactless Payments:
    Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper fares on public transport.
  2. Currency Exchange:
    Exchange rates at airports are often poor; use ATMs or exchange money in advance.
  3. Travel Insurance:
    Ensure you have travel insurance, especially if flying with budget airlines.
  4. Apps:
    Download apps like Citymapper for real-time transport updates.
  5. Peak Times:
    Avoid traveling during rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to save time and money.

By understanding the unique features of each airport and planning your transportation and logistics in advance, you can navigate London’s airports with ease and confidence.