If you’re planning to make the trek across the pond and head to London, one of your first steps is figuring out which airport to fly into. But with six major international airports in and around London—Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City Airport, and Southend—figuring out which is best suited for your needs can be daunting.
Fortunately, you can consider a few quick factors when selecting an airport before departure so that you can arrive at your destination safely and on time.
In this article, written by our team of expert London chauffeurs, who offer airport transfers in London, we’ll provide tips on choosing the ideal London Airport for travellers looking for convenience or adventure during their visit!
Which London Airport Should I Fly From?
The choice of the airport in London to fly from would depend on various factors, including your travel plans, budget, and personal preferences. Here’s a brief overview of the main airports in London:
Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the largest airport in London and one of the busiest in the world. It has four terminals and is well-connected to the city centre by public transport, including the London Underground and the Heathrow Express train. It’s a good option if you’re travelling internationally, as it serves many destinations.
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the second-busiest airport in London, located 28 miles south of central London. It has two terminals and serves a range of domestic and international destinations. It’s also well-connected to the city centre by train and bus.
London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to central London, located in the Docklands area. It’s a smaller airport mainly serving business travellers and short-haul flights to European destinations. It’s well-connected to the city centre by public transport, including the Docklands Light Railway.
Luton Airport (LTN) is located 35 miles north of central London and serves mainly low-cost airlines. It’s well-connected to the city centre by train and bus.
Stansted Airport (STN) is located 42 miles north of central London and mainly serves low-cost airlines. It’s well-connected to the city centre by train and bus.
In general, if you’re looking for the most accessible and convenient option, Heathrow is probably your best bet. Still, the other airports may offer better options depending on your travel plans and budget.
How Long Does It Take To Get To The City Centre From The Different Airports?
The time it takes to get to central London from the different airports will vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose, the time of day, and the traffic or delays on the day of your travel. Here’s a rough estimate of the average travel times by public transport from the major airports in London to central London:
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- By Heathrow Express train: approximately 15-20 minutes to Paddington Station.
- By London Underground (Piccadilly Line): approximately 45-60 minutes to central London.
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- By Gatwick Express train: approximately 30 minutes to Victoria Station.
- By Southern Rail or Thameslink train: approximately 30-40 minutes to Victoria or London Bridge stations.
- By National Express or easyBus: approximately 1.5 hours to central London.
London City Airport (LCY)
- By Docklands Light Railway (DLR): approximately 20-30 minutes to Bank or Tower Gateway stations.
Luton Airport (LTN)
- By Thameslink train: approximately 35-45 minutes to St Pancras or Blackfriars stations.
- By National Express or Green Line bus: approximately 1 hour to central London.
Stansted Airport (STN)
- By Stansted Express train: approximately 45 minutes to Liverpool Street Station.
- By National Express or easyBus: approximately 1-1.5 hours to central London.
Please note that these travel times are approximate and subject to change, so it’s best to check the current schedules and plan accordingly. One of the other aspects to consider when looking at how long it takes to get to the London City Centre from the different airports is that if you choose to use our airport chauffeurs and transfer service, it will take even less time!
Which London Airport Is The Furthest Away From The City Centre?
Stansted Airport (STN) is located in Essex, approximately 42 miles (68 km) northeast of central London. It’s the third busiest airport in the UK after Heathrow and Gatwick, and it mainly serves low-cost airlines and charter flights to European and Mediterranean destinations.
The airport has a single terminal building divided into three sections: Check-in, departure, and arrival. The Check-in area is located on the ground floor, while the Departures and Arrivals areas are on the first floor. The airport has a range of shops, restaurants, and other amenities, including duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and Wi-Fi access.
There are several options for getting to and from Stansted Airport. The Stansted Express train service runs between the airport and Liverpool Street Station in central London, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes. Several coach and bus services connect the airport to different parts of London and beyond, including National Express, Terravision, and EasyBus.
While Stansted Airport is the farthest of the main London airports from the city centre, it is still a popular choice for travellers due to its range of destinations and low-cost flights.
Choose A London Chauffeur For Your Airport Transfers
Choosing the proper London airport for you can take time and effort. There are multiple airports to choose from, each offering different benefits and drawbacks. No matter which one you choose, make sure that you know the lay of the land before your arrival.
Ensure you research transportation options from each airport into the city and know what amenities are available. Lastly, consider a chauffeured private car service like We Drive Global for ease of travel. Our team have offered a range of chauffeur-driven services for several years, this includes offering airport transfer.
With a private car service, there is no stress or hassle with finding your way on public transport or hailing a taxi – it’s a door-to-door convenience every time!
So contact We Drive Global today, and let us bridge the gap between journey planning and unwinding in comfort.