When it comes to air travel, London is one of the busiest cities in the world. With two major airports – London City and Heathrow – serving millions of passengers every year, it’s natural to wonder which one is better. In this article, we’ll compare London City Airport and Heathrow Airport to help you decide which one is the right choice for your next trip.
Location
One of the biggest differences between London City Airport and Heathrow Airport is their location. London City Airport is located in East London, just a few miles from Canary Wharf and the financial district. This makes it a popular choice for business travelers who need to be in the city center quickly.
On the other hand, Heathrow Airport is located in West London, about 15 miles from the city center. While there are excellent transport links to central London from Heathrow, it can take longer to get there than if you flew into London City.
Size
In terms of size, there’s no comparison between these two airports. Heathrow is one of the largest airports in the world with five terminals and over 80 airlines serving more than 200 destinations worldwide. On the other hand, London City Airport has only one terminal and serves around 50 destinations across Europe and North America.
Facilities
Both airports offer a range of facilities for passengers including shops, restaurants, lounges, and parking options. However, due to its smaller size, London City Airport has fewer options compared to Heathrow.
Heathrow boasts a wide range of shops including luxury brands like Gucci and Burberry as well as high street favorites like Boots and WHSmith. There are also plenty of dining options ranging from fast food chains like McDonald’s to high-end restaurants like Gordon Ramsay Plane Food.
London City Airport may not have as many options but still offers several food and drink options and a few shops selling essentials like books, magazines, and duty-free items.
Transportation
Both airports offer excellent transportation links to central London and beyond. London City Airport is connected to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) which takes you to Bank station in just 20 minutes. From there, you can easily connect to other parts of the city using the London Underground or overground trains.
Heathrow offers several options for transportation including the Heathrow Express train which takes you to Paddington station in just 15 minutes. There are also several bus routes, tube lines, and taxis available for passengers.
Conclusion
So, which airport is better – London City or Heathrow? The answer really depends on your travel needs.
If you’re a business traveler who needs quick access to the city center, then London City Airport is the better option. However, if you’re traveling long-haul or need more facilities and entertainment options, then Heathrow is the way to go.
Regardless of which airport you choose, both offer excellent transport links and facilities for passengers making them great choices for air travel in London.