If you’re planning a trip to London, one of the most important things to consider is which airport is closest. London has several airports, each with its own pros and cons. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each airport and help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is the largest and busiest airport in London. It’s located 14 miles west of central London and serves more than 80 airlines. If you’re traveling from outside Europe, there’s a good chance your flight will land at Heathrow.
One of the advantages of Heathrow is that it has excellent transportation links to central London. You can take the Heathrow Express train, which takes just 15 minutes to reach Paddington station in central London. Alternatively, you can take the Underground (Piccadilly line) or a bus.
Pros:
- Excellent transportation links to central London
- Serves more than 80 airlines
- Has plenty of shops and restaurants
Cons:
- Can be very busy, especially during peak travel times
- Parking can be expensive
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is the second-largest airport in London and is located about 28 miles south of central London. It serves more than 50 airlines and handles a large volume of European flights.
Transportation options from Gatwick include the Gatwick Express train (which takes about 30 minutes to reach Victoria station), as well as buses and coaches.
- Serves more than 50 airlines
- Good transportation links to central London
- Has plenty of shops and restaurants
- Can also be very busy, especially during peak travel times
- Parking can be expensive
London City Airport
London City Airport is the smallest airport in London and is located in the Docklands area. It serves more than 10 airlines and specializes in short-haul flights.
One of the advantages of London City Airport is that it’s the closest airport to central London, just six miles away. Transportation options include the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and buses.
- Closest airport to central London
- Serves more than 10 airlines
- Easier to navigate than larger airports
- Limited transportation options compared to larger airports
- Smaller selection of shops and restaurants
Luton Airport & Stansted Airport
Luton and Stansted Airports are two other airports located outside of central London. They both serve a mix of low-cost and full-service airlines, with Stansted specializing in European flights.
Transportation options from Luton include train services as well as buses, while Stansted offers train services as well as coaches.
- Serve a mix of low-cost and full-service airlines
- Parking is relatively cheap compared to other airports
- Limited transportation options compared to larger airports
- Can be far from central London
- Smaller selection of shops and restaurants
Conclusion
Choosing the closest airport to London depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the easiest transportation links and a wide range of airlines, Heathrow or Gatwick may be your best bet.
If you’re looking for the closest airport to central London, London City Airport is the clear winner. And if you’re on a budget or flying with a low-cost carrier, Luton or Stansted may be your best option. Regardless of which airport you choose, make sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for travel and check-in.