Which London Airport Is Closer to the City?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a trip to London and wondering which airport is closer to the city? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got all the information you need to make an informed decision.

London is served by six international airports, but only two of them are considered as major airports and are closer to the city. These two airports are London Heathrow and London City Airport.

London Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport is located 15 miles west of central London and is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom. It has four terminals, each serving different airlines.

If you’re arriving at Terminal 2 or 3, it’s relatively easy to get to central London using the Piccadilly line of the London Underground. The journey takes approximately 45-50 minutes.

If you’re arriving at Terminal 4 or 5, you’ll need to take a free shuttle train to Terminal 2 or 3 before getting on the Piccadilly line. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or book a private transfer for a more comfortable ride directly to your destination.

Pros:

  • Multiple flights available from various airlines.
  • World-class facilities including restaurants, shops and lounges.

Cons:

  • Traffic congestion around airport area.
  • The distance from central London could lead to increased travel costs.

London City Airport

London City Airport is located in East London and is much closer to central London than Heathrow Airport. It mainly serves business travelers and has only one terminal. You can easily reach central London using the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which connects directly with Bank Station in around 20 minutes.

Pros:

  • Closer proximity to central London.
  • Fastest option for business travelers.

Cons:

  • Limited flights available and only serves certain destinations.
  • Facilities and amenities are not as comprehensive as Heathrow Airport.

Other London Airports

Apart from the two major airports, London is also served by four other airports: Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Southend. While these airports offer flights to various destinations, they are located further away from central London.

Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport is located 30 miles south of central London. It has two terminals and is the second busiest airport in the UK. You can easily reach central London using the Gatwick Express train service, which takes approximately 30 minutes.

Stansted Airport

Stansted Airport is located approximately 40 miles north of central London. It has one terminal and mainly serves budget airlines. You can take the Stansted Express train service to Liverpool Street Station in around 50 minutes.

Luton Airport

Luton Airport is located approximately 35 miles north of central London. It has one terminal and serves budget airlines as well as some scheduled carriers. You can take a direct train from Luton Parkway station to St Pancras International in around 25 minutes.

Southend Airport

Southend Airport is located approximately 42 miles east of central London. You can take a direct train from Southend Victoria station to Liverpool Street Station in around an hour.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an airport closer to central London, then London City Airport would be your best bet. However, if you’re looking for a wider range of flights and facilities, then Heathrow Airport is the way to go.

Ultimately, it all depends on your budget, time constraints and preferences. We hope this article has provided you with enough information to make an informed decision for your next trip to London!