London is served by several major airports, each with different distances from the city centre and various transportation options. Here are the main airports travellers can consider when flying to London:
- Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Distance: Approximately 15 miles (24 km) west of Central London.
- Transportation Options:
- Heathrow Express: Non-stop trains to Paddington Station. Takes about 15 minutes.
- London Underground: Piccadilly Line connects all terminals to central London. Takes about 45-60 minutes.
- National Express Coach: Direct buses to Victoria Coach Station. Takes about 40-90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxi: Journey to central London takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Available at designated pick-up points.
- Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- Distance: Approximately 28 miles (45 km) south of Central London.
- Transportation Options:
- Gatwick Express: Non-stop trains to Victoria Station. Takes about 30 minutes.
- Thameslink Trains: Services to multiple central London stations, including London Bridge, Blackfriars, and St Pancras International. Takes about 30-45 minutes.
- Southern Trains: Services to Victoria Station. Takes about 30-45 minutes.
- National Express Coach: Buses to Victoria Coach Station. Takes about 75-120 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxi: Journey to central London takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Available at designated pick-up points.
- Stansted Airport (STN)
- Distance: Approximately 40 miles (64 km) northeast of Central London.
- Transportation Options:
- Stansted Express: Trains to Liverpool Street Station. Takes about 45 minutes.
- National Express Coach: Buses to Victoria Coach Station and other locations. Takes about 75-120 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxi: Journey to central London takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Available at designated pick-up points.
- Luton Airport (LTN)
- Distance: Approximately 34 miles (55 km) northwest of Central London.
- Transportation Options:
- Train: Shuttle bus to Luton Airport Parkway station, then Thameslink trains to St Pancras International. Total journey takes about 30-45 minutes.
- National Express Coach: Buses to Victoria Coach Station and other locations. Takes about 75-120 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxi: Journey to central London takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Available at designated pick-up points.
- London City Airport (LCY)
- Distance: Approximately 6 miles (10 km) east of Central London.
- Transportation Options:
- Docklands Light Railway (DLR): Direct trains to Bank Station, connecting to the London Underground. Takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Taxi: Journey to central London takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Available at designated pick-up points.
- London Southend Airport (SEN)
- Distance: Approximately 42 miles (68 km) east of Central London.
- Transportation Options:
- Train: Trains to Liverpool Street Station. Takes about 50-60 minutes.
- National Express Coach: Limited services to various locations in London.
- Taxi: Journey to central London takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Available at designated pick-up points.
By considering the distances and transportation options, travellers can choose the airport that best suits their needs based on convenience, cost, and travel time to their final destination in London.