Lois Larson
London has four major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton. Each airport has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and requirements. For example, Heathrow is London's main hub and one of the world's busiest airports, offering a wide range of destinations and airlines, but it is notorious for its long lines at immigration. On the other hand, Gatwick is a major base for low-cost carriers, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers, but it is located almost 30 miles from the city centre. Stansted is popular for budget flights and has more scheduled flights to Europe than any other UK airport, but it is also one of the furthest airports from the city. Luton is easily accessible and known for its unbeatable fares to mainland Europe, but the airport itself is basic and may not offer the best experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Closest to London's city centre | London City Airport |
| Best-served airport in London | Heathrow Airport |
| Primary hub for international flights to and from London | Heathrow Airport |
| Busiest airport in Europe by passenger traffic | Heathrow Airport |
| Good for budget-conscious travellers | Gatwick Airport |
| Easy to get to from London | Luton Airport |
| Good for budget flights | Stansted Airport |
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What You'll Learn
- Heathrow: London's main hub, with excellent facilities, but long lines
- Gatwick: Major base for low-cost carriers, with fewer international flights than Heathrow
- London City: Smallest airport, closest to the city centre, popular with business travellers
- Luton: Good for budget travellers, with affordable fares to mainland Europe, but lacking in overall airport experience
- Stansted: Popular for budget flights to Europe, with direct trains to Liverpool Street
Heathrow: London's main hub, with excellent facilities, but long lines
Heathrow Airport (LHR) is London's primary aviation hub, offering a broader selection of destinations and airlines than any other airport in the city. As one of the world's busiest airports, it is served by every major airline and features extensive amenities, including numerous shops, restaurants, lounges, and services. Heathrow is also conveniently located on the Elizabeth line, providing quick and easy access to anywhere across the middle of the city.
However, Heathrow's sheer size can be a drawback, with long lines at immigration and time-consuming terminal transfers. The airport is situated about 20 miles west of central London, and while travelling to and from the city is generally effortless, it can take at least 40 minutes and often over an hour, depending on traffic. Heathrow Express trains can get you to central London in as little as 15 minutes, but they can also be pretty pricey. The London Underground, specifically the Piccadilly Line, is a more cost-effective option, with fares starting at around $7 (or £5.50) for a 50-minute journey.
Heathrow's status as London's main international gateway makes it an attractive option for travellers, but the trade-off is often long waits and navigating a sprawling airport complex. If you're rushing to a meeting or travelling with children or the elderly, the waiting times at Heathrow can be a significant consideration. In such cases, London City Airport, the closest airport to the city centre, might be a better option, despite its higher fares.
Overall, Heathrow's excellent facilities, wide range of flights, and convenient transport links to central London make it a top choice for travellers. Nevertheless, the potential for lengthy lines and transfer times within the airport is a factor to keep in mind when planning your journey.
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Gatwick: Major base for low-cost carriers, with fewer international flights than Heathrow
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is a major hub for low-cost carriers and serves a large number of international destinations. However, it generally has fewer international flights than Heathrow. Located almost 30 miles from London's city centre, Gatwick is a convenient option for those already in South London or southern England. It is accessible by train via the Gatwick Express, Southern, and Thameslink services.
Gatwick is one of the world's busiest airports, with 46.1 million passengers passing through in 2018, a 1.1% increase from 2017. It is the second-busiest airport in the UK after Heathrow and was the 8th busiest in Europe by total passenger traffic in 2022. The airport operates as a single-runway facility, with a secondary runway available for use when the main runway is not in operation.
Gatwick has two terminals, North and South, which are modern and well-equipped with various amenities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges. The airport has been in use for commercial flights since 1933, and in its early years, British United Airways (BUA) and Dan-Air were two of its largest airlines. Today, easyJet is the largest low-cost carrier operating at Gatwick, with other budget airlines such as Wizz Air, Vueling, and Norse Atlantic Airways also offering extensive networks from the airport.
Gatwick is a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers due to its low-cost carriers and cheaper flight options. However, it is important to note that it has fewer domestic flights compared to Heathrow and that connections to the airport by train can be tricky, so travellers need to be cautious about getting on the right train.
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London City: Smallest airport, closest to the city centre, popular with business travellers
London City Airport is the smallest airport in London and the closest to the city centre, located just 7 miles east of the city. It can be accessed via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in 20 minutes from the heart of the City of London. It is also reachable via the Jubilee Line to Canning Town, from where it is a 7-minute DLR ride to the airport. London City Airport is in Zone 3, and you can use an Oyster card or contactless payment card.
The airport is relatively small, with one terminal and one runway, and has basic facilities, including a handful of restaurants and shops. It is a popular choice for business travellers due to its proximity to the Canary Wharf financial centre and Stratford borough. It has a more business-like atmosphere, with mainly business travellers and fewer crowds and long lines. However, it can get busy during peak hours, so it is advisable to plan accordingly to avoid delays.
London City Airport offers a convenient option for Americans combining a trip to London with a visit to Europe, with flights to New York available. It is also a good choice for those seeking a more manageable airport experience, with no long walks and easier navigation compared to larger airports.
While London City Airport provides advantages in terms of size and location, it is important to consider the onward travel options once you arrive in London. The airport does not have a mainline train station, and while it is easily accessible from certain parts of London, it may not be the most convenient option for travelling to other areas of the city. Therefore, when choosing the best London airport, it is essential to consider your final destination and the overall convenience of your journey.
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Luton: Good for budget travellers, with affordable fares to mainland Europe, but lacking in overall airport experience
London has four major airports and several smaller ones, giving travellers plenty of options. Heathrow Airport (LHR) is London's main hub and one of the world's busiest airports. Every major airline flies here, and it has extensive amenities, including numerous shops, restaurants, lounges, and services. However, Heathrow is notorious for its long lines at immigration and the time it takes to get from one terminal to another due to its sheer size.
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the second busiest airport in the UK and is located almost 30 miles from the city centre. It offers regular services for over 55 different airlines and is a major base for low-cost carriers, making it a good choice for budget-conscious travellers. Connections from the airport can be tricky, so travellers should be cautious about getting on the wrong train.
Stansted Airport (STN) is hugely popular for those taking budget flights to and from Europe. With more scheduled flights to Europe than any other UK airport, Stansted is easily reachable from the east of the city. However, travellers have reported long security queues and an inconvenient layout with many shops.
London City Airport is the closest and smallest airport, located just seven miles from the city centre. It is often the primary choice for business travellers due to its proximity to the financial centre. It has basic facilities, including a handful of restaurants and shops, and you don't have to battle with crowds and long lines outside of peak hours.
Luton Airport is another airport that is popular among budget travellers, with airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air offering affordable flights to mainland Europe. It is easily accessible from London via the Thameslink, and there is also a 24-hour rail service. However, the airport itself is lacking, with reports of long security queues and an overall average experience. The public transportation to and from Luton is not as well-connected as other airports, and the fastest option involves taking a 10-minute shuttle to Luton Airport Parkway train station, followed by a 35-minute train ride. The most convenient option is by airport taxi, but it is pricey and time-consuming. Therefore, while Luton may be a good option for those seeking affordable fares, it falls short in terms of the overall airport experience.
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Stansted: Popular for budget flights to Europe, with direct trains to Liverpool Street
London Stansted Airport is a popular option for those looking for budget-friendly flights to Europe. It offers more scheduled flights to Europe than any other UK airport, making it a convenient choice for travellers looking for affordable options. Located thirty miles equidistant between Cambridge and London, in the leafy Essex countryside, Stansted is easily accessible, especially from the east of the city.
Travellers can take advantage of the Stansted Express train service, which runs every quarter of an hour and takes approximately 45-48 minutes to travel between Liverpool Street in London's financial district and the airport. The Stansted Express offers a fast, convenient, and stress-free way to get to and from the airport, with comfortable surroundings, ample legroom, and onboard Wi-Fi. The airport train station is just a short walk from the departure lounge, making it a convenient option for travellers.
Additionally, the Stansted Express stops at Tottenham Hale, providing connections to the London Underground Victoria Line and the centre of town. It's important to note that Oyster and contactless payment methods are not accepted on the Stansted Express; travellers must purchase a valid train ticket in advance or at the station to avoid penalty fares.
While Stansted is popular for its budget flights and convenient train connections, some travellers have noted that the security queues can be lengthy, and the route past shops is not the most direct. However, with its frequent flights to Europe and easy access to Liverpool Street, Stansted is a great option for those looking for budget-friendly travel options.
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Frequently asked questions
London's primary hub for international flights is Heathrow Airport, offering a wider range of destinations and airlines.
Heathrow Airport also has a good number of domestic flights, making it convenient for travellers within the UK.
London-Gatwick is a major base for low-cost carriers, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers. London-Luton is another popular airport for budget travellers, with airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air offering affordable flights.
London City Airport is the closest airport to London's city centre and is often a primary choice for business travellers due to its proximity to the Canary Wharf financial centre.
