London City Airport Layover: Quick City Guide

what to do london city airport

London City Airport is located just 6 miles from the city of London, making it the perfect starting point for exploring the city's famous sights and attractions. The airport is easily accessible by Tube, bus, or taxi, and offers flights to over 30 destinations across the UK and Europe. With its proximity to the financial district and world-renowned landmarks, London City Airport is an ideal gateway to the capital for both business and leisure travellers. Before embarking on your journey, learn about the various shops, restaurants, and nearby attractions that the airport has to offer.

Characteristics Values
Location 9.5km (6 miles) east of central London
Transport Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Underground, bus, taxi
Accessibility Dedicated staff for travellers with accessibility needs; lifts, escalators, ramps, and step-free access
Nearby attractions Wembley Stadium, ZSL London Zoo, Tower of London, Tower Bridge Exhibition, Porcupine Pub, Beefeater restaurant, Water Poet
Shops and restaurants WHSmith, Travelex, Nuance, Gassan, Pret a Manger, Bar TEN 28, Cafe Nero, Trattoria, Presto

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Getting to London City Airport: The airport is located 6 miles from London's financial district. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the cheapest and most popular transport option

London City Airport is located just 6 miles from London's financial district, making it the closest airport to central London. The airport is easily accessible by Tube, bus or taxi.

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the cheapest and most popular transport option for getting to London City Airport. The DLR connects the airport to central London and other parts of the Transport for London (TfL) network, including the Elizabeth line, London Overground, and London Underground. Trains depart every 4 to 10 minutes, and the journey from Bank DLR Station to London City Airport takes approximately 23 minutes. The DLR also offers step-free access for wheelchair users, with lifts, escalators, or ramps available at all stations.

If you plan to take the DLR, consider purchasing an Oyster card in advance, which offers pay-as-you-go convenience and can save you money on your journey. You can also use contactless payment cards or mobile payments on the DLR.

In addition to the DLR, you can also take a bus or taxi to London City Airport. Local bus routes serving the airport include the 473 and 474 buses, which connect to various parts of Woolwich and Silvertown. Taxis are also a convenient option, with over 400 taxi companies serving the airport and surrounding areas.

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Shopping: WHSmith, Travelex, Nuance, and Gassan are available after security

London City Airport has a range of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants to keep you occupied until boarding.

WHSmith, located both before and after security, offers books, magazines, and travel essentials. If you're looking for last-minute essentials, head to WHSmith, which offers a range of books, magazines, and travel-related goods. You can also pre-order baby formula to pick up after clearing security.

Travelex offers foreign exchange services, allowing you to exchange currency and purchase travel insurance.

Nuance Travel Shopping provides a range of tax-free items, including wines, spirits, tobacco, cosmetics, fragrances, confectionery, toys, jewellery, watches, sunglasses, and luggage.

Gassan, a renowned jeweller, offers a selection of fine diamonds and other jewellery.

In addition to these shops, London City Airport also has a Boots store for medicines, cosmetics, and snacks, as well as a shop dedicated to designer watches from brands like Tag Heuer, Mont Blanc, and Breitling. You can also take advantage of duty-free shopping by pre-ordering items online and picking them up at the airport, with a 10% discount on all pre-orders.

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Eating: Landside, there's a Pret A Manger. After security, there's Bar TEN 28, Cafe Nero, Trattoria, and Presto

London City Airport is located just 6 miles from the city of London, making it the closest airport to central London. It is also the only airport located in the capital itself. The airport is easily accessible by Tube, bus, taxi, or the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). The DLR is the cheapest and most popular public transport option, with trains departing every 8 to 15 minutes and services running every 4 to 10 minutes. The airport also has its own DLR station, which is connected to the airport terminal.

When it comes to eating at London City Airport, there are a few options available. Landside, there's a Pret A Manger where you can enjoy a handmade sandwich and a hot drink before checking in. After passing through security, there are several options to choose from. Bar TEN 28 offers light snacks and takeaway food, while Cafe Nero is the place to go for fresh coffee. Trattoria, seating up to 116 people, serves breakfast and a selection of hot dishes. Presto is another option, providing fast and healthy food.

In addition to these dining options, London City Airport also has a WHSmith, both before and after security, for any last-minute essentials. Nuance Travel Shopping offers a range of tax-free items, including wines, spirits, cosmetics, and fragrances. If you're looking for something more substantial, there are cafes and restaurants in the nearby Docklands area, such as the Novotel, which is located near the O2 arena, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, and Stratford.

London City Airport is a convenient gateway to the city, with easy access to many famous sights and attractions. These include Wembley Stadium, ZSL London Zoo, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. The airport's proximity to the city centre and its efficient transport connections make it a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers.

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Nearby attractions: Tower Bridge, the Porcupine Pub, and the Beefeater restaurant

London City Airport is one of the most accessible airports in London, located just 9.5 km (6 miles) east of central London. The airport is easily accessible by tube, bus, or taxi, and has its own stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which provides connections to the London Underground network. With its proximity to the city centre and efficient transport links, visitors can quickly reach popular attractions and landmarks, such as the iconic Tower Bridge.

Tower Bridge, a magnificent Victorian structure, offers panoramic views of London from its High-Level Walkways. Visitors can step back in time and explore the stories of the architects, engineers, and technicians who built and operated the bridge. The Glass Floors provide a unique perspective of London life, 42 metres above the Thames. The bridge's Victorian Engine Rooms and recently rediscovered photographs offer a glimpse into the past, making it a must-visit destination.

For those seeking a traditional British pub experience, The Porcupine Pub is a short distance from the airport. With a history dating back to 1725, the pub has played host to freemasons and gangs of thieves celebrating their exploits. Today, it is known for its perfect pints and unbeatable pies, serving tempting British pub classics in a historic setting.

Near the airport, visitors can also find the Beefeater restaurant, offering chargrilled dishes for a casual lunch or a relaxed evening meal. With accommodation options nearby, such as the Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport, travellers can conveniently explore the area and choose from a variety of dining experiences.

London City Airport's accessibility features, including dedicated staff for travellers with disabilities, and the DLR's wheelchair accessibility, ensure that all visitors can comfortably navigate their journey and experience the nearby attractions.

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Accessibility: London City Airport has dedicated staff to assist travellers with accessibility needs

London City Airport is located just 6 miles from the financial district and is the closest airport to central London. The airport is easily accessible by Tube, bus, or taxi. It is also the only airport located in the capital itself. London City Airport is committed to making its facilities accessible to all and provides dedicated staff to assist travellers with accessibility needs.

The airport has a range of services to assist travellers with reduced mobility or hidden disabilities. Their trained staff offer special assistance at every stage of the journey, from check-in to boarding and deboarding. The Assisted Travel Advisory Group meets quarterly to provide independent guidance on improving services for customers with reduced mobility and hidden disabilities.

London City Airport is connected to the London Underground network via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which was the UK's first fully accessible railway for wheelchair users. Every DLR station platform has lifts, escalators, or ramps, and all platforms are level with the trains for step-free access. All DLR trains have designated wheelchair areas, and passengers with assistance dogs are welcome.

Travellers with disabilities should be aware that many London Underground stations are not equipped with lifts. Accessible taxis are available at the airport, but they can be expensive for longer journeys. The airport recommends using the DLR or bus for more accessible and affordable travel within London. Local bus routes serving the airport include the 473 and 474, which connect to nearby areas such as Stratford, Silvertown, and Canning Town.

London City Airport offers a unique rapid transit proposition, with a short check-in process of around 20 minutes and a quick arrival time of approximately 15 minutes. The airport has a range of shops and restaurants, including WHSmith, Nuance Travel Shopping, and Pret a Manger, ensuring that travellers have access to essential items and food options during their time at the airport.

Frequently asked questions

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the most popular and cheapest way to get to London City Centre from the airport. The DLR trains depart every 8 to 10 minutes and are wheelchair accessible. You can also take the Tube, bus, or taxi.

London City Airport is located only six miles from the city of London, so you can easily see some of the city's famous sights. These include Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and Wembley Stadium.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants available at the airport. Landside, there is a Pret A Manger. After passing security, you can find Bar TEN 28, Cafe Nero, Trattoria, and Presto. WHSmith is available both before and after security. Other shops include Travelex, Nuance, and Gassan.

The Novotel London City Airport hotel is located in the Docklands and is near the O2 arena, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, and Stratford. There are also many other accommodation options around Canary Wharf and the Excel London exhibition centre.

ZSL London Zoo is a great option for kids, where they can discover almost 15,000 animals. Children under 11 travel free on the London Underground and DLR, making it easy to get around the city.

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