Lois Larson
London has several airports, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend airports all serve the city, with Heathrow being the largest and busiest airport in London. The best airport to fly into depends on various factors, such as the traveller's origin and destination within London, as well as their budget and preferred mode of transportation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports in London | 4 major airports and several smaller airports |
| Busiest airport | London-Heathrow |
| Best airport for international flights | London-Heathrow |
| Best airport for domestic flights | London-Heathrow |
| Best airport for budget-conscious travellers | London-Gatwick |
| Best airport for convenience and efficiency | London-Heathrow |
| Best airport for proximity to London centre | London-City |
| Best airport for Stag and Hen parties | London-Stansted |
| Best airport for business travellers | London-City |
| Best airport for travellers from the US | London-Heathrow |
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What You'll Learn
Heathrow vs. Gatwick
Heathrow and Gatwick are the two main airports in London, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Heathrow Airport, located about 15 miles west of central London, is the primary hub for international flights to and from London, serving a wider range of destinations and airlines. It is also well-connected to central London by various means of transport, including the Heathrow Express train, which takes just 15 minutes to reach Paddington Station, and the Piccadilly Line on the London Underground. Heathrow is also known for its efficient handling of travellers and relatively comfortable facilities, despite being one of the busiest airports in the world.
On the other hand, Gatwick Airport is nearly twice as far from central London as Heathrow, but it still offers convenient access to the city centre through the Gatwick Express, which reaches Victoria Station in about 30 minutes. Gatwick also has a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges, and it is generally less crowded than Heathrow, offering a more relaxed experience, particularly during peak travel times. Additionally, Gatwick serves as a major base for low-cost carriers, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.
When deciding between Heathrow and Gatwick, factors such as convenience, efficiency, and cost should be considered. Heathrow is generally a better choice for those seeking quicker access to central London and a broader range of international flights. However, if cost is a primary concern, Gatwick might be preferable due to its popularity with low-cost carriers. Ultimately, the decision may hinge on the availability and pricing of flights, as well as individual preferences for comfort and travel time.
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London City airport
The airport caters primarily to business travellers due to its proximity to London's Docklands and financial district. Popular destinations include Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Zurich, Geneva, and Milan. The airport also serves an increasing number of leisure destinations, such as Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, and Chambéry. London City Airport is busiest during the winter months when airlines offer flights to ski resort gateway destinations.
The airport has undergone several expansion plans over the years to enhance its capacity and facilities. In 2001, planning permission was granted to construct an extended apron with additional aircraft parking stands and new gates east of the terminal. In 2007, the airport submitted a planning application to the London Borough of Newham for further expansion, which was approved in 2016 with a £344 million budget.
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Transport options
London has six main airports, all connected by public transport.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving 80 airlines across five terminals. The Heathrow Express train service runs to Paddington Station in Central London in around 15 minutes, with trains departing every 15 minutes. This option is on the pricier side, with single tickets costing around £25. The Piccadilly Line on the London Underground (the Tube) is a more affordable option, with fares at around £6, although the journey takes around 50 minutes. The Elizabeth line also runs to Heathrow Terminals 2, 3 and 4 every 15 minutes, and to Terminal 5 every 30 minutes. Taxis are available at all terminals, but they are the most expensive transport option, costing around £60-70.
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is the second-largest airport in the UK and is located 28-30 miles south of Central London. The Gatwick Express train service runs to Victoria Train Station in the heart of London in 30 minutes for £17.80. Trains run every 15 minutes. The EasyBus, operated by EasyJet, is a cheaper option, costing £7.95 and taking around an hour to reach the city centre. Taxis are available but will cost upwards of £90 for the journey.
London Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport is located 40 miles from Central London and is the third-largest airport in the city. The Stansted Express train service runs to Liverpool Street Station in around 45-47 minutes and costs £16.60. EasyBus and National Express also operate bus services to Central London, with tickets costing no more than £15, but the journey takes over two hours. Taxis are available but costly, at over £120.
London Luton Airport
A shuttle bus connects Luton Airport to Luton Airport Parkway train station. Thameslink and East Midlands Railway run a frequent service to St Pancras International. Arriva operates a regular bus service to and from Central London (Green Line route 757). National Express and EasyBus also run regular coach and bus services to Baker Street, Golders Green, Finchley Road, Marble Arch and Victoria.
London City Airport
London City Airport is small and less busy than other London airports. It has its own station on the London Transport Network, with the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) connecting to the London Underground at Bank Station. Journey times are 40-60 minutes, and trains run every 10 minutes. Trains cost as little as £4.80, and a taxi will cost around £33.
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Cost of travel
The cost of travelling to and from London's airports varies depending on the mode of transport used and the airport in question. London has four major airports—Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton—and several smaller airports, including London City and Southend.
Heathrow
Heathrow is London's largest and busiest airport, offering a wide range of international and domestic flights. It is well-connected to central London via the Underground, with a journey time of around 40 minutes to Westminster for £5.10. The Heathrow Express to Paddington is quicker, taking just 15 minutes, but costs more at £27 one way. A taxi to Westminster will cost £30-£60.
Gatwick
Gatwick is the second-largest airport in London and is used by both major airlines and low-cost carriers. The Gatwick Express to London Victoria takes 35 minutes and costs £17.80 one way, while the train takes a little longer at 52 minutes and costs £16.20. A taxi to Westminster is likely to cost £50-£80.
Stansted
Stansted is the third-largest airport in London and the largest in terms of low-cost carriers. It is further from central London, with a travel time of around 1 hour 15 minutes to Big Ben. The train to Tottenham Hale takes 35 minutes and costs £16.20 one way, while the bus to St Pancras or King's Cross takes 1 hour 25 minutes and costs £9. A taxi to Liverpool Street will cost £28.30.
Luton
Luton is a smaller airport, serving destinations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is accessible by bus for around £5 one way, or by train for a higher cost.
London City
London City Airport is a small airport located close to the city centre, offering convenient access to hotels in the east of London or the Square Mile. It is ideal for those looking to book cheap points flights within Europe.
Southend
Southend Airport serves the smallest number of passengers and is the furthest from central London, with a transfer time of up to 2 hours. Train tickets to Stratford start at £5 one way, while a taxi to Westminster will cost £60-£100.
In summary, the cost of travel to and from London's airports can range from a few pounds to several times that, depending on the mode of transport and the airport. Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City are convenient for those looking for quick and easy access to central London, while Stansted, Luton, and Southend may offer cheaper travel options but are further away.
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Security and shopping
London has six international airports, serving over 160 million passengers annually. The best airport in London for security and shopping depends on your priorities and preferences.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow is London's busiest, biggest, and most well-served airport, with four operational terminals and over 80 airlines. It is located about 14-20 miles from central London. It is known for its wide range of shopping options, from luxury brands to gift shops and high-street stores. However, Heathrow's size can be a drawback, with long lines at immigration and a confusing layout. It can feel like a "shopping mall with an airport attached".
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick is the second busiest and second-largest airport in London, located about 30 miles from the city centre. It offers swift security and immigration lines due to automatic gates, but the abundance of shops means seating areas are limited. It has improved its dining options and is served by various train lines, although connections can be tricky.
London City Airport
London City Airport is the closest airport to the city centre, located just 7 miles east. It is a relatively small airport with basic facilities, including a handful of shops and restaurants. It is a popular choice for business travellers due to its proximity to the financial district. While it can get busy during peak hours, it generally has shorter lines and less crowded terminals.
Luton Airport
Luton Airport is relatively small, located 29 miles from central London, and serves short-haul flights only. It offers a variety of shopping options, including high-street stores and luxury brands, as well as multiple restaurants and bars. Luton can be a good option for travellers looking for a less crowded and confusing airport experience, as it only has one terminal.
Stansted Airport
Stansted is the fourth busiest airport in the UK and the largest in the low-cost category. It is known for its many budget flights to and from Europe. The airport is small and has limited shopping and dining options. Some travellers have noted that the security queues can be long, and the layout can be frustrating, with a winding path through the retail areas.
Southend Airport
Southend is London's smallest airport, located 36 miles east of central London. It has a single terminal and runway and a few duty-free shops and restaurants. It is well-organised and efficient, with shorter lines due to fewer passengers. It is a good option for those seeking a quieter airport experience and easy access to eastern shore destinations.
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