Jazmin Li
London has several airports, with Heathrow and Gatwick being the major hubs. However, the most convenient airport depends on several factors, such as your destination in London, mode of transport, waiting time, and budget. Heathrow, for example, is one of the busiest airports in the world, with excellent connections to Central London, but it is notorious for long lines at immigration. London City Airport, on the other hand, is the closest to the city centre, making it a popular choice for business travellers, but it mainly serves European destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Airports | 6 |
| Busiest Airport | Heathrow |
| Closest to City Centre | London City Airport |
| Best for Business Travellers | London City Airport |
| Most Popular | Heathrow, Gatwick |
| Easy Transportation | London City Airport, Heathrow |
| Train Accessibility | London City Airport, Heathrow, Gatwick, Southend, Stansted |
| Quietest | London City Airport, Southend |
| Fewest Crowds | London City Airport, Southend |
| Fewest Lines | London City Airport, Southend |
| Best for Long-Haul Flights | Heathrow |
| Best for Shopping | Heathrow |
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What You'll Learn
London City Airport: closest to the city centre
London has several airports, including major hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick, which offer transit by train to the city centre. However, London City Airport is the closest airport to London's city centre, located just 7 miles east of the city. It is a popular choice for business travellers due to its proximity to the Canary Wharf financial centre and the Stratford borough.
London City Airport is relatively small, with one terminal and one runway, and has a more relaxed atmosphere than larger airports. It has basic facilities, including a handful of restaurants and shops, and is generally less crowded than larger airports, although it can get busy during peak hours.
Travellers can get to the city centre from London City Airport by tube, bus, taxi, or private transfer. The airport has its own stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), with trains running every few minutes and taking about 25 minutes to reach Bank in the city's financial district. Local buses 473 and 474 also serve the airport, and taxis or private transfers are available for a more comfortable, but more expensive, journey into the city.
Compared to other London airports, London City Airport's small size means it mainly serves European destinations. However, its proximity to the city centre makes it a convenient option for travellers looking for a quick and easy journey into central London.
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Heathrow Airport: busiest airport, with 5 terminals
Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving 80-90 airlines over 4 or 5 terminals, with millions of passengers travelling through its terminals each year. It is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom and one of Europe's main hubs. In 2019, it was the first in Europe and seventh in the world by total passenger traffic, with 80.9 million passengers travelling through its terminals.
Heathrow is located 13-14 miles west of Central London. Travellers can get from Heathrow to central London by taxi or train, with the latter taking at least 40 minutes, and often over an hour. Travellers have three options to get from Heathrow to central London by train: the Underground (also known as the "Tube"), the Elizabeth Line, and the Heathrow Express train service. The Heathrow Express will get you into Central London, specifically Paddington Station, in around 15 minutes. However, it is on the pricier side, with single tickets costing around £25. The Piccadilly Line (the purple line) is a longer but more affordable way to travel from Heathrow into London, with fares at about £6.
The airport was founded as a small airfield in 1930 but was developed into a much larger airport after World War II. It has been gradually expanded over 75 years and now has two parallel east-west runways, four operational passenger terminals, and one cargo terminal. Heathrow's first terminal for short-haul flights opened in 1955 and was originally known as the Europa Building; it is now known as Terminal 2. Terminal 1 was formally opened in 1969 by Queen Elizabeth and was closed in June 2015. Terminal 3 opened in 1961, and Terminal 4 in 1986. Terminal 5, designed by renowned architect Lord Richard Rogers, opened in 2008 and is home to British Airways.
Heathrow Airport contributes about £6.4 billion to the country's economy and is the largest employer in the United Kingdom, generating 76,500 jobs.
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Gatwick Airport: second busiest airport, 30 miles from Central London
Gatwick Airport is located about 30 miles south of Central London. It is the second busiest airport in the UK, serving hundreds of destinations and millions of passengers every year. Gatwick Airport has two terminals, the North Terminal and the South Terminal, with 65 total gates. Both terminals have shops, restaurants, cafes, bureaux de change, and help desks. The North and South Terminals are connected by a 0.75-mile, two-way automated people mover.
Gatwick Airport offers various transportation options to and from Central London. The Gatwick Express is a non-stop train service to Central London, with trains running every 30 minutes between Gatwick Airport's South Terminal and London Victoria Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. National Express also offers coach services between Gatwick Airport and Victoria Coach Station, with a journey time of about 2 hours. Taxis and car services are available, but they can be expensive due to the distance from Central London.
Gatwick Airport provides a range of parking options, including short-stay, long-stay, premium, and valet parking. The airport also has hotels in both terminals, and booking through the Gatwick Airport website can offer joint packages for hotels and parking.
Gatwick Airport has a museum located near the village of Charlwood, featuring original items, photographs, and military aircraft from the airport's history. It is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the year.
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London Southend Airport: small, quiet, and efficient
London has several airports, including major hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick, which offer transit by train into London. London City Airport is also a popular option, mainly serving Europe. However, one airport stands out for its convenience: London Southend Airport. Here's why London Southend Airport is small, quiet, and efficient.
Small and Efficient
London Southend Airport is a relatively small airport compared to other London airports. The current passenger terminal, built in 2012, has a capacity of five to six million passengers per year. The compact size of the airport makes it quick and efficient to navigate. Passengers have praised the airport for its convenience, with some claiming they were out of the airport and on a train within minutes. The airport also boasts state-of-the-art screening equipment, known as C3 technology, which expedites the security process.
Quiet and Relaxing
London Southend Airport is known for its quiet and relaxed atmosphere. One passenger described the airport as "just a WHSmiths with a runway," indicating its small size and lack of crowds. The airport mainly handles scheduled passenger flights, charter flights, cargo, and business flights, which contributes to a calmer environment. London Southend Airport is also committed to managing noise levels. They have implemented initiatives like WebTrak, an online system that allows local residents to view aircraft movements and submit noise complaints, demonstrating their dedication to reducing noise impacts on the community.
Efficient Transport Connections
London Southend Airport is conveniently located just 36 miles (58 km) from Central London. It has its own train station, providing a direct connection to the city centre. The train station is just 100 steps from the terminal, making it easily accessible for passengers. The journey to Central London takes approximately 52 minutes, offering a quick and efficient way to get into the city.
Overall Convenience
In addition to its small size, quiet atmosphere, and efficient transport connections, London Southend Airport offers various amenities for passenger convenience. These include several shops and places to eat and drink, as well as a four-star Holiday Inn hotel adjacent to the airport entrance. The hotel features the only rooftop restaurant in Essex, providing a unique dining experience. The airport also has a modern embarkation process and secure onsite car parks just paces away from the terminal.
In summary, London Southend Airport is a convenient option for travellers due to its small size, quiet atmosphere, and efficient transport connections. With its modern facilities, convenient amenities, and commitment to noise management, London Southend Airport provides a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience.
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$26.57 $27.97
London Luton Airport: cheaper, but requires a bus to the station
London Luton Airport is a great option for those looking for cheaper flight options. However, it is further out from the city centre, and getting to the airport can be a bit more complicated. The airport is located about 1.7 miles from Luton's town centre and is the fourth busiest airport serving London.
Luton Airport is known for its low-cost airlines, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers. The airport has a range of car hire options and car parks available, including official on-site car parks. Additionally, there is a free 24/7 shuttle bus service that takes passengers directly to the car hire centre.
To get to central London from the airport, you can take the Luton DART, a dedicated rail link, to Luton Airport Parkway station. This journey takes just four minutes and costs £4.90. Tickets can be purchased at the airport or using a contactless payment card. From Luton Airport Parkway station, there are frequent trains to central London, including the Luton Airport Express, which runs every 30 minutes and takes 23 minutes to reach St Pancras International. Tickets for the express service can be purchased in advance, with prices starting at £10, including the DART transfer.
Alternatively, National Express provides 24-hour coach services to various destinations across London. The journey time is approximately one hour. The A1 route travels to Victoria Coach Station, stopping at several stations along the way, including Paddington, Marble Arch, and Baker Street. The A2 route follows the same path but ends at Paddington. Another option is the Green Line 757, which goes between London Luton Airport and Victoria Coach Station, with stops at Oxford Street, Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Baker Street, and Finchley Road.
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Frequently asked questions
London City Airport is the closest airport to London's city centre. It is a small airport with one terminal and one runway, giving off a 'business traveller' vibe. It is located just 7 miles east of the city centre, and you can get to central London by tube, bus or taxi.
Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest and most well-connected airports in the world, easily making it the main London airport. It is located 13 miles from Trafalgar Square and offers an express train service that will get you into Central London in around 15 minutes.
Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in the UK and the second largest in London. It is located about 30 miles south of Central London.
London City Airport has its own stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). You can also take local buses 473 and 474. Metered taxis are available, or you can book private airport transfers.
Heathrow Airport has its own express train service, which takes around 15 minutes to get into Central London. The London Underground (the Tube) is a longer but more affordable way to travel from Heathrow into London, taking around 50 minutes. You can also take buses and taxis, which take around an hour.
