Heathrow or Stansted? Gatwick or Luton? City or Southend? We break down the best and worst London airports for speed, convenience, cheap flights, and more.
London is a city known for its diversity — in people, in food, in neighborhoods. And even in airports.
If you’re flying to, from, or through the English capital, you will be spoiled for choice when deciding where your plane will take off or land. There are six different airports that service the city, each with unique characteristics.
Most people are familiar with London Heathrow, but what about London City or Southend? Choosing a flight to one of the city’s lesser-known airports may lead you far from your intended destination. Alternatively, you might prefer an airport with straightforward connections into the city center to maximize your time in London.
Following is everything you need to know about London’s airports: where they’re located, their reputations, and how to navigate to and from each. No matter where you choose to fly, here’s how to effectively manage your journey through London’s six airports.
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow Airport is London’s primary airport and the busiest in western Europe, accommodating over 75 million passengers annually. The airport operates four terminals and, according to the Skytrax annual airport awards, it’s among the best globally for its shopping, food, punctuality, comfort, and security.
Best for: Variety. Nearly every major airline operates here, providing a wide array of dining and shopping options.
Worst for: Immigration speed. Lines can become quite congested.
How to get there:
The Heathrow Express offers the fastest connection between the airport and the city center, with trains taking roughly 15 minutes to reach Paddington station. While it can be pricey at £22 for last-minute tickets, booking in advance can lower the price to as little as £5.50.
The TfL Rail also connects Heathrow to Paddington, though it takes about 15 minutes longer than the Heathrow Express, with a one-way fare of £10.50.
Tips for Efficient Baggage Claim
Coach bus services link Heathrow to London Victoria Coach station, with fares starting at £6 one-way, taking approximately 35 minutes at best, but usually around an hour.
For the budget-conscious, the London Underground is the most affordable option. The Piccadilly Line travels from the airport through central London (with stops at Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and King’s Cross St Pancras) and terminates in the northern suburb of Cockfosters. A one-way ticket costs £3.10.
Taxis to central London generally range from £45 to £70 and typically take about an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Where to stay:
The Yotel Heathrow is a unique, Japanese-inspired hotel with 32 rooms available for approximately $130 per night, with options for overnight stays or shorter visits. A more luxurious choice is the Sofitel London Heathrow, featuring 605 rooms starting around $150 per night, complete with an on-site spa.
Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick ranks as the second-busiest airport in the U.K., serving over 45 million passengers annually and situated approximately 30 miles south of central London in West Sussex.
Best for: Efficiency. Gatwick has a streamlined security process, and thanks to automatic gates, immigration queues typically move quickly.
Worst for: Budget travelers. Passengers are not allowed near the gate until shortly before boarding time, leading many to spend their time in shops and restaurants due to limited seating.
How to get there:
Several public train options are available for traveling to Gatwick. The Gatwick Express travels from the airport to central Victoria Station in just 15 minutes, with round-trip tickets priced at £33 valid for any two rides within one month of purchase. Alternatively, Southern Railway trains connect Victoria to Gatwick, taking about half an hour; passengers with an Oyster card can benefit from one-way fares starting at £10.60.
ThamesLink services connect Gatwick from various central London locations, including St. Pancras Train Station, London Bridge, and Farringdon, with one-way fares of £9.70 and travel times ranging from 35 to 50 minutes depending on origin.
National Express bus services from Gatwick to Victoria bus station operate in about half an hour, with coach service starting at £10 when booked in advance.
Taxis between central London and Gatwick typically cost at least £50 and take around one hour; pre-booking is recommended to secure the best rates.
Where to stay:
The Hilton Gatwick is the largest hotel at the airport, featuring over 800 rooms starting from £89 per night. It’s conveniently connected to the airport’s southern terminal via walkway, eliminating the need to face the elements. The Sofitel London Gatwick provides flexible noon checkouts and numerous on-site dining options, with double rooms available from £119 per night.
London Stansted Airport
If you’re flying with a budget airline, you’ll likely land at Stansted, which has emerged as the fastest-growing airport in London, handling 25 million passengers last year. Stansted is situated about 35 miles northeast of London.
Best for: Affordable connections to Europe.
Worst for: Limited distractions. Those waiting for flights may find little to occupy their time here.
How to get there:
The most efficient route is the Stansted Express, connecting the terminal to London Liverpool Street train station in around 50 minutes. Advance tickets can cost as low as £7.
National Express buses provide links from multiple London locations, with fares starting at £3.50 one-way and travel times around 50 minutes based on departure point.
Expect to pay around £55 for a typical taxi ride from the city center to Stansted Airport.
Where to stay:
For a charming feel, consider the Linden House, located just a 10-minute drive from the airport and rich in history, with rooms starting at just £99 per night.
London Luton Airport
When flying through Luton, you’re probably headed to another European destination. Situated approximately 30 miles north of London, the airport serves as a hub for budget airlines such as EasyJet, TUI Airways, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
Best for: Inexpensive access to mainland Europe, with unbeatable fares available.
Worst for: Parking challenges. While renovations are underway, parking facilities are located some distance from the terminal.
How to get there:
The quickest connection to Luton is via a 22-minute train ride from St. Pancras train station (costing about £13). Additionally, buses from London Victoria station to Luton Airport are available for £12, taking about an hour and a half.
A taxi journey takes around an hour and costs approximately £70.
Where to stay: For proximity to the airport, consider the Hampton by Hilton Luton Airport, which is located next to the Luton Airport Parkway station, offering direct shuttle service. Rooms start from £64 per night. Budget travelers can opt for the Hotel ibis London Luton, just a 10-minute walk from the departures terminal, with rates starting at £35 per night.
London City Airport
As suggested, London City Airport is the closest airport to the city center. With just one runway, it’s one of London’s smaller airports, primarily catering to business travelers flying within Europe and to New York City. It lies a mere six miles east of the city’s core and is served by major airlines such as British Airways, Alitalia, KLM, Lufthansa, and Swiss International Airlines.
Best for: Quick and economical access to the city. Taxi rides are relatively affordable from this airport.
Worst for: Limited international destinations. Currently, only New York City offers a non-European flight option.
How to get there:
Trains from London City Airport run every 15 minutes, with the DLR taking about 20 minutes to reach the city center. Using an Oyster card, the fare is just £3.30.
Typical taxi fares to the city center begin around £30.
Where to stay:
Aloft London Excel provides easy access to both London City Airport and the city itself, featuring an on-site pool, karaoke room, and live entertainment space.
If you prefer cozier accommodations, the Prince Regent Hotel Excel offers classic English charm and is just a five-minute drive from London City Airport.
London Southend Airport
Opinions among Londoners regarding Southend vary. Located in Essex, 36 miles from the city center, it can deter some travelers. However, it has been recognized as the best airport in the capital. If you’re willing to journey out, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Best for: Overall experience, which tends to be hassle-free from arrival to gate.
Worst for: Distance from the city center, which can be a drawback for some.
How to get there:
Travel to Southend is possible via two train routes from London. From London Liverpool Street Station, travel takes approximately 53 minutes and costs £16.70. From Stratford Station, the journey takes around 44 minutes at £13.60.
An official taxi ride may cost around £110 and typically takes more than an hour.
Where to stay:
For close proximity to the airport, consider the Holiday Inn, just a few minutes’ walk away. This hotel recently underwent refurbishment and features a rooftop bar with stunning views of the airport, ideal for airplane enthusiasts.
