London City Airport
This year, London was crowned the most popular destination for tourists in the world. With so many people coming in and out of the city every year, it's no wonder that London is home to five separate airports.
With so many to choose from, our clients are often asking us which airport they should travel to and how to get from there to their London accommodation. Therefore, we've put together a helpful guide to the city's airports. From London airport codes to location and transport, here's our guide to airports in London:
HEATHROW
Code: LHR
London Heathrow Airport is London's largest and busiest airport with five different terminals and over 190,000 passengers passing through each day. Airlines fly into Heathrow from over 180 destinations worldwide and with a number of global corporation with offices close to the airport, Heathrow is an example of a modern aerotropolis.
Where is Heathrow Airport?:
The airport is located 20 miles to the west of Central London in the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Heathrow Airport to London:
The Heathrow Express is the fastest way into central London with trains leaving every 15 minutes and getting you to Paddington Station in 15 minutes. Single tickets cost £25 and trains run from around 5am to 11.45pm.
Heathrow Connect runs trains every 30 minutes from the airport to Paddington Station. Journeys take around 30 minutes and stop at various stations along the way but tickets are a little cheaper at £9.90 for a single.
Alternatively, you can travel like a Londoner straight away by hopping on the Piccadilly Line at one of the three tube stations. Tube services depart from terminals every few minutes and will be much cheaper than the Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect. However, the journey into central London will be longer and may be less comfortable if travelling with large bags.
If you're looking to stay near Heathrow airport, take a look at our StayCity Heathrow Apartments or Hurley House Apartments.
GATWICK
Code: LGW
Gatwick is London's second biggest airport and serves over 200 destinations in 90 countries across the globe. It is the world's most efficient single-runway airport and Europe's leading point-to-point flight airport.
Where is Gatwick Airport?:
Gatwick is located 30 miles to the south of Central London in West Sussex.
Gatwick Airport to London:
The Gatwick Express runs trains to London Victoria station every 15 minutes from 4.30am to 1.30am. The journey time is around 30 minutes and tickets cost around £20 for a single.
Southern provides regular train services to London Victoria which pass by Clapham Junction and East Croydon. These take around 35 minutes and will be cheaper than the Gatwick Express if booked in advance.
First Capital Connect also runs regular train services to London Bridge, St Pancras International and Luton Airport. Journeys take around 30-45 minutes and run throughout the night.
If you would like to stay near Gatwick Airport, have a browse through our Jubilee Court Apartments or Nobel House Apartments.
STANSTED
Code: STN
The third largest UK Airport, Stansted handles 20 million passengers ever year. The airport is used as a base for many European carriers and serves more European destinations than anywhere else in the world.
Where is Stansted Airport?:
Stansted is located 35 miles to the northeast of Central London in Essex.
Stansted Airport to London:
The Stansted Express is the quickest route into central London with trains taking 36 minutes to Tottenham Hale (for the Victoria line) and 47 minutes to Liverpool Street Station. Return tickets cost £33.20 and trains depart every 15 minutes from 5.30am to 1am.
If you would like to stay within easy reach of Stansted Airport in the Liverpool Street area, check out our 48 Bishopsgate Apartments and our Fraser Residence Bishopsgate Apartments.
LUTON
Code: LTN
Luton is the sixth busiest airport in the UK with around 9.7 million passengers passing through each year. The airport serves as a base for a number of popular 'no-frills' airlines and the majority of its flight destinations are located within Europe.
Where is Luton Airport?:
Luton is located 35 miles to the north-west of Central London, in Bedfordshire.
Luton Airport to London:
A shuttle bus service takes passengers from the airport to Luton Airport Parkway Station. The journey takes 10 minutes and costs £1.60 for a single.
From the station, First Capital Connect runs regular services to London Bridge, City Thameslink, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras International. These run throughout the night and take 25-40 minutes.
East Midlands Trains also run services which leave regularly and can take you into central London from as little as 21 minutes.
If you would like to stay within easy reach of Luton Airport in the King's Cross area, have a look at our Swinton Apartments and King's Cross Superior Apartments.
LONDON CITY
Code: LCY
London City Airport is London's smallest and most easily accessible airport. Located very close to Central London with great transport links, the airport offers a quicker and easier alternative to larger airports and has a focus on short-haul business flights to Europe and New York.
Where is London City Airport?:
London City Airport is located just 6 miles from Central London in a former Docklands site in the London Borough of Newham.
London City Airport to London:
The airport has great connections into Central London with its own stop on the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). Services are inexpensive and depart regularly to major London stations, such as Bank, Stratford and Canning Town.
If you would like to stay near London City Airport, take a look at our Neutron Tower Apartments and Fraser Place Canary Wharf.
If you're visiting soon and want to stay in a hotel near a London airport or within central London, speak to a customer advisor. Make sure to call us on +44 843 298 8820 or email us at info@check-in-london.com for rates and availability.