Best Way to Get from London’s Airports to the City Centre: A Comparison
London has five main airports, and they are very different distances from the centre. If you have a choice of flights, or are planning how to get into town, this comparison helps.
At a glance
- London City (LCY): in the Docklands, a few miles from the City. DLR to Bank. Car to Oxford Circus from about £47, around 45 minutes.
- Heathrow (LHR): about 15 miles west. Heathrow Express to Paddington, Elizabeth line, Piccadilly line. Car to Oxford Circus from about £59, around 50 minutes.
- Luton (LTN): about 30 miles north. DART to Luton Airport Parkway, then train to St Pancras. Car from about £85, around an hour.
- Stansted (STN): about 35 miles north east. Stansted Express to Liverpool Street. Car from about £97, around 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Gatwick (LGW): about 30 miles south. Gatwick Express to Victoria, Thameslink to London Bridge. Car from about £122, around 1 hour 25 minutes.
Car fares are for an Economy Sedan (up to 4 passengers) to Oxford Circus and are fixed per vehicle.
Which airport is closest?
London City is the closest to the centre, followed by Heathrow. Luton, Stansted and Gatwick are all further out, but each is convenient for its own side of London: Luton for the north, Stansted for the east, Gatwick for the south.
Train or car?
Trains are the fastest option to their London terminus for a single traveller. A car is better with luggage or children, for groups who share the fare, for late arrivals, and for addresses away from the main stations.
Booking
Enter the airport and your address on the booking form for an exact price. Every transfer includes meet and greet, flight tracking and 60 minutes of free waiting.
Airport guides
Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City. Changing airports? See travelling between London airports.
Arriving late at night
Train services from the airports thin out late in the evening, and some night journeys involve replacement buses. A pre-booked car is waiting whatever time you land, at the same fixed price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which London airport is closest to the centre?
London City, then Heathrow.
Which is furthest?
By car, Gatwick and Stansted take the longest to the West End.
How much is a car from Heathrow?
From about £59 to Oxford Circus.
How much is a car from Gatwick?
From about £122 to Oxford Circus.
Are fares per person?
No, per vehicle.
