Visiting London is a dream come true for many, but the journey to the city can be daunting. The first step is to determine which airport you will be arriving at, as this will determine the best route to take. Once you know which airport you will be flying in to, the next step is to decide which mode of transportation to take. Depending on the airport, you can take a train, bus, or taxi. Taking the train is often the most cost effective and quickest way to get to central London, but a cab might be the better option if you travel with a lot of luggage. No matter which option you choose, you can find your way to the heart of London in no time.
First, We Will discuss here London Airports and London Transport Options:
London has six major International airports – London City Airport, Gatwick Airport, Heathrow Airport, Luton Airport, London Southend Airport, and Stansted Airport. Each of them are well connected to central London.
First, the Train – Getting from the airport to the city center can be super speedy when you take the train, but there are also more budget-friendly options available at many airports.
Second, Bus – Hop on one of the London buses to get around and your single journey will cost you £1.50. You can choose to pay with your contactless card or Oyster card. However, cash cannot be accepted onboard.
Third, London Underground Tube – Jump onto one of the excellent London buses to get where you need to go, with a single fare costing just £1.50. You can pay with a contactless or Oyster card, but unfortunately, cash is not accepted on board.
The fourth and last one is taking taxis & minicabs: A London black cab or London Airport minicabs company ride is a must-have when visiting London! It’s the most convenient way to transfer from the airport to your hotel. Plus, this option is budget-friendly if you travel as a group or with a lot of luggage!
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Heathrow Airport from London
- How to Get to Gatwick Airport from London?
- How to Get to Stansted Airport from London?
- How to Get to Luton Airport from London?
- How to Get to London City Airport from London?
- How to Get to London Southend Airport from London?
How to Get to Heathrow Airport from London?
Heathrow Airport is the central hub for international flights in and out of London and is one of the busiest airports in the world. It’s located in the Hillingdon borough of Greater London, about 20 miles west of central London in zone 6. Four terminals are numbered 2, 3, 4, and 5 (terminal 1 closed in 2015). With its convenient location and easy access to London and the rest of the UK, There are several options for getting to Heathrow Airport from London, including public transportation, car hire, and taxi services. Public transport options include the Heathrow Express train, the Piccadilly Line of the London Underground, and bus services. Car hire is also available, with many companies offering competitive rates and convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. Several companies offer reliable and friendly services for those who prefer the convenience of a taxi. Whether you choose, Heathrow Airport is the perfect starting point for your journey.
Heathrow Airport from London by Train
If you’re looking for the fastest way to get from Heathrow Airport to London, the Heathrow Express is the option – although it is the priciest option. You can catch a train every 15 minutes and be in London Paddington in 15-20 minutes. Monday through Saturday, the trains run from approximately 5:00 am to 11:45 pm, while on Sunday, they start at around 6:20 am and finish at 11:45 pm.
TfL Rail is the most cost-effective way to go! This train service will take you from terminals 2, 3, and 4 to Paddington in 30-35 minutes. Plus, if your accommodation is on the west side of London, you can stop at Ealing Broadway. The first train departs Heathrow around 5:20 am (6:00 am on Sundays), and the last leaves shortly after midnight. Prices are £10.20 each way during peak hours and £10.10 during non-peak hours.
Heathrow Airport from London by Bus
National Express coaches can get you to the Victoria Coach Station in 35 minutes – or a bit longer depending on the traffic. The earliest bus leaves Heathrow Airport around 4:20 am, and the last bus departs at 10:50 pm. Don’t worry – you can grab your ticket outside of any terminal, and the fares start at just £6 for a one-way ticket!
If you’re looking for a low-cost ride after the other transportation stops running for the night, the N9 night bus is the way to go! It’ll take you from Terminals 2, 3, and 5 to Trafalgar Square in roughly 75 minutes. The great part is you only need to pay the standard £1.50 fee for each trip.
Heathrow Airport from London By Taxi & Minicabs
Visiting London wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a ride in one of its iconic black cabs. It’s the perfect way to get from the airport to your hotel, especially if you’re lugging loads of luggage or traveling in a group. Plus, it’s an excellent value-for-money option too!
If you’re looking for a stress-free trip from London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2, Terminal 3, terminal 4 or Terminal 5, why not try a Heathrow Airport minicab service? You can book one easily on the day from the official taxi desks or check out the prices and book in advance. The trip cost will be fixed From Heathrow Airport To London giving you the peace of mind you need.
How to Get to Gatwick Airport from London?
Getting to Gatwick Airport from London is easy and convenient. Several options include public transportation, car hire, or taxi services. Public transportation is the most affordable option, with direct trains and buses running to and from the airport. The Gatwick Express is the fastest way to get to London Airport, just 30 minutes from London Victoria Station. Other train services, such as Southern and Thameslink, run from multiple London stations and take around 45 minutes. If you’d prefer to take the bus, National Express runs a regular service from Victoria Coach Station. Car hire is another excellent way to get to Gatwick Airport from London. You can pick up a car from one of the many Private Hire companies in the city center or book a chauffeur service in advance. Finally, if you’d prefer a more luxurious option, you can take a taxi from any significant London airport. Whichever option you choose, getting to Gatwick Airport from London is easy and stress-free.
Gatwick Airport from London by Train
Have you heard about the Gatwick Express? It’s the quickest way to get from Gatwick Airport to central London, making the journey in just 30 minutes. You can get a one-way ticket for £19.90 or a return ticket for £36.70. Trains depart every 15 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about waiting too long. Plus, you can save even more if you book your tickets online in advance. The first train of the day departs Gatwick Airport at 5:51 am, with the last one leaving at 11:20 pm.
The Southern train can take you to London Victoria Station, but it’s a commuter train, so it makes some extra stops (East Croydon and Clapham Junction) which may add 10-15 minutes extra to your journey and maybe busier. You can choose from various ticket options (off-peak tickets, anytime tickets, etc.), but you won’t have to pay more than £16.20 for a single journey or £32.40 for a return ticket. This train runs 24/7 with up to nine trains an hour, so book your tickets in advance!
Thameslink is an alternative for you if you need to travel by train. It won’t stop at Victoria station but will take you to famous places like St. Pancras, Farringdon, Blackfriars, and London Bridge. To get the best deal, peek at the Thameslink website – typically, tickets start at £10.70. Plus, it runs 24/7 up to four times an hour! I hope this helps.
Gatwick Airport from London by Bus
Taking the bus is the perfect way to go if you’re on a budget. National Express coaches typically take 90 minutes to get to Victoria Station without traffic delays. Tickets start at a low price of £5 per ticket, and buses run 24 hours daily!
It pays off to give yourself plenty of time to get through customs and immigration and to pick up your luggage because, depending on the type of ticket you buy, you may be restricted to traveling solely on the bus you specify. Remember that the earlier you book your ticket, the more affordable it will be.
Gatwick Airport from London by Taxi & Minicabs
If you’re looking to take a London black taxi from Gatwick Airport, I’m afraid that’s impossible. However, you can easily arrange a taxi in advance or when you arrive at the airport. You can check out the official page for Gatwick Taxis website for more information!
Looking for a cost-effective way to travel? Pre-booking a Gatwick Airport minicab could be the answer! It’s usually a great deal when you’re traveling with four or five people from Gatwick South Terminal and North Terminal. Your trip will likely take around an hour and a half From Gatwick Airport To London, depending on traffic and where you’re headed.
How to Get to Stansted Airport from London?
Stansted Airport is located 40 miles northeast of London and is a major hub for many budget airlines in the UK. With over 24 million passengers passing through its gates each year, Stansted is a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers exploring the UK and beyond. With direct train links from London Liverpool Street station, the journey takes just under an hour and is a great way to get to the airport. For those looking for a more direct route, there are several coach services that run from central London to Stansted Airport, taking approximately 45 minutes. Whichever option you choose, you can be sure you’ll be at Stansted Airport in no time!
Stansted Airport from London by Train
Getting from the Stansted Express for a speedy journey into the city! Trains leave the station beneath the terminal every 15 minutes and can get you to London Liverpool Street in 47 minutes or to Tottenham Hale in just under 40 minutes. Service runs from 5:30 am-12:30 am daily. A one-way ticket should cost around £17.00, and a return ticket should cost about £29.00, but check their website for any potential discounts!
Stansted Airport from London by Bus
National Express offers convenient transportation to many popular destinations in the city, such as King’s Cross, Victoria Coach Station, and London Paddington. Plus, their coaches run 24/7, so you can always count on them to get you where you need to go. And the best part? You can get amazing discounts starting at just £4.50 per journey!
Terravision offers affordable trips to London, Victoria, with fares starting from £10.00! The journey includes a stop at Baker Street and should take around two hours.
Stansted Airport from London by Taxis & Minicabs
Stansted Airport has no taxi ranks, so the only option is to book a Minicabs.
Avoid the queues and get the best deals on car hire by booking in advance through a service like MiniCabRide! Unfortunately, Stansted Airport has no taxi ranks, so pre-booking is your only option. Prices may vary depending on your destination, but expect to pay around £70 – £100 for the one-hour drive from Stansted to central London.
How to Get to Luton Airport from London?
Luton Airport is a central hub for budget airlines, offering convenient connections to cities across Europe and beyond. Located 35 miles northwest of London city center, the airport is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. If you’re driving, the journey takes about an hour from the city center. Alternatively, you can take a direct train from London St Pancras station, which takes about 30 minutes. Several buses depart from various points in London, including Victoria and King’s Cross stations. Whichever way you choose to get to the airport, you’ll arrive in plenty of time for your flight.
Luton Airport from London by Train
Heading to the train station from Luton Airport? You can hop on the shuttle bus. Beauce trains station is one Mile away from Airport and runs every ten minutes from 5:00 am to midnight. The fare is just £2.10 for a one-way trip or £3.40 for a return ticket – and you can only pay in cash. Bonus: if you buy your train ticket in advance starting from Luton Airport (not “Luton Airport Parkway”), the shuttle will be included in the price!
East Midlands Trains can take you to the city in 21 minutes! There are hourly departures to London St Pancras, so once you know when you’ll arrive, head to the website for pricing and precise departure times – it’s super easy!
Thameslink has trains running to St. Pancras International Station and several other stations in the city! You can get one up to six times an hour. A one-way ticket costs approximately £16.90 (or £12.70 off-peak), and a return ticket would be £29.40 (or £25.40 off-peak).
Luton Airport from London by Bus
Looking for a way to get to Baker Street, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner or Victoria Station from the airport? The GreenLine 757 is available 24/7 and costs just £11.00 for a single adult ticket!
Terravision makes several convenient stops before you reach your final destination at Victoria Coach Station. Buses run frequently every 20 minutes, and it takes around 75 to 105 minutes to get there. If you book your ticket online, you can find fares starting at just £11.00!
National Express Coaches offer 24/7 service to Paddington or Victoria Coach Station if you’re looking for an alternative route to your destination. And the best part? Fares start from just £5.00!
Luton Airport from London by Taxis & Minicabs
If you’re flying into Luton Airport, you won’t be able to hail a traditional London black cab. The only way to get a ride is to book one beforehand with Addison Lee. You can do this before you arrive at the airport or the Addison Lee desk.
If you would like an extra layer of privacy and want to make sure you arrive in comfort and convenience, you can book a private driver (a Minicab) to take you straight from Luton Airport to your hotel in London. The cost to hire a private driver usually begins at £50 for a standard 5-seater car with airport pick-up. This is an especially great option if you are traveling with friends. Use MiniCabRide to get the most competitive prices from Luton Airport to London, as they are the most inexpensive Minicabs Company in London.
How to Get to London City Airport from London?
London City Airport is an ideal option for travelers looking to get to and from the city quickly and easily. Located in zone 3 and only six miles east of the city center, it is the closest airport to central London. You can reach the airport by car, bus, DLR, or taxi. The M25 and M11 motorways provide easy access for those traveling by car, while the DLR and bus services provide frequent and direct access from the city center. Taxis are also a great option and can be booked in advance to ensure a stress-free journey.
London City Airport from London by DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
If you’re traveling from London City Airport, we recommend hopping on the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) – it’s essentially just like the Tube! In around seven minutes, you’ll get to Canning Town, where you can transfer to the Jubilee line to get into the city. Alternatively, you can take the DLR to Bank stop, London’s financial and business centre. The DLR train leaves London City Airport every 8 to 15 minutes and runs between 5:30 am and midnight on weekdays and 7:00 am -11 pm on Sundays.
London City Airport from London by Bus
If you’re looking to catch the bus from London City Airport, you have two great options: the 473 (Stratford, Silvertown, North Woolwich, and Prince Regent DLR Station) or the 474 (Canning Town, North Woolwich, and East Beckton via Silvertown). A single ticket costs just £1.50, and you can pay with a contactless card or an Oyster card – sorry, no cash payments are available!
London City Airport from London by Taxis & Minicabs
If you’re looking for a convenient way to get to your destination in London, why not take a black cab from the rank outside London City Airport? Prices will depend on your destination, but you can typically expect to pay around £35 – £45 to get to central London.
Booking a London City Airport Minicab minicab in advance with MiniCabRide is a great option! The cost of the journey will depend on your destination, but you can expect to pay between £30 – £40 to get to the center of London.
How to Get to Southend Airport from London?
London Southend Airport is located in the town of Southend-on-Sea in Essex, around 40 miles from Central London. With only one terminal and limited transport options, it is a much smaller airport than London’s main hubs, such as Heathrow and Gatwick. However, it is still easily accessible from London and the surrounding areas. There are a variety of ways to get to the airport, including bus, train, car, and taxi. Depending on your location and budget, you can choose the best option for you. For example, if you come from Central London, you can take the National Express coach service, the most cost-effective option. Alternatively, you can take the train from Liverpool Street Station to Southend Airport, which is a much faster journey. Whichever option you choose, you will be able to get to London Southend Airport with ease.
Southend Airport from London by Train
Take a step outside the terminal and jump on the Greater Anglia train. You can get to Stratford for £15.10 or London Liverpool Street for the same price. You’ll be able to make it to Stratford in around 45 minutes and to Liverpool Street station in about 55 minutes, as trains run every 20 minutes. Service starts at 4:00 am and runs until 11:00 pm. Don’t forget to check out their website for any advance purchase discounts!
Southend Airport from London by Taxis & Minicabs
If you’re not in London’s black taxi area, you must book a private hire car or minicab. Addison Lee is the official taxi firm for Luton Airport. You can also pre-book a minicab with MiniCabRide s Southend Airport Minicab. The price for a trip to central London is about £100, and you can share the ride with others for the same price of £100 to London Liverpool Street. MiniCabRide prices begin from about £62 to central London to Southend Airport, and it should take you between 60 and 110 minutes. If you’re in a group with luggage, it’s best to go with the minicab.
