Best Airports & How to Get from the Airport to the City in London, United Kingdom
1. Heathrow Airport
London's busiest airport with direct flights to many destinations; Offers Heathrow Express train service to Paddington Station and various bus options.
- Express Service: Heathrow Express provides a quick, direct service to central London in just 15 minutes.
- Bus Options: Multiple bus services are available from Heathrow, including the Night Bus for late-night travel.
- Integrated Transport System: Heathrow is connected to the London Underground (Tube) network, providing convenient access to other parts of the city.
2. Gatwick Airport
Second-busiest airport in the UK; Offers Gatwick Express train service to Victoria Station and various bus options.
- Express Service: Gatwick Express provides a quick, direct service to central London in just 30 minutes.
- Affordable Cost: Gatwick Airport's transport options are generally cheaper compared to Heathrow.
- Night Flights: Gatwick has a significant number of night flights, making it convenient for travelers with late or early departures.
3. Stansted Airport
Third-busiest airport in the UK; Offers Stansted Express train service to Liverpool Street Station and various bus options.
- Express Service: Stansted Express provides a quick, direct service to central London in just 47 minutes.
- Closer to City Centre: Stansted is geographically closer to London compared to Heathrow and Gatwick, reducing travel time.
- Lower Congestion: Due to its smaller size, Stansted experiences less congestion than the other major airports in London.
4. Luton Airport
Fourth-busiest airport in the UK; Offers Thameslink train service to St. Pancras International and various bus options.
- Direct Rail Link: Luton Airport offers a direct rail link to St. Pancras International, providing easy access to the Eurostar.
- Affordable Cost: Transport options at Luton are generally cheaper compared to Heathrow and Gatwick.
- Regional Connections: Luton Airport has strong regional connections, making it a convenient choice for travelers from surrounding areas.
5. City Airport
Small airport located in the east of London; Offers Docklands Light Railway (DLR) service to Canning Town and various bus options.
- Close to City Centre: City Airport is situated closer to the city centre compared to other London airports.
- Docklands Light Railway (DLR): City Airport offers a direct service on the DLR, providing easy access to Canary Wharf and the City of London.
- Smaller Scale: Being smaller in scale, City Airport experiences less congestion, making for a smoother travel experience.
6. Southend Airport
Small airport located east of London; Offers Southend Airport Shuttle to Wickford and various bus options.
- Direct Service: Southend Airport offers a direct shuttle service to Wickford, bypassing central London traffic.
- Coastal Location: Southend Airport's coastal location provides scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere compared to other London airports.
- Lower Congestion: Due to its smaller size, Southend Airport experiences less congestion than the other major airports in London.
7. London City Airport (LCY)
Small airport located in East London; Offers Docklands Light Railway (DLR) service to Bank and various bus options.
- Close to Financial District: London City Airport is situated close to the financial district, making it convenient for business travelers.
- Docklands Light Railway (DLR): London City Airport offers a direct service on the DLR, providing easy access to Canary Wharf and the City of London.
- Short Runway: London City Airport has one of the shortest runways in Europe, allowing for quicker take-off and landing times.
8. Cambridge Airport
Airport located north of London; Offers bus services to central Cambridge and various train options.
- Nearby University City: Cambridge Airport is conveniently located near the historic university city, making it an attractive option for visitors.
- Train Connections: Cambridge Airport offers direct train connections to London King's Cross and London Liverpool Street.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Being a smaller airport, Cambridge Airport provides a more relaxed and less crowded travel experience.
9. London Oxford Airport
Airport located west of London; Offers bus services to central Oxford and various train options.
- Historic University City: London Oxford Airport is situated near the historic university city, offering easy access for visitors.
- Train Connections: London Oxford Airport offers direct train connections to London Paddington and London Marylebone.
- Scenic Location: London Oxford Airport's scenic location provides beautiful views of the English countryside during travel.
10. Biggin Hill Airport
Airfield located in Kent, south of London; Offers bus services to Bromley and various train options.
- Close to Dartford Crossing: Biggin Hill Airport is close to the Dartford Crossing, providing easy access to mainland Europe via the M25 motorway.
- Historic Significance: Biggin Hill Airport has historical significance as a former Royal Flying Corps airfield during World War I and II.
- Business Aviation Hub: Biggin Hill Airport is an important hub for business aviation, offering private jet services and corporate facilities.
11. Farnborough Airport
Airfield located in Hampshire, southwest of London; Offers bus services to Farnborough town centre and various train options.
- Close to South Coast: Farnborough Airport is situated close to the South Coast, providing easy access to popular coastal destinations.
- Historic Aviation Centre: The Farnborough International Airshow takes place here annually, showcasing the latest in aviation technology.
- Business Aviation Hub: Farnborough Airport is an important hub for business aviation, offering private jet services and corporate facilities.
12. Blackbushe Airport
Airfield located in Hampshire, southwest of London; Offers bus services to Camberley and various train options.
- Close to South Coast: Blackbushe Airport is situated close to the South Coast, providing easy access to popular coastal destinations.
- Business Aviation Hub: Blackbushe Airport is an important hub for business aviation, offering private jet services and corporate facilities.
- Private Airfield: Being a privately-owned airfield, Blackbushe has limited commercial flights but offers extensive general aviation facilities.
13. London Heliport
Helicopter facility located in London; Offers helicopter services to various destinations within London and the UK.
- Quick Transportation: Helicopters provide quick transportation within London, reducing travel time significantly.
- Exclusive Service: London Heliport offers an exclusive service for business executives and VIPs seeking a quick and discreet travel experience.
- Limited Destinations: London Heliport serves a limited number of destinations, making it less suitable for long-distance travel.
14. London Southend Heliport
Helicopter facility located at London Southend Airport; Offers helicopter services to various destinations within London and the UK.
- Quick Transportation: Helicopters provide quick transportation from London Southend Airport, reducing travel time significantly.
- Exclusive Service: London Southend Heliport offers an exclusive service for business executives and VIPs seeking a quick and discreet travel experience.
- Limited Destinations: London Southend Heliport serves a limited number of destinations, making it less suitable for long-distance travel.
15. London Oxford Heliport
Helicopter facility located at London Oxford Airport; Offers helicopter services to various destinations within London and the UK.
- Quick Transportation: Helicopters provide quick transportation from London Oxford Airport, reducing travel time significantly.
- Exclusive Service: London Oxford Heliport offers an exclusive service for business executives and VIPs seeking a quick and discreet travel experience.
- Limited Destinations: London Oxford Heliport serves a limited number of destinations, making it less suitable for long-distance travel.