Airport guide
Which London airport should you use?
London has six airports, and the “right” one is rarely the closest — it depends on your airline, your destination in town, and the hour you land. Here is how they actually compare for getting into and out of the city.
The six airports, at a glance
Heathrow (LHR) is the largest and closest of the major hubs to west and central London, and the one most long-haul travellers use — four terminals, 15 miles out, and 45–70 minutes by road depending on traffic. Gatwick (LGW) sits to the south, 28 miles out, strong on leisure and a good chunk of long-haul; reckon on an hour or more into town.
London City (LCY) is the business traveller’s airport — in the Docklands, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City, 20–40 minutes to most central addresses. Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN) are the low-cost bases to the north-east and north, 34–38 miles out and 75–100 minutes by road at peak. Southend (SEN) is the quiet Essex option, furthest from the centre.
Let the airline decide, then the address
For most trips the airline fixes the airport before you get a choice — so the more useful question is how you reach your London destination once you land. A car from Heathrow to Mayfair is a very different journey from Stansted to Canary Wharf, and the fixed fare reflects the distance, not a meter’s mood on the day.
Where you do have a choice — several London airports serve the same city on some routes — weigh the flight price against the transfer. A cheaper fare into Stansted can be eaten up by the longer, dearer run into central London; London City’s premium is often repaid in a twenty-minute transfer to a Square Mile meeting.
Being met is the same at all six
Whichever airport you use, a pre-booked chauffeur removes the part that goes wrong: the flight is tracked from take-off, a driver waits in the arrivals hall with a name board, and the fare is fixed before you travel with tolls and the airport pickup fee inside it. At Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester that also means being met at the correct terminal.
Which London airport is closest to central London?
London City is closest to the City and Docklands (20–40 minutes), and Heathrow is closest to west and central London among the big hubs (45–70 minutes). Distance isn’t everything — traffic and your exact address matter as much.
Is it cheaper to fly into Stansted or Luton?
The flights often are, but the longer road transfer into central London can offset the saving. Weigh the total door-to-door cost, not just the airfare.
Which airport is best for business in the City or Canary Wharf?
London City, by a distance — it’s minutes from both. Heathrow works well for west London and Mayfair; we price a fixed transfer from all of them.
Do you cover all six London airports?
Yes — Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend, each at a fixed fare with the flight tracked and a driver in arrivals.
Can I be met at the right terminal?
Yes. At Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester we confirm the terminal from your flight and the driver waits in that arrivals hall.
How far in advance should I book the transfer?
24 hours is comfortable; for the first flights of the day or peak season, booking the evening before secures your vehicle class.
Fixed prices · Flight tracked · 24/7