Getting to London from nearby airports is important to pre-plan especially if you’re short on time. London is a famous metropolitan city for its history, culture, tourist attractions, and economic opportunities. It’s a dream destination for many, which is why travellers frequent it. Being the capital city of one of the most powerful countries in the world, London has six major airports that actively service millions of passengers annually. And these airports have over 390 international and 14 local destinations combined.
Because of the various commute routes and methods available, it’s easy for first-time travellers to feel overwhelmed or confused about the best way to get to the Home Of Big Ben. However, this shouldn’t stop you from having a pleasant stay as you explore the United Kingdom’s capital city.
If you’d like to compare commute options getting to London from nearby airports, here are some suggestions you may find helpful:
The Quickest Way To Get To London From Nearby Airports
From Luton Airport
You can travel from Luton to London by coach using either of the three bus lines: National Express, easyBus, and Green Line. Travel time usually takes about an hour to 90 minutes, and the fares are as follows:
- easyBus – GBP£2 for tickets booked in advance
- National Express – GBP£6
- Green Line – starts at GBP£11
Getting to London from nearby airports also include taxi options with fares ranging from GBP£65 to GBP£100, and these also take about an hour to get to various Central London areas.
From Heathrow Airport
Getting to London from nearby airports – London Heathrow airport is 14 miles away from the capital’s central area. To get to the city from this airport, you have the option to take the Tube, the underground train system of the capital city. You can take the train from Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 at the cost of GBP£6 for a single ticket cash purchase. However, you can pay less if you use an Oyster Card (a smart card that you add money to). It could take approximately 50 minutes to get to Central London via this route.
If you want to take the bus, go to the Heathrow Central Bus Station between Terminals 2 and 3. A ticket costs approximately GBP£1.65, and you need an Oyster card to make the purchase. Travel time by bus takes around an hour depending on traffic and how many stops the bus takes. Alternatively if there are a few of you travelling you can look at minibus hire London to save on costs.
The fastest way to get to Central London from Heathrow Airport is by taking Heathrow Express. The fare is GBP£25 for peak hours, though you can reach Paddington in 15 minutes via this train route.
From Gatwick Airport
Coming from this airport, you can take the coach services offered by National Express and easyBus companies to get to the capital city. Both bus services terminate at London Victoria, with easyBus one-way tickets costing GBP£2 each. Meanwhile, National Express tickets sell for GBP£6 each if booked in advance. By coach, it would take around 90 minutes to reach London Victoria.
On the other hand, Gatwick Express takes 30 minutes to reach the same destination. The train departs every fifteen minutes, and one-way tickets cost around GBP£20 each.
Finally, taxi services are also available at the airport. The fare can range from GBP£55 to GBP£60, and travel takes around 60 to 90 minutes.
From Stansted Airport
You can take the Stansted Express to London for GBP£19, but the costs can reduce up to GBP£7 if you book in advance. The train ride takes 45 minutes to get to London Liverpool Street and departs every fifteen minutes.
There are also coach services offered by easyBus priced at GBP£2, National Express at GBP£6, and Terravision at GBP£9 from the airport to Liverpool Street, Stratford, and London Victoria. The journey time takes around 50 to 90 minutes.
While there are no taxi ranks where you can hail a cab, you have the option to rent a car, book taxi services through a booking app or website, or hire one on the airport’s taxi kiosk for set rates.
From London City Airport
The London City Airport is the closest to Central London. It’s situated in the capital’s central area; however, most aircraft that use this airport is smaller, such as those used for many European and domestic flights. The easiest and fastest way to get anywhere in Central London from this airport is by taking the Docklands Light Railway. One-way tickets are sold for GBP£3.30 with an Oyster card, and it can take you around 15 minutes to an hour to get to your destination.
You can also hire a cab that takes around 20 to 40 minutes to get to central London. Fares usually range from GBP£35 to GBP£45.
Conclusion
If you’re considering visiting London on your next vacation, create a travel plan from the airport to its central area. Doing so will help you feel more comfortable in transit and minimize the hassle of commuting. Moreover, you can save significant travel costs by booking tickets in advance.
