Navigating London’s airport system can feel like you need a PhD in urban planning. With six international airports dotted around the city’s periphery, each with its own quirks, transport links, and flight options, it’s no wonder first-time visitors (and even seasoned Londoners) get confused.
I’ve spent more hours than I care to admit racing through these terminals, learning the hard way which express train is actually worth the money and where you can grab a decent meal before your flight.
So I’ve put together this guide to help you navigate London’s complicated airport network without the stress I endured.
Read on for everything you need to know about London’s six airports, how to choose the right one for your trip, and the smartest ways to get between them and central London.
Understanding London’s Airport Ecosystem
London is served by six main airports, each with distinct personalities and strengths:
Heathrow (LHR): The grand dame of London airports, situated in West London.
Gatwick (LGW): The reliable second-in-command, located south of the city.
Stansted (STN): The budget traveller’s hub in the northeast.
Luton (LTN): Another budget-friendly option to the north.
London City (LCY): The compact businessman’s favorite in the Docklands.
Southend (SEN): The quiet outlier on the east coast.
Let’s break down each one in detail.
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Best for: International long-haul flights, premium travel experiences, and connections to west and central London.
Heathrow is London’s grand international gateway and the UK’s busiest airport. With four active terminals handling over 80 million passengers annually, it’s a small city unto itself.
Getting to Central London
You’ve got multiple options here, with varying prices and journey times:
Elizabeth Line: This relatively new addition to London’s transport network is a godsend. It takes approximately 35 minutes to central London, costs around £12.80, and runs frequently. The trains are spacious and comfortable, making it my personal favorite option.
Heathrow Express: The flashy, non-stop service to Paddington takes just 15 minutes but comes with a premium price tag (around £25 one-way). If you’re in a rush and expense isn’t an issue, it’s hard to beat.
Piccadilly Line: The budget option. At about £6, it’s significantly cheaper but takes around 50-60 minutes to reach central London. During peak hours, it can get uncomfortably crowded with commuters and luggage.
Top tip: The Elizabeth Line hits the sweet spot between cost and convenience. While the Heathrow Express is faster, the Elizabeth Line serves more central stations directly and costs less than half the price.
Insider Knowledge
Heathrow’s terminals are not all connected post-security, so make sure you go to the correct one. Terminals 2 and 3 are within walking distance of each other, but reaching Terminals 4 or 5 requires a train transfer.
British Airways operates primarily from Terminal 5, which has some of the best shopping and dining options in the airport. If you’ve got time to kill, it’s worth exploring the terminal’s upper level where you’ll find less crowded seating areas and some decent eateries.
Security can be stringent here—they’re particularly strict about the 100ml liquid rule and your clear plastic bag size. Don’t try to bend the rules; they will make you repack or dispose of items.
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Best for: European flights, package holidays, and access to south London or Brighton.
Gatwick is London’s second-largest airport, with two terminals (North and South) handling around 46 million passengers annually. It’s the main hub for easyJet, meaning you’ll find plenty of affordable European flights here.
Getting to Central London
Gatwick Express: The premium option running non-stop to Victoria in about 30 minutes. At around £19.90 one-way, it’s not cheap, but it’s reliable and comfortable.
Thameslink: This service connects Gatwick to multiple London stations including London Bridge, Blackfriars, and St Pancras. It takes about 45 minutes to reach central London and costs considerably less than the Express (typically £11-13).
Southern Railway: Similar to Thameslink but can be even cheaper if you book in advance.
Top tip: The Gatwick Express isn’t always meaningfully faster than regular services, especially outside of peak hours. Check National Rail Enquiries before splurging on the Express ticket.
Insider Knowledge
The North and South terminals are connected by a free, frequent shuttle train that takes just two minutes. Make sure you know which terminal your flight departs from, as they’re not within walking distance.
If you’re taking an early morning flight, consider staying at the BLOC Hotel inside the South Terminal or the Premier Inn at the North Terminal. Both offer direct access to check-in desks, so you can roll out of bed and be at your gate in minutes.
The South Terminal boasts a surprisingly good seafood bar (Nicholas Culpeper) that’s worth a visit if you’ve got time before your flight.
Stansted Airport (STN)
Best for: Budget European flights, especially with Ryanair.
Located 39 miles northeast of London, Stansted is the third-busiest London airport and the UK headquarters for ultra-budget airline Ryanair.
Getting to Central London
Stansted Express: This service runs to Liverpool Street station in about 47 minutes. At approximately £20 for a one-way ticket, it’s not cheap, but it’s the most direct option.
National Express Coaches: A budget-friendly alternative, with services to various London locations including Liverpool Street, Stratford, and Victoria. Journey times vary from 50-90 minutes depending on traffic and destination.
Top tip: If you’ve got a 6 AM flight (as many budget airlines offer), be aware the first train from London to Stansted is at 4:30 AM, which could make catching your flight tight. Consider staying at an airport hotel or booking an airport coach for those crack-of-dawn departures.
Insider Knowledge
Stansted’s security queues can be nightmarishly long during peak hours, especially early mornings when multiple budget flights leave simultaneously. The airport offers a Fast Track security option (around £7) that can be worth every penny during busy periods.
The terminal can feel painfully overcrowded, but there’s a hidden gem—the Escape Lounge—which offers a relatively affordable sanctuary (around £30) with complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Bear in mind that Stansted is designed primarily for short-haul European flights, so facilities for long-haul comfort are limited.
Luton Airport (LTN)
Best for: Budget European flights, particularly with Wizz Air.
Luton sits about 28 miles north of London and is a key base for Wizz Air and easyJet. It handles around 16 million passengers annually.
Getting to Central London
Train: Thameslink and East Midlands Railway services run from Luton Airport Parkway station to St Pancras in about 25 minutes. The catch? The station isn’t actually at the airport—you’ll need to take a shuttle bus, which adds about 10 minutes to your journey.
Coaches: National Express and Green Line coaches offer direct services to Victoria, Baker Street, and other London locations. Journey times range from 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.
Top tip: When booking train tickets, look for “Luton Airport” rather than just “Luton” to ensure your ticket includes the shuttle bus transfer.
Insider Knowledge
Luton has undergone significant renovations in recent years, but it still feels cramped compared to other London airports. The security area has been expanded, which has improved processing times somewhat.
Food options have improved but remain limited—grab something in the main terminal area after security rather than near the gates, where choices dwindle significantly.
If you’re dropping someone off, be aware that Luton charges for all drop-offs (currently around £5 for 10 minutes), with no free option available.
London City Airport (LCY)
Best for: Business travelers, quick European city breaks, and easy access to East London and Canary Wharf.
This compact single-terminal airport handles around 5 million passengers annually and focuses primarily on business routes. It’s the only airport actually in London proper, just 6 miles east of the City financial district.
Getting to Central London
Docklands Light Railway (DLR): This automated rail system connects the airport to Bank station in about 22 minutes. It’s fully integrated with the London transport system, so you can use your Oyster card or contactless payment.
Top tip: The DLR can get very busy during weekday rush hours with Canary Wharf commuters. If you’re traveling during these times with luggage, consider heading to the front or rear of the train where it’s typically less crowded.
Insider Knowledge
London City’s compact size is its greatest strength—you can realistically arrive just 60 minutes before your flight and still make it comfortably. Security is efficient, and walking distances are minimal.
The downside? Limited flight options and higher prices. This airport mainly serves business destinations, with British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, and Swiss being the primary carriers.
The airport’s short runway means it can only accommodate smaller aircraft, so don’t expect any jumbo jets here.
Southend Airport (SEN)
Best for: Escaping crowds and accessing the east of England.
The smallest of London’s six airports, Southend is located in Essex, about 36 miles east of central London. After a period of growth, it suffered during the pandemic, but easyJet has recently increased services here, with new routes to Reus, Almeria, and Malta starting in March 2025.
Getting to Central London
Train: Services run from Southend Airport station (connected directly to the terminal) to Liverpool Street in about 53 minutes.
Top tip: While Southend offers a pleasant, uncrowded airport experience, the journey time to central London means it’s best suited for those staying in East London or Essex.
Insider Knowledge
Southend’s small size means minimal walking distances and quick security processing—a welcome relief for those used to the marathon walks of larger airports.
Facilities are limited but functional, with a few shops and cafes available. The Holiday Inn adjacent to the terminal provides convenient accommodation for early departures.
Navigating Security at London Airports
London airports, particularly Heathrow, are known for stringent security checks. Here’s what you need to know:
- All liquids, aerosols, gels, and pastes must be in containers up to 100ml and placed in a clear, resealable 1-liter plastic bag.
- Even if you have your own clear toiletry bag, security staff may require you to transfer items into airport-provided bags.
- Unlike US airports, you generally don’t need to remove your shoes.
- Laptops and large electronics must be removed from bags.
- Avoid wearing excessive metal jewelry or accessories to speed up the process.
Managing Transit Between London Airports
One of the biggest headaches for travelers can be transferring between London’s airports. The bad news: it’s rarely straightforward or quick.
Direct airport-to-airport connections are limited to:
- Heathrow ↔ Gatwick: National Express runs a service once per hour, taking about 75 minutes.
- Luton ↔ Stansted: A bus runs every two hours, taking approximately 90 minutes.
For all other airport combinations, you’ll need to travel via central London, which adds significant time and expense to your journey.
Top tip: If you must change airports, allow at least 5-6 hours between flights, more if possible. Better yet, consider an overnight stay in central London between flights—areas near Farringdon or King’s Cross offer convenient train links to multiple airports.
Choosing the Right London Airport for Your Trip
The best airport choice depends on several factors:
- Your final destination in London:
- Staying in West London? Heathrow is your best bet.
- South London? Consider Gatwick.
- East London or Canary Wharf? London City is incredibly convenient.
- North London? Luton might work well.
- Your budget:
- Looking for the cheapest flights? Stansted (Ryanair) or Luton (Wizz Air) typically offer the best deals.
- Willing to pay more for convenience? Heathrow or London City provide better transport links and amenities.
- Flight timing:
- Early morning departure? Check public transport operating hours or consider an airport hotel.
- Long-haul flight? Heathrow offers the most comfort and facilities.
The good news is that London’s public transport network is extensive, so no matter which airport you choose, you can reach your final destination—it’s just a matter of time and convenience.
Final Thoughts
London’s airport system is complex but navigable with a bit of planning. While Heathrow often gets the spotlight, don’t overlook the potential benefits of the smaller airports—sometimes the reduced stress of a quieter terminal is worth a slightly longer journey into the city.
Remember that each airport has its own character and strengths. Heathrow excels at international connections and shopping, Gatwick offers a good balance of flights and accessibility, Stansted and Luton provide budget options, London City prioritizes convenience for business travelers, and Southend offers a calm experience away from the crowds.
Choose wisely, plan your transport in advance, and your London journey will be off to a flying start.