Which London airport should I fly into?

A city trip to London is always a good idea. Whether it's to enjoy the many festivals and lively terraces during the summer, the festive atmosphere in the winter, or a football weekend with friends throughout the year. But whenever you go, before choosing your flight to this metropolis, it is useful to check which airport you want to fly to.

How many airports does London have?

London is home to no less than six international airports, serving an astonishing 160 million passengers a year. It was only last July that the daily record was broken, with 8,800 flights arriving and departing to and from London's airspace in a single month.

How long does it take to get to Big Ben?

To find out what is the fastest way to get to the heart of London, we're using the charming Big Ben to pinpoint the city centre. You'll immediately get that London feeling as soon as you step out of Westminster Underground Station to face the iconic clock tower!

• London Heathrow Airport
• London Gatwick Airport
• London Stansted Airport
• London Luton Airport
• London City Airport
• London Southend Airport

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Heathrow is by far the largest airport in London. When taking an intercontinental flight from Canada, you will most likely end up here. Transportation to west and central London is cheaper and faster than from airports outside London due to the Underground connection.

Passengers per year: 75.7 million
Fly directly from: Amsterdam

Distance to Central London: 14 miles
Travel time to Big Ben: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Transportation options:
Underground: Heathrow - Westminster (40 minutes / £5.10 per ride)
Express: Heathrow - Paddington (15 minutes / £27 one way, £42 return)
Taxi: Heathrow - Westminster (45 to 50 minutes / £30 - £60 depending on taxi)
Paddington station is approximately 15 minutes from Westminster
... more about Heathrow

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Gatwick is the second-largest airport in London. It is used by airlines such as British Airways, but also by low-cost airlines such as easyJet. As a result, it’s possible to find tickets for almost every budget. Due to its location south of the city, Gatwick is particularly popular for southern London neighborhoods such as Clapham and Wimbledon.

Passengers per year: 43.1 million
Fly directly from: Amsterdam

Distance to Central London: 30 miles
Travel time to Big Ben: 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes

Transportation options:
Train: Gatwick - London Victoria (52 minutes / £16.20 one way, £32.40 return)
Express: Gatwick - London Victoria (35 minutes / £17.80 one way, £32.70 return)
Taxi: Gatwick - Westminster (1 hour / £50-80 depending on taxi)
London Victoria station is approximately 5 minutes from Westminster
... more about Gatwick

London Stansted Airport (STN)

Stansted is the third-largest airport in London in terms of passenger numbers, but the largest in the low-cost category. Due to the available transport connections, it will take you a little longer to get to your final destination than from the first two airports, unless you go to North London or, for example, Cambridge.

Passengers per year: 24.3 million
Fly directly from: Amsterdam, Eindhoven

Distance to Central London: 30 miles
Travel time to Big Ben: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours

Transportation options:
Train: Stansted - Tottenham Hale (35 minutes / £16.20 one way, £26.90 return)
Bus: Stansted - St Pancras / King's Cross Station (1 hr 25 min, £9 single ticket)
Taxi: Stansted - Westminster (1 hr 15 min, £60- £90 depending on taxi)
Tottenham Hale station is approximately 25 minutes from Westminster
St Pancras / King’s Cross station is approximately 20 minutes from Westminster
... more about Stansted

London Luton Airport (LTN)

Just like Stansted, Luton is located north of the city. The airport is a bit smaller and the airport shuttle bus takes you to and from Luton’s train station within 15 minutes.

Passengers per year: 14.6 million
Fly directly from: Amsterdam, Eindhoven

Distance to Central London: 29 miles
Travel time to Big Ben: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours

Transportation options:
Bus: Luton - Baker Street (1 hour / £12 single ticket)
Train: Luton - St Pancras / King's Cross (24 - 32 minutes / £16.90 one way, £29.40 return)
Taxi: Luton - Westminster (1 hr 15min / £60 - £90 depending on taxi)
Baker Street station is approximately 10 minutes from Westminster
St Pancras / King’s Cross station is approximately 20 minutes from Westminster
... more about Luton

London City Airport (LCY)

London City Airport is located closest to the city and since it is connected to the Underground network, it gets you there fastest too. Situated near the city center and Canary Wharf, the financial heart of London, City Airport is popular for business trips. Many travelers even fly into the airport in the morning and out the same evening, because of the short transfer time.

Passengers per year: 4.5 million
Fly directly from: Amsterdam, Rotterdam

Distance to Central London: 7 miles
Travel time to Big Ben: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Transportation options:
Underground: City Airport - Westminster (30 minutes / £3.30)
Taxi: City Airport - Westminster (35 minutes / £18 - £30 depending on taxi)
... more about London City Airport

London Southend Airport (SEN)

Southend serves the smallest number of passengers of all the airports on the list and is furthest away from the city. The transfer time to central London is also the longest. Depending on your flexibility, you could find cheap flights here with easyJet. East London areas such as Stratford and Liverpool St. are within an hour’s reach.

Passengers per year: 875 thousand
Fly directly from: Amsterdam, Groningen

Distance to Central London: 42 miles
Travel time to Big Ben: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

Transportation options:
Train: Southend - Stratford (45 minutes / £5 - £14.10 one way, £28.30 return)
Taxi: Southend - Westminster (1 hr 20 min / £60- £100 depending on taxi)
Stratford station is approximately 25 minutes from Westminster
... more about Southend

So, which airport will get you to Big Ben the fastest?

Are you looking for a fast and easy connection to the city? Then, Heathrow and London City are the best options, especially if you're flying from Canada.

Do you want the cheapest deal, even if it means traveling a little longer? Then Stansted, Luton, and Southend are excellent options. Just beware of the higher train costs to get to the city and any additional baggage costs that may apply.

Gatwick is the middle option, as it has a fast connection to the city but is also accessible with low-cost airlines.

In the end, the best choice is personal and depends on your budget and your departure and endpoints.

Oyster Card
The Oyster Card is the London card for public transport (purchase price: £5). This pre-paid travel card allows you to travel effortlessly by bus, Underground, Overground, tram, Emirates Air Line, River Bus, and DLR (City Airport connection) and to most National Rail train stations in London. Using the Oyster, you can even catch the train to Gatwick. Unfortunately, Express trains are not included.

Sources:

• Passengers: Civil Aviation Authority (2016)
• Travel information: Transport for London, National Rail, Google Maps (2017)
  Note: Depending on the travel period, travel durations and prices may vary