subject: London's 5 Airports : A Short Guide [print this page] London's 5 Airports : A Short Guide London's 5 Airports : A Short Guide
London attracts so many visitors from around the world that it needs to have five airports to accommodate them all. What follows is a brief overview of each of those airports and details of how you can travel between them and Central London.
Heathrow Airport - Heathrow is London's largest airport and is the world's busiest for international passengers. It has five terminals and acts as a regional base to more than 90 airlines, which fly to over 150 destinations worldwide. It is located 22km west of Central London. The cheapest way to get to Central London from Heathrow is by using the London Underground. The journey takes less than an hour - though it will depend on your final destination - and costs around $6.
Gatwick Airport - Gatwick, located 45km south of the city center, is London's second-largest airport. It is the main hub for discount and charter airlines. The journey from Gatwick Airport to central London, takes anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. To avoid potential traffic problems, you might want to consider a train instead, which will take you directly from the airport to Victoria Station.
Stansted Airport - Stansted is the definition of a budget airline hub but, despite the limited number of airlines, it is still London's third busiest airport. It is located 48km northeast of the city center and there are convenient and reliable bus and train connections between the two. Stansted Bus and easyBus all would be your best options - they both send vehicles between the airport and Victoria Station, with the option to jump off at Marble Arch or Baker Street if you prefer.
Luton Airport - This small airport operates a single runway for the use of budget airlines traveling to and from European destinations. Located in the county of Bedfordshire 55km north of London, Luton Airport takes a while to get to and there may be more than one bus journey needed depending on your starting point. There are several round the clock bus services to and from London though, mostly run by Green Line and easyBus.
London City Airport - This is London's smallest airport. The main users of it are business travelers as it is located so close to London's financial district Canary Wharf. It is actually just 11km southeast of the city center. London City Airport only is compromised of just one runway and can not accommodate all types of planes (only those able to do short take-offs and landings). Getting to Central London is easy and convenient thanks to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
Alternatives to the 5 London Airports include the centrally located Birmingham Airport and Manchester Airport to the north. Both of these large international airports have very good transport links to London and the rest of the UK, meaning you can be anywhere within the country with just a few hours traveling.
