Alexander Meddings
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Flexible TravelLondon is served by six international airports: London City Airport (LCY), London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London Luton (LTN), London Stansted (STN) and London Southend (SEN). Most long-haul flights arrive into Heathrow and Gatwick while Luton, Stansted and Southend are hubs for budget airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair and Wizz.
Whichever airport you fly into, this guide will help you decide the best way of getting from London's airports to the city centre, breaking down your options in terms of time, cost, and convenience.
Heathrow, Britain’s busiest airport, serves tens of millions of passengers each year and is very well connected to the centre of London. Here are the best ways of getting from the airport.
The Piccadilly Line of the London Underground metro (tube) is the cheapest way to get to the centre of London. Trains run regularly (at least every 10 minutes) from Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 from 5 am until 11:30 pm, with an all-night “Night Tube” service on Fridays and Saturdays.
The journey into central London’s Zone 1 takes about 45 minutes and costs from £5.60. You can pay contactless by tapping your debit/credit card in and out at the station turnstiles or by using a prepaid Oyster Card or Travel Card.
The Heathrow Express is your fastest option, getting from Terminal 5 to Paddington Station in about 20 minutes. Standard adult tickets start from £25 and the service runs from 5:12 am until 11:57 pm. Alternatively, you can take the Elizabeth Line train service from Terminals 4 or 5. The journey time is slightly longer (around 30 minutes) but tickets are cheaper (£12.30).
Purchase your train tickets in advance from National Rail
Several coach companies run services from London Heathrow to the London city centre, including National Express (from £5), Megabus (from £8) — which terminates at London Victoria Coach Station — and Flixbus (from £25) — which goes to London Paddington.
If you’re planning on taking a taxi into central London, you can book through Uber or one of the airport’s trusted providers. London’s famous black cabs also have ranks outside Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Fares vary according to delays and traffic, but the 30 to 60-minute journey from Heathrow Airport to central London typically costs between £61 - £114.
Gatwick is the second-largest airport in London and the UK and operates long-haul and short-haul flights to over 220 destinations.
The fastest way to reach central London from Gatwick is the Gatwick Express: a regular train service that gets you to Victoria Station in 30 minutes. Ticket prices start from £20.50 per adult and trains run from 5:41 am until 11:10 pm.
Other train services also operate between Gatwick Airport and London, with Southern arriving into London Victoria and Thameslink arriving into St Pancras International. Prices vary depending on whether the ticket is anytime (allowing travel at any time of day) or advanced (for a specific train service). Just make sure that the ticket that you have purchased can be used for the service you’re taking or you might be made to pay a fine.
Getting a coach from London Gatwick might be your only option if your flight arrives after midnight or before 5:30 am. The journey to London takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. But if you’re visiting London on a budget, this can work out as more cost-efficient than the train. National Express coach services to London Victoria can cost as little as £5.20 one-way when booked in advance.
National Express coaches offer an affordable and convenient way of getting from London’s airports to the city centre
If you’d like a private transfer from Gatwick Airport, you might want to take a taxi. The average time between London Kings Cross and Gatwick Airport is 1 hour 45 minutes with costs starting from £69. Pre-book your taxi with Airport Cars, Gatwick’s official provider.
Stansted Airport is situated 40 miles (64 km) northeast of central London and is a major hub for budget airlines, particularly Ryanair. Here are the best ways to reach the city:
The Stansted Express offers the fastest and most direct connection to central London. Trains run every 15-30 minutes (from 5:30 am until 12:30 am) and take around 45-50 minutes to reach London Liverpool Street Station. Tickets start from £9.45 when booked in advance but cost £23.90 if purchased on the day.
National Express runs a 24/7 service from London Stansted to the city centre. The A6 line stops at Golders Green, Finchley Road, St John's Wood, Baker Street and Marble Arch, terminating at London Victoria Coach Station. The A8 line stops at Bow, Mile End, Whitechapel, Liverpool Street and Shoreditch, terminating at Bethnal Green. The journey from Stansted takes around 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on traffic, with prices starting from £12 per passenger. Book your tickets in advance for the best rates.
The journey from Stansted Airport to the centre of London takes about an hour (depending on traffic) with the price ranging from £50 to £100. Pre-book through Street Cars, the airport provider, or compare rates from other taxi services.
Luton Airport is located around 34 miles (55 km) north of central London and accommodates budget airlines from European destinations. Here’s how to get into London from Luton.
Luton Airport Parkway station is connected to the airport via the Luton DART shuttle, which takes 4 minutes. From Luton Parkway, you can take a Thameslink train to St Pancras International or other central London stations like Farringdon, Blackfriars or London Bridge. Tickets start at around £14.50 one way for the 30-minute journey (though advance tickets are available for as little as £3.30).
National Express and Green Line operate 24/7 services to central London from Luton Airport. Journey times typically range from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic, and prices start from as little as £5. Green Line’s 757 service terminates at London Victoria Coach Station. National Express operates two routes: the A1, which runs to London Victoria Coach Station, via Golders Green, Finchley Road & Frognal Underground Station, Finchley Road, St John's Wood, Baker Street, Portman Square, Marble Arch and Victoria Rail Station — and the A2, which follows the same route but terminates at London Paddington Station.
Luton Airport’s taxi rank is situated in the pick-up area just beyond Bus Bay A. A taxi ride to central London takes about 1 hour, with fares ranging from £80 to £100 depending on the destination and traffic. For a more affordable option, book a private minicab online.
Located just 6 miles (10 km) from central London, London City Airport is the most convenient airport for European travellers staying in the heart of the UK capital.
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) connects London City Airport to the city’s underground and overground networks, with trains departing every 4 to 10 minutes. You can reach central London areas like Borough Market in around 30 minutes by changing onto the westbound Jubilee Line at Canning Town. Fares start at £4.30 using contactless or an Oyster card.
Taxis are available outside the terminal, including London's iconic black cabs, which are wheelchair-accessible. The journey to Central London typically takes around 20-30 minutes, with fares starting at approximately £25.
Check out Transport for London’s taxi fare sheet for a full breakdown.
Taking a traditional black minicab is an expensive but convenient way of getting from London’s airports to the city centre
Southend Airport is a regional airport, located 64 km (40 miles) (64 km) east of central London in the county of Essex. It offers a convenient connection to the city via frequent train services. It mainly connects the UK capital with European destinations, but also operates flights to/from Morocco (Marrakech) and Tunisia (Enfidha).
By far the best way to reach central London from Southend Airport is by train. The station is located directly outside the terminal, with regular trains running to London Liverpool Street Station (via Stratford) from 4:35 am to 11:59 pm daily. During peak hours, trains depart every 10 minutes, and off-peak, every 20 minutes. The journey takes less than an hour and prices start from £11.45 each way.
Buy your train tickets here
No coach service runs directly from Southend Airport to London City Centre. But the First Group X30 bus connects Southend Airport to London Stansted Airport via Chelmsford.
While there is a designated taxi rank outside the airport terminal, you should book your taxi in advance with the airport’s official provider. The taxi company also offers a late-night service for passengers arriving after train and coach services have stopped running. This goes directly to London Liverpool Street and costs £27.50 per person (4 people minimum) or £110 in total.
Our London Tours offer the most authentic way to explore the UK capital. Our licensed guides are tested and trusted on TripAdvisor, and we’ve selected them because of their passion for their city.
🍲 Feeling peckish? Get a real taste of London on our Borough Market Food tour.
🍻 Looking to meet other travellers on a fun night out? Check out our London Tipsy Tour.
🪄 Heed the summons of the Ministry of Magic by joining our Harry Potter Walking Tour.
🗡️ Want to immerse yourself in Whitechapel's dark history? Join our investigative Jack the Ripper Tour.
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Embark on a delicious and immersive journey through the heart of the British capital with our London Food Tour through Soho and Chinatown. This guided walking tour offers a unique blend of international tastings and rich history as you explore one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Soho, renowned for its iconic music scene, lively nightlife, and immigrant heritage, serves as the perfect backdrop for discovering the diversity of London’s culinary scene. From traditional British snacks to bold Asian flavours, you’ll sample a variety of delectable treats that reflect the area’s global gastronomic landscape. Bite into a hearty English pie, enjoy a spicy Indian curry, and sample the zest and tang of the Mediterranean with fellow foodies.
Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating stories about how Soho evolved into a cultural hub for rock and roll, the arts, and global cuisine, introducing you to the landmarks and legends that defined its vibrant character and its food.
Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking to explore London’s multicultural cuisine, this food tour of London offers an unforgettable experience where every bite tells a story.
Spaces are limited so secure your spot now!
5(802)
Explore the dark underbelly of Whitechapel on this purpose-built, immersive experience. With an expert Ripperologist guide and small-group of inquisitive travellers, you’ll retrace the Ripper’s footsteps, visiting real-life crime scenes to discover the bone-chilling stories of his victims and how their circumstances sealed their fate.
This is not your typical tour.
Our Jack the Ripper Walking Tour immerses you in Britain’s oldest and most infamous unsolved mystery. Discover who the Ripper’s victims were, the lives they led, and the impact their tragic deaths had on their community. Along the way, your guide will share theories about the Ripper’s identity and the suspects that have captivated the world for over a century.
With your detective pack filled with case insights and historical details, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Britain’s most notorious serial killer – not to gawk or glorify his crimes, but to better understand the historical context and the horror of his deeds. This offers a unique opportunity to engage with true crime history, exploring the enduring legacy of these tragic events.
Feeling intrigued? Join us for this immersive historical experience in the heart of London, and discover the humans behind the headlines.
Book your spot today.
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Happy hour meets history on this unforgettable social adventure through Soho—one of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods. This isn’t your average walking tour—it’s where scandalous stories and delicious drinks come together for a night to remember.
You and a group of fellow travellers will meet with a local guide who will lead you through Soho after dark to discover its red light roots, rebellious spirit, and rock ‘n’ roll legacy. You’ll hear wild tales of icons like Amy Winehouse and The Rolling Stones, stroll past Mozart’s childhood home, and stand in the same spot where Jimi Hendrix played his final gig.
Between tidbits of tales and hidden corners, you’ll dive into British pub culture at four of Soho’s trendiest bars—sipping on a bold Camden beer, a crisp gin & tonic, a cheeky shot, and a surprise cocktail. Not drinking? No worries—we’ve got tasty non-alcoholic options too!
The London Tipsy Tour is where narrative and nightlife collide. Whether you’re flying solo or rolling with friends, this is your ticket to the ultimate night out in the British capital. Book now, and let’s get to feelin’ groovy in Soho!
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