- Closest airport to central London, London City Airport (LCY) is easily accessible by Tube and DLR, as well as taxi or bus.
- As a smaller airport, arrivals and departures at LCY can be much quicker and easier than larger airports.
Visit the London City Airport website for the latest information on flight schedules and travelling safely during the coronavirus pandemic. For more information on Tube and rail travel, visit the Transport for London or National Rail website.
London City Airport (LCY) is one of the easiest and most accessible airports in London owing to its location just 9.5km (6 miles) east of central London and 4.8km (3 miles) from Canary Wharf.
A single runway handles short-haul flights with a strong emphasis on business travel to Europe and specialised flights to New York. Airlines that currently fly from London City Airport include: British Airways, Alitalia, KLM, Lufthansa, Luxair and Swiss International Airlines.
Due to its size, arrivals and departures through London City Airport can be much quicker and easier than the larger London airports.
The airport can be accessed by taxi, bus, Tube and DLR. Its single terminal incorporates shops, restaurants and cafes, information and taxi desks, a bureau de change and a left luggage facility.
London City Airport arrivals come through the first floor and can be met on the ground floor as you enter the small terminal. After you leave the aircraft, you'll pass through passport control, baggage reclaim and Customs.
London City Airport departures can be found on the first floor of the terminal. All passengers must clear security control before entering the departure lounge, where you'll find shops, bars and cafes. The departures area is small but has a good choice of outlets, complimentary wifi throughout and lots of comfortable seating.
Find out about accessibility at London City Airport with AccessAble's access guide.
Travelling to London from London City Airport
Once you've arrived and passed through London City Airport, there are a number of options at your disposal for your onward journey into London.
Tube
London City Airport is well-connected to the Tube network. The airport has its own stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which takes you to Tube interchange stations such as Canning Town, Stratford and Bank. For more information visit the Transport for London (TfL) website.
If you are going to be in London for more than a day, it's worth booking a Visitor Oyster Card in advance. The Visitor Oyster Card is delivered to your home before you arrive in London. This means you can board the Tube right away.
If you do not have a Visitor Oyster Card, but still plan to travel around London for more than a day, you can buy an Oyster card at the airport Tube station. Exit the airport and follow the signs for the Underground. You can purchase an Oyster card at the cashier window.
Catch the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to London City Airport. Services run every eight to 15 minutes. Fares on the DLR are the same as those on the Tube.
Bus
Local bus routes serving the airport are the 473 (Stratford, Silvertown, North Woolwich, and Prince Regent DLR Station) and the 474 (Canning Town, North Woolwich and East Beckton via Silvertown). Standard bus fares apply. Oyster and Travelcards are accepted.
Car
There are usually taxis queuing for customers at London City Airport. The cost of the cab is metered and displayed inside the cab. Only use a reputable mini-cab and never use unauthorised drivers. The London City Airport website has a handy fare finder tool for advance bookings, or you can ask the driver or mini-cab company how much your journey will cost beforehand.
There are a number of private chauffeur services in London that can pick you up from London City Airport. Your driver will make themselves known to you usually by using a sign as you exit the terminal.
You can find information about parking in London on the NCP (National Car Parks) website.
Parking at London City Airport
Parking is also available at London City Airport, with rates set at £45 per 24-hours in the long-stay facility. These rates can be reduced by pre-booking parking online, with four days costing £27.50 per day, or save from 50% on bookings of nine days or more. The furthest parking bay from the terminal is just a seven-minute walk.
Accessible transport
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) was the UK's first fully accessible railway for wheelchair users. There are lifts, escalators and/or ramps on every station platform of the DLR and all platforms are level with the trains for step-free access. There is also a designated wheelchair/pram bay on every train.
Disabled travellers should be aware that a significant number of Tube stations are not equipped with lifts. Go to the Transport for London website to help plan your journey or call the information line on 0843 222 1234.
Concierge services
DiamondAir offers a bespoke “Meet and Assist” service straight from the airport on the day of your arrival to your home, hotel or office.