- London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to central London, and it's easily accessible by Tube, bus or taxi.
- Because it's a smaller airport, arrivals and departures at LCY can be much quicker and easier than larger airports in London.
London City Airport (LCY) is one of the easiest and most accessible airports in London thanks to its location just 9.5km (6 miles) east of central London and 4.8km (3 miles) from Canary Wharf.
Arriving and departing from London City Airport
The London City Airport arrivals hall is on the ground floor of the small terminal. After you leave the aircraft, you'll pass through passport control, baggage reclaim and customs. Travellers will find information and taxi desks, a bureau de change and a left luggage facility.
London City Airport departures can be found on the first floor of the terminal. All passengers must clear security before entering the departure lounge, which has shops, bars and cafes.
How to travel by Tube from London City Airport to central London
London City Airport is connected to the London Underground network. The airport has its own stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which connects to Canning Town, Stratford and Bank stations. Services run every eight to 15 minutes. To plan your journey, visit the Transport for London (TfL) website.
For easy journeys on the London Underground, it's worth buying a Visitor Oyster Card* in advance. The Visitor Oyster Card is delivered to your home before you arrive in London.
If you do not have a Visitor Oyster Card before you arrive, you can use contactless payment cards or mobile payments to ride the London Underground, or you can buy an Oyster card at London City Airport DLR station.
How to travel by bus from London City Airport
Local bus routes serving London City Airport are the 473 (which travels to Stratford, Silvertown, North Woolwich and Prince Regent DLR station) and the 474 (travelling to Canning Town, North Woolwich and East Beckton via Silvertown). A bus journey costs £1.55, which can be paid using an Oyster card, a contactless payment card or mobile payment.
Taking a taxi from London City Airport
Taxis queue for customers at London City Airport. The cost of the journey is metered and displayed inside the cab. Only use a licensed black cab or a reputable minicab company and never use unauthorised drivers. The London City Airport website has a price comparison tool for instant quotes on minicab fares.
Alternatively, you can opt to travel in luxury with a private transfer to or from London City Airport*.
Accessible transport from London City Airport
London City Airport has dedicated staff to help travellers with accessibility needs. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) was the UK's first fully accessible railway for wheelchair users. Every DLR station platform has lifts, escalators or ramps, and all platforms are level with the trains for step-free access. All DLR trains have designated wheelchair areas.
Travellers with disabilities should be aware that a significant number of London Underground stations are not equipped with lifts. For more information, visit the Transport for London website to help plan your journey.
London City Airport hotels
Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport is a short walk from the airport terminal. There are plenty of other nearby accommodation options around Canary Wharf and the ExCeL London exhibition centre.
Parking at London City Airport
Parking is available at London City Airport. The farthest car park from the terminal is just a seven-minute walk.