How to get to London

The main airport for London, United Kingdom plus the budget-carrier, secondary and cross-border options — with transfer times.

Every airport that reaches London, compared — see how each one connects.

London packing list

London Heathrow (LHR)

London's primary hub and the one most intercontinental routes use. The Elizabeth line reaches central London in 30–45 minutes and accepts contactless, so you can skip the Heathrow Express premium.

~40 min to LondonLHR airport

London Gatwick (LGW)

instead of London Heathrow (LHR)

South of the city, and the fastest of the non-Heathrow options: Thameslink and Southern trains reach London Bridge or Victoria in about 30–35 minutes without paying Gatwick Express prices.

~35 min to LondonLGW airport

London Stansted (STN)

Budget carriers

instead of London Heathrow (LHR)

Ryanair's biggest UK base, 60 km northeast. The Stansted Express takes about 50 minutes to Liverpool Street; the coach is slower but a fraction of the price if you are not in a hurry.

~50 min to LondonSTN airport

London Luton (LTN)

Budget carriers

instead of London Heathrow (LHR)

Wizz Air and easyJet territory. Budget for the DART shuttle from the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway on top of the 25-minute Thameslink run to St Pancras — the combined trip is closer to an hour.

~55 min to LondonLTN airport

All ways into United Kingdom

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