How to get to and from the airport in London

Visitors to London have several convenient options for traveling to and from the city’s major airports. The Visitor Oyster card can be used on many trains and underground services, making it easy to connect with London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport. For fast and frequent train services, consider the Heathrow Express or Stansted Express, which offer quick transit times to central London.

National Express bus transfers provide a cost-effective and straightforward way to reach London Luton Airport, London Heathrow Airport, London Stansted Airport, London Gatwick Airport, and London City Airport. Additionally, taxis and private cab services are readily available for booking at all London airports, offering a flexible and direct mode of transportation.

Using a Visitor Oyster card as your airport transfer ticket to travel between London Heathrow, Gatwick, London City Airports and central London is convenient and cost-effective. Here are the key benefits:

• Cost Savings: Enjoy cheaper fares compared to single tickets or paper travelcards.
• Accepted everywhere: valid on London Underground
• Convenience: Avoid the hassle of buying tickets on arrival.
• Flexibility: Pay-as-you-go system with daily fare caps, ensuring you won’t overspend.

The Visitor Oyster smartcard is only available for purchase online. It is conveniently delivered to your selected address before you travel and it ready to use upon your arrival in London. 

These are the transport services you can use your Visitor Oyster card on when connecting with London airports:

from/to London Heathrow Airport

• London underground: you can use the Visitor Oyster card on both Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly Line underground train services.
  
   

• Heathrow Express: you can use the Visitor Oyster card to pay on Heathrow Express train services connecting Heathrow Airport with London Paddington station.

from/to London Gatwick Airport

• National Rail service: you can tap your Visitor Oyster card on Southern Railway and Thameslink train services between Gatwick and Central London stations, including Victoria, St. Pancras International, London Bridge and more.

• Gatwick Express: you can use the Visitor Oyster card to pay on Heathrow Express train services connecting Heathrow Airport with London Victoria station.

from/to London City Airport

• The Docklands Light Railway (DLR): you can use yout Visitor Oyster card on the DLR driverless train services connecting London City Airport with Central London stations including Stratford and Bank stations.

Besides using a Visitor Oyster card, visitors to London can conveniently travel to and from the city’s major airports using a variety of transportation options. Express train services such as the Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, and Stansted Express offer fast and direct routes to central London. National Express buses provide an economical alternative with services connecting all major airports to central London and other destinations. Taxis and private hire cabs are also widely available at all airports, offering door-to-door service for those preferring a more personalized and flexible travel option.

National Express London Airports Bus Transfer

Travelling from London Heathrow Airport to London

London Heathrow Airport, situated about 14 miles west of Central London, is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom and one of the major international gateways in Europe. Geographically, it is located near the towns of Hounslow and Harmondsworth, providing easy access to both urban and suburban areas. Situated in zone 6, Heathrow Airport is well-connected with central London by means of various transport services, including the London Underground’s Elizabeth and Piccadilly Lines, which directly connect the airport to central London. 

• The Heathrow Express service, in particular, offers a premium transfer option with non-stop trains running every 15 minutes to London Paddington Station. This service is renowned for its speed and convenience, completing the journey in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to minimize transit time and enjoy a seamless connection to the heart of London.

Heathrow Express tickets

• In addition to the robust rail connections, Heathrow Airport also provides a variety of taxi and cab services for hire directly on-site. These services can be found at dedicated taxi ranks outside each terminal. Additionally, a range of private hire vehicles, including minicabs and ride-hailing services are available for pre-booking or on-demand hire. This extensive array of ground transportation options ensures that travelers can choose the mode of transport that best suits their needs.

Travelling from London Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick Airport, located approximately 30 miles south of Central London in West Sussex, is well-connected by a range of quick transfer services that make travel to and from the city efficient and convenient. 

• Positioned outside of London’s public transport fare zones, Gatwick benefits from direct access via the Gatwick Express train, which offers a non-stop service to London Victoria Station in about 30 minutes. Additionally, other train services, including Southern and Thameslink, provide frequent connections to various parts of London and beyond. These quick transfer options are highly valued by travelers for their speed and reliability, making the journey to central London smooth and hassle-free.

• Upon arrival at Gatwick Airport, passengers have a variety of taxi and cab services to choose from, ensuring flexibility and comfort for onward travel. Traditional black cabs are readily available, offering a metered fare system and accommodating up to five passengers with ample luggage space. Alternatively, several private hire services operate at Gatwick, including pre-booked minicabs and app-based ridesharing options like Uber, providing competitive pricing and the convenience of cashless transactions. These diverse taxi services cater to different preferences and needs, ensuring that every traveler can find a suitable option for their journey from the airport.
• Additionally, the National Express bus service, offers affordable and direct transfers from Gatwick Airport to multiple locations in central London. With frequent services during day and night, this bus transfer is an cost-effective alternative to transfer by rail.

Travelling from London Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport, located northeast of Central London, is situated in the county of Essex, approximately 42 miles (68 kilometers) from the city center. Geographically, it is positioned just off the M11 motorway, making it easily accessible by car. Public transport connections to and from Stansted are well-developed, with the airport falling outside the London travel zones but having direct links to the city’s extensive network. 

• The Stansted Express is a standout service, providing a swift and reliable rail connection between the airport and London Liverpool Street Station. Departing every 15 minutes during peak times, the Stansted Express ensures a convenient 45-minute journey, making it a preferred choice for travelers who value speed and comfort. With onboard Wi-Fi and spacious seating, the service is designed to cater to the needs of both business and leisure passengers, ensuring a hassle-free transit experience.

Stansted Express tickets

• In addition to rail connections, London Stansted Airport offers various ground transportation options. For those who prefer road travel, the airport hosts a range of taxi and cab services available for hire directly at the terminal. These include licensed black cabs, which can be hailed from the taxi ranks, and pre-bookable private hire vehicles, offering flexibility and convenience for travelers heading to different parts of London or beyond. 
• Another viable option is the National Express bus service, providing affordable and direct transfers to several key locations in London, including Victoria Coach Station. This service operates frequently throughout the day and night, offering an economical alternative to train travel, particularly for budget-conscious travelers. With comfortable seating and ample luggage space, the National Express buses ensure a smooth and pleasant journey to and from the airport.

Travelling from London Luton Airport

London Luton Airport is situated approximately 28 miles (45 kilometers) north of Central London, making it one of the key air travel hubs serving the capital. Geographically, the airport is located near the town of Luton in Bedfordshire. It is not within the London public transport fare zones but is well connected via quick and efficient transfer services. 

• The Luton Airport Parkway station, linked to the airport by a frequent shuttle bus service, provides regular train services to London St Pancras International. This journey takes about 25 minutes on the fastest trains, making it a convenient choice for travelers aiming to reach central London swiftly. The combination of frequent services and short travel times makes these transfers particularly appealing for business travelers and tourists alike.
• At London Luton Airport, a variety of transportation options are available for onward travel. Passengers can choose from an array of licensed taxis and private hire vehicles, which offer convenient and direct journeys to destinations in and around London. Additionally, ride-hailing services are also operational, providing flexibility and competitive pricing. 
• For those preferring a more economical option, the National Express Airport bus offers a reliable transfer service. These buses run 24/7 and connect the airport with several key locations in central London, making it a suitable option for travelers with varying schedules and budget considerations.

Travelling from London City Airport

London City Airport (LCY) is located in the Royal Docks in the London Borough of Newham, approximately 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) east of Central London. It lies within Transport for London’s Zone 3, making it easily accessible via various public transport options. 

• The airport is particularly well-served by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which offers direct services to major transport hubs like Bank and Stratford, connecting travelers quickly to the London Underground and National Rail services. For visitors, the Visitor Oyster Card is an excellent choice, allowing for seamless travel between the airport and central London with the DLR.

• In addition to public transport, London City Airport provides several taxi and cab options directly at its premises. Black cabs, known for their spacious interiors and knowledgeable drivers, are readily available just outside the terminal, offering a comfortable and efficient journey to any destination within London. Additionally, there are numerous private hire vehicles and minicabs that can be pre-booked or hailed at the airport. These services cater to a range of preferences and budgets, ensuring that every traveler can find a suitable and convenient transport option upon arrival or departure.

Travelling from London Southend Airport

London Southend Airport is situated in Essex, approximately 42 miles (68 kilometers) east of Central London. Geographically, it is conveniently positioned near the towns of Southend-on-Sea and Rochford, making it an accessible airport for travelers in the southeast of England. In terms of public transport, the airport benefits from efficient connectivity. 

• The Southend Airport railway station, located just a short walk from the terminal, offers direct train services to London Liverpool Street Station, with a journey time of around 53 minutes, making it a quick and practical option for reaching central London. Additionally, local bus services provide connections to surrounding towns and areas, and the airport is within easy reach of the A127 and A13 roads, ensuring straightforward access by car.
• Upon arrival at London Southend Airport, passengers can choose from a variety of taxi and cab services. The airport features a dedicated taxi rank directly outside the terminal building, where travelers can hire licensed black cabs for immediate service. These taxis offer a reliable and regulated option, ensuring that passengers reach their destinations safely and efficiently. Furthermore, several private hire companies operate in the area, allowing travelers to pre-book minicabs or executive car services for a more personalized travel experience. These options provide flexibility and convenience, catering to the diverse needs of passengers arriving at or departing from the airport.