If you are going to visit London and need to know how to get from the airport to London Center, this post is for you. Each airport has different transport options and connections to central London and other areas of the city, so it’s important to check the details of each airport before planning a trip to London.
London has six major airports: Heathrow is London’s largest and busiest airport, while Gatwick is the second largest in terms of passenger traffic. Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend are smaller in comparison, although they also handle a significant number of flights and passengers, although they are more focused on internal or regional flights.
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Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport (IATA code LGW) is one of London’s major airports and the second largest in terms of passenger traffic. It is located south of London and has two terminals. It offers a variety of connections to international and domestic destinations, as well as convenient transport options to get from Gatwick to London.
Inside the airport, there is a free shuttle bus service connecting the two terminals, North and South. Buses operate 24 hours a day and travel time is approximately 5 minutes. There is also a train service connecting the terminals, which are free and operate every few minutes. Finally, there is a free monorail called “Inter-Terminal Shuttle”, which connects the North Terminal with the arrivals area of the South Terminal.
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Train
The quickest and most convenient way to get from Gatwick to London is by taking the train. There are two train companies operating from the airport, Gatwick Express and Thameslink, and both arrive at different stations in London, such as Victoria, London Bridge and St. Pancras. Trains depart every few minutes and the journey takes around 30-45 minutes. You need to purchase an Oyster card to pay or use your contactless card.
Bus
Another option is to take the bus, which is an economical option, but can be slower depending on traffic. There are several bus companies that offer services from Gatwick to central London, such as National Express and EasyBus. Travel time varies by company and time of day, but usually lasts between 1-2 hours.
Taxi or private transfer from Gatwick
If you prefer a more comfortable and private option, you can take a taxi from Gatwick to London, or opt for a private transfer. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, and the journey to central London can take between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic. Really this is one of the most expensive options to travel around the city, but if there are many people or with large suitcases maybe it is more convenient.
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Luton Airport
Luton Airport (IATA airport code LTN) is one of London’s main airports, located north of the city. It is the fourth-largest airport in terms of passenger traffic and has only one terminal. It offers a wide variety of domestic and international destinations, and several transport options to reach central London. Luton is known for its modern facilities, including a variety of shops, restaurants, and services. In addition, it was recently renovated with an expansion and improvement of its facilities.
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Train
The quickest and cheapest way to get to central London from Luton is by taking the train. There is a train station at the airport, and trains go to St. Pancras train station. Travel time is approximately 30–40 minutes. You need to purchase an Oyster card to pay for or use your contactless card.
Bus
Another option is to take the bus, which is a very economical option. There are many bus companies that offer services from Luton to central London, such as National Express and Green Line. Travel time varies by company and time of day, but usually lasts between 1-2 hours.
Taxi or private transfer
Taking a taxi from the airport or opting for a private transfer, is an alternative to have a private and fast transport, although nothing cheap. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, and travel time to central London can take between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic.
🚌 We recommend you book your transfer in advance, we leave you a suggestion by clicking on this link
😉👉 Book your FREE WALKING TOUR to get to know LONDON! Click here and save your place
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport (IATA code LHR) is the largest and most popular airport for travellers visiting London. It is located west of the city and has four operational terminals and a fifth under construction. It is one of the most important airports in the world, with a wide variety of international and domestic destinations. Heathrow is known for its modern facilities and services, including a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
To move within the terminals you can use a free train service called Heathrow Express that connects terminals 2, 3 and 5. Travel time is approximately 5–10 minutes. There are also a variety of free buses operating between Heathrow terminals, including Heathrow Connect bus service between terminals 2 and 3, and transfer buses between terminals 2, 3 and 5. The London Underground, also known as the Tube, connects Heathrow terminals 2, 3 and 5. There is a metro station inside Terminal 4, which requires a free shuttle to get to the other terminals.
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Train
The quickest and most convenient way to get to central London from Heathrow is by taking the Heathrow Express train. Train service operates between the airport and Paddington Station in central London, with trains departing every 15 minutes. Travel time is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Tube
Another option to go from the airport to London Center is to take the tube, which is a cheaper option. Heathrow tube station is on the Piccadilly line and trains operate frequently to central London. Travel time varies depending on the destination station, but usually lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
Bus
There are also several bus companies that offer services from Heathrow to central London, such as National Express and easyBus. Travel time varies by company and time of day, but usually lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour and a half.
Taxi or private transfer
Another option to take at the airport is a taxi or book a private transfer. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, and travel time to central London can take between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic. It is the most expensive way to get from the airport to London Central.
🚌 We recommend you book your transfer in advance, we leave you a suggestion by clicking on this link
