London is one of the few cities in the world where you genuinely have to think hard about which airport to use. Not because they’re all great — though some are — but because the wrong choice can add hours to your journey and a fair bit of frustration to your day. Six airports serve the Greater London area: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend. Together, they handle well over 150 million passengers a year, making London’s airport network one of the largest and busiest in the world. And yet, despite all that infrastructure, people get confused. Is Luton actually in London? (Barely.) Is London City airport actually useful? (Yes, if you’re flying business.) Should you always default to Heathrow? (Not necessarily.) In this guide, we break down every London airport — what it’s good for, how to get there, which airlines fly from it, and who it’s really best suited to. By the end, choosing your airport should feel a whole lot less like gambling.
Quick Facts: London Airports at a Glance
Before we dive deep, here’s the at-a-glance overview you came for.
| Airport | Code | Distance from Centre | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | LHR | 24 km (West) | International hub |
| Gatwick | LGW | 47 km (South) | International & leisure |
| Stansted | STN | 64 km (Northeast) | Budget airlines |
| Luton | LTN | 56 km (North) | Low-cost carriers |
| London City | LCY | 14 km (East) | Business travel |
| Southend | SEN | 68 km (East) | Regional flights |
How Many Airports Does London Have?
London is served by six airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), London City (LCY), and Southend (SEN). Together they handle over 150 million passengers annually, making London’s airport system one of the busiest in the world. Heathrow is the largest and the primary international gateway.
Overview of All London Airports
| Airport | Annual Passengers | Best For | Key Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow (LHR) | ~79 million | Long-haul & premium travel | British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates |
| Gatwick (LGW) | ~46 million | Leisure & European flights | EasyJet, TUI, Norwegian |
| Stansted (STN) | ~28 million | Budget European flights | Ryanair, Jet2 |
| Luton (LTN) | ~17 million | Low-cost carriers | Wizz Air, easyJet, Ryanair |
| London City (LCY) | ~4 million | Business travelers | BA CityFlyer, KLM, Aer Lingus |
| Southend (SEN) | ~1 million | Regional & quieter travel | Various charter/regional |
Heathrow Airport (LHR) — The Undisputed Giant
Let’s be honest: Heathrow is London’s airport. When people say they’re flying into London, they almost always mean Heathrow. It’s the UK’s largest airport, one of the busiest in the world, and the primary hub for long-haul international travel. Heathrow has five terminals — Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, plus the now-closed Terminal 1. British Airways dominates Terminal 5, while Terminal 2 (The Queen’s Terminal) is used by Star Alliance carriers. Terminal 3 handles long-haul operators like Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific. Airlines operating at Heathrow: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Delta, American Airlines, United, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and dozens more.
Popular Destinations from Heathrow
New York, Dubai, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, Tokyo — essentially every major long-haul destination on the planet has a direct connection from LHR.
Getting to Central London from Heathrow
| Option | Travel Time | Cost (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Express | 15 mins | £25–£37 | Fastest option to Paddington |
| Elizabeth Line | 45–55 mins | £12–£15 | Most affordable train option |
| London Underground (Piccadilly) | 50–60 mins | £5–£7 | Cheapest but slowest |
| National Express Bus | 60–90 mins | £6–£12 | Budget option, traffic dependent |
| Taxi/Minicab | 45–75 mins | £50–£80 | Door-to-door convenience |
Heathrow: Pros and Cons
- Pros: World-class connectivity, most airlines, best long-haul options, excellent rail links
- Cons: Expensive, massive and maze-like, congested, queues can be brutal during peak times
Gatwick Airport (LGW) — The Solid All-Rounder
Gatwick is the second busiest airport in the UK and far more user-friendly than Heathrow. It’s 47 km south of Central London — yes, that’s farther — but the Gatwick Express whisks you to Victoria Station in about 30 minutes, which makes it surprisingly accessible. Gatwick has two terminals: the North Terminal and the South Terminal. They’re connected by a free shuttle (the Gatwick Express internal transit), but allow yourself a few extra minutes if you need to switch. EasyJet mainly uses North; British Airways and TUI use South.
North Terminal vs South Terminal
The North Terminal handles EasyJet, Norwegian, and several charter airlines. The South Terminal is home to British Airways, TUI, Vueling, and several other carriers. If you’re unsure which terminal, always check your boarding pass.
Getting to Central London from Gatwick
| Option | Travel Time | Cost (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Express | 30 mins | £20–£35 | Direct to Victoria |
| Thameslink | 35–50 mins | £12–£20 | Stops at Blackfriars, St Pancras |
| National Express Bus | 75–120 mins | £8–£15 | Cheapest option |
| Taxi | 60–90 mins | £80–£120 | Subject to M23/M25 traffic |
Gatwick: Pros and Cons
- Pros: Easier to navigate than Heathrow, good European and transatlantic connections, fast rail link
- Cons: Farther from London than it feels, single runway creates delays, expensive taxi journey
Stansted Airport (STN) — Budget Traveller’s Base Camp
Stansted is where budget travel in Europe lives. Ryanair uses it as its primary UK hub, and that tells you everything about the tone of the place. It’s no-frills, functional, and if you’re flying anywhere in Europe for under £50, there’s a solid chance you’re going through Stansted. It’s 64 km northeast of Central London, which is the furthest of the major airports — but the Stansted Express makes it manageable. About 50 minutes to Liverpool Street and you’re in the thick of things. The airport has a single terminal, which keeps things simple. One runway too, which is why delays can cascade badly when things go wrong.
Airlines and Popular European Routes
Ryanair and Jet2 dominate here. Popular routes include Dublin, Ibiza, Malaga, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rome, and Krakow. If it’s a sunny European beach destination, Stansted probably has a cheap flight there.
Getting to Central London from Stansted
| Option | Travel Time | Cost (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stansted Express | 47 mins | £20–£32 | Direct to Liverpool Street |
| National Express Bus | 75–120 mins | £8–£15 | Budget, traffic-dependent |
| easyBus | 90–120 mins | £5–£12 | Cheapest option |
| Taxi | 60–90 mins | £80–£110 | Long journey, expensive |
Stansted: Pros and Cons
- Pros: Cheapest European flights, single terminal is easy to navigate, Stansted Express is reliable
- Cons: Far from London, budget airline experience, limited long-haul options, parking is pricey
Luton Airport (LTN) — The Low-Cost Alternative
Here’s something that surprises a lot of people: Luton is not technically in London. It’s in Bedfordshire, about 56 km north of Central London. And yet it’s listed as a London airport and handled by Transport for London information systems. Marketing, innit. That said, Luton is a genuine option for budget travelers. Wizz Air uses it as a major UK hub, and EasyJet and Ryanair both operate here. If you’re flying to Eastern Europe — Poland, Romania, Hungary — Luton is often the most affordable entry point. The airport is small, which is either a pro or a con depending on your mood. One terminal, reasonably quick to get through, but the infrastructure feels a bit dated compared to Heathrow or Gatwick.
Getting to Central London from Luton
There’s a catch with Luton’s rail link: the train station (Luton Airport Parkway) isn’t directly at the terminal. You need to take a shuttle bus (about 10 minutes) from the terminal to the station. Factor that in.
| Option | Travel Time | Cost (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luton Airport Express (train + shuttle) | 35–45 mins | £17–£25 | To St Pancras/Farringdon |
| National Express Bus | 60–90 mins | £8–£14 | Budget option |
| Taxi | 50–80 mins | £65–£90 | Traffic on M1 can be bad |
Luton: Pros and Cons
- Pros: Cheap flights especially to Eastern Europe, faster check-in than bigger airports
- Cons: Not actually in London, shuttle required to rail link, limited airline variety, dated facilities
London City Airport (LCY) — The Business Traveller’s Secret Weapon
London City Airport is genuinely remarkable for one reason: it is 14 km from Central London. That’s it. That’s the pitch. You can be at Canary Wharf or Bank in under 25 minutes by DLR. No other London airport comes close. It’s small — one terminal, one runway — and it’s surrounded by water on three sides, meaning landings have that delightful steep-approach character that first-timers always comment on. But the real reason people love it is the speed: check in, through security, at the gate — often in under 30 minutes. The tradeoff is range. London City mainly serves European destinations and a handful of transatlantic routes (New York JFK via BA CityFlyer is the headline act). If you’re flying to Asia or long-haul, this isn’t your airport.
Why Business Travelers Swear by London City
- It’s the closest airport to the City of London and Canary Wharf
- Security is fast and the airport rarely feels crowded
- Many routes are designed around business schedules — early morning departures, evening returns
- Lounge access is easier here than fighting for space at Heathrow T5
Getting to Central London from London City
| Option | Travel Time | Cost (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLR (to Canary Wharf) | 12 mins | £4–£7 | Fastest and easiest |
| DLR (to Bank/City) | 22 mins | £4–£7 | Direct for city workers |
| Taxi | 30–50 mins | £30–£60 | Traffic across Tower Bridge |
London City: Pros and Cons
- Pros: Closest to central London, fast security, excellent for business routes, DLR access
- Cons: Limited destinations, no long-haul, expensive tickets, short runway limits aircraft size
Southend Airport (SEN) — The Quiet One Nobody Talks About
Southend is the outlier. At 68 km east of Central London, it’s the farthest airport from the city centre, and it handles the smallest volume of passengers. It’s primarily used for charter flights and a smattering of European leisure routes. The airport itself is straightforward — small terminal, minimal queues, and none of the chaos you’d associate with Heathrow or even Stansted. For some travellers, that’s genuinely appealing. If you hate airports, Southend might actually be your least stressful option. Southend Airport station is right next to the terminal — literally adjacent — which is a nice touch. Greater Anglia trains run to Liverpool Street in about 55 minutes.
Southend: Pros and Cons
- Pros: Very quiet, minimal queues, train station right at the terminal, less stressful experience
- Cons: Very limited routes, farthest from Central London, no major airline hubs
London Airports: Full Comparison Table
| Feature | Heathrow | Gatwick | Stansted | Luton | London City | Southend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code | LHR | LGW | STN | LTN | LCY | SEN |
| Distance from Centre | 24 km | 47 km | 64 km | 56 km | 14 km | 68 km |
| Terminals | 4 active | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Annual Passengers | ~79M | ~46M | ~28M | ~17M | ~4M | ~1M |
| Rail to Centre | 15–55 mins | 30 mins | 47 mins | 35–45 mins | 12–22 mins | 55 mins |
| Major Airlines | BA, VA, Emirates | EasyJet, BA, TUI | Ryanair, Jet2 | Wizz Air, easyJet | BA CityFlyer, KLM | Various |
| Best For | Long-haul, premium | Leisure, Europe | Budget Europe | Budget, E. Europe | Business travel | Quiet regional |
Which London Airport Should You Choose?
Let’s cut to the chase. Here’s how to pick your airport without overthinking it.
Best for International Long-Haul Flights: Heathrow (LHR)
No competition here. If you’re flying to North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, or Oceania, Heathrow is your hub. It has more direct long-haul routes than all other London airports combined. Yes, it’s big and busy — but that’s because it’s connecting the world.
Best for Budget European Flights: Stansted (STN)
If saving money is the priority, go to Stansted. Ryanair’s UK base means you’ll often find the cheapest European fares here — sometimes absurdly cheap. Just remember to factor in the 64 km journey back into your cost-benefit analysis.
Best for Business Travelers: London City (LCY)
Speed is the currency in business travel, and London City is the only airport that truly gets that. 14 km from the City, 22 minutes by DLR to Bank, and a security process that doesn’t make you want to retire from corporate life.
Best for European Leisure Travel: Gatwick (LGW)
A wider spread of European routes than Stansted, better facilities, and a reliable rail connection. If you’re heading to a beach destination in Spain, Portugal, or Greece and you don’t want to fly Ryanair, Gatwick is the right call.
Best for Low-Cost Carriers: Luton (LTN)
Particularly strong for Eastern European destinations — Warsaw, Bucharest, Budapest, Kraków. Wizz Air operates more routes from here than anywhere else in the UK.
Least Crowded, Most Stress-Free: Southend (SEN)
If your flight happens to depart from Southend and you hate airports, consider this a win. Minimal queues, fast processing, and a train station literally at the door.
Getting Between London Airports and City Centre: At a Glance
| Airport | Fastest Option | Travel Time | Approx Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow (LHR) | Heathrow Express to Paddington | 15 mins | £25–£37 |
| Gatwick (LGW) | Gatwick Express to Victoria | 30 mins | £20–£35 |
| Stansted (STN) | Stansted Express to Liverpool St. | 47 mins | £20–£32 |
| Luton (LTN) | Luton Airport Express to St. Pancras | 35–45 mins | £17–£25 |
| London City (LCY) | DLR to Bank/Canary Wharf | 12–22 mins | £4–£7 |
| Southend (SEN) | Greater Anglia to Liverpool St. | 55 mins | £15–£25 |
Pro tip: If you’re arriving for the first time, always buy your rail ticket in advance online — it’s almost always cheaper than buying at the airport. For Heathrow, the Elizabeth Line is a serious alternative to the Express if you’re watching your budget.
Airlines Operating at London Airports
British Airways
BA’s primary home is Heathrow Terminal 5, though it also operates from Gatwick and London City via BA CityFlyer. It offers the widest global network of any airline out of London.
Virgin Atlantic
Operates exclusively from Heathrow Terminal 3, focused on transatlantic and long-haul routes. New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, Johannesburg — the classics.
EasyJet
Found at Gatwick (main hub), Luton, and Stansted. A solid mid-range budget carrier with more reliable service than the ultra-low-cost competition. Strong European network.
Ryanair
Stansted is Ryanair‘s UK home. Europe’s largest low-cost carrier connects hundreds of European destinations — especially Spain, Ireland, Italy, and Poland — often at remarkably low prices if you book early and pack light.
Wizz Air
Luton is Wizz Air’s primary UK base. Strong coverage across Central and Eastern Europe — an excellent choice if you’re flying to the Balkans, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, or Ukraine.
Emirates
Operates from Heathrow Terminal 3. Daily flights to Dubai and beyond — its connectivity to Asia, Africa, and Australasia via Dubai is world-class.
Qatar Airways
Also at Heathrow, with multiple daily departures to Doha and an extensive onward network across Asia, Africa, and South America.
International Connections From London Airports
North America
Heathrow dominates transatlantic travel with daily direct flights to New York (JFK, Newark, JFK), Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, Miami, and Boston. London City also offers a seasonal New York JFK route via BA CityFlyer. Gatwick offers transatlantic routes via British Airways and Norwegian.
Europe
All six airports serve European destinations, though character varies. Heathrow and Gatwick offer premium and mid-range options; Stansted and Luton are the budget gateways. London City is excellent for short-hop business routes to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Paris.
Middle East
Heathrow is the hub for Middle East connections — Emirates to Dubai, Qatar Airways to Doha, and Etihad from nearby (noting Etihad operates from Heathrow). These three carriers together offer seamless onward connections to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
Asia
Long-haul Asia travel goes through Heathrow. British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, ANA, and Japan Airlines all operate from LHR. Direct services to Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Mumbai, Delhi, and Beijing are well-established.
Africa
Again, Heathrow leads — with direct connections to Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, Cape Town, Accra, and Cairo among others. British Airways, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways all operate here.
Oceania
Non-stop flights to Sydney and Melbourne operate from Heathrow — a 22-hour-plus journey that only the biggest widebody jets can manage. Qantas operates this route; Singapore Airlines and Emirates offer good one-stop options through their hubs.
Tips for Using London Airports
Arrive Early — Especially at Heathrow and Gatwick
Heathrow is vast, and the combination of Tube delays, long security queues, and terminal distances means you should budget more time than you think you need. For long-haul flights, arriving 3 hours before departure is not overkill at LHR. At Gatwick and Stansted, 2 hours is the sensible minimum.
Choose the Right Airport for Your Route
Don’t just default to Heathrow. If you’re flying to Dublin, Barcelona, or Krakow, Stansted or Luton will almost certainly offer cheaper fares. Check all six airports when booking — the price difference can be significant, even accounting for travel costs.
Use Rail Links — Avoid Taxis Where Possible
London traffic can be brutal, and airport taxis are expensive. The rail connections for all six airports are genuinely good — even Stansted’s 64 km journey isn’t bad once you’re on the Stansted Express. Save the cab for when you’re tired, running late, or have an obscene amount of luggage.
Check Your Terminal Before You Leave
Gatwick has two terminals. Heathrow has four active ones. Turning up at the wrong terminal with 90 minutes to departure is the kind of mistake that ruins holidays. Check your boarding pass.
Consider Airport Hotels for Early Departures
If you have a 6am departure from Stansted or Heathrow, staying near the airport the night before is often worth the cost. The Hilton at Heathrow T4 and T5 are connected directly to the terminal. Premier Inn Stansted is right next to the terminal too — surprisingly reasonable.
Frequently Asked Questions About London Airports
Which is the biggest airport in London?
Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the largest airport in London and the UK, handling approximately 79 million passengers per year. It is also one of the busiest international airports in the world.
Is Heathrow better than Gatwick?
It depends on your needs. Heathrow is better for long-haul international travel, premium airlines, and destinations across Asia, America, and the Middle East. Gatwick is generally easier to navigate, better for European leisure travel, and served by more budget carriers. Neither is universally ‘better.’
What is the closest airport to Central London?
London City Airport (LCY) is by far the closest, located just 14 km from Central London. A DLR journey to Canary Wharf takes approximately 12 minutes.
Which London airport is best for international flights?
Heathrow (LHR) is the definitive choice for international travel. It offers direct connections to more countries and cities than any other UK airport, and is the primary hub for British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and numerous international flag carriers.
Which airport is cheapest to fly from?
Stansted and Luton generally offer the cheapest departure fares, thanks to the presence of Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet. However, factor in travel costs to these airports — they are farther from the city centre.
How far is Heathrow from Central London?
Heathrow is approximately 24 km (15 miles) west of Central London. Travel time varies: 15 minutes on the Heathrow Express, 45–55 minutes on the Elizabeth Line, and 50–60 minutes on the Underground Piccadilly line.
What airport do budget airlines use in London?
Stansted is Ryanair’s primary UK base and the home of budget European travel. Luton is Wizz Air’s hub. EasyJet operates from Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted. For the cheapest fares, always check all three.
Are London airports connected by train?
Not directly — there’s no rail line that directly connects all six airports. However, all airports connect to Central London by rail, and you can travel between airports via London’s train and Underground network, usually by going into the city and out again.
Which airport is easiest to get to from Central London?
London City Airport (LCY) is the quickest and easiest to reach — direct DLR from Bank in about 22 minutes. For western/central London, Heathrow’s Elizabeth Line is fast and affordable.
How many international airports are in London?
London has six airports that handle varying degrees of international traffic: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend. Of these, Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted handle the bulk of international passenger traffic.
Final Verdict: Which London Airport Should You Use?
Here’s the summary you’ve been scrolling toward: Heathrow is the best overall airport — for connectivity, airline choice, and sheer range of destinations, nothing else in London comes close. If you’re flying anywhere beyond Europe, your answer is LHR. Gatwick is the best alternative — especially for European leisure travel and budget carriers that aren’t quite Ryanair-level. Stansted and Luton are your homes if you’re committed to cheap fares and don’t mind the tradeoffs. London City is the smartest airport in the network if you’re a frequent business traveller — the time savings are real and meaningful. Southend exists, and if your flight goes from there, consider yourself lucky — it might be the least stressful airport experience in the Greater London area. Bottom line: match the airport to the trip. Don’t automatically assume Heathrow. For budget European hops, Stansted and Luton often win on price. For business, London City wins on convenience. And for everything that matters most in global connectivity — Heathrow is still the king.
