London is one of the best-connected capitals in Europe, with six international airports. Each one is located in a different area and offers several transportation options into the city center. To help you navigate all the choices, here’s a complete guide to getting from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend into central London, including approximate prices and travel times.

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Heathrow Airport

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Heathrow is the largest airport in the United Kingdom, located about 20 miles (32 km) west of central London. According to Heathrow Airport, these are the main options:

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• Heathrow Express: the fastest train service. It departs every 15 minutes and reaches Paddington in about 15 minutes. Standard fares are around £25, but if booked in advance prices can be as low as £10.

• Elizabeth Line (Crossrail): connects Heathrow with several central stations such as Paddington and Liverpool Street. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs £12–£13.

• Underground (Piccadilly Line): the most budget-friendly choice, costing about £6 with an Oyster card or contactless payment. The trip to Piccadilly Circus or Covent Garden takes around 50 minutes.

• Buses and coaches: National Express coaches run from Heathrow to Victoria Station starting at £6, with travel times between 50 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on traffic.

• Taxis or private transfers: fares range from £50–70 to central London, with travel times of 45 minutes to 1 hour.

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Gatwick Airport

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Located to the south, Gatwick is London’s second-busiest airport. According to Transport for London, the most common options are:

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• Gatwick Express: direct train to Victoria Station in 30 minutes. Price: about £22.

• Southern and Thameslink trains: regular services to stations like Victoria, London Bridge, or St Pancras. Fares start at £12 and travel times are similar to the Gatwick Express.

• Buses (National Express or FlixBus): journeys to Victoria from £5–£10, with travel times between 1.5 and 2 hours.

• Taxi: trips to the city center can cost over £60 and take 60–90 minutes.

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Stansted Airport

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Located northeast of the city, Stansted is especially popular with low-cost airlines. According to Greater Anglia, the best connection is the Stansted Express:

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• Stansted Express: train to Liverpool Street in about 48 minutes, departing every 15 minutes. Tickets start at £10 when booked online.

• Buses (National Express): cheaper alternative from £7, though journeys take 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Taxi: around £80–100 to the center, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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Luton Airport

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Luton is located about 34 miles (55 km) north of London. According to London Luton Airport, the most common combination is train + DART:

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• Luton DART + Train: the DART shuttle connects the airport to Luton Airport Parkway station in 4 minutes. From there, Thameslink or East Midlands trains reach St Pancras in 25 minutes. The total cost is around £15, with a total travel time of 35 minutes.

• Buses (National Express or FlixBus): trips to Victoria or Marble Arch from £6, lasting 60–90 minutes.

• Taxi: about £70–90 to central London, with a journey time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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London City Airport

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London City is the most central airport, located just 5 miles (8 km) from the financial district. According to Transport for London, the main options are:

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• DLR (Docklands Light Railway): connects the airport with stations such as Bank in about 20 minutes. Cost: around £5.

• Local buses: several lines run through the airport and connect to East London.

• Taxi: due to its proximity, rides to the city center cost around £25–30 and take about 25 minutes.

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Southend Airport

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The smallest and most distant airport is located in Essex, east of London. According to Southend Airport, the main connections are:

• Greater Anglia trains: reach Liverpool Street in about 50 minutes. Prices start from £20.

• Buses and taxis: available but less frequent. A taxi to central London can cost over £100 and take more than 1.5 hours.

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Practical Tips

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• For speed, Heathrow and Gatwick Express trains, as well as the Luton DART + train combo, are the best options.

• To save money, the Underground from Heathrow or buses from Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted are the most economical.

• London City Airport is the most convenient due to its location, though it’s mainly used for business and European flights.

• Whenever possible, book tickets online and in advance, as prices are usually much lower.

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London’s six airports all offer multiple ways to get to the city center. The best option depends on your budget, available time, and the part of London you’re heading to. With this guide, you can compare prices, travel times, and convenience to choose the right option and start your trip to London smoothly.

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Please note that all prices listed are in approximate ranges and may vary depending on the date and time of booking. We recommend planning ahead and checking real-time prices before you travel.