How to get from London City Airport into London

Arriving by plane into London City Airport for a holiday with your family offers a convenient starting point to your trip. London City Airport tends to serve small flights to Europe and is primarily aimed at those on business trips who want to transit quickly through the airport with minimal fuss. Unlike other airports that service London, this compact little airport puts you within convenient and easy reach of London’s attractions, making family travel incredibly straightforward. With quick travel connections into the city, you can breeze through without the usual hassles that come with larger airports and jump straight into exploring. This guide will help you to understand how to get from London City Airport into London, taking into account transportation choices to suit your family’s needs.

How far is London City Airport from London?

London City Airport is located approximately 5 miles to the East of the City of London.

What are the different options for getting from London City Airport into London?

There are several options for traveling between London City Airport and London. Each option varies in terms of cost, travel time, and convenience. The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and final destination in London. Below we explore the key features of each option.

Docklands Light Railway: aka the DLR, connects London City Airport to central London

London City Airport is serviced by a DLR station (London City Airport) which provides quick and easy connections into Central London and, via connecting lines (such as the Elizabeth line, London Overground and London Underground) to anywhere on the Transport for London network.

From London City Airport you can take DLR trains direct to either Bank DLR Station and Stratford International DLR Station. From Bank you can switch to the Central Line, the Northern Line or access nearby Monument station for the Circle and District Lines. From Stratford (the stop before Stratford International), you can change to the Central Line, or the Elizabeth Line. Switching DLR trains also allows easy access to Canary Wharf and Tower Hill. DLR trains are well connected to the rest of the Transport for London travel network.

The DLR is ideal for those on a budget. It offers flexibility, frequent services and easy connections to other lines. The DLR also mostly runs overground and so you will get to see a bit of London on your way into the city – look out for the cable cars, O2 arena and London skyline.

This option is particularly suitable for those with light luggage. Families with young children or lots of baggage might find other options more comfortable – although DLR stations are step-free, if you connect to Tube lines, you may find you need to navigate stairs.

The journey time from London City Airport is:

• Approximately 25 minutes to Bank DLR station
• Approximately 20 minutes to Stratford International DLR station
• Approximately 30 minutes to Tower Gateway DLR station
• Approximately 20 minutes to Canary Wharf DLR station
• Times vary depending on your specific destination

Trains depart every four to ten minutes depending on destination. The earliest train from London City Airport is around 5.25am and the last train is around 11.15pm. Check the timetable for precise times.

As of January 2025, a single fare from London City Airport to Bank DLR Station costs £3.70 at peak times (Monday to Friday from 06.30 to 09.30) and £3.00 at all other times when using an Oyster card or contactless payment card (the easiest ways to pay for travel).

Advantages:

1. Cost: Cheap option from London City Airport to central London
2. Connectivity: Connects to the entire London Underground system
3. Frequency: Frequent service
4. Coverage: Stops at many popular tourist destinations in East London directly
5. Convenience: Station is located just outside the airport terminal
6. Step-free: DLR stations all have step-free access

Disadvantages:

1. Coverage: You will need to change to the Tube network for many Central and West London destinations
2. Maintenance: Occasional weekend closures for engineering works
3. Operating hours: First and last train times may not suit very early or late flights.

Bus: local bus services connect London City Airport with destinations in East London

Unlike other London airports, London City Airport isn’t well-connected to major London hubs by bus or coach, save for a bus that runs to Stratford (473). A number of local buses run from London City Airport to destinations in East London, but in general, these are unlikely to be heavily used by tourists. Details of these buses can be found here.

Advantages:

1. Direct routes: Some services offer direct connections to local areas not served by the DLR
2. Availability: The buses are likely to run earlier and later than the DLR

Disadvantages:

1. Travel time: Usually slower than rail options, especially during peak traffic hours
2. Unpredictability: Journey times can vary greatly due to traffic conditions
3. Coverage: Service of local destinations, rather than major tourist hubs
4. Complexity: Routes can be confusing for first-time visitors

Taxi

Taxis offer a direct, door-to-door service from London City Airport to any destination in London. Taxis are ideal for travellers who want to prioritise convenience and comfort, those with lots of luggage or small children, or anyone arriving at unsociable hours when public transport is limited. They’re also good for those unfamiliar with London or travelling to areas not well-served by public transport. However, budget-conscious travellers or those heading to central London during peak hours will find using public transport is more economical and likely faster.

Types of Taxis:

1. London Black Cabs: Iconic, licensed taxis available at ranks outside each terminal
2. Minicabs: Pre-booked private hire vehicles
3. Ride-hailing services: Apps like Uber operate at Heathrow

Taxis will take you directly to any address in London.

The journey time from London Airport by taxi is typically around 30 minutes to central London (depending on time of journey, final destination and traffic) but this can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions and specific destination

The cost of a taxi from Heathrow Airport into London will vary. London Black Cabs charge on the basis of a meter and so the fare will depend on the final destination.

Fares from London City Airport to the Tower of London in a black cab can typically be expected to be in the region of £30-40. The fare to Waterloo might be expected to be in the region of £45-60. Fares may be higher if there are delays or heavy traffic. Ride hailing services such as Uber will vary depending on the time of the ride.

Advantages:

1. Convenience: Door-to-door service with no need to navigate public transport
2. Comfort: Private travel with space for luggage
3. Flexibility: No fixed routes or schedules, 24/7 service
4. Accessibility: Good option for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage
5. Local knowledge: Drivers often provide useful information about the city
6. Direct route: No stops or changes required

Disadvantages:

1. Cost: Generally the most expensive option, especially for long journeys
2. Traffic uncertainty: Journey times can be unpredictable due to London’s traffic
3. Limited passenger capacity: Standard taxis typically seat up to 5 passengers
4. Environmental impact: Less eco-friendly than public transport options

What is the quickest way to get from London City Airport to London?

The quickest way to get from London City Airport to London is typically by the DLR, which takes approximately 25 minutes to Bank station in the City of London.

Your total journey time will vary depending on your starting point in London and your journey to connect with the DLR.

What is the cheapest way to get from London City Airport to London?

The cheapest way to get from London City Airport into London is the DLR (and any connecting Transport for London options, such as the Tube), see above for more details.

What is the easiest way to get from London City Airport to London with children?

If you’re travelling from London City Airport to central London with older children who can easily get themselves on and off public transport and who might be able to help with luggage, then any of the options for travelling into London will be workable for you.

But what if you are travelling with a lot of luggage and/or small children?

If you have a lot of luggage and/or are travelling with younger children then the easiest way to get from London City Airport to London is often a pre-booked private transfer or taxi service. This avoids the hassle of having to navigate public transport with luggage and potentially tired children. While this option is more expensive than public transport, many families find the convenience worth the cost, especially after a long flight.

If you want to try and keep costs down, you could opt to take the DLR to one of its end destinations (for example Bank), and then pick up a taxi from there to your final destination. The advantage of doing this is that the DLR is pretty easy to navigate with children and luggage if you are going to the end of the line (because there’s no need to try and get off quickly) and you therefore reduce the amount of the journey that needs to be done by taxi – note that children under 11 travel free on the DLR.

Ultimately, the best choice for your family depends on your budget, final destination in London, and children’s ages.

Do you have any tips for travelling with children from London City Airport into London? Let others know in the comments.