Practical info

London airport to city centre: trains, buses, taxis

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Tower Bridge in London lit up at dusk
Contents

In short: London has five airports. From Heathrow, the Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in about 15 minutes, and the Elizabeth line and the Underground also serve the centre. Gatwick and Stansted have express trains, Luton a shuttle to the station, London City the DLR. From Paris, the Eurostar arrives at St Pancras.

Your options

Heathrow

The Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in about 15 minutes. Slower but handy, the Elizabeth line crosses the centre and the Piccadilly line serves many areas.

Gatwick

The Gatwick Express runs to Victoria; other trains serve London Bridge and St Pancras.

Stansted and Luton

The Stansted Express runs to Liverpool Street. At Luton, a shuttle links the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway station, where trains leave for the centre.

London City

London City Airport, in the east, is served by the DLR light railway, minutes from the Docklands.

The Eurostar from Paris

The train arrives at St Pancras International in about 2 hours 16, right in the centre and well connected to the Underground.

Our tips

  1. Check your arrival airport and terminal: some cities have several, far apart.
  2. Plan the journey before you leave: offline route, hotel address in local script if needed.
  3. Have data from touchdown (eSIM or a suitable plan) to follow your route or call a ride.
  4. Late arrival, kids or big bags: a booked transfer avoids waiting and haggling.
  5. Beware of unofficial drivers approaching travellers in the arrivals hall.

What next?

To choose your area, see Where to stay in London; for sightseeing, Things to do in London. All our tips for the country: Travel in the UK.

Frequently asked questions

What's the fastest way from Heathrow?

The Heathrow Express, which reaches Paddington in about 15 minutes. The Elizabeth line is slower but crosses the centre without changing.

Do I need an ETA to visit London?

Many visitors, including Europeans, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and a passport. Apply on the official UK government website.

Which airport should I choose?

Heathrow is the best connected; Gatwick, Stansted and Luton handle many European flights, with longer journeys to the centre.