Quick Summary
London City Airport (LCY) is a compact, fast airport in East London's Royal Docks — outside the Congestion Zone but inside the ULEZ. With just one terminal, quick check-ins, and short walking distances, LCY is ideal for business and leisure travellers who value speed. London Airport Taxi is a TfL-licensed private hire operator (rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews) offering fixed-fare transfers to and from LCY from £15, with DBS-checked drivers, meet & greet, and real-time flight monitoring.
London City Airport (LCY) may be one of the UK's smallest airports, but frequent flyers swear by its speed and convenience. Tucked into East London's Royal Docks, LCY feels more like a private terminal than a major hub. It's especially popular with business travellers and anyone who appreciates short walking distances, fast security, and quick check-ins.
This guide explains how to get to London City Airport, taxi costs with London Airport Taxi, DLR and Tube connections, airlines, destinations, airport facilities, and answers to every commonly searched query.
Where Is London City Airport?
London City Airport is located in the Royal Docks, within the Borough of Newham in East London — a few miles from Canary Wharf and roughly 10 km (6 miles) east of the City's financial district. The address is Hartmann Road, London, E16 2PX.
- Congestion Zone: No — London City Airport is outside the Congestion Zone. Drivers heading straight to or from the airport will not be charged the congestion fee.
- ULEZ: Yes — LCY is within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Vehicles must meet emissions standards or pay the £12.50 daily charge. London Airport Taxi's fleet is fully ULEZ-compliant.
How to Get to London City Airport
1. The Easiest Option: A Pre-Booked Taxi
If you're on a tight schedule or prefer avoiding the Tube shuffle, a pre-booked taxi with London Airport Taxi is the most convenient option. As a TfL-licensed private hire operator rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews, all transfers include DBS-checked drivers, fixed fares with no surge pricing, and door-to-door service.
- Direct door-to-door travel — no transfers or platform changes
- Comfortable for families, elderly travellers, or business passengers
- Available 24/7, including early mornings and late nights
- Meet-and-greet at LCY arrivals with real-time flight monitoring
- 30 minutes of complimentary waiting time for airport pickups
- Free cancellation with every booking
Taxi Fare Table — To/From London City Airport
Example fares for popular routes to and from London City Airport (LCY) with London Airport Taxi. All fares are fixed at booking — no surge pricing. See our full London City Airport taxi prices page for complete fleet pricing.
| Route | Average Fare (£) |
|---|---|
| Central London → LCY | £35–£50 |
| Stratford → LCY | £20–£25 |
| Canary Wharf → LCY | £15–£20 |
| Heathrow → LCY | £70–£90 |
| Gatwick → LCY | £100–£120 |
| Luton → LCY | £90–£110 |
| Stansted → LCY | £80–£100 |
2. DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
The DLR is a fast, reliable way to reach the airport, stopping right outside the terminal at London City Airport station.
- Bank → LCY: Direct service, approximately 22 minutes
- Stratford → Canning Town → LCY: One change at Canning Town, clearly signposted
- Woolwich Arsenal → LCY: Direct southbound service
Tip: The transfer at Canning Town is quick and straightforward, with clear signage. Most travellers find the DLR ride to the airport surprisingly scenic, especially passing through Docklands.
3. Tube (London Underground)
There's no Tube station directly at LCY, but you can easily reach it by connecting to the DLR. The fastest route is Jubilee Line to Canning Town, then DLR to London City Airport.
4. Bus
Local buses connect LCY to nearby areas: the 474 connects to Canning Town and Manor Park, the 473 goes to Stratford and North Woolwich, and the 129 runs to Lewisham.
5. Driving to London City Airport
Driving is convenient if you have luggage or are travelling in a group. Short-stay and long-stay parking are available, ULEZ charges apply, and a small drop-off fee may apply (check the airport website for current charges).
How Far Is London City Airport From…
| Location | Distance | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Central London | 10 miles | 25–30 mins |
| Heathrow Airport | 25 miles | 60–70 mins |
| Gatwick Airport | 50–55 miles | 70–90 mins |
| Stansted Airport | 35–40 miles | 50–60 mins |
| Luton Airport | 45 miles | 70–90 mins |
Which Airlines Fly From London City Airport?
London City Airport serves primarily European business and leisure routes. Major airlines operating from LCY include British Airways (extensive EU routes), KLM (Amsterdam hub connections), Lufthansa (Frankfurt), Swiss International Air Lines (Zurich), Luxair (Luxembourg), ITA Airways (Milan), LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw), Aer Lingus (Dublin), Air Dolomiti (Italian regional), Aurigny (Channel Islands), Iberia (Madrid), and Loganair (UK regional routes).
Where Can You Fly From London City Airport?
Popular destinations from LCY include Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich, Luxembourg, Dublin, Edinburgh, Milan, Berlin, Rotterdam, and Dusseldorf. These routes make LCY a top pick for quick European city breaks or efficient business hops, especially when time is tight and Heathrow feels like too much hassle.
London City Airport — Key Facts
- How early to arrive: 90 minutes before domestic and European flights, 2 hours before long-haul flights. Arriving more than two hours early isn't recommended as it can lead to crowding.
- Terminals: Just one terminal — easy to navigate and never overwhelming. Check-in desks on the ground floor, security and departure gates upstairs.
- Lounges: Yes, LCY has lounges (though no dedicated British Airways lounge). The lounge offers cosy seating, big windows overlooking the runway, and a calm atmosphere.
- History: Built 1986–1987, officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1987.
- How busy: Generally quieter than Heathrow or Gatwick, though it gets busier during weekday mornings and early evenings with business travellers.
- Opening times: Monday–Friday 04:45–22:00, Saturday 04:45–13:00, Sunday 10:30–22:00. Public holidays 06:45–22:30. Closed 25 December.
- Ownership: Macquarie Asset Management holds a 75% stake; the remaining 25% is owned by Wren House Infrastructure (Kuwait Investment Authority).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is London City Airport located?
London City Airport is located in the Royal Docks, within the Borough of Newham in East London, at Hartmann Road, London, E16 2PX. It sits approximately 6 miles east of the City of London financial district and just a few miles from Canary Wharf. The airport is easily accessible by DLR (London City Airport station), taxi, and bus. London Airport Taxi, a TfL-licensed operator rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews, provides fixed-fare transfers from £15.
Is London City Airport in the Congestion Zone?
No, London City Airport is outside the Congestion Zone. Drivers heading directly to or from the airport will not be charged the daily congestion fee (currently £15). However, if your journey passes through the Congestion Zone (Central London, roughly within the area bounded by the inner ring road), the charge will apply during charging hours. London Airport Taxi's DBS-checked drivers plan routes to minimise unnecessary zone crossings wherever possible.
Is London City Airport in the ULEZ zone?
Yes, London City Airport is within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which now covers all London boroughs. Non-compliant vehicles are charged £12.50 per day. London Airport Taxi's entire fleet is fully ULEZ-compliant, so there is no additional charge for passengers using our service. All drivers are TfL-licensed, DBS-checked, and familiar with ULEZ boundaries and exemptions.
How much does a taxi to London City Airport cost?
Taxi fares with London Airport Taxi start from £15 for nearby routes like Canary Wharf to LCY, rising to £35–£50 from Central London and £70–£120 for inter-airport transfers (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted). All fares are fixed at booking with no surge pricing and no hidden charges. The service includes meet-and-greet at arrivals, 30 minutes of complimentary waiting time, and real-time flight monitoring. See our full LCY taxi prices page.
How early should I arrive at London City Airport?
Plan to arrive 90 minutes before domestic and European flights, and 2 hours before long-haul flights. LCY's compact single-terminal layout means security is typically fast — often under 15 minutes outside peak times. Arriving more than two hours early is not recommended as it can lead to unnecessary crowding and limited seating in the departure area. London Airport Taxi's DBS-checked drivers factor in traffic and departure time to ensure on-time arrival.
Does London City Airport have lounges?
Yes, London City Airport has lounges available for passengers, though there is no dedicated British Airways lounge. The main lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and large windows overlooking the runway — a calm space for relaxing before your flight. Access can be booked in advance or purchased on the day. The lounge is located airside after security, so it's easily accessible once you've cleared the typically quick security process.
What are the best ways to get to London City Airport?
The easiest and most convenient option is a pre-booked taxi with London Airport Taxi — TfL-licensed, DBS-checked drivers provide direct door-to-door service with fixed fares from £15. The DLR is also excellent, with London City Airport station right outside the terminal (22 minutes from Bank). The Jubilee Line connects to the DLR at Canning Town. Local buses (129, 473, 474) serve nearby areas. For drivers, short-stay and long-stay parking are available, though ULEZ charges apply.
Summary
London City Airport is the fastest, most hassle-free London airport for European business and leisure travel. Whether you're flying to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Dublin, LCY's compact terminal, quick security, and excellent transport links make it the smart choice when time matters. London Airport Taxi is TfL-licensed, rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews, and operates 24/7 with DBS-checked drivers. Book your London City Airport taxi online now for an instant fixed-price quote.
