6 Best Airports to Fly into London
If you’re looking for the best airport to fly into London, then you should read this post to find out which airports would ensure a hassle-free trip to London.
London is a famous tourist destination that attracts millions of people all year round. There are six major airports in the city, offering both domestic and international flights around the world.
Choosing the right airport can help you save both your time and money, but it can be challenging if you have never flown to London before.
In this article, we’ll highlight the six best airports for your trip to London. Whether you’re traveling from within the country or from abroad, this list will help you make the right choice.
6 Best Airports to Fly into London
- London Heathrow Airport
- London Gatwick Airport
- London City Airport
- Stansted Airport
- Luton Airport
- Southend Airport
Best Airports to Fly into London
1. London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport is among the busiest and most well-connected airports in London, and it is also the largest one in the U.K. It is located approximately 14 miles west of central London, making it the most convenient airport for long-haul flights.
The airport comprises 4 terminals, each numbered from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5, and it serves more than 80 airlines from different parts of the world. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, and United Airlines are among the top airlines operating at Heathrow.
In addition to being the major airport to fly into London, travelers can also enjoy its array of amenities and services, including free WiFi, ATMs and the best Airport taxi’s for hire.
Once you arrive at Heathrow Airport, there are four different transportation options available to take you to central London. You can choose to take a bus or taxi, which takes approximately one hour, or you can opt for one of the three train options, such as the Underground Piccadilly Line, the Elizabeth Line, or the Heathrow Express.
2. London Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick Airport is one of the busiest international airports in London, situated approximately 30 miles south of central London. Despite not being as large as Heathrow, Gatwick provides easy access to over 200 destinations around the world.
The airport offers a variety of facilities, including restaurants, shops, and free WiFi. These facilities offer travellers convenience like no other.
However, since Gatwick is located quite far from central London, passengers might need to take a train or a bus to get to the city. The National Express and easyBus are two of the most popular bus services that operate from the airport, while the Southern Railway and the Gatwick Express offer affordable train services for those who prefer traveling by train.
3. London City Airport
London City Airport is an international airport located in London. It is situated closest to the London City center, making it one of the most convenient airports to fly into London.
It houses some of the best airlines such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic and also offers a range of amenities to make your journey into London smooth and comfortable. In the airport, you will find a Bureau de Change, ATM, restaurants, cafes, and shopping stores. Passengers can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options.
One of the best things about London City Airport is the ease of transportation to and from the airport. As it is closely situated to Central London, travellers can choose to take a bus, taxi, or train into the city.
For travellers who prefer a train ride into London, the airport is linked directly to the London Underground network, and trains are available every eight to fifteen minutes. So, you can get to your destination just as quickly as you’re cleared at the airport.
If you’re traveling to London on a business trip, London City Airport is an ideal option due to its proximity to many business districts.
4. Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport is the third largest airport in London. It is the main airport for Ryanair and other affordable airlines. Stansted Airport is situated approximately 64km northeast of London and has an extensive reach across the world, operating flights within Europe, North Africa, Central and North America. It is located close to central London and is perfect for travellers whose destination is in the city center.
In addition to providing a convenient way for travelers to reach central London, the Stansted also offers an excellent airport service, comfortable seating and amenities such as Wi-Fi and refreshments.
If you’re planning to travel into London through Stansted Airport, you’ll be delighted to know that there are also shops, bars, and restaurants in the airport. So, you can grab a quick bite or do some last-minute shopping once you arrive in London.
For travelers heading towards central London, the Stansted Express is the fastest way to get there.
5. Luton Airport
Luton Airport is a popular international airport located 28 miles north of London. It is currently one of the busiest airports in the UK, serving millions of travellers every year.
The airport houses a wide range of airlines, including low cost airlines that offer cheap flights to many destinations across Europe and beyond.
Luton airport has a single terminal which offers a range of facilities and services to passengers. These include clothing stores, restaurants, cafes, and bars, perfect for travellers who want to shop or dine when they arrive in London.
One of the most popular ways to get into London from Luton Airport is by train. There is a train station located within the airport, which provides regular transportation services to London and other parts of the UK.
6. Southend Airport
Southend Airport is a small regional airport situated in Essex. Although it is one of the smallest airports, it is a popular gateway for passengers travelling to London and the surrounding areas. The airport is located east of London city and it is regarded as a London airport because of its proximity to the city. It primarily operates within Europe so it is one of your best options if you’re travelling from a European city into London.
In recent years, Southend airport has undergone major renovations, with new and improved technology and facilities in its terminal.
Currently, only three low-cost airlines operate at Southend Airport and they are EasyJet, BHAir, and Aeroitalia. These airlines offer domestic and international flights to various destinations across Europe.
Passengers at Southend Airport can enjoy several amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cafes. Additionally, the airport has numerous facilities for disabled passengers and families.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing an airport to fly into London, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each airport has its own unique features and services for travelers.
So, take some time to weigh your options before choosing the airport that best suits your needs.
