We break down the best and worst London airports for speed, convenience, cheap flights, and more.
Londonis a city known for its diversity in people, in food, in neighborhoods.
And even in airports.
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There are six different airports that service the city.
But none of them are the same.
Most people will know of London Heathrow, but what about London City or Southend?
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Best for:Choice.
Practically every major airline flies here.
Theres a wide selection of dining and shopping options.
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Worst for:Speed at immigration.
It can get very congested.
How to get there:
TheHeathrow Expressis the fastest link between the airport and the city center.
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Trains take about 15 minutes between the airport and Paddington train station.
But if you book tickets well in advance, they can be found as cheaply as 5.50.
The TfL Railalso runs between Heathrow and Paddington but takes about 15 minutes longer than the Heathrow Express.
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A one-way trip will cost 10.50.
One ride on the underground costs 3.10.
A taxi to central London from Heathrow usually costs between 45 and 70.
It generally takes about an hour to drive to the airport, depending on traffic.
Its located about 30 miles south of central London in West Sussex.
Best for:Speed.
Gatwicks got a swift security process and, thanks to automatic gates, immigration lines tend to move fast.
Worst for:Budgeters.
The airport wont let you to your gate until just before boarding time.
There are several public train options to get to Gatwick.
TheGatwick Expresstakes passengers from the airport to central Victoria Station in 15 minutes.
One-way fare costs 9.70.
Travel time is anywhere from 35 to 50 minutes, depending on where youre coming from.
National Express bus serviceoperates from Gatwick to Victoria bus station in about a half-hour.
Coach service starts at 10.
Book in advance online to save.
A taxi between central London and Gatwick will likely cost at least 50 and take about one hour.
Its best advised to book in advance to get the best rate.
Its connected to the airports southern terminal by walkway so you dont have to brave the elements.
TheSofitel London Gatwickoffers a generous noontime checkout and a slew of dining options on site.
Double rooms are available from 119 per night.
London Stansted Airport
If youre flying a budget airline, youll likely be headed to Stansted.
Its the fastest-growing airport in London and last year saw25 million passengersthrough its terminal.
Stansted is located about 35 miles northeast of London.
Best for:Cheap connections to Europe
Worst for:Killing time.
There isnt much by way of shopping or distractions.
If you book well in advance, tickets can cost as low as 7.
National Express busesrun from several points in London, starting at 3.50 one-way.
It will take about 50 minutes, depending where youre starting from.
A typical taxi journey from the city center to the airport will cost around 55.
Stay in an airport hotel that has a vibe of anything but.
TheLinden Houseis located only 10 minutes drive from the airport but feels steeped in history.
The boutique hotel has cosy English vibes, available from only 99 per night.
London Luton Airport
If youre flying throughLuton, youre likely flying somewhere else in Europe.
Best for:Cheap access to mainland Europe.
You cant beat a lot of the fares out of here.
Worst for:Parking.
Although the airport is undergoing renovations, you have to leave your car quite a ways away.
Theres also a bus from London Victoria station that runs to Luton Airport for 12.
It takes about an hour and a half to complete the journey.
A taxi will take about an hour and will cost about 70.
Rooms are available from 64 per night.
Budgeters can stay at theHotel ibis London Luton, located a 10-minute walk away from the departures terminal.
Its available from 35 per night.
Best for:Quick and cheap city access.
This is one of Londons airports where a taxi journey is actually reasonable.
Worst for:Long distances.
The only non-European destination currently on offer at the airport is New York City.
At their least frequent, trains from London City Airport depart every 15 minutes.
A train calledthe DLRruns from the airport and will get you into the city center in about 20 minutes.
If you use an Oyster card, it will only cost 3.30.
Typical taxi ratesto the city center start around 30.
Aloft London Exceloffers easy access to both London City Airport and the city of London itself.
Theres plenty to do with an on-site pool, karaoke room and live entertainment venue space.
The hotel is located a five-minute drive from London City Airport.
London Southend Airport
Londoners have mixed feelings about Southend.
Its located in Essex, 36 miles from the city center, which can make people wary.
But its also been votedthe best airport in the capital.
If youre willing to make the trek, you could find a surprisingly pleasant experience.
Best for:Experience.
Youre most likely to have a hassle-free pass from the doors to your gate here.
Worst for:Distance.
Its a bit of a trek from the city center.
There aretwo trains from Londonthat will get you to Southend.
From London Liverpool Street Station, the train will take 53 minutes and cost 16.70.
To get to Stratford Station east of the city center, it will take 44 minutes and 13.60.
An officialtaxi will cost 110and will likely take over an hour.
To get as close to the airport as possible, book a night at theHoliday Inn.
Its located just a few minutes walk from the airport so you never need worry about traffic.
