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Transfer Options from City Airport to City Centre

London’s City Airport (LCY) is a small airport with one terminal and is conveniently located within the city’s limits, making it one of the most accessible airports in London. There are only 2 methods of transport available from City airport to the city centre of London; taxi and the underground. Taking a London City airport taxi is convenient and quick. Taxi rides to the city centre of London cost around €45 (£40) and take around 30 minutes in light traffic. A much cheaper and surprisingly fast alternative is to take the underground train known as the Tube. Docklands Light Railway train tickets cost only €5.10 (£4.50) and the journey takes only 22 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to London at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €86 30min 24/7
Taxi €45 30min 24/7
Train €10.20 22min 05:30–00:00

How to get from City airport to the city centre by taxi

The black cabs of London city airport always provide travellers with comfortable and quick services. The taxi fare from City airport to the downtown area of London will be calculated by a taximeter based on distance and will be around €45 (£40) when there is light traffic. The average travel time to the city centre is 30 minutes.

Remember to always look for the official windscreen license sticker and the classic white plates on the bumper before you get in a London City Airport taxi.

Taxi fare from City airport to city centre

The cost of a taxi trip from City aiport to the city centre of London is calculated by a taximeter, based on distance. The price may change depending on the exact location of your destination or the level of traffic, but you should expect to pay around €45 (£40).

It’s worth noting that many private taxi companies offer fixed fares if you book your ride in advance.

Cost

€45

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at City airport.

Where do I get it from?

The official taxi ranks can easily be located just outside of the airport’s terminal. You will easily find the black cabs with the tell-tale yellow “TAXI” sign on top.

Convenience

Traveling by taxi is by far the most convenient option as it’s the only mode of transport that will take you from the airport arrival terminal directly to the door of your hotel. There’s no need to worry about your family members, getting lost in the city, or the safety of your personal belongings, when you travel with a City airport taxi.

Editor’s Note

If you're travelling with a group that can split the fare, it is ideal to hire a taxi as the cost will be similar to that of the train.

Useful Tips

Official City airport taxis are black with a yellow "TAXI" light on top.
Never accept taxi services from random individuals that approach you at the airport.
Taxis in London are wheelchair accessible.
City airport taxis don't offer baby seats, but they don't charge extra if you wish to fit yours.

How to get from City airport to the city centre by train

The train system of City airport offers convenient and fast services to the city centre of London via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). This efficient railway system has direct links to the Tube network in the city centre of London through interchange stations such as Canning Town, Stratford and Bank.

DLR trains travel from City airport to the city centre of London every 15 minutes or less and take approximately 22 minutes to reach the tube network in the centre.

How much is the train from City airport to city centre?

A single DLR train ticket from City airport (zone 3) to the Bank DLR station in the city centre of London (zone 1) costs just €5.10 (£4.50).

Tickets can be bought at the DLR station at City airport from the ticket desks or automated ticket machines.

Cost

€5.10

Trip Duration

22 Min.

Waiting time is around 15 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The DLR trains run on a daily basis from 05:30 to 00:00 and on Sundays from 07:00 to 23:30.

Where do I get it from?

The Docklands Light Railway station is located inside the airport’s terminal. Just follow the clearly marked signs saying ‘DLR’ once you pick up your luggage.

Convenience

Not only is the DLR train cheap, but it’s also fast, so if you are travelling on a budget and don’t have a lot of luggage, this is a great transfer option for you. Moreover, once you arrive at the Bank DLR train station, which is in one of the main financial/business areas of London, you will have access to 3 major central tube lines and you can use the same ticket you bought from the airport.

Timetables

Editor’s Note

It is advisable to buy an Oyster card in order to get ticket discounts if you are planning to travel by public transport during your stay in London.

Useful Tips

Children under 11 years of age travel for free.
The DLR station is wheelchair accessible.
If you are transferring at Bank station, be sure to keep your ticket as you can use it to get on your next train.
Check the DLR and tube network maps before you leave the airport so you know which interchange station to get off at.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in London. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from City airport to city centre?

The average price of a taxi ride from City airport to the city centre of London is €45 (£40), however, as there is no set rate for this journey, your fare will be calculated using a taximeter. Without traffic, the journey will take approximately 30 minutes.

How much is a metro ticket from City airport to city centre?

Single DLR train tickets from City airport to the Bank DLR station cost €5.10 (£4.50). Tickets can be bought at the DLR station in City airport, from the ticket desks or automated ticket machines.

How far is it from City airport to the city centre?

City airport is a small, 1 terminal airport which is located within London’s city limits. The distance between City airport and downtown London is approximately 10 km. The journey into the city centre will take 22 minutes by DLR train and around 30 minutes by car or taxi in light traffic.

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