London City Airport (LCY) is a single-terminal airport conveniently located within 10 kilometers of the city limits, making it one of the most accessible airports in London. There are three methods of transportation available from London City Airport to London Center; taxi, private transfer and train.
Taking aLondon City Airport taxi is convenient and fast. Taxi rides from London City Airport to Central London take around 30 minutes in light traffic. A private London City Airport transfer offers a more personalized service with the same convenience of a door-to-door service as a taxi and lots of extra perks.
A much cheaper alternative is to take the Docklands Light Railway train. This service allows passengers to connect to the London Underground network with stops at several popular stations. This means that this option typically requires at least one change, so it could take around 1 hour to reach your accommodation.
3 options to go from London Airport to city center
It's a good idea to get an Oyster card to get discounts on public trasnportation if you plan to use it during your stay in London.
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How to get from City Airport to the city center by taxi
Black cabs at London City Airport always provide travelers with comfortable and fast services. The taxi fare from London City Airport to Central London is calculated by a taximeter and the travel time to the city center is around 30 minutes in light traffic.
*Remember to always look for the official license sticker on the windshield and the classic white plates on the bumper before you get into aLondon City Airport taxi.
How much is a taxi from London City Airport to London?
The cost of a taxi from London City Airport to London is calculated by a taximeter, based on the distance traveled. The price may vary depending on the exact location of your destination and the current traffic conditions, but you should expect to pay around £40 (€47.40). Keep in mind that this price doesn’t include road tolls or other surcharges such as traveling at night, on weekends, or public holidays.
*It’s worth noting that many chauffeurs and licensed minicab services offer fixed fares if you book your ride in advance. Or, you can pre-book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups and benefit from a competitive rate with no hidden extras and a friendly driver who will give you all the local tips along the way.
Where can I catch a taxi from?
The official taxi rank is located just outside the airport terminal. You’ll easily find black cabs with the tell-tale yellow “TAXI” sign on top lined up and waiting for passengers.
Convenience
Traveling by taxi from London City Airport to London is by far the most convenient option as it’s the only way to get from the airport Arrivals terminal directly to your hotel. There’s no need to worry about getting lost in the city with your family members or the safety of your personal belongings when you travel with a London City Airport taxi.
Useful Tips
Black cabs can carry up to 5 people with a standard suitcase each.
Never accept taxi services from random individuals that approach you at the airport.
Most black taxis in London are wheelchair-accessible.
London City Airport taxis don't offer baby seats, but they don't charge extra if you wish to fit yours.
How to get from London City Airport to London by train
To get from London City Airport to London by train you can use the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) network. This efficient railway system offers convenient and fast services, with direct connections to the London Underground (Tube) and Overground at interchange stations including Woolwich Arsenal (for the Elizabeth Line), Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank.
DLR trains run from London City Airport to Central London approximately every 10 minutes, depending on your destination. The whole journey should take around an hour, as you will probably need to make at least one change to reach your destination.
How much is the train from London City Airport to London?
The cost of your train journey largely depends on your final destination and how many zones you’re traveling through. For example, a single DLR train ticket from City Airport (Zone 3) to the Bank DLR station in Central London (Zone 1) costs £6.70 (€8).
You can buy tickets at the DLR station at City Airport from the ticket desks or from the ticket machines. You can also buy an Oyster card from the ticket desk at DLR station, which gives you a discount on fares.
Cost
€8
Trip Duration
60 Min.
The wait time is between 4 and 10 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The DLR trains run on a daily basis from 05:30 to 00:45 midnight and on Sundays from 07:00 to 23:45 midnight.
Where do I catch the train from?
The Docklands Light Railway station is located inside the airport terminal. Once you’ve collected your baggage, just follow the clearly marked “DLR” signs to the platform.
Convenience
Not only is the DLR train cheap, but it’s also relatively fast, so if you’re traveling 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 located in one of the main financial/business areas of London, you have access to 3 major central tube lines and you can use the same ticket you bought at the airport.
That said, the Tube and Overground train networks can be quite overwhelming, especially if you have to walk between stations to change lines. Once you reach your final stop, you’ll still have to walk to get to your hotel. If you’re visiting London for the first time, to avoid the stress and hassle, we recommend pre-booking a private transfer in advance so that you can relax and enjoy the sights as you’re driven directly to your hotel.
Timetables
DLR Journey Planner
Useful Tips
Children under 11 years old 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.
How to get from from London City Airport to London by private transfer
As London City Airport can often be very busy, especially during the summer, the only way to secure a fast and direct transfer without having to wait is to pre-book a private transfer. Private London City Airport transfers offer comfortable modern vehicles with air-conditioning and complete privacy which is perfect for groups and families.
The journey into the city only takes 30 minutes in light traffic and your English-speaking driver will provide a city mini-tour on the way, pointing out famous London sights and offering local tips to help you get the most out of your holiday.
You’ll also receive an airport meet-and-greet and a guaranteed on-time pick-up. Plus, if you need any help or have any questions, a customer service team is available 24/7.
How much is a private transfer from London City Airport to London?
When you book a private transfer, you benefit from a fixed price that can be paid in advance. This price includes all charges, so you won’t be surprised by additional costs for things like extra luggage, traveling at night or road tolls.
The cost of a private transfer for two people from London City Airport to Central London is £62 (€74), or £77.20 (€92) for a 5-seater sedan.
Your private transfer can be booked and paid for online or via the Welcome Pickups app. Booking is quick and easy, all you have to do is enter your personal details and flight information and select the time and date you’d like to be picked up.
Cost
€74
Trip Duration
30 Min.
*When you book a transfer in advance a vehicle will be waiting for you upon your arrival.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Private transfers can be arranged from London City Airport at any time of day, every day of the year.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
After landing and getting through Baggage Claim and Customs, you’ll enter the Arrivals Hall where your friendly English-speaking driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it. Your driver will then help you and any traveling companions with your luggage as they take you to your pre-selected private vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about waiting in long queues or getting lost.
Convenience
Both taxis and private transfers offer a convenient direct mode of transportation which is ideal for families or those traveling with a lot of luggage. However, private transfers offer greater flexibility, however, and the ability to customize your trio with extras such as baby seats, wheelchair-accessible vehicles and larger vehicles. In addition, drivers are highly trained and know the city well ensuring a safe and seamless ride.
Useful Tips
Since your payment will have been taken care of ahead of time, you won’t need to stress about cash after a long flight, you can simply sit back and relax.
If your flight happens to be early or delayed your driver will be notified so that they can reschedule your pick-up for your new arrival time.
Tipping isn't required or expected for your London private transfer but if you wish to show your appreciation you can do so conveniently through our app.
London Airport private transfers
Powered by Welcome Pickups. Book a trained, English-speaking driver to pick you up for a fixed price with no hidden fees.
How do I get from London City Airport into Central London?
There are three ways to get from London City Airport to London; taxi, private transfer and train. The quickest way is to takel a London City Airport taxi or a private London City Airport transfer, which takes 30 minutes in light traffic. Otherwise, you can take the train which takes around an hour, not including waiting and changing times.
How much is a taxi in London from London City Airport?
Taxis at London City Airport don’t offer fixed fares, so you’ll be charged by a taximeter. The average cost of a taxi ride from London City Airport to Central London is £40 (€47.40), excluding extra charges.
Do trains go from London City Airport?
Yes, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) network provides regular services from London City Airport with connections to the London Underground at Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank stations. The train ticket costs £6.70 (€8) for a ride to Zone 1 from London City Airport to London.
What is the best way from London Airport to the city?
The best way to get from the London City Airport to Central London is by taxi or private transfer, as it takes half the time of the train and is almost as affordable if the cost is shared by a group.
Black cabs at London City Airport always provide travelers with comfortable and fast services. The taxi fare from London City Airport to Central London is calculated by a taximeter and the travel time to the city center is around 30 minutes in light traffic.
*Remember to always look for the official license sticker on the windshield and the classic white plates on the bumper before you get into a London City Airport taxi.
How much is a taxi from London City Airport to London?
The cost of a taxi from London City Airport to London is calculated by a taximeter, based on the distance traveled. The price may vary depending on the exact location of your destination and the current traffic conditions, but you should expect to pay around £40 (€47.40). Keep in mind that this price doesn’t include road tolls or other surcharges such as traveling at night, on weekends, or public holidays.
*It’s worth noting that many chauffeurs and licensed minicab services offer fixed fares if you book your ride in advance. Or, you can pre-book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups and benefit from a competitive rate with no hidden extras and a friendly driver who will give you all the local tips along the way.
Where can I catch a taxi from?
The official taxi rank is located just outside the airport terminal. You’ll easily find black cabs with the tell-tale yellow “TAXI” sign on top lined up and waiting for passengers.
Convenience
Traveling by taxi from London City Airport to London is by far the most convenient option as it’s the only way to get from the airport Arrivals terminal directly to your hotel. There’s no need to worry about getting lost in the city with your family members or the safety of your personal belongings when you travel with a London City Airport taxi.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreTo get from London City Airport to London by train you can use the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) network. This efficient railway system offers convenient and fast services, with direct connections to the London Underground (Tube) and Overground at interchange stations including Woolwich Arsenal (for the Elizabeth Line), Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank.
DLR trains run from London City Airport to Central London approximately every 10 minutes, depending on your destination. The whole journey should take around an hour, as you will probably need to make at least one change to reach your destination.
How much is the train from London City Airport to London?
The cost of your train journey largely depends on your final destination and how many zones you’re traveling through. For example, a single DLR train ticket from City Airport (Zone 3) to the Bank DLR station in Central London (Zone 1) costs £6.70 (€8).
You can buy tickets at the DLR station at City Airport from the ticket desks or from the ticket machines. You can also buy an Oyster card from the ticket desk at DLR station, which gives you a discount on fares.
The DLR trains run on a daily basis from 05:30 to 00:45 midnight and on Sundays from 07:00 to 23:45 midnight.
Where do I catch the train from?
The Docklands Light Railway station is located inside the airport terminal. Once you’ve collected your baggage, just follow the clearly marked “DLR” signs to the platform.
Convenience
Not only is the DLR train cheap, but it’s also relatively fast, so if you’re traveling 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 located in one of the main financial/business areas of London, you have access to 3 major central tube lines and you can use the same ticket you bought at the airport.
That said, the Tube and Overground train networks can be quite overwhelming, especially if you have to walk between stations to change lines. Once you reach your final stop, you’ll still have to walk to get to your hotel. If you’re visiting London for the first time, to avoid the stress and hassle, we recommend pre-booking a private transfer in advance so that you can relax and enjoy the sights as you’re driven directly to your hotel.
Timetables
DLR Journey Planner
Useful Tips
As London City Airport can often be very busy, especially during the summer, the only way to secure a fast and direct transfer without having to wait is to pre-book a private transfer. Private London City Airport transfers offer comfortable modern vehicles with air-conditioning and complete privacy which is perfect for groups and families.
The journey into the city only takes 30 minutes in light traffic and your English-speaking driver will provide a city mini-tour on the way, pointing out famous London sights and offering local tips to help you get the most out of your holiday.
You’ll also receive an airport meet-and-greet and a guaranteed on-time pick-up. Plus, if you need any help or have any questions, a customer service team is available 24/7.
How much is a private transfer from London City Airport to London?
When you book a private transfer, you benefit from a fixed price that can be paid in advance. This price includes all charges, so you won’t be surprised by additional costs for things like extra luggage, traveling at night or road tolls.
The cost of a private transfer for two people from London City Airport to Central London is £62 (€74), or £77.20 (€92) for a 5-seater sedan.
Your private transfer can be booked and paid for online or via the Welcome Pickups app. Booking is quick and easy, all you have to do is enter your personal details and flight information and select the time and date you’d like to be picked up.
Private transfers can be arranged from London City Airport at any time of day, every day of the year.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
After landing and getting through Baggage Claim and Customs, you’ll enter the Arrivals Hall where your friendly English-speaking driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it. Your driver will then help you and any traveling companions with your luggage as they take you to your pre-selected private vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about waiting in long queues or getting lost.
Convenience
Both taxis and private transfers offer a convenient direct mode of transportation which is ideal for families or those traveling with a lot of luggage. However, private transfers offer greater flexibility, however, and the ability to customize your trio with extras such as baby seats, wheelchair-accessible vehicles and larger vehicles. In addition, drivers are highly trained and know the city well ensuring a safe and seamless ride.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€48Starting from 16 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 5 passengers
€59Starting from 11.8 EUR / passenger
Van up to 8 passengers
€71Starting from 8.9 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from London City Airport into Central London?
There are three ways to get from London City Airport to London; taxi, private transfer and train. The quickest way is to takel a London City Airport taxi or a private London City Airport transfer, which takes 30 minutes in light traffic. Otherwise, you can take the train which takes around an hour, not including waiting and changing times.
How much is a taxi in London from London City Airport?
Taxis at London City Airport don’t offer fixed fares, so you’ll be charged by a taximeter. The average cost of a taxi ride from London City Airport to Central London is £40 (€47.40), excluding extra charges.
Do trains go from London City Airport?
Yes, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) network provides regular services from London City Airport with connections to the London Underground at Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank stations. The train ticket costs £6.70 (€8) for a ride to Zone 1 from London City Airport to London.
What is the best way from London Airport to the city?
The best way to get from the London City Airport to Central London is by taxi or private transfer, as it takes half the time of the train and is almost as affordable if the cost is shared by a group.
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