London City Airport: Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about London City Airport — the closest airport to Central London. Terminal layout, transport options, airlines, and insider tips.
About London City Airport
London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to Central London, located in the Royal Docks area of Newham, just 16km from the City of London. It's the preferred choice for business travellers, offering quick check-in times, a compact terminal, and excellent connections to Canary Wharf and the City.
Unlike Heathrow or Gatwick, London City has a single terminal, making navigation straightforward. The airport handles around 5 million passengers per year and serves destinations across Europe and beyond.
Getting to London City Airport
Private Transfer
RecommendedDoor-to-door service with fixed pricing. Driver meets you at arrivals with a name board. Best option for business travellers and those with luggage.
DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
London City Airport has its own DLR station. Direct service to Bank, Canary Wharf, and connections across East London. Excellent for light luggage.
Elizabeth Line
Change at Whitechapel for the Elizabeth Line. Good for connections to West London and Heathrow.
Taxi (Black Cab)
Black cabs available outside arrivals. Metered fare — can be expensive in traffic. No advance booking needed.
Terminal Layout
London City has a single terminal, which makes it one of the easiest airports to navigate in the UK. The terminal is compact and well-organised:
- Check-in desks are on the ground floor
- Security is fast — typically 10-15 minutes
- Departures lounge has shops, restaurants, and business facilities
- Arrivals hall is on the ground floor with clear signage
- DLR station is directly connected to the terminal
- Private transfer pickup is in the designated area outside arrivals
Airlines at London City Airport
London City serves a range of European and domestic destinations. Key airlines include British Airways, Aer Lingus, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss, and SAS. The airport is particularly strong for business routes to Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Edinburgh.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Arrive 90 minutes before departure — the airport is compact and check-in is fast
- The DLR is the quickest public transport option to Canary Wharf and the City
- Pre-book your transfer for arrivals — the pickup area can get busy
- Business class lounges are available for eligible passengers
- The airport has a steep approach — normal for short-haul aircraft
- Parking is expensive — pre-booked transfers are often better value
Book Your London City Airport Transfer
Fixed price, meet & greet, flight tracking. From £35 to Central London.
View London City Transfers