How to Get to London

Your airport decides your first hour in London more than anything else. Some are close and easy, others are far out and served mainly by low-cost airlines. Check which one you are flying into before you book the cheap ticket.

Heathrow (LHR)

The main international airport, west of the city. The Elizabeth line runs straight through central London, stopping at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street, so it often drops you closest to your hotel. The Heathrow Express is the fastest ride, about fifteen minutes non-stop to Paddington, and costs more. The Piccadilly line is the slowest, about an hour to the West End, and the cheapest. All three accept contactless payment.

Gatwick (LGW)

South of the city. The Gatwick Express runs non-stop to Victoria in about half an hour. Thameslink trains go through London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras, which is more useful if you're staying in the City or near King's Cross, and Southern trains also run to Victoria.

Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN)

Both are north of London and mostly served by budget airlines. From Stansted, the Stansted Express goes to Liverpool Street in under an hour. From Luton, a short automated shuttle, the Luton DART, links the terminal with Luton Airport Parkway station, where fast trains run to St Pancras.

London City (LCY)

Small and close to Canary Wharf, with mainly short European flights. The DLR, London's driverless light railway, connects it to Bank in the City in around twenty minutes.

By Eurostar

Eurostar trains from Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam arrive at St Pancras International, next to King's Cross, with passport checks done before you board. On the way back, arrive well before departure, especially since the EU's new border checks began, and follow the latest advice on your booking.

Getting around

The Tube is the backbone, and walking fills the gaps: Covent Garden to Leicester Square is quicker on foot than by train. Buses are slower but show you the city, especially from the top deck. On Friday and Saturday nights, the Night Tube runs all night on the Victoria, Jubilee, Central, Northern and Piccadilly lines, and night buses cover the rest. Our travel guide explains contactless fares and the daily cap, and our where to stay guide covers which stations to stay near.