London is served by six main commercial airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend. Together they cover a huge area around the capital, and they are not connected as one airport system.
That matters when you book a flight connection. Arriving at London Heathrow and departing from London Gatwick, for example, means collecting your luggage, travelling across or around London and checking in again at a completely different airport.
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This London airports guide explains the six London airports, which are the biggest and most popular, and the practical options for transferring between every pair of airports.
What Does Our London Airports Guide Cover?
Our London airports guide helps you understand the differences between Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend, and what choosing each airport means for your journey.
In our London airports guide we cover:
- The six airports and their three-letter airport codes.
- Where each airport is located, its relative size and what it is best known for.
- Terminal arrangements and the main public transport links into London.
- Transfer options between all 15 airport pairs, including trains, coaches, taxis and private transfers.
- What changing airports involves, from immigration and collecting luggage to checking in and passing through security again.
- How to plan your connection time, including delays, baggage collection and airline deadlines.
- Accessibility considerations, including step-free routes, assistance and travelling with mobility equipment.
- Planning airport transfers with autistic children, with time for food, breaks and manageable transitions.
- Whether a cheaper flight is still good value once transport, accommodation and the risks of separate tickets are included.
Whether you are choosing an airport for a London visit or connecting between flights, this guide helps you consider the whole journey before booking.
What Are the Six London Airports?
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- London Stansted Airport (STN)
- London Luton Airport (LTN)
- London City Airport (LCY)
- London Southend Airport (SEN)
Only London City Airport is actually within central London’s urban core. Heathrow is on the western edge of Greater London, while Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Southend are farther outside the centre in surrounding counties.
Hopefully this map of the airports in London helps you visualise the true location of the different London airports.
Below we discuss some of the transport options from each airport to get to London, so distance from London does not automatically mean that that airport will be the most difficult journey.
Which is the Biggest Airport in London?
Heathrow is by far the biggest airport in London, and it is also the busiest. It is the UK’s principal international hub and handles substantially more passengers than any of London’s other airports.
Gatwick is London’s second-busiest airport and another major international gateway. Stansted and Luton form the next tier, with large networks that are particularly important for European and low-cost travel.
London City is much smaller but has an exceptionally convenient location for the City of London and Canary Wharf. Southend is the smallest of the six and has a more limited route network.
| Airport | Code | Position | Best known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | LHR | West of central London | UK’s largest international hub and long-haul connections |
| Gatwick | LGW | South of London | Major international, leisure and short-haul airport |
| Stansted | STN | North-east of London | Large European and low-cost network |
| Luton | LTN | North-west of London | Low-cost and European flights |
| London City | LCY | East London | Convenient airport for central and east London |
| Southend | SEN | East of London in Essex | Smaller airport with selected European and leisure routes |
To learn more about the airport codes used above, and about others used by airports and airlines, head to our guide about airport and airline codes.
London Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport (LHR) is London’s main global airport. It is the airport you are most likely to use for a long-haul journey or a connection involving a major international airline.
Heathrow has four passenger terminals: Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Even when both flights use Heathrow, allow time for terminal transfers and follow the airport’s flight-connections process.
Public transport into London includes the Heathrow Express to Paddington, the Elizabeth line and the Piccadilly line. The Elizabeth line is particularly useful for cross-London journeys because it continues through central London towards the east.
Disabled travellers can read my Heathrow Airport accessibility guide and my separate guide to special assistance at Heathrow Airport.
London Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is London’s second-largest airport and lies south of the capital. It has North and South terminals, connected by a free automated shuttle.
Gatwick has excellent rail links. Trains run towards London Victoria, London Bridge, St Pancras International and other destinations. Thameslink services are particularly useful when you need to cross London towards Luton or connect with routes to other airports.
For accessibility information, see my guide to special assistance at Gatwick Airport.
London Stansted Airport
London Stansted Airport (STN) is north-east of London in Essex. It is one of the UK’s major airports for low-cost European travel.
The Stansted Express provides the main rail link towards London Liverpool Street, with services also calling at Tottenham Hale. Coaches are important for airport-to-airport transfers because direct rail routes between Stansted and the other London airports are limited.
My London Stansted special assistance guide explains support available for disabled and autistic passengers.
London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport (LTN) is north-west of London and is another major base for low-cost and short-haul airlines.
The airport itself does not have a conventional mainline railway platform beside the terminal. Rail passengers use Luton Airport Parkway station and the Luton DART automated connection between the station and terminal.
Thameslink trains from Luton Airport Parkway run through central London and continue south towards Gatwick, which makes Luton–Gatwick one of the easier cross-airport transfers by rail.
London City Airport
London City Airport (LCY) is the closest of the six airports to central London. It sits in the Royal Docks, close to Canary Wharf and the City of London.
The airport has its own Docklands Light Railway station. The DLR connects with the wider Transport for London network, making public-transport transfers through east and central London relatively straightforward.
London City is much smaller than Heathrow or Gatwick and serves a narrower range of aircraft and routes, but its location can make it extremely convenient for some journeys.
London Southend Airport
London Southend Airport (SEN) is east of London in Essex and is the smallest of the six airports commonly included in the London airport system.
Southend Airport railway station is beside the terminal. Greater Anglia trains run towards London Liverpool Street, giving the airport a direct rail connection with central London.
Because Southend has fewer flights than the other London airports, an airport change involving Southend can be particularly awkward if your onward flight is from the west or north-west side of London.
Which London Airport Is Most Popular?
Heathrow is the busiest and most internationally significant airport. Gatwick is the second major gateway and is particularly important for leisure, European and long-haul services.
Stansted and Luton are extremely popular with travellers using low-cost airlines and short-haul European routes. London City attracts passengers who value its location, while Southend operates on a much smaller scale.
The “best” London airport therefore depends on your airline, destination and where you need to be in London. An airport with a cheaper fare is not always cheaper overall once airport transfers, extra travel time and accommodation are included.
Changing Airports in London: What You Need to Know
An airport change should be treated as a separate ground journey, not like walking between terminals at one airport.
Unless your airline or ticket specifically states otherwise, expect to pass through immigration where required, collect checked luggage, clear customs, travel to the second airport, check in or drop bags again and pass through security again.
Road traffic, rail disruption, queues and accessibility assistance can all add time. A transfer that looks possible on a journey planner can become risky when it is attached to a fixed flight departure.
For disabled travellers and families with autistic children, build in additional time for toilet breaks, food, sensory regulation, assistance handovers and unexpected changes. Our guide to accessible transport in England provides broader information about getting around.
Heathrow to Gatwick Airport Transfer
Heathrow and Gatwick are on opposite sides of London and there is no direct train between the two airports.
A direct airport coach is often the simplest public-transport option because it avoids carrying luggage across central London. National Express operates coach services between Heathrow and Gatwick, although timetables and terminal stops should be checked for your date.
By rail, one option is the Elizabeth line from Heathrow towards central London, followed by a connection to a Gatwick-bound Thameslink or Southern service. The exact interchange depends on the services running that day. Tools like Rome2Rio can help you plan your journey and changes in more detail.
A taxi or pre-booked private transfer avoids rail changes but road times can vary considerably with traffic.
Heathrow to Stansted Airport Transfer
There is no direct rail service between Heathrow and Stansted. A direct coach can be the easiest option when available because it removes the need to cross central London with luggage. Again, National Express operates a coach between London Heathrow and London Stansted Airport.
For a rail-based journey, use the Elizabeth line from Heathrow towards central London and connect towards Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale for the Stansted Express. Depending on your route, this can involve Underground, Elizabeth line or other TfL connections between stations.
Heathrow and Stansted are far apart, so leave a generous connection window.
Head to our guide to learn more about using a disabled persons railcard in England.
Heathrow to Luton Airport Transfer
There is no direct train from Heathrow Airport to Luton Airport.
By public transport, travel from Heathrow into London and connect with a Thameslink service to Luton Airport Parkway, then use the Luton DART to reach the terminal. The Elizabeth line can form the first part of the journey, with an interchange to Thameslink in central London.
Coach and private-transfer options can avoid station changes, but journey times depend heavily on traffic around the M25 and M1. Again, National Express are running a coach between London Heathrow and London Luton airports.
Heathrow to London City Airport Transfer
The Elizabeth line makes Heathrow to London City one of the more manageable cross-London airport transfers.
Take the Elizabeth line east from Heathrow and change for the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) for London City Airport. Common interchange options depend on the service pattern and can include changing in east London for the Docklands network.
There is no single through train into the London City terminal, but the journey can be completed entirely on the TfL rail network with an interchange.
Heathrow to Southend Airport Transfer
Heathrow to Southend is a long cross-London transfer with no direct train.
A practical rail route is to take the Elizabeth line from Heathrow towards central or east London, connect to Liverpool Street and then take a Greater Anglia train to Southend Airport.
A private road transfer is possible, but it crosses a large part of the London region and can be badly affected by traffic. Build in substantial contingency time.
Gatwick to Stansted Airport Transfer
There is no direct train between Gatwick and Stansted.
One useful rail route is Thameslink from Gatwick Airport towards central London, followed by a connection to the Stansted Express. Depending on the timetable, you can change between the Thameslink corridor and services towards Tottenham Hale or Liverpool Street using the Underground or other TfL services.
Direct coach services are available and can be easier with luggage, although road traffic can make journey times unpredictable. You can check out the coach with National Express to plan your journey from London Gatwick Airport to Stansted.
Gatwick to Luton Airport Transfer
Gatwick to Luton is one of the easiest London airport changes by rail. Thameslink runs direct trains between Gatwick Airport and Luton Airport Parkway.
At Luton Airport Parkway, transfer to the Luton DART for the short journey to the airport terminal.
Although the mainline train is direct, remember to allow time for the DART, airport check-in and security at Luton.
For coaches, National Express again offers a transfer between London Gatwick and Luton Airport.
Gatwick to London City Airport Transfer
There is no direct train from Gatwick to London City Airport, but the journey is reasonably straightforward by rail and DLR.
Take a Thameslink or Southern service from Gatwick into London, then connect across the TfL network to the DLR. Routes via London Bridge and east London can be convenient depending on engineering works and the time of day.
A taxi from a central London rail station can reduce the number of public-transport changes if travelling with substantial luggage or equipment.
For a more detailed breakdown of the bus and coach options between Gatwick and London City, refer to this guide about transferring from Gatwick to London City. You will use either a National Express coach or a FlixBus coach so you can always refer directly to their websites too.
Gatwick to Southend Airport Transfer
Gatwick and Southend are on different sides of London, with no direct rail connection.
Travel from Gatwick into central London by Thameslink or Southern, cross to Liverpool Street and take a Greater Anglia train to Southend Airport.
This is a substantial airport change. A private transfer removes the central London interchange but remains vulnerable to road congestion. There are a number of great private transfer options available via BA Transfer to get from Gatwick to Southend Airport.
Stansted to Luton Airport Transfer
Stansted and Luton look relatively close on a map compared with Heathrow and Gatwick, but there is no simple direct rail link between them.
Coach services are often the most straightforward public-transport option when a suitable direct service is running (you can check out the options between Stansted and Luton via National Express). By rail, the journey usually requires travelling towards London and changing onto Thameslink for Luton Airport Parkway, followed by the Luton DART.
A taxi or private transfer can be attractive for a family group because it avoids travelling south into London before heading north again.
Stansted to London City Airport Transfer
Take the Stansted Express towards London and connect with the TfL network for the DLR to London City Airport.
Routes via Tottenham Hale or Liverpool Street can work, depending on current services. From there, continue through east London and change onto the DLR for London City Airport.
Because both airports are east or north-east of central London, this transfer is generally more logical than Stansted to Heathrow or Gatwick, although it still requires an interchange.
There is also an option to take a coach to a more cental part of London with Flibco, and then take the DLR from there to London City Airport.
Stansted to Southend Airport Transfer
Both airports are in Essex, but there is no direct airport rail link between Stansted and Southend.
By train, you may need to travel towards London and change for the Greater Anglia service to Southend Airport. Depending on the timetable, alternative regional routes can involve several changes and may not be practical with luggage.
A pre-booked taxi or private transfer can be considerably simpler for this airport pair. Check road journey estimates on the day and allow extra time for congestion.
Luton to London City Airport Transfer
Start with the Luton DART from the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway. Thameslink then provides frequent trains through central London.
Change from the Thameslink corridor to the TfL network and continue to London City Airport by DLR. The most convenient interchange can vary according to service changes and accessibility needs.
Buses would require a change somewhere in London, so a private transfer may be the best option if you are travelling with luggage.
Luton to Southend Airport Transfer
Luton to Southend requires crossing the London region from north-west to east.
Take the Luton DART to Luton Airport Parkway, then a Thameslink train into London. Connect to Liverpool Street for a Greater Anglia train to Southend Airport.
There is no direct train, so allow plenty of time for the London interchange and luggage handling.
London City to Southend Airport Transfer
London City and Southend are both east of central London, making this one of the shorter geographic airport changes.
Use the DLR from London City Airport to connect with the rail network towards Stratford or central London, then join a suitable Greater Anglia service for Southend Airport. The exact interchange depends on the train timetable.
A taxi or private transfer is also relatively straightforward compared with journeys from Southend to Heathrow, Gatwick or Luton, although traffic can still vary.
Transfers Between London Airports Guide
| Airport pair | Useful public-transport approach |
|---|---|
| Heathrow–Gatwick | Direct coach, or rail via central London |
| Heathrow–Stansted | Direct coach, or Elizabeth line plus Stansted Express connection |
| Heathrow–Luton | Cross-London rail plus Thameslink and Luton DART |
| Heathrow–London City | Elizabeth line plus DLR |
| Heathrow–Southend | Elizabeth line, then Greater Anglia via Liverpool Street |
| Gatwick–Stansted | Thameslink plus cross-London connection to Stansted Express, or coach |
| Gatwick–Luton | Direct Thameslink to Luton Airport Parkway, then DART |
| Gatwick–London City | Rail into London plus DLR |
| Gatwick–Southend | Rail into London, then Greater Anglia from Liverpool Street |
| Stansted–Luton | Coach where available, or rail via London |
| Stansted–London City | Stansted Express plus TfL/DLR |
| Stansted–Southend | Rail with changes or private road transfer |
| Luton–London City | DART, Thameslink and DLR |
| Luton–Southend | DART and Thameslink, then Greater Anglia |
| London City–Southend | DLR plus Greater Anglia connection |
How Much Time Should You Allow for Transfers Between Airports in London?
There is no single safe minimum because the answer depends on the airport pair, immigration, baggage, check-in deadlines, time of day and whether the flights are protected on one ticket.
Do not plan around the fastest journey time shown by a transport app. That figure does not include getting off the aircraft, border control, waiting for baggage, finding the station or coach stop, delays, check-in at the second airport or security.
For many airport changes, several hours can disappear quickly. If the flights are on separate tickets, missing the second flight because your first flight or ground transfer was delayed can become your personal responsibility rather than that of your airline.
Where possible, avoid tight same-day transfers between different London airports. An overnight stay can be a much more manageable option for families, disabled passengers and anyone arriving after a long-haul flight.
Are London Airport Transfers Accessible?
Many London rail and coach services have accessibility provisions, but an airport-to-airport journey can involve several operators, stations and assistance systems.
If you need step-free travel, wheelchair space, boarding assistance or help with luggage, check every part of the route before travelling. A station being accessible does not necessarily mean that every possible interchange route is equally easy.
Our accessible transport in England guide provides a starting point for planning trains, buses and other public transport. You can also browse Our airport assistance guides for more disability travel information. You can also learn more about assistance on trains in the UK in our guide to Passanger Assist.
London Airport Transfers With Autistic Children
Changing airports can add uncertainty to an already demanding travel day. You may have to move between an aircraft, immigration hall, baggage reclaim, train or coach, a second terminal, security and another departure gate.
For an autistic child, consider whether the saving from a cheaper split-airport itinerary is worth the extra transitions. A direct flight or connection within the same airport may be easier even when it costs more.
If an airport change is unavoidable, show the sequence in advance using a written or visual schedule. Keep familiar food, medication, communication tools and sensory items in hand luggage. Build in time where nobody needs to rush.
Should You Book Flights From Different London Airports?
Sometimes it makes sense. Separate flights through different airports can open up cheaper fares or routes that are not available through one London airport.
Before booking, add up the whole journey. Consider airport-transfer tickets, taxis, possible hotel costs, baggage rules and the risk attached to separate tickets.
A £30 saving on a flight may not be a saving if it creates a long cross-London transfer for several people. For a family carrying luggage, a pushchair or mobility equipment, simplicity can be valuable in its own right.
FAQ About the Six London Airports
How many airports are in London?
London is generally considered to have six main commercial airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend.
Which is the biggest airport in London?
Heathrow is the biggest and busiest London airport. It is also the UK’s principal international aviation hub.
Which London airport is closest to central London?
London City Airport is the closest of the six to central London. It is in the Royal Docks in east London and is connected to the Transport for London network by DLR.
Is there a train between Heathrow and Gatwick?
There is no direct train between Heathrow and Gatwick. You can travel by direct coach, take a private transfer or use rail services with an interchange in London.
Which London airports have a direct train between them?
Gatwick Airport and Luton Airport Parkway are linked by direct Thameslink trains. At Luton Airport Parkway you still need to use the Luton DART to reach the airport terminal.
How much time should I leave to change London airports?
There is no universal safe connection time. Allow for immigration, baggage reclaim, the full ground journey, delays, check-in and security at the second airport. Avoid tight same-day airport changes where possible.
The key thing to remember is that London’s six airports are spread across a very large area. Heathrow and Gatwick dominate in passenger numbers, Stansted and Luton are major short-haul airports, London City offers exceptional proximity to the capital and Southend is the smallest of the group.
When your itinerary involves two different London airports, treat the transfer as a substantial part of the journey. Check live transport schedules before travel, allow far more time than the theoretical journey duration and consider whether an overnight stop would make the connection safer and easier.
Continue Planning Your England Family Trip
- Start with our guide to England with autistic children for practical information to help plan a trip that suits your family.
- Plan your onward journeys with our guide to accessible transport in England, covering support when travelling by train, bus and other transport.
- Read our guide to special assistance at Heathrow Airport to understand how to request support
- Explore our guide to Heathrow Airport’s disabled facilities to help prepare for navigating the airport
- Find out what to expect in our guide to special assistance at Gatwick Airport
- Read about special assistance at London Stansted Airport and planning for hidden disabilities
- Explore our guide to UK airports offering familiarisation visits
- Use our directory of UK airport special assistance information to find the relevant airport’s guidance
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip to The UK
- Read our guides to Scotland with autistic children, including practical tips for visiting the Scottish Borders with neurodivergent kids
- Heading south? Consider visiting Berwick-upon-Tweed or Holy Island with kids
- Exploring Northern Ireland with kids? Find ideas for family days out, travel logistics and more
- Learn the difference between English and Scottish bank notes before your trip to the UK
- Read our guide to bringing medication into the UK, including controlled medicines
Continue Planning Your Europe Trip With Children
- Start with planning your overall Europe family trip
- Consider visiting Denmark with kids for organised cities and reliable transport
- Find out more about Greece with children for island stays, outdoor dining and flexible days out
- Discover what to expect in Paris with autistic children
- Learn more about Switzerland with autistic children for mountain views and calm towns
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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