Airports Near London
Looking for the nearest airport to London? London is served by several airports located in different directions around the city. With six airports within a 50-mile radius, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here's a quick guide to help you find the one that best suits your travel plans.
What Is the Closest Airport to London?
The closest airport to London is London City Airport (LCY), a medium-sized airport located approximately 7.8 miles (12.5 km) east of the city center. The driving distance is about 9.3 miles (15 km), which typically takes around 29 minutes by car.
If you're looking for better connectivity, the nearest major airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), located about 14.7 miles (23.7 km) west of London in a straight line. The driving distance is around 17 miles (27.3 km), with an average travel time of about 36 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
London City Airport (LCY)
Direct Distance 📏
7.8 miles
12.5 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
9.3 miles
15 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
29 min
Direction ➤
East
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Located 14.7 miles (23.7 km) west of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
14.7 miles
23.7 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
17 miles
27.3 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
36 min
Direction ➤
West
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Located 25.1 miles (40.3 km) south of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
25.1 miles
40.3 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
29 miles
46.6 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
1 h 2 min
Direction ➤
South
Luton Airport (LTN)
Located 27.4 miles (44 km) northwest of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
27.4 miles
44 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
33.9 miles
54.6 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
57 min
Direction ➤
Northwest
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Located 30.3 miles (48.7 km) northeast of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
30.3 miles
48.7 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
36.1 miles
58.2 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
1 h 2 min
Direction ➤
Northeast
London Southend Airport (SEN)
Located 35.6 miles (57.2 km) east of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
35.6 miles
57.2 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
41.3 miles
66.5 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
1 h 11 min
Direction ➤
East
Nearby airports to London
| Airport | Iata Code | Location | Distance | Driving Distance | Driving Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London City Airport | LCY | London | 7.8 mi (12.5 km) | 9.3 mi (15 km) | 29 min | Medium-sized |
| London Heathrow Airport | LHR | London | 14.7 mi (23.7 km) | 17 mi (27.3 km) | 36 min | Large |
| London Gatwick Airport | LGW | London | 25.1 mi (40.3 km) | 29 mi (46.6 km) | 1 h 2 min | Large |
| Luton Airport | LTN | London | 27.4 mi (44 km) | 33.9 mi (54.6 km) | 57 min | Large |
| London Stansted Airport | STN | London | 30.3 mi (48.7 km) | 36.1 mi (58.2 km) | 1 h 2 min | Large |
| London Southend Airport | SEN | Southend | 35.6 mi (57.2 km) | 41.3 mi (66.5 km) | 1 h 11 min | Medium-sized |
| Lydd Airport | LYX | Lydd | 59.8 mi (96.3 km) | 73.8 mi (118.8 km) | 1 h 48 min | Medium-sized |
| RAF Brize Norton | BZZ | Brize Norton | 64.7 mi (104.2 km) | 75.3 mi (121.2 km) | 1 h 44 min | Medium-sized |
| Southampton Airport | SOU | Southampton | 65.8 mi (105.8 km) | 78.7 mi (126.6 km) | 1 h 41 min | Medium-sized |
| Bournemouth Airport | BOH | Bournemouth | 89.8 mi (144.6 km) | 104.4 mi (168.1 km) | 2 h 10 min | Medium-sized |
| Birmingham Airport | BHX | Birmingham | 95 mi (153 km) | 110.7 mi (178.1 km) | 2 h 18 min | Large |
| Norwich Airport | NWI | Norwich | 100.4 mi (161.6 km) | 116.1 mi (186.8 km) | 2 h 34 min | Medium-sized |
| East Midlands Airport | EMA | Nottingham | 104.6 mi (168.4 km) | 115.8 mi (186.4 km) | 2 h 24 min | Medium-sized |
| Nottingham Airport | NQT | Nottingham | 105.5 mi (169.9 km) | 125 mi (201.1 km) | 2 h 37 min | Medium-sized |
| Bristol Airport | BRS | Bristol | 112 mi (180.3 km) | 126.2 mi (203.1 km) | 2 h 43 min | Medium-sized |
| Ostend–Bruges International Airport | OST | Ostend | 130.7 mi (210.3 km) | 166.3 mi (267.6 km) | 3 h 11 min | Medium-sized |
| Le Havre – Octeville Airport | LEH | Le Havre | 136.8 mi (220.1 km) | 283.4 mi (456.1 km) | 5 h 1 min | Medium-sized |
| Cardiff Airport | CWL | Cardiff | 138.7 mi (223.3 km) | 163.9 mi (263.8 km) | 3 h 21 min | Medium-sized |
| Cherbourg – Maupertus Airport | CER | Cherbourg | 141.3 mi (227.4 km) | 399 mi (642.1 km) | 7 h 13 min | Medium-sized |
| Humberside Airport | HUY | Humberside | 143.1 mi (230.2 km) | 172.3 mi (277.3 km) | 3 h 42 min | Medium-sized |
General Airport Travel Tips
- Allow enough time: It's generally recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Check your terminal: Confirm your departure terminal before heading to the airport, especially at larger airports.
- Airport selection: When choosing between multiple airports, consider flight availability, prices, and proximity to your final destination.
- Transportation options: Research transportation options to and from the airport including public transit, taxis, rideshares, or car rentals.
- Check flight status: Always verify your flight status before heading to the airport as schedules can change.
When planning your trip to London, choosing the right airport can help ensure a smoother travel experience. Consider all available options based on your specific needs.