London City Airport (LCY): A Complete Travel Guide
Overview of London City Airport
London City Airport (LCY) is the most centrally located airport in the capital, situated in the Royal Docks in East London, around 6 miles from the City of London and 3 miles from Canary Wharf. It opened in 1987 and has since grown into one of the busiest airports for business travel.
What makes London City Airport stand out is its compact size and efficiency. Unlike larger airports such as Heathrow or Gatwick, LCY is easy to navigate, with short walking distances between check-in, security, and boarding gates. Most travelers can move from the entrance to their departure gate in under 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most convenient airports in London.
Destinations from London City Airport
Although smaller than other London airports, London City Airport serves a wide range of short-haul destinations and select long-haul connections.
Domestic flights – Frequent services to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast.
European hubs – Key routes to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Milan.
Seasonal and leisure destinations – Popular holiday spots in Spain, France, and Italy.
Business routes – Designed to suit financial professionals, with flights to major European business centers multiple times a day.
The airport’s focus on European and business travel makes it a preferred choice for those working in banking, finance, and technology sectors based in Canary Wharf and the City of London.
Getting to London City Airport (LCY)
Reaching LCY is straightforward due to its central location and excellent transport links.
By DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
The DLR provides direct connections between London City Airport and central London. Trains run every 8–15 minutes, linking LCY with Bank, Stratford, Canary Wharf, and London Bridge. The journey from Bank takes around 20 minutes, making it one of the fastest ways to reach the airport.
By Bus
London City Airport is served by several bus routes:
473 – to Stratford, Silvertown, and North Woolwich.
474 – to Canning Town, Beckton, and East Ham.
These options are more budget-friendly but take longer than the DLR.
By Car or Private Transfer
The airport is accessible via the A1020 and A13. Travelers can choose between short-stay and long-stay parking, but many prefer the convenience of a pre-booked private transfer. A minicab or chauffeur service provides door-to-door transport, especially useful for travelers with heavy luggage or those traveling in groups.
By Bike or Walking
For locals, cycling and walking to LCY are also options, with dedicated cycle racks and pedestrian-friendly routes around the Royal Docks.
Facilities at London City Airport
Though smaller than Heathrow or Gatwick, LCY offers a full range of traveler-friendly facilities:
Quick check-in and security: Designed for efficiency, with fast-track options available.
Dining and refreshments: Cafés, bars, and restaurants serving international cuisine and snacks.
Shopping: Duty-free stores offering travel essentials, fashion, and luxury items.
Lounges: Business-class lounges with Wi-Fi, quiet areas, and workspace facilities.
Accessibility services: Step-free access and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility.
Car rental desks: Available in the arrivals hall for onward journeys.
Who Should Use London City Airport?
London City Airport is ideal for:
Business travelers – particularly those heading to European cities for meetings or conferences.
Short-haul passengers – traveling within Europe or to select domestic destinations.
Solo travelers or couples – with hand luggage or minimal baggage.
On the other hand, travelers with large families, groups, or multiple suitcases may find larger airports like Heathrow or Gatwick better suited due to bigger aircraft and wider baggage allowances.
Tips for Traveling via London City Airport
Arrive Early but Not Too Early – Since LCY is efficient, arriving 1–1.5 hours before departure is usually enough.
Check Airline Baggage Restrictions – Aircraft using LCY are smaller, which may mean stricter weight or size limits.
Pre-Book Parking or Transfers – If you’re driving, book your space early to save money. If not, arrange a minicab in advance for a stress-free journey.
Travel Light When Possible – Hand luggage-only trips allow you to pass through LCY even faster.
Use the DLR for Speed – It’s one of the quickest and most reliable ways to get to the airport, especially during rush hour.
Final Thoughts
London City Airport (LCY) is the airport of choice for convenience, speed, and proximity to central London. It’s best suited for business travelers and short-haul trips across the UK and Europe. With excellent public transport links via the DLR, quick check-in and security, and modern facilities, LCY offers a smooth travel experience compared to larger, busier airports.
Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, London City Airport makes getting in and out of London simple and stress-free.
