London Airports Comparison: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted & More
Planning a trip to London and trying to figure out which airport to fly into? This London airports comparison covers all six of the city's airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend — on location, flight options, train links and cost, so you can pick the right one before you book.
Full London Airports Comparison Table
| Airport | Distance from Central London | Terminals | Best for | Fastest train |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow (LHR) | ~15 miles (West London) | 4 | Long-haul & international flights | Heathrow Express – 15 mins to Paddington |
| Gatwick (LGW) | ~28 miles (South) | 2 | Leisure & broad flight choice | Gatwick Express – ~30 mins to Victoria |
| Stansted (STN) | ~40 miles (Northeast) | 1 | Low-cost European flights | Stansted Express – ~48 mins to Liverpool Street |
| Luton (LTN) | ~35 miles (North) | 1 | Budget European flights | Luton Express – ~30–40 mins to St Pancras |
| London City (LCY) | ~7 miles (East) | 1 | Business & short-haul trips | DLR – direct to Bank/Canary Wharf |
| Southend (SEN) | ~42 miles (East, further out) | 1 | Niche low-cost routes | Greater Anglia – ~53 mins to Liverpool Street |
Heathrow: The International Hub
Heathrow handles the widest range of long-haul and international routes of any London airport, backed by full-service airlines, four terminals and the fastest express train in the city — 15 minutes to Paddington. It suits travellers arriving from overseas or connecting onward, though its size means more walking and busier queues than the smaller airports.
Gatwick: The Balanced Option
South of the city, Gatwick mixes leisure, European and select long-haul flights with a simple two-terminal setup. Direct trains to Victoria, London Bridge and St Pancras make it a practical choice if you're staying in Central or South London and want more flight variety than a purely budget airport.
Stansted and Luton: The Budget Airports
Stansted and Luton both specialise in low-cost European routes. Stansted connects to Liverpool Street via its express train; Luton links to St Pancras. Both sit further from the centre than Heathrow or Gatwick, so the longer transfer should be weighed against any airfare savings.
London City: Closest to the Centre
London City is the smallest and closest airport to Central London, just a DLR ride from Bank and Canary Wharf. It mainly serves shorter European and business routes, making it a strong pick for quick trips that don't need Heathrow's scale.
Southend: The Fallback Option
Southend is the furthest out and carries the fewest routes of the six. It's worth checking only if your specific flight happens to operate from there.
How to Use This London Airports Comparison When Booking
- Match the airport to your route. Long-haul points to Heathrow; short-haul opens up all six.
- Check your accommodation's nearest station. A direct Thameslink or Elizabeth line connection can beat a "closer" airport with a slower rail link.
- Compare total journey cost, not just airfare. Add train, coach or taxi fares before deciding a budget airport is actually cheaper.
- Consider group size. A pre-booked private transfer often works out more convenient — and cost-effective per person — than several separate rail tickets.
- Check timetables for late or early flights. Express trains don't run 24 hours; coaches and taxis fill the gap.
For a closer look at the three airports travellers compare most often, this London airports comparison of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted breaks down terminals, journey times and which one suits which part of the city.
Final Thoughts
There's no universal "best" airport among London's six — only the one that best fits your flight, budget and final destination. Heathrow and Gatwick offer the broadest flight choice with strong rail links, Stansted and Luton suit budget European travel, London City is unbeatable for proximity on short trips, and Southend remains a niche fallback. Use this comparison to match the airport to your actual trip rather than assumptions about which is "best."
Frequently Asked Questions
How many airports serve London? London is served by six airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend.
Which London airport has the most flights? Heathrow handles the highest passenger volume and the widest international route network of London's airports.
Which London airport is cheapest? Stansted and Luton generally offer the lowest airfares due to their concentration of budget airlines, though transfer costs into Central London should be factored in.
Which London airport is closest to the city centre? London City Airport is closest, at around 7 miles from Central London.
Which London airport should I choose for a family trip? Heathrow and Gatwick offer the most rail options for families, though a pre-booked private transfer can be easier than managing luggage across train changes, regardless of the airport.
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