Which London Airport Is Closest?
London has five main airports, and the closest one depends on where you are staying. The table shows the road distance from each airport to the main hotel and business areas, measured on the same route our booking engine prices.
Road distance by area
| Area | Heathrow | Gatwick | Stansted | Luton | London City | Closest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayfair | 26 km | 89 km | 66 km | 53 km | 16 km | London City, then Heathrow |
| Kensington | 23 km | 85 km | 78 km | 59 km | 19 km | London City, then Heathrow |
| St James’s | 27 km | 89 km | 64 km | 54 km | 15 km | London City, then Heathrow |
| Covent Garden | 28 km | 84 km | 64 km | 55 km | 15 km | London City, then Heathrow |
| Marylebone | 30 km | 91 km | 76 km | 52 km | 16 km | London City, then Heathrow |
| St Pancras | 31 km | 84 km | 57 km | 52 km | 15 km | London City, then Heathrow |
| London Bridge | 32 km | 81 km | 61 km | 58 km | 11 km | London City, then Heathrow |
| Canary Wharf | 35 km | 76 km | 56 km | 87 km | 6 km | London City, then Heathrow |
What the table shows
- London City is the closest airport to almost everywhere in central London, but it serves mainly European and domestic routes with smaller aircraft.
- Heathrow is the closest major long-haul airport to the west and centre – Kensington, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Marylebone.
- Gatwick lies south of London and is the furthest of the five from most central areas.
- Stansted and Luton are north of London; they are closer to King’s Cross, the City and Marylebone than Gatwick is.
Distance is not everything
Flight times, airlines and fares matter as much as the drive. Once you have chosen your flight, the fare from that airport to your address is on the booking form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the distance the same in both directions?
Very close. One-way streets and motorway junctions can make one direction a little longer, so the fare can differ slightly.
Is the price per person?
No. You pay once for the whole vehicle, whether one person travels or the car is full.