London City Airport (LCY) is in the Royal Docks, making it the most central airport in London. Located six miles from the City and three miles from Canary Wharf, it is a primary gateway for the financial industry. Its runway is surrounded by water, offering one of the world’s most scenic approaches.
In 2021, London City Airport (LCY) became the first major international airport managed entirely by a remote digital tower. Although a 50-meter mast with 16 high-definition cameras sits at the airport, controllers guide planes from the NATS center in Swanwick, Hampshire—115 miles away.
This guide provides the most efficient routes to the London City Airport terminal. Because LCY is central, you can choose between high-speed rail, road, or bus based on your budget and schedule. With direct links to the DLR and the Elizabeth Line, the airport is highly accessible.
The following sections detail every transport mode, from the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and local buses to luxury chauffeur services for door-to-door travel. This roadmap ensures you arrive at the Royal Docks on time and prepared for your flight.
How to Go to London City Airport Terminal? 2 Popular & Shortcut Routes
London City Airport (LCY) is in the Royal Docks, East London, making it more accessible than other major airports. It features a compact terminal and a unique digital control tower located 115 miles away. This guide outlines the two best routes to the terminal: the fastest rail connection and the most comfortable private transport option.
- The DLR (Docklands Light Railway): The DLR is the primary rail link to London City Airport. The airport station is attached to the terminal, allowing passengers to reach check-in desks in minutes. Trains run every 8 to 15 minutes, and fares are payable via Oyster, contactless card, or mobile device. To reach the terminal, board a train on the “Woolwich Arsenal” branch. From Bank Station, the journey takes approximately 22 minutes. Travelers from North or East London can take the DLR from Stratford and change at Canning Town; this transfer typically involves simply crossing the platform.
- The Elizabeth Line Connection: The Elizabeth Line significantly reduces travel time across London. Passengers can take high-speed trains to Custom House or Canary Wharf to shorten their commute from Heathrow, Paddington, or the West End. From Canary Wharf, you can transfer to the DLR at nearby Poplar or Heron Quays. If exiting at Custom House, the airport is a 10-minute bus ride (Route 474) or a short taxi journey. Switching to the DLR at Stratford or Canning Town is generally the most direct rail-to-rail path, typically reaching the Royal Docks in under 45 minutes from Central London.
Transport Options For London City Airport Transfer
London City Airport (LCY) is more central than Heathrow or Gatwick, located in the heart of East London. Here, you’ll find the most efficient transport options—from the DLR to private transfers—to help you reach the Royal Docks terminal on time and avoid traffic or navigation delays.
Professional Chauffeur or Private Hire London
A professional London chauffeur provides door-to-door service, eliminating the need to carry luggage through stations or manage train transfers. Premium services include a dedicated vehicle and a driver who monitors flights and traffic in real-time to adjust for delays. This allows you to work or relax while remaining on schedule.
Pre-booking a chauffeur is more reliable than using standard taxis or rideshare apps, especially during peak hours. Unlike apps that may have surge pricing or last-minute cancellations, a pre-booked service offers a guaranteed pickup time and transparent rates. These drivers specialize in airport transfers and know the most efficient drop-off points at the Royal Docks terminal for fast entry.
Using the London Underground and DLR
For travel from the West End or South London, take the Jubilee Line to Canning Town and transfer to the DLR. The journey from Canning Town to London City Airport takes less than ten minutes. This is a common route for commuters due to the Jubilee Line’s speed and frequency.
London City Airport is in Fare Zone 3. You can pay by tapping in and out with an Oyster card, contactless bank card, or mobile payment app. The system automatically calculates the lowest fare and applies daily price caps. Always remember to tap out at the airport station to avoid “incomplete journey” fees.
Arriving by Public Bus
Two main bus routes serve the terminal: the 473 and 474. Route 473 connects the airport with Stratford, Plaistow, and Prince Regent. Route 474 links the airport to Canning Town, North Woolwich, and Manor Park. These routes are useful alternatives during rail maintenance.
Allow extra time during rush hours as traffic near the Silvertown Tunnel, and A1020 can cause delays. London buses are cashless; pay via contactless card or Oyster. A single fare is £1.75, and the “Hopper Fare” allows unlimited bus transfers within one hour for the price of one journey.
Driving and Parking at the Royal Docks
London City Airport is accessible via the A13 and A1020. It is outside the Congestion Charge zone, but ULEZ standards still apply. The terminal is well-signposted from the main Royal Docks approach.
The Short-Stay car park is a few minutes’ walk from the terminal, suitable for drop-offs or single-day travel. The Long-Stay car park offers lower rates for multi-day trips. Book online in advance to guarantee a space and access discounted rates compared to drive-up prices.
Expert Opinion For Choosing the Best Route
The best route to London City Airport depends on your budget and schedule. The DLR is the most reliable for speed, bypassing road traffic with direct connections from the Jubilee and Elizabeth Lines. For the lowest cost, use the local bus network, though travel times increase during rush hour.
If you have heavy luggage or prefer to avoid public transport, a professional chauffeur or private hire vehicle offers door-to-door service. Regardless of your choice, the airport’s location in Zone 3 ensures a relatively short commute from anywhere in Central or East London.
Here are 2 crucial tips that you have to keep in mind while exploring the LCY.
- Optimal Arrival Times: London City Airport’s small scale allows for faster check-in and security. For most departures, arriving 60 to 90 minutes before takeoff is sufficient. The walk from the DLR station or drop-off point to check-in takes less than two minutes. Security queues typically move faster than at larger hubs, often clearing in under 15 minutes. However, check your airline’s specific bag-drop closing times. Arriving roughly one hour before boarding ensures enough time to clear the gates without long waits.
- Check-In Efficiency and the Single-Terminal Layout: Everything at LCY is housed in one terminal, eliminating the need for shuttle trains or long walkways. Check-in desks, kiosks, and security are all located in the main concourse within a few yards of each other. This layout also benefits arriving passengers. The walk from the aircraft to immigration is short, and baggage reclaim is located immediately after passport control. Because the airport handles fewer simultaneous flights, luggage typically arrives on the carousels faster than at major hubs.
Last Words
The Royal Docks location makes London City Airport unique, as it is the only major London airport where planes take off and land over open water. The area has transitioned from an industrial dockland into a modern district in East London.
Before security, you can see the digital sensors for the remote air traffic control system. This technology allows controllers in Hampshire—over 100 miles away—to guide flights via high-definition feeds. This combination of waterside scenery and digital innovation makes LCY one of the most distinct airports in the world.
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