The Complete Traveler’s Guide to London City Airport (LCY)
London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to Central London, located right in the Royal Docks. It is famous for its speed—you can get from the front door to your gate in under 20 minutes. Historically a business hub, it now offers plenty of weekend getaways too. It serves over 30 European business hubs with airlines like British Airways CityFlyer using Embraer and Airbus A220 jets. The cap rose to 9 million passengers after 2024 approval, up from 6.5 million.
Because of its unique location and small size, it operates very differently from Heathrow or Gatwick. This guide covers the strict curfew hours, the new security scanners, and the best way to get there.
London City Airport Fast Facts
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Airport Code |
LCY |
|
Location |
6 miles (10km) East of City of London |
|
Terminals |
One Main Terminal (Very small) |
|
Transfer |
DLR (Docklands Light Railway) |
|
Fastest to City |
DLR (22 mins to Bank) |
|
Cheapest to City |
DLR (Zone 3 fare) |
|
Smoking |
Strictly Prohibited after security (Airside) |
Nearby Airports
If flights from City are too expensive (which they often are), here are the nearest alternatives.
|
Airport |
Code |
Distance from LCY |
Drive Time (Approx) |
|
LHR |
25 miles (40km) West |
1h 10m |
|
|
STN |
34 miles (55km) North |
50 mins |
|
|
LGW |
45 miles (72km) South |
1h 15m |
|
|
LTN |
50 miles (80km) North |
1h 10m |
Travel Tip: If you are staying in East London (Canary Wharf, Stratford, Shoreditch), London Stansted (STN) is often the best backup option as it has good road and rail links to the east side of the capital.
Terminal Guide: The "20-Minute" Airport
London City has one small terminal. It is designed for speed.
- Check-in: Desks are right in front of you as you enter.
- Security: Located immediately upstairs.
- Departures: A single long corridor. There is no “long walk” to gates here; everything is within a 5-minute walk.
- Arrivals: You can disembark the plane and be on a train in 15 minutes. There are no airbridges; you walk down stairs onto the tarmac.
- British Airways (CityFlyer): The dominant airline, flying Embraer jets.
- SWISS: Major route to Zurich.
- Lufthansa: Flights to Frankfurt.
- ITA Airways: Flights to Milan/Rome.
- KLM: Flights to Amsterdam.
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – ~22 miles
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW) – ~30 miles
- London Stansted Airport (STN) – ~35 miles
Getting To & From LCY
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is essentially the only sensible way to arrive.
1. The DLR (Train)
- Route: Connects directly to Bank (Central Line/Northern Line) and Canning Town (Jubilee Line).
- Frequency: Trains run every 4–8 minutes.
- Cost: It is part of the TFL network (Zone 3). Use your Oyster or Contactless card.
- Accessibility: The station is connected directly to the terminal with lifts and escalators.
2. Taxi / Uber
- Pick-up: There is a small pick-up area directly outside.
- Warning: Traffic in East London (especially the Blackwall Tunnel area) is notoriously bad. The DLR is almost always faster during rush hour.
Parking & Drop-Off: Warning on Charges
Critical Update: London City Airport has a strict “No Waiting” policy.
- Drop-Off Charge: Costs £8+ (check signage) for a quick drop-off.
- Cameras: The area is monitored by ANPR cameras. If you stop on the red lines outside the zone, you will get a fine.
- Free Option: There is effectively no free drop-off at this airport unless you are willing to walk from a residential street far away (not recommended).
Security & Liquids Rules
London City was the pioneer of new security technology in the UK.
- The Good News: LCY uses advanced CT scanners.
- Liquids: You can usually leave liquids and laptops inside your bag.
- Bottles: You are generally permitted to carry bottles up to 2 Litres here.
- Caveat: If you are transferring to another airport (like Heathrow or a European airport) that hasn’t upgraded yet, your liquids might be confiscated there.
Nearby Hotels
Because the airport closes at night (see FAQ), you cannot sleep in the terminal.
- Courtyard by Marriott: The closest hotel (5-minute walk).
- London City Airport Hotel: Located nearby.
- Travelodge London City Airport: A budget option within walking distance.
- Good Hotel: Located in the Royal Docks (requires a short taxi or DLR ride).
Eating & Facilities
- Water: Free refill station located near the toilets in the departure lounge.
- Food:
- Establishments: Pilots Bar & Kitchen, Pret A Manger, Caffe Nero.
- Note: Options are limited compared to Heathrow. Do not expect massive food courts.
- Charging: Plenty of workstations with power outlets are available in the departure lounge.
Book your flight from London city Airport today with Book Air Tickets and travel with confidence.
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FAQs
Yes. If you are on a connecting flight with baggage checked through, follow the purple “Flight Connections” signs. You will take a dedicated bus without exiting to the public area.
Heathrow has four active terminals: 2, 3, 4, and 5. Terminals 2 and 3 are connected by walkways; use free shuttles or trains for 4 and 5—allow 30-60 minutes landside.
Yes, typically 24 hours before via app or website. Use bag drop kiosks for speed on arrival.
Queues average under 10 minutes with CT scanners—laptops and liquids (100ml in 1L bag) stay in your bag. Fast Track available for quicker access.
Heathrow Express train takes 15 minutes from Terminals 2, 3, and 5 to Paddington.
Book free services (wheelchair, guides) via your airline at least 48 hours ahead. Desks at all terminals and stations.
Report to the terminal’s lost property office immediately; items are held for 90 days. High-value goods go to a central search.
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