Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Get the essential information about London City Airport through our comprehensive guide, covering everything you need to know.
London City Airport (LCY), established in 1987, is the closest airport to central London, situated in the Royal Docks of the Borough of Newham, merely 6 miles east of the city of London and 3 miles east of Canary Wharf. Spanning an area that accommodates a single runway and a compact passenger terminal designed to efficiently handle short-haul flights, it stands out as London’s fifth busiest airport, following Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton.
Find your way around this airport with the help of this London City Airport Map, and our convenient guide, both of which will help you make choices about how to spend your time in the airport.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to London City Airport
- Where is London City Airport
- London City Airport Parking
- London City Airport Terminal Overview
- Airlines Flying out of London City Airport
- London City Airport Restaurants
- London City Airport Shops
- London City Airport Hotels
- Amenities at London City Airport
- London City Airport Destinations
- The Best Way to get to London City Airport
How to Get to London City Airport
Getting to London City Airport via public transport is convenient, with several options available to suit different preferences:
- Docklands Light Railway (DLR): The most direct public transport link to London City Airport is the DLR, which offers services connecting the airport to the London Underground network at Bank and Tower Gateway stations, as well as Stratford International, enabling easy access from various parts of London.
- Bus: Local bus services provide connections between London City Airport and surrounding areas. The 473 bus links the airport with Stratford, Silvertown, North Woolwich, and Prince Regent DLR Station. The 474 bus serves Canning Town, North Woolwich, and East Beckton via Silvertown.
- Bicycle: For those looking to cycle, London City Airport is accessible via local cycle routes. There are bicycle racks available at the airport, making this a viable option for light travelers or those living nearby.
- Book a Blacklane: For those seeking a more elevated and comfortable travel experience, consider booking with Blacklane. We offer reliable car services, ensuring a smooth transition to your final destination.
Where is London City Airport
Address: Hartmann Rd, London E16 2PX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7646 0000
London City Airport Parking
London City Airport offers convenient parking options for travelers. Here are the details:
Pre-Booked Parking
- You can pre-book your parking online up to 1 year before your departure date.
- By booking in advance, you can enjoy up to 78% off the drive-up rates.
- The minimum pre-booked stay is 1 day, and the latest you can pre-book is 6 hours before your scheduled arrival.
Short Stay Parking
- Ideal for passengers who need to park for a short duration.
- Located close to the terminal building for easy access.
- Rates are higher than pre-booked parking but convenient for quick trips.
Long Stay Parking
- Suitable for longer trips.
- Slightly farther from the terminal, but still within walking distance.
- You can pre-book or pay on the day.
- Offers competitive rates for extended stays.
Blue Badge Parking
- Reserved spaces for passengers with disabilities.
- Located in the terminal car park (E16 2PB).
- Blue badge holders can park here at a discounted rate.
Pick-Up Area
- Convenient for dropping off or picking up passengers.
- Located closest to the main car park.
- Short-stay parking rates apply.
Pre-booking remains the most cost-effective option, but these alternatives provide flexibility based on your travel needs.
London City Airport Terminal Overview
London City Airport features a singular, two-level passenger terminal equipped with 18 gates, all of which are hardstands—designated areas where aircraft park for boarding without the use of jet bridges. On the ground floor, travelers are greeted with check-in desks, alongside various service facilities. A staircase provides access to the upper level, where passengers proceed through security control to reach the airside waiting area, complemented by additional retail options. This waiting zone is situated between two sections known as the west pier and east pier. Corridors on the upper floor guide passengers down to the departure gates situated on the ground level. Reflecting its streamlined operations, the airport employs walk-boarding for all flights, since no jet bridges are available.
Airlines Flying out of London City Airport
London City Airport Restaurants
At London City Airport, you’ll find a selection of dining establishments ready to cater to your cravings before you take to the skies.
- Caffè Nero: Enjoy top-notch Italian coffee alongside a menu of appetizing dishes, all served in a warm and inviting setting.
- Pret: Savor a variety of delectable hot and cold snacks, beverages, and treats, all crafted without the use of additives or preservatives.
- Soul & Grain: Dive into a wholesome selection of sandwiches, salads, hot meals, and freshly baked goods, complemented by rich, artisan coffee.
- Juniper & Co: Experience a premium dining environment where locally sourced ingredients shine, including offerings from Paul Rhodes’ bakery, Forman’s salmon, and local cheeses, alongside an impressive array of local spirits, fine wines from Jeroboams, and craft beers.
London City Airport Shops
Shopping at London City Airport provides a concise but varied selection of stores, designed to meet the essential needs and last-minute purchases of travelers.
- Aelia Duty Free: Beyond the Security checkpoint, discover Aelia Duty Free’s wide selection of products at tempting prices. From fragrances and skincare items to spirits and sweets, alongside an impressive assortment of British goods and memorabilia.
- Boots: This streamlined branch of Boots offers an essential collection of toiletries, travel necessities, health and beauty items, along with snacks.
- InMotion: A prime destination for the latest in travel technology, offering a nice selection of headphones, speakers, tablets, and mobile accessories from top brands, including Apple and Samsung.
- WHSmith: Your go-to for a comprehensive range of books, magazines, health and beauty essentials, souvenirs, digital gadgets, and refreshments, from snacks and drinks to confectionery.
London City Airport Hotels
Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport
Location: 10 Connaught Rd, London E16 2AE
Free airport shuttle: No
Just a 7-minute walk from London City Airport and the DLR, Courtyard by Marriott offers an ideal haven for both business and leisure travelers. With the convenience of a 9-minute walk to ExCel London and seamless access to key transport hubs, including The O2 and Canary Wharf, exploring the city is a breeze. Featuring 184 well-appointed rooms, alongside a vibrant bar and restaurant, a fully-equipped gym, and three versatile meeting spaces, the hotel caters to every need. Dive into spacious rooms featuring luxurious Marriott bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, 55-inch Smart TVs, invigorating walk-in showers, and triple-glazed windows ensuring a peaceful retreat. Enjoy a delectable full English breakfast, tempting bar snacks, refreshing drinks, or savory meals at The Kitchen and Bar, where fresh locally sourced cuisine meets a serene ambiance for ultimate relaxation.
Sunborn London Yacht Hotel
Location: Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1AA
Free airport shuttle: No
Sunborn London Yacht Hotel offers a unique and luxurious experience right in the heart of London’s Docklands. Imagine staying in a lavish room on a glamorous yacht, combining the privacy and exclusivity of an ocean-going vessel with the comfort and quality of a top-class hotel. Aboard Sunborn London, you’ll find various room types with river or dock views, free Wi-Fi, a bar, and a restaurant. The hotel’s luxury provision extends to its on-board bar and restaurant, where guests can enjoy fine food, exceptional service, and panoramic views of the city, O2 arena, and Royal Victoria Dock from an exclusive vantage point.
Travelodge London Excel
Location: 1016 Dockside Rd, London E16 2FQ
Free airport shuttle: No
Located conveniently close to London City Airport, Travelodge London Excel is the perfect choice for travelers seeking a blend of comfort and convenience immediately upon arrival or before their departure.
Fresh from a recent refurbishment, the hotel now boasts the signature king-size Travelodge Dreamer beds, promising guests a restful night’s sleep. Perfectly situated within a short walk of the ExCel—a premier exhibition and convention center—Travelodge London Excel provides a prime location to experience the dynamic regeneration of the Royal Victoria Dock area. Guests can easily explore the local scene, from waterside bars and restaurants to the energetic vibe of this revitalized district, making it a superb choice for visitors keen to immerse themselves in the area’s lively atmosphere.
Amenities at London City Airport
London City Airport offers a range of services and conveniences to enhance your travel experience. Here’s what you need to know:
- Assisted Travel: If you require assistance, the airport provides services to make your journey smoother.
- Enhanced Security: London City Airport introduces the first full CT security scanner in the UK, eliminating the need for passengers to remove laptops or liquids, and allowing carry-on bags to include bottles of up to 2 liters. This innovative technology processes 30% more passengers per hour, enhancing the travel experience, especially during peak periods like an Easter getaway.
- Wi-Fi: The airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal for passengers to stay connected.
- Seating and Power: Ample seating across the airport, with desk areas in the departure lounge and near departure gates, equipped with plug sockets and USB chargers for convenience.
- Airport Concierge: Experience a luxurious and hassle-free journey with VIP service, offering stylish pre-flight relaxation and seamless arrival with no queues or airport chaos.
- Exchange: Global Exchange offers a wide range of foreign currencies at competitive rates, with convenient locations in the International and Domestic Arrivals areas.
- ATM: Cash machines located before and after security, as well as in the Arrivals hall, accept most credit, debit, and Maestro cards.
- Smoking & Vaping: The only designated smoking area is outside next to the terminal entrance. After you go through Security into the Departures lounge, there are no smoking areas.
- Water Filling Stations: A water fountain is available near gate 7, and you can request water bottle refills from any of the food outlets.
- Baby Changing: You can change your babies at the baby changing room after Security (past Departures lounge), First Aid room, Male and female toilets next to Caffè Nero, Accessible toilet next to Soul & Grain, and beside Gates 5 and 23.
London City Airport Destinations
London City Airport connects you to diverse destinations. Here’s a list:
- Amsterdam
- Antwerp
- Barcelona
- Belfast
- Bergerac
- Berlin
- Billund
- Chambery
- Dublin
- Edinburgh
- Faro
- Florence
- Frankfurt
- Geneva
- Glasgow
- Guernsey
- Ibiza
- Isle of Man
- London
- Luxembourg
- Malaga
- Milan
- Mykonos
- Nice
- Palma
- Prague
- Rome
- Rotterdam
- Salzburg
- San Sebastian
- Skiathos
- Split
- Thessaloniki
- Vilnius
- Zurich
The Best Way to get to London City Airport
The best way to get to and from London City Airport is by booking a reliable Blacklane car service in London. With Blacklane, you can bypass the hassle of negotiating local taxi fees, eliminate the stress of finding parking, navigating through traffic, and coordinating transportation. Our professional chauffeurs guarantee a comfortable journey, ensuring you arrive at your destination relaxed and on time. While in London, whether you’ve got a full day of business meetings, running errands, or sightseeing activities ahead, our pre-booked rides will get you to your destination and back comfortably and in style.
Beyond in-city rides and airport transfers, discover the convenience of Blacklane’s long-distance services for effortless travel between London and key UK cities like Cambridge, Birmingham, Oxford, Liverpool, Coventry, Canterbury, Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester. Experience the convenience and peace of mind of traveling with Blacklane for all your transportation needs.
Ellie Smith
Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.
