London City Airport (LCY) serves as a convenient gateway for travelers seeking quick access to London’s financial district and eastern neighborhoods, offering a streamlined experience compared to the capital’s larger air hubs. While many visitors focus on Heathrow or Gatwick, London LCY Airport provides a more efficient entry point with excellent transport links to central London and nearby accommodations that cater to both business and leisure travelers.
Key Takeaways
- London LCY Airport is just 7 miles from central London, making it the closest airport to the city center
- The DLR (Docklands Light Railway) connects the airport to Bank station in about 22 minutes
- Several high-quality hotels are within a 10-minute radius of the airport
- The airport’s compact size means significantly shorter security and check-in times compared to other London airports
- The surrounding Docklands area offers waterfront dining and historical attractions worth exploring
Getting To and From London LCY Airport
London City Airport boasts exceptional transport connections that make it particularly appealing for time-sensitive travelers. The DLR (Docklands Light Railway) station is directly connected to the terminal, offering frequent services that reach Bank station in central London in approximately 22 minutes. Trains run every 8-15 minutes depending on the time of day, with the first departure at 5:30 am and the last service leaving around midnight.
For those preferring road transport, black cabs are readily available outside the terminal building, typically charging £30-45 for trips to central London. I’ve found that pre-booked private transfers often provide better value, especially when traveling with luggage or in groups. Several ride-sharing services also operate from the airport, offering a more economical alternative to traditional taxis.
The airport’s proximity to major business districts like Canary Wharf (just 3 miles away) makes it the preferred choice for corporate travelers. This positioning also provides visitors with quick access to East London’s emerging neighborhoods and attractions while avoiding the congestion of westbound traffic.
Top Hotels Near London City Airport
The area surrounding London LCY Airport offers an impressive selection of accommodations catering to different preferences and budgets. The Aloft London Excel tops my list for convenience, located just 5 minutes from the airport via the DLR. Its contemporary rooms, 24-hour fitness center, and on-site restaurant make it ideal for brief stopovers.
For luxury seekers, the InterContinental London – The O2 provides upscale amenities including a spa, rooftop bar, and stunning views of the Thames and Canary Wharf skyline. While slightly further from the airport (about 15 minutes by taxi), its comprehensive facilities justify the extra travel time.
Budget-conscious travelers should consider the Premier Inn London Docklands, offering clean, comfortable rooms at reasonable rates. Its practical location near the ExCeL exhibition center makes it popular with business travelers and those attending events.
Other notable options include:
- Moxy London Excel – Stylish and affordable with a vibrant social space
- Crowne Plaza London Docklands – Upscale option with full-service amenities
- Holiday Inn Express London-ExCeL – Value-focused choice with inclusive breakfast
- Travelodge London City Airport – No-frills option within walking distance of the terminal
Most accommodations in this area cater to business travelers’ needs with reliable Wi-Fi, workspaces, and early breakfast options. Many also offer airport shuttle services, though it’s worth confirming availability when booking your stay.
Dining Options at the Airport and Nearby
London City Airport may be compact, but its food offerings exceed expectations for an airport of its size. Within the terminal, Pilots Bar & Kitchen serves British classics and international favorites in a relaxed setting with runway views. For a quick bite, Pret A Manger and Caffè Nero provide reliable coffee and grab-and-go options.
The surrounding area offers more substantial dining experiences worth exploring if you have time before your flight. London’s diverse food scene extends to this eastern district, with several standout restaurants within a short journey.
At Royal Wharf Pier, The Windjammer pub combines traditional British fare with riverside views. For something more upmarket, The Gun in Docklands offers refined dining in a historic 19th-century building with an impressive wine selection and Thames vistas.
If you’re staying near Canary Wharf, the area houses numerous high-quality restaurants including Gaucho for premium steaks, Roka for contemporary Japanese, and The Ivy in the Park for modern British cuisine in elegant surroundings.
For authentic local flavors, venture to nearby Poplar or Canning Town where family-run establishments serve diverse cuisines reflecting East London’s multicultural character. These neighborhoods offer better value than the more tourist-oriented central London restaurants.
Sightseeing Opportunities Near London City Airport
The area surrounding London LCY Airport reveals a fascinating blend of history and modern development often overlooked by visitors. Just 10 minutes from the terminal, the Museum of London Docklands chronicles the area’s maritime heritage and transformation from bustling port to financial center. Its interactive exhibits provide context for the dramatic skyline visible today.
The Emirates Air Line cable car offers spectacular aerial views of the Thames, O2 Arena, and Canary Wharf. This 10-minute journey between Royal Docks and Greenwich Peninsula provides unique photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
Greenwich, accessible via DLR in under 30 minutes, deserves at least half a day to explore its maritime heritage, Royal Observatory, and impressive market. Standing astride the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory provides a memorable photo opportunity while offering insights into Britain’s scientific contributions.
For contemporary attractions, the ExCeL London hosts major events and exhibitions throughout the year, while the O2 Arena combines entertainment venues with shopping and dining options under its iconic dome.
The London adventure continues with Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf, a tranquil elevated space showcasing plants from regions along the historic trade routes. This free attraction provides a quiet retreat from the bustling financial district below.
Thames Barrier Park offers waterside walks with views of the impressive flood defense system that protects London from tidal surges. Its landscaped gardens include distinctive wave-shaped hedges reflecting the river’s contours.
Practical Tips for Using London City Airport
London City Airport’s main advantage is its efficiency and convenience. Thanks to its single runway and terminal, I typically recommend arriving 90 minutes before departure, compared to the 2-3 hours needed at larger London airports. The compact layout means walking distances are minimal and security lines move quickly.
The airport primarily serves European business destinations with limited long-haul routes, so check if your destination is available before planning. Business travelers should note that morning and evening flights often fill with commuters, making midday departures potentially less crowded.
London LCY Airport enforces stricter hand luggage restrictions than other London airports due to its shorter runway. Each passenger is permitted one piece of hand luggage (maximum dimensions 56cm x 45cm x 25cm including wheels and handles) plus one personal item like a laptop bag or handbag.
Airport facilities include:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Multiple charging points for electronic devices
- A business lounge offering refreshments and workspaces
- Currency exchange services with competitive rates
- Duty-free shopping, though with fewer options than larger airports
For those with extra time, the airport’s observation deck provides excellent views of takeoffs and landings, making it popular with aviation enthusiasts and families.
Making the Most of a Layover
Even with limited time between flights, the area around London City Airport offers several quick-access attractions worth exploring. For layovers of 3-4 hours, I recommend heading to the Emirates Royal Docks terminal (5 minutes via DLR) to experience the cable car crossing to Greenwich Peninsula, offering spectacular views of East London’s skyline.
With 4-6 hours, London’s hidden attractions become accessible. Canary Wharf can be reached in 12 minutes via DLR, where you can explore its underground shopping malls, public art installations, and waterfront restaurants. The observation point at One Canada Square provides context for this remarkable urban development.
For history enthusiasts with 5+ hours, Greenwich offers multiple UNESCO-listed sites including the Cutty Sark ship, National Maritime Museum, and Royal Observatory. The market’s food stalls provide authentic local flavors worth sampling before returning to the airport.
Those preferring retail therapy should consider visiting Westfield Stratford City, one of Europe’s largest shopping destinations, accessible in under 20 minutes via DLR to Stratford station. With over 250 shops, numerous restaurants, and entertainment options, it easily fills a longer layover.
For travelers with evening layovers, the O2 Arena complex offers cinema, bowling, and dining options open late into the night, making it a convenient entertainment hub before a morning departure.
Remember that London’s public transport network is extensive but can experience delays, so allow ample time to return to the airport, particularly during rush hours (7:30-9:30 am and 4:30-6:30 pm).
Final Thoughts on London City Airport
London City Airport offers a distinctive advantage for travelers seeking efficiency and quick access to central London. Its smaller scale creates a more personalized experience than the capital’s larger airports, with shorter walking distances, faster security processing, and generally less stressful departures and arrivals.
The surrounding Docklands area presents a fascinating glimpse into London’s maritime history and modern reinvention. Even if you’re just passing through, taking a few hours to explore these less-visited neighborhoods provides authentic insights into how London continues to evolve beyond its traditional tourist center.
Business travelers in particular benefit from the airport’s proximity to financial districts, while leisure visitors gain the advantage of reaching central attractions more quickly. The trade-off comes in fewer destination options and potentially higher ticket prices for certain routes.
With excellent transport links, quality accommodation options, and interesting sightseeing