Transfer From London City Center to London Airport (LCY)

London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to Central London, making it the preferred choice for business travellers and short-haul European flights. If you’re travelling from London City Centre, such as Bank, Westminster, Soho, Canary Wharf, or London Bridge, getting to LCY is fast and straightforward.

In this guide, we explain the best transfer options from London City Centre to London City Airport, including costs, travel times, and which option works best for your schedule.

How Far Is London City Centre From London City Airport?

London City Airport is approximately 6–7 miles from Central London.

• Average travel time by road: 15–30 minutes

• Average travel time by DLR: 18–30 minutes

Because of its location, LCY offers lower transfer costs compared to Heathrow or Gatwick.

1. Private Airport Transfer – Most Reliable & Stress-Free Option

A private airport transfer is the most convenient way to travel from London City Centre to LCY, especially if you’re carrying luggage or travelling on a tight schedule.

Why choose a private transfer?

• Door-to-terminal service

• Fixed pricing (no surge charges)

• Professional, licensed drivers

• Ideal for early-morning or late-night flights

• No waiting, no train changes

If you want to understand how to select a trusted provider, read: 👉 How to Choose the Best Airport Transfer Service in London

Typical cost: £45 – £75, depending on pickup location and vehicle type.

2. DLR (Docklands Light Railway) – Cheapest Way to Reach LCY

The DLR offers a direct and affordable connection from Central London.

Popular DLR routes:

• Bank → London City Airport (Direct)

• Tower Gateway → London City Airport

• Stratford → London City Airport

Cost: £3 – £6 (Oyster or contactless)

Travel time: 18–30 minutes

This is the cheapest option but may be crowded during peak business hours.

For the reverse journey, see:👉 How Do I Get From London City Airport to the Centre of London?

3. London Black Cabs – Convenient but Metered

Black taxis are easy to find throughout Central London.

Pros:

• No pre-booking required

• Experienced city drivers

Cons:

• Metered pricing

• Cost increases with traffic

Estimated fare: £30 – £55

4. Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber, Bolt, FreeNow)

Ride-hailing apps operate across London City Centre but prices fluctuate based on demand.

• Estimated cost: £30 – £60

• Downside: Surge pricing and variable wait times

Not always ideal when catching a flight.

Transfer Cost Summary: London City Centre to LCY

To understand how pricing compares in the opposite direction, read: 👉 How Much Does It Cost to Go From London City Airport to London?

Which Transfer Option Is Best for You?

• Business travellers: Private transfer or chauffeur service

• Budget travellers: DLR

• Late-night or early flights: Private transfer (DLR does not run overnight)

• Travelling with luggage: Private transfer or black cab

Final Thoughts

Transferring from London City Centre to London City Airport is quick, affordable, and easy compared to other London airports. While the DLR is the cheapest option, private airport transfers offer the best balance of comfort, reliability, and time efficiency.

If you want a stress-free journey to LCY, choose a professional airport transfer service and travel with confidence.

FAQs – Transfer From London City Centre to LCY

What is the fastest way to get from London City Centre to London City Airport?

A private airport transfer is usually the fastest door-to-door option, taking 15–25 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to travel to LCY?

The DLR is the cheapest option, costing £3–£6 with Oyster or contactless.

Is public transport reliable for early-morning flights?

No. The DLR does not operate overnight, so private transfers are recommended for early departures.

Should I book my airport transfer in advance?

Yes. Booking ensures fixed pricing and guaranteed pickup, especially during peak hours.