Flying into London? You’re spoiled when it comes to destinations, with the UK capital home to five major airports including London Heathrow and London Stansted. However, with London City, London Luton, and London Southend Airport also serving the city, you’re generously served when it comes to international connections. First time flying into the city by air? Below, we’ve put together some indispensable tips to help you navigate London’s airports.
Many first-time international visitors to London are left disappointed by the fact their arrival airport isn’t exactly in a prime location. With the sole exception of London City Airport, every other international travel hub is located outside of the city limits, including London Gatwick and London Heathrow. While most airports offer excellent transport links, you’ll still need to budget for extra traveling time when you finally clear passport control and make it into the arrivals hall.
London Gatwick, London Stansted, and London Heathrow all operate express train links to the capital. The Gatwick Express runs services regularly to London Victoria, while also connecting the airport to Brighton. The Heathrow Express runs to London Paddington and takes as little as 15 minutes, while London Stansted also operates services to central London. Meanwhile, the Luton Airport Express offers services to St Pancras International, with train journeys departing once every 30 minutes.
London City Airport puts you in a prime position to make the most of the city’s extensive public transport network. The airport is served by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), with plenty of connections to the London Underground and Overground networks. Looking for the perfect place to call home during your stay in the Big Smoke? View London aparthotels here.
When you combine passenger numbers, London’s airport network is the busiest in the world. Each year, more than 177 million people pass through passport control at London’s airports. With so many fellow passengers to contend with, make sure you’re prepared for border checks ahead of time.
You’ll need to ensure you have any travel documents with you, including any visas you might require for a stay in the UK. To speed up the process, try to use ePassport gates whenever possible and make sure you’ve declared any goods you might be traveling with. What’s more, make sure you’re brushed up on the latest customs regulations, as well as things like COVID-19 rules and restrictions.
Grabbing a connecting flight from London? If you’ll be spending more than a few hours at these airports, do your research to see what kind of amenities are on offer. Alongside bars and eateries, see what kind of hygiene facilities are on offer. Need to catch up on some business as you wait for a connecting flight? Find out whether there are any business centers or executive lounges you can make use of while you wait.
London’s network of airports is one of the busiest and best on the planet. However, you’ll need to know what to expect to make full use of this world-renowned international travel hub. Before you fly, do your research so you know which transport links are available, what amenities you can expect, and what you’ll need to ensure a smooth journey through passport control and border checks.
