London City Airport
Also known as: LCY Airport, City Airport London, London City.
Private transfer from LCYSee pricesSee pricesAbout London City Airport
London City Airport (LCY) is a small airport in the Royal Docks in east London, England, serving the capital and especially its financial districts. It stands in Silvertown in the borough of Newham, about 5 km (3 miles) east of Canary Wharf and about 10 km (6 miles) east of the City of London.
British Airways, through its BA CityFlyer subsidiary, is the largest airline here, flying to cities across the UK and Europe such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin, Amsterdam, Zurich, Milan, Madrid and Nice, with seasonal routes to Mediterranean and Alpine destinations. KLM flies to Amsterdam, Swiss to Zurich, Air Dolomiti for Lufthansa to Frankfurt, ITA Airways to Milan Linate and Luxair to Luxembourg, while Loganair and Aurigny link London with the Isle of Man and Guernsey. The airport handled about 3.7 million passengers in 2025.
All flights use one two-story terminal with a single runway beside the dock. The London City Airport DLR station adjoins the terminal, with trains toward Bank in the City, Stratford and Woolwich Arsenal, and Custom House station on the Elizabeth line is one DLR stop away.
From the airport, most travelers head to Canary Wharf, the City of London, the ExCeL London exhibition center next door, Stratford, or hotels in the West End and central London.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
London City Airport Limited
- Opened
1987
- Runway
One, 09/27, 1,508 m
- Passengers per year
About 3.7 million in 2025
- Terminal opening hours
Monday to Friday 04:45 to 22:00, Saturday 04:45 to 13:00, Sunday 10:30 to 22:00
Arrival tips for London City Airport
London City is a small airport, so arrival is usually quick. You walk from the aircraft into the single terminal and follow the signs to UK passport control. Travelers with eligible passports, including those of the EU, the US, Canada and Australia, can use the eGates; others wait in line for an officer. Unless you hold a British or Irish passport, a visa or other UK permission, you need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you fly.
After baggage claim you pass through customs into the arrivals area. There is only one terminal, so there is no terminal to choose and no connecting train inside the airport.
For the city, follow the signs to the DLR: the London City Airport station adjoins the terminal, with trains toward Bank, Stratford and Woolwich Arsenal. Black cabs wait at the taxi stand directly outside the terminal, and pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall or at the signposted Pick-Up area beside the terminal.
The UK uses the pound sterling and is on Greenwich Mean Time, or British Summer Time from late March to late October.
Ground transportation
The DLR is the quickest way into the City and Canary Wharf; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage or for addresses away from the stations.
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Book a transfer from LCYDLR from London City Airport
The DLR station adjoins the terminal, with an elevator from the platforms. Trains run every few minutes toward Bank in the City, about 22 minutes away, and toward Stratford and Woolwich Arsenal; Canary Wharf is a short ride with one change. You pay with contactless or an Oyster card, and it is crowded at rush hour.
Elizabeth line via Custom House
Take the DLR one stop to Custom House for the Elizabeth line, which runs through Canary Wharf, Liverpool Street and the West End toward Paddington and Heathrow. It means one change with your bags.
Bus routes 473 and 474
London Buses routes 473 and 474 stop at the airport and serve east London, including Stratford, Canning Town and East Ham, with step-free access. They are slow for central London and better for local addresses.
Taxi from London City Airport
Licensed London black cabs wait at the taxi stand directly outside the terminal, many with built-in wheelchair access. They go door to door, but the fare is metered and the journey time depends on traffic.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you on arrival and takes you straight to your hotel, office or home, which suits families, groups, heavy luggage and trips beyond the DLR network.
Terminals
Main Terminal
The single two-story terminal handles every airline and every flight, domestic and international, with one security area and 15 gates. There are no jet bridges, so passengers walk between the aircraft and the terminal.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Dolomiti, Aurigny, British Airways, ITA Airways, KLM, Loganair, Luxair, Swiss International Air Lines
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Wi-Fi
Free unlimited Wi-Fi on the LCY Airport Free Wi-Fi network throughout the terminal; you sign in with an email address.
Information desk
The Customer Service information desk is inside the terminal entrance, before security.
Shops and duty free
Aelia Duty Free, Boots, WHSmith and InMotion are in the terminal, and Boots pre-orders are collected in Departures.
Restaurants and cafés
Pret a Manger, Caffè Nero, Soul & Grain, Juniper & Co, Big Penny Brews and Hithes London Bar and Eatery serve the terminal, with a Pret landside as well as in Departures.
Currency exchange
A currency exchange counter is in the terminal.
Baby changing
Baby changing is in Departures, in the toilets next to Caffè Nero, in the accessible toilet next to Soul & Grain and beside Gates 5 and 23.
First aid room
The First Aid room is in the main terminal before security, and staff can open it for private breastfeeding.
AeroSpa
AeroSpa offers treatments in the terminal for departing passengers.
Lost and found
The airport runs a lost and found service for items left in the terminal.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Tell your airline, tour operator or travel agent when you book, or at least 48 hours before you travel. The Assisted Travel Service also answers by phone or WhatsApp on +44 7867 358938, and if nothing is arranged, go to the information desk inside the terminal entrance.
Help points
Help is available at the information desk, the drop-off zone, the Help Point in the main parking lot, the landside Assisted Travel seating opposite Pret and the Departures seating opposite Boots.
Hidden disabilities
Staff are trained with the Business Disability Forum to recognize non-visible disabilities and anxieties, and an escort can be arranged for nervous flyers or children with health conditions at least 10 days ahead.
Assistance dogs
Passengers traveling with assistance dogs are welcome; check your airline's own rules before you fly.
Accessible taxis and transport
Many of the black cabs at the taxi stand have built-in wheelchair access, the DLR station has an elevator to the platforms, and the buses serving the airport are step-free.
Parking
The terminal parking lot is at postcode E16 2PB, a short walk from the terminal. Parking can be booked online ahead or paid on the day at the barrier, which costs more.
Official On-site Parking
The airport's standard parking, bookable online up to a year ahead for stays of at least one day.
Official Premium Car Park
Premium parking close to the terminal, bookable online.
Valet Parking
A valet service run by the airport, bookable online.
Pick-Up area
The signposted Pick-Up area in the terminal parking lot is for collecting arriving passengers; it is cashless and charged by the time you stay.
Blue Badge parking
Blue Badge spaces are in the terminal parking lot.
Frequently asked questions
How far is London City Airport from central London?
London City Airport is in the Royal Docks, about 5 km (3 miles) east of Canary Wharf and about 10 km (6 miles) east of the City of London. The DLR reaches Bank in the City in about 22 minutes, while a taxi or pre-booked car takes longer or shorter depending on London traffic.
How do I get from London City Airport to central London?
The quickest way is the DLR from the station next to the terminal, with trains toward Bank in the City. For the West End or Paddington, ride one stop to Custom House and change to the Elizabeth line. Black cabs at the taxi stand and pre-booked cars go door to door, which is easier with luggage.
How do I get from London City Airport to Canary Wharf?
Canary Wharf is about 5 km (3 miles) west of the airport. By rail, take the DLR with one change, or ride one stop to Custom House and take the Elizabeth line one stop to Canary Wharf. A taxi or pre-booked car goes straight to your office or hotel, which is simplest with bags.
Is there a DLR station at London City Airport?
Yes. London City Airport DLR station adjoins the terminal, linked to it by an elevator, and is in fare Zone 3. Trains run every few minutes toward Bank in the City, toward Stratford and toward Woolwich Arsenal. You can pay with a contactless card or Oyster card, with no airport surcharge on the fare.
Does the Elizabeth line stop at London City Airport?
No. The Elizabeth line passes about 300 m south of the airport but has no station there. Take the DLR one stop to Custom House, where you can change to the Elizabeth line for Canary Wharf, Liverpool Street, the West End, Paddington and Heathrow. The change means carrying your bags between platforms.
How many terminals does London City Airport have?
London City Airport has one two-story terminal, used by every airline and every flight, with a single security area and 15 gates. There are no jet bridges, so you walk between the aircraft and the terminal. Because everything is in one building, there is no terminal to choose and no connection to make inside the airport.
Which airlines fly to London City Airport?
British Airways, through BA CityFlyer, is the largest airline at London City, flying to UK and European cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin, Amsterdam, Zurich, Madrid and Nice. KLM flies to Amsterdam, Swiss to Zurich, Air Dolomiti for Lufthansa to Frankfurt, ITA Airways to Milan Linate, Luxair to Luxembourg, Loganair to the Isle of Man and Aurigny to Guernsey.
What are London City Airport's opening hours?
The terminal opens Monday to Friday from 04:45 to 22:00, Saturday from 04:45 to 13:00 and Sunday from 10:30 to 22:00. The airport is closed on Saturday afternoon and Saturday night, so there are no flights then. Check your flight time against these hours if you are arriving or leaving at the weekend.
Do I need an ETA to fly into London City Airport?
Most likely, yes. Most visitors who do not need a UK visa, including citizens of the EU, the US, Canada and Australia, must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation before flying to the UK, and each traveler needs one, children included. British and Irish passport holders, and people with a visa or other UK permission, do not need one.
Where is the taxi stand at London City Airport?
The taxi stand is directly outside the terminal. Licensed London black cabs wait there, and many have built-in wheelchair access. Fares are metered and vary with the time of day and traffic, so ask the driver if you want an estimate. Pre-booked minicabs and private cars collect passengers from the signposted Pick-Up area instead.
Is there a lounge at London City Airport?
Not yet. The airport has announced its first pre-flight lounge, open to all departing passengers rather than tied to one airline, with entry booked online or paid at the door. It was under construction in mid-2026 and planned to open in early 2027, so check the airport's website for the latest news before you travel.
Where can I park at London City Airport?
The terminal parking lot is at postcode E16 2PB, a short walk from the terminal. The airport offers Official On-site Parking, the Official Premium Car Park and Valet Parking, all bookable online, plus Blue Badge spaces and a Pick-Up area for collecting arriving passengers. Booking ahead costs less than paying at the barrier.
Is London City Airport near ExCeL London?
Yes. The ExCeL London exhibition center stands on the Royal Victoria Dock, a short way west of the airport, which makes London City the closest airport for its events. By DLR, ride to Custom House or Prince Regent stations, both beside ExCeL, or take a taxi or pre-booked car straight to the entrance or your hotel.