Last Tuesday, I was sipping an overpriced coffee at Heathrow Terminal 5, watching the chaos unfold around me. Two hours into a delay, surrounded by cranky tourists and frazzled business travelers, I found myself daydreaming about London City Airport again.
That little airport in the Docklands with its quick security lines and blessed silence. The one where I’ve never spent more than 15 minutes getting from the DLR platform to my gate. The airport that feels like it was designed by someone who actually flies.
Why London City Airport Deserves Your Attention
What I love most about LCY is how it turns the typical airport experience on its head. While most airports demand hours of your precious time, City Airport is refreshingly straightforward. It’s small, yes, but that’s precisely its superpower.
The airport predominantly serves business travellers (you’ll spot plenty of suits and polished briefcases), but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not for everyday tourists. In fact, this business-focused atmosphere is exactly why you’ll find yourself whisked through security faster than you can say “Heathrow Terminal 5.”
Getting There: Easier Than You Might Think
By DLR (The Smart Choice)
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is your best friend here. The station is literally connected to the terminal – no shuttle buses or long walks required. Coming from central London, you can hop on at Bank station (roughly 22 minutes to the airport) or connect via Stratford (about 15 minutes away).
Top tip: If you’re catching an early morning flight (around 8:00 AM), the DLR typically starts running from about 5:30 AM, giving you plenty of time to reach the airport.
The journey itself offers some lovely views of East London’s regeneration and the Thames, particularly as you cross over the river. Keep your eyes peeled for the O2 Arena and the Emirates Air Line cable car – not a bad way to start your journey.
And for those arriving at LCY, the same DLR service makes onward travel a breeze. It connects seamlessly with the Tube network at Bank and Tower Gateway, or with National Rail services at Stratford for journeys beyond London. You can be standing in the middle of Covent Garden within 35 minutes of walking off your plane – try doing that from Heathrow!
By Taxi
Black cabs and ride-sharing services can drop you right outside the terminal. From central London, expect to pay around £40 for a black cab (more during peak hours, naturally). It’s not cheap, but if you’re travelling with family or heavy luggage, the convenience might justify the expense.
Bear in mind that London traffic can be wildly unpredictable. What Google Maps promises will take 25 minutes can easily stretch to an hour if you’re unlucky with traffic around Canary Wharf or if there’s congestion on the approach roads.
Airport Hours: Don’t Get Caught Out
Unlike some major airports that never sleep, LCY operates on a schedule that’s worth noting:
- Monday–Friday: 04:45 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 04:45 AM – 1:00 PM (Yes, it closes early!)
- Sunday: 10:45 AM – 10:00 PM
And they’re serious about these hours – you can’t camp out in the terminal overnight. Plan accordingly.
The Check-In Experience: Refreshingly Swift
One of City Airport’s greatest strengths is how quickly you can go from the curbside to the gate. The check-in area is compact and well-organized, with clearly marked airline desks. Even at busy times, the queues move swiftly.
Most travellers report that arriving 60 minutes before departure is perfectly sufficient, though I’d still recommend the standard two hours for international flights, especially if you’re checking bags. Some regular flyers boast about arriving just 30 minutes before departure with only hand luggage, but that’s playing with fire if you ask me.
Baggage Considerations
Each airline has different baggage allowances, so check with your carrier before arriving.
One thing to note: because LCY serves smaller aircraft due to its shorter runway, you might find some airlines have stricter weight limits here than at other London airports.
Security: Possibly the UK’s Most Efficient
As of June 2024, the liquid restrictions (containers up to 100ml) are still in place at London City. However, the security process here is notably more pleasant than at most airports for two key reasons:
- Advanced CT scanners mean you can leave laptops and liquids in your bag
- The smaller passenger numbers mean shorter queues
I’ve been through security here in under 5 minutes on numerous occasions. Compare that to the potential 30+ minute wait at Heathrow or Gatwick, and you’ll understand why business travellers swear by this place.
The Silent Airport Experience
Here’s something to be aware of: LCY operates as a “silent airport,” meaning there are no boarding announcements blaring over the PA system. This creates a pleasantly calm atmosphere but means you need to keep an eye on the flight information screens.
The gates are divided between two piers:
- West Pier: Gates 2b to 14
- East Pier: Gates 21 to 24
The entire terminal is compact enough that you can reach any gate within about 5-10 minutes from security, but do check the screens regularly for your gate number.
Family-Friendly Features
Though primarily serving business travellers, LCY is surprisingly accommodating for families:
- Baby changing facilities are available throughout the terminal
- Children under 12 can keep their shoes on during security checks (a small mercy any parent will appreciate)
- Strollers can typically be used right up to the aircraft door
That said, the airport doesn’t have dedicated play areas or extensive children’s facilities like some larger airports. It’s more about the speed of processing than entertaining little ones for hours.
Assisted Travel Options
The airport collaborates with AccessAble to provide detailed accessibility guides, and assistance is available for passengers with reduced mobility. The compact size makes it particularly manageable for those with mobility challenges – there are no long walks between facilities.
On arrival, you’ll find clearly marked assistance points near the entrance and staff trained specifically to support travelers with mobility needs. I’ve observed the assistance team here to be particularly efficient – likely another benefit of the airport’s smaller size and more personal approach.
If you require assistance, it’s best to contact your airline at least 48 hours before travel to ensure everything is arranged.
A Word About Aircraft and Operations
Due to its location in East London and relatively short runway (1,508 metres compared to Heathrow’s 3,902 metres), LCY can only accommodate smaller aircraft. You’ll typically find Embraer regional jets, Bombardier/Airbus A220s, and similarly sized planes.
These smaller aircraft have two interesting implications:
- Steeper approaches and departures – pilots perform meticulous calculations for takeoffs and landings, with approaches at a 5.5-degree angle (compared to the standard 3 degrees at most airports)
- Greater sensitivity to weather – flights can be more susceptible to delays during high winds or poor visibility
The good news is that the airport has an impressive on-time record when conditions are favorable, largely due to its efficient operations and smaller scale.
Shopping, Dining, and Amenities
Let’s be honest – you don’t come to London City Airport for the shopping experience. The retail options are limited but cover the essentials:
- Aelia Duty Free for your standard tax-free goods
- WHSmith for reading materials and snacks
- Boots for last-minute toiletries
- InMotion for electronics and tech accessories
As for food and drink, options include:
- Caffè Nero for your coffee fix
- Pret a Manger for sandwiches and light meals
- Juniper & Co for something a bit more substantial
- Hithes London Bar and Eatery if you fancy a proper sit-down
- Soul & Grain for healthier options
- Big Penny Brews for a pre-flight pint
Top tip: The Pret near Gate 4 tends to be quieter than the main one in the central area. If you want a bit more peace before your flight, head there.
Tech Amenities for the Connected Traveler
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal – just look for the “LCY FREE WIFI” network. The connection is surprisingly decent for an airport, though it can slow down during peak hours.
You’ll find charging points scattered throughout the departure areas, particularly near the seating areas by the gates. I’ve never had to hunt too long to juice up my devices.
If you’re the type who likes to prepare, the London City Airport website offers real-time flight updates, and most airlines operating from LCY provide mobile boarding passes – both perfect for the paperless traveler.
No Traditional Lounges (But You Won’t Miss Them)
Unlike larger airports, LCY doesn’t offer traditional airline lounges. But here’s the thing – you probably won’t need one. The efficient processing means you’re not stuck at the airport for hours, and the general terminal seating is comfortable enough for short waits.
For those who still want the VIP treatment, third-party providers like Royal Airport Concierge and DiamondAir offer fast-track options, but in my experience, the regular passenger journey is swift enough that these services offer minimal additional value.
Parking Options
If you’re driving to the airport, you’ve got two main options:
- Short Stay: Right next to the terminal, convenient but pricey
- Long Stay: A bit further away, but more economical for extended trips
Book online in advance for the best rates – turning up on the day can be eye-wateringly expensive.
The Historic “Babybus” and LCY’s Limitations
One fascinating bit of London City Airport history was British Airways’ now-defunct A318 “babybus” service to JFK. The service faced such extreme weight limitations that it could only seat 32 passengers (all in business class) and required a fuel stop in Shannon, Ireland, due to takeoff weight restrictions.
This quirky service perfectly illustrates both the charm and limitations of LCY – it’s an airport that has to work creatively within its constraints.
UK Border Force Information
For international arrivals, bear in mind:
- EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens need a valid passport to enter the UK as of October 2021
- National ID cards are no longer accepted unless you have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
When London City Airport Might Not Be Your Best Choice
While I’m obviously a fan, LCY isn’t ideal for every journey:
- If you’re flying long-haul (the airport primarily serves European destinations)
- If you’re looking for extensive duty-free shopping
- If you’re traveling with large groups or need extensive facilities
- If you’re traveling on Saturday afternoons or evenings (remember, the airport closes at 13:00 on Saturdays)
- If you’re arriving late at night (the last flights land before 22:00)
Worth Considering for Your Next Trip?
After countless journeys through London’s airports, I find myself actively seeking out flights from the City whenever possible. The time savings, reduced stress, and sheer efficiency make it worth the occasionally higher ticket prices.
The airport’s atmosphere is noticeably calmer than its larger counterparts – there’s none of the frenetic energy you find at Heathrow. Instead, you’ll experience a sort of quiet efficiency that feels almost un-airport-like.
So next time you’re booking a short-haul flight to or from London, consider giving LCY a go. You might find yourself, like me, becoming something of an evangelist for this underrated transport hub. After all, any airport that can get you from door to gate in under 20 minutes deserves a bit of traveller loyalty.