Your comprehensive guide to London Airport Transfers

By now you have your bags packed and you're all set to see the Big Ben and London Eye, but before that you need to figure out how you're going to go from the airport to your hotel. That's precisely why we have dedicated a detailed blog on London Airport Transfers to ensure that you have a safe and smooth transfer from any of the 4 London airports. There are London Airport Transfer options to suit all budgets and comfort levels. Whether you fancy a black cab ride across London or a quick transit via the London Tube, we have you covered on all grounds. Check out all the modes of London Airport Tranfers available and choose the one that suits you best!

London Airports

Before learning about London Airport Transfers, know that there are 5 airports in London! Yes, you read that right. So before you start figuring out Airport Transfers in London, know which airport you're traveling to! Below are the 5 London Airports and a quick summary on each.

Heathrow Airport Transfers

Heathrow Airport Transfer Via Bus

The National Express Coaches are what you need to look out for if you plan on getting to your destination via bus. These buses were frequent once upon a time, but they have become less popular after the Heathrow Express train started operating. However, if you have a long distance travel (Kensington) within the UK scheduled, then the National Express Coaches can come handy. These coaches have washrooms and are very comfortable, however wait times can be long as buses leave in a gap of an hour or so. The Heathrow Airport Bus Station is open 24/7 and tickets can be purchased from the travel center anytime between 06:00 AM to 22:30 PM.

If you're exiting from Terminal 1, 2 or 3 look out for the Central Bus Station located a short walk away from the check in arena. Those at the ticket center should be able to help you find a bus to your destination.

If you're exiting from Terminal 4, walk towards stop 13 or 14. The National Express Coaches leave from here.

If you're exiting from Terminal 5, walk towards stop 13 to 16. The National Express Coaches leave from here.

Learn more about Heathrow Airport Transfers via National Express Coaches.

Heathrow Airport Transfer via Train & Underground Tube

The Heathrow Express is the fastest way to get from Heathrow Airport to Paddington Station in Central London. Every 15 minutes the train runs and in barely 15 minutes you shall have zipped to the hub of London. You can hop onto the Heathrow Express from all 5 Heathrow terminals. This reduces the hassle of lugging your luggage around. Note, the stations at Terminals 4 and 5 are directly below the terminals and are accessible by lift. However, if you are not staying in Paddington, Bayswater or Marble Arch area or within 5 km around the station, you will be doubling back on yourself.

Purchasing tickets for the Heathrow Express can save you a few pounds so don't hesitate to pick up your tickets online and land in Heathrow all set to reach your destination.

Underground Tube from Heathrow Airport to Piccadilly

If you're looking for the cheapest way between the Heathrow Airport and Central London then look no further and hop on the London Underground. The London Underground comes out to Heathrow in the form of the Piccadilly Line and is a popular choice due to the pocket friendly price, frequency and speed. It takes 45-60 minutes to most hotels in Central London with trains around every 5 minutes. The downside however is crowded carriages and around 20 stations into town.Also, if you're traveling with a lot of luggage and negotiating down stairs and escalators with your luggage is an issue, then you might want to reconsider the London Underground. Find out how to get to your destination via the London Underground Tube.

Heathrow Airport Transfer Via Cab

The famous black cabs of London run a 24/7 Taxi Service outside each terminal of Heathrow Airport to all parts of London. These black taxis are well marshalled and offer utmost convenience, but come at a full price. The journey will take a minimum of 45 minute to Central London and a single cab can fit upto 5 passengers and 4 large suitcases. A lot of people traveling to Kensington prefer taking a cab transfer from Heathrow Airport as it is quite far from the Paddington trains and makes no sense to jump two modes of transport. If you're keen on a car transfer but want a cheaper option, you can look for mini cabs which are private car services that are economical but need to be booked in advance.

The only problem ( if budget is not a constraint) with car transfers from the Heathrow Airport is the traffic! You will be at the mercy of London's traffic anytime between 7.30am to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekedays and weekends are unpredictable. Friendly tip : A private transfer in a mini cab is cheaper than the black taxi affair and features a meet and greet facility too.

Gatwick Airport Transfers

Gatwick Airport Transfer Via Bus

The Gatwick Airport is is 30 miles south of London and the cheapest route to go from Gatwick Airport to Central London is taking the airport bus. Though they are the cheapest, they take twice as long as the trains hence not many people opt for it. If you're not on a time constraint, taking a National Express Bus or an easyBus is a great choice.

The National Express Coaches Transfer provides a 24x7 connection between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria. These National Express Coaches leaves Gatwick Airport premises every 20 minutes and reaching London city can take anything between 55-80 minutes/ easyBus is another economical and trusted option that provide a frequent minibus shuttle between Gatwick Airport and London West Brompton Underground. It is recommended that you buy tickets online for better deals.

Gatwick Airport Transfer Via Train

In the form of railways, you have 3 Gatwick Airport Transfers. Pro tip : If you have an Oyster Card, you can use them for your Gatwick Airport Transfers via the Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink services.

• Gatwick Express

The Gatwick Express is the fastest, most comfortable and obviously most expensive option to shuttle from Gatwick Airport to London city. The train station is easily accessible from the Gatwick South Terminal ( free shuttles are available from the Gatwick North Terminal) and trains are known to leave every 15 minutes. A journey from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria should take your abour 30 minutes.

• Thameslink Trains

Thameslink trains are almost as fast and much cheaper than the Gatwick Express, however they run a different route into Central London. It has many more stops, hence the time taken may increase, but if you prefer to by pass London's traffic and hit up a rather economical option, this one's a safe bet. Make sure your hotel falls close to a station on this line!

• Southern Trains

Southern trains run the same route as the Gatwick Express but take about 15 minutes more to Victoria due to the increased number of stops. Since they are cheaper, they tend to get extremely crowded, so if you're one to travel heavy, steer clear of this route.

Gatwick Airport Transfer Via Cab

Taking a cab from Gatwick Airport is an expensive affair, however, if you have mobility issues or a lot of luggage, then cabs can be easily availed. Both the North and South Terminal at Gatwick Airport have 24x7 cab service and the journey to London can take anything between 45 minutes to 60 minutes. If you're traveling with a small group, shared cabs are an economical option and can be pre-booked online for further discounts. That way you can be dropped at your doorstep and don't have to undergo the hassle of lugging around your baggage.

Stansted Airport Transfers

Stansted Airport Transfer Via Bus

Traveling from Stansted Airport to London via bus is undoubtedly the cheapest way to cover the 45km distance. There are direct buses to Victoria station and Stratford station which follow more or less the same route with slightly different stops.

There are 60 buses that travel from Stansted Airport to Victoria Station daily and passes via popular stops like - Bow, Mile End, Whitechapel, Southwark, Waterloo and the London Victoria Railway Station. The 52-kilometer journey will take a little more than 1 hour by bus. You can enjoy spacious seats, and dedicated luggage racks, to keep all your bags. Since the National Express bus station is just across the airport exit terminal, you will have to walk barely any distance before you reach the bus itself.

The bus that travels from Stansted Airport to Stratford Station takes approximately 50 minutes to cover 45KM. Since flight delays are habitual, you can opt for the Change Coach Add-on which allows you to take a bus 12 hours before or after the original time of departure. There are 47 different buses travel between Stratford and Stansted Airport, giving you abundant choices of boarding times. You needn’t have to take your luggage far away, since the National Express bus stop is situated right outside the airport terminal, to ensure maximum convenience for passengers. At Stratford, you can see the London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Park. The bus will travel along the M11 highway, and you can see a different side to London, away from the bustling heart of the city. You will pass by numerous parks, golf courses and the quieter parts of London.

Stansted Airport Transfer Via Train

Stansted Express offers the fastest way to travel between London Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street. Trains depart every 15 minutes and take just 47 minutes to/from London Liverpool Street. The London Stansted Express covers the distance from Stansted Station to Liverpool Street Station in just 47 minutes. With trains available every 15 minutes, there is a good chance that you will find a train within 10 minutes of your arrival, regardless of the time you reach the station. While the trains are slightly more expensive than buses, they work well for solo travelers and those short on time.

On certain days of the week, such as Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, you can take a train as early as 3:40 AM. With abundant space, you can take this laid-back ride, while also having enough place to keep your luggage safe within eyeshot. The First Class compartment interiors are lavish and see a slim crowd. You can also avail a complimentary cup of tea or coffee, along with a newspaper, before you board the train.

Stansted Airport Transfer Via Shared Minibus

Traveling by cab is always a good idea but can be quite hefty on the pocket. However shared cabs are a great way to save money. Moreover, you'll be dropped right outside your hotel so nothing like doing away with the hassle of pulling your luggage from a bus or train. The driver will be holding an announcement board for easy identification. The shared minibus with spacious seats and ample space to keep your luggage, you will find it superior to public transport. Additionally, it is a more affordable solution than a taxi, while taking the same time to traverse the distance. You will travel along the M11 highway, and the 60-kilometer journey will take about 60 to 75 minutes.

Luton Airport Transfers

Luton Airport Transfer Via Bus

From Luton airport, you can hail a bus to either Paddington Station or Victoria Station.

The journey from Luton airport to Paddington station takes about 70 minutes. The National Express bus terminal is situated very close to the exit terminal of the airport and you can easily climb aboard the bus, especially if you are carrying a lot of luggage. On your journey, you'll pass through the outskirts of London, through the counties of East Barnet and St. Albans. You'll cross Watford, home to Watford F.C., the London Elstree Aerodrome and the Royal Air Force Museum. As your bus goes towards Paddington, you will pass by Wembley Stadium, Notting Hill, and see the famous colorful houses lining the streets. At Paddington Station, Kensington Palace is visible on the expansive green of Hyde Park.

The ride from Luton Airport to Victoria station takes 10 minutes longer than to Paddington and should have you at your destination in 80 minutes. As soon as you exit the airport building, the National Express bus station can be seen. It is convenient to board with your luggage, being located right across the entrance to the airport building. On this journey, you will go past numerous counties such as St. Albany's and East Barnet, the Brent Reservoir, Madame Tussauds Museum, Sherlock Holmes Museum , Hyde Park and the Buckingham Palace. Victoria Station is situated right across the road from the home of the British Royal Family.

Luton Airport Transfer Via Bus

The Luton Airport is located 50km from the city's proper and covering this distance in comfort is best possible with a shared minivan service. If you're with a large group, booking a minivan works economical and allows ample space for all your luggage. During the ride, you will go past numerous towns and villages, and pass by large parks. You can take the ride from Luton airport to central London, or from central London and Luton airport. Although not quite as fast as a train, you will be taken directly to the airport terminal/ hotel.

London Airport Transfer - Tips & Tricks

1. The fastest and most comfortable mode of London Airport Transfers is handsdown the train. Though it is on the costlier side, it saves a whole lot of time.
2. Before you finalise on your hotel, know that London Airport Transfer services terminate in the hotel districts ( Bayswater ,Bloomsbury, City London, County Hall, Euston, Kensington, Kings Cross, Paddington, St Pancras) around the city center. Having a hotel on the other side of London, far away from the airport can be expensive and tedious.
3. Taxis are for obvious reasons the most expensive form of airport transfer in London. It is remotely economical from Heathrow to London City, but from the other airports, the fare can go upto 3 digits.
4. Only London Heathrow, Gatwick Airport and Stansted Airport have dedicated express train services into central London. London City Airport and Luton Airport do not have express trains, but buses and tube can be availed.
5. London Heathrow Airport and London City Airport are the only airports directly connected to the efficient London Underground Tube network.
6. The 3 most efficient, reliable and comfortable buses for London Airport Transfers one can opt for are : National Express, easyBus and Greenline. They cost as less as £2 if booked in advance online.

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