London is one of the most connected cities on the planet. Whether you are flying in for a business meeting at Canary Wharf, a family holiday to see Buckingham Palace, or just a quick weekend getaway, the first question you likely have is about your arrival. Specifically, you are probably wondering how many airports in London actually exist and which one you should choose.
Navigating the London aviation system can be confusing because the city is huge and the airports are spread out across the South East of England. If you are planning a trip in 2026, you need the most up-to-date information to avoid long transfers and expensive taxi rides.
In this guide, we will answer exactly how many airports are there in London, break down what each one offers, and help you decide which arrival point is best for your travel plans.
The Short Answer: How Many Airports Are There in London?
To give you a direct answer: There are six major international airports in London.
While there are smaller private airfields nearby, the six hubs recognized globally are:
- Heathrow (LHR)
- Gatwick (LGW)
- Stansted (STN)
- Luton (LTN)
- London City (LCY)
- Southend (SEN)
However, there is a catch. Only two of these (Heathrow and London City) are actually inside the London boundary. The others are located in surrounding counties (like Essex and Sussex) but are connected to the city by high-speed trains and buses.
Let’s dive deep into each one so you can decide which is best for your 2026 trip.
1. Heathrow Airport (LHR):
When people ask how many airports in London England handle the most passengers, Heathrow is always the number one answer. It is not just the busiest airport in the UK; it is one of the busiest travel hubs in the world.
Overview
Located about 16 miles west of Central London, Heathrow is the main entry point for long-haul flights. If you are flying from the USA, Asia, or Australia, you will likely land here. It has four active terminals (numbered 2, 3, 4, and 5) and is the home base for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
The Travel Experience
Heathrow is huge. Walking from security to your gate can sometimes take 20 minutes. However, because it is a premium airport, it offers the best shops, restaurants, and lounges. In 2026, the airport continues to upgrade its security scanners, meaning the old rule about removing liquids from bags is slowly becoming a thing of the past in some terminals.
Best Way to Get to London
You have amazing options here:
- The Elizabeth Line: This is the modern favorite. It is fast, air-conditioned, and takes you right across London to places like Paddington, Bond Street, and Liverpool Street.
- Heathrow Express: The fastest option (15 minutes to Paddington) but very expensive unless you book months in advance.
- The Piccadilly Line (Tube): The cheapest option, but it is slow and often crowded. Avoid this if you have heavy luggage.
Best For: Long-haul travelers, families who want convenience, and luxury shoppers.
2. Gatwick Airport (LGW):
Gatwick is the second-largest airport and often the answer when travelers ask how many airports are there in london that offer a good mix of long-haul and budget flights.
Overview
Gatwick is located 28 miles south of London, near the town of Crawley. It has two terminals: the North Terminal and the South Terminal. They are connected by a free monorail shuttle that runs every few minutes.
The Travel Experience
Gatwick feels less chaotic than Heathrow. It is very efficient and handles a lot of holiday traffic. You will find many easyJet flights here, but also major airlines like British Airways, TUI, and Norse Atlantic Airways flying to the USA and Caribbean.
Best Way to Get to London
- Gatwick Express: A non-stop train to London Victoria station that takes about 30 minutes.
- Southern / Thameslink Trains: These are local commuter trains. They take about 5-10 minutes longer than the Express but are significantly cheaper. The Thameslink is fantastic because it takes you directly to trendy areas like London Bridge, Blackfriars, and St Pancras International.
Best For: Vacationers, those staying in South London, and travelers looking for flights to the USA or Europe that are cheaper than Heathrow.
3. Stansted Airport (STN):
If you found a flight ticket to London for £20, you are probably flying into Stansted.
Overview
Located 40 miles northeast of London in Essex, Stansted is the main base for Ryanair. It is known for serving over 200 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
The Travel Experience
Stansted has one main terminal. It recently underwent a major renovation to improve the seating and shopping areas. However, be prepared for a very busy atmosphere. Because it serves low-cost airlines, the queues for bag drops can be long, especially during summer holidays.
Best Way to Get to London
- Stansted Express: This train leaves every 15 minutes and takes you to London Liverpool Street in roughly 50 minutes. It is the most reliable method.
- National Express Bus: A much cheaper option that goes to Stratford or Victoria, but traffic can make the journey very long (sometimes 90+ minutes).
Best For: Backpackers, students, and anyone traveling on a strict budget to European destinations.
4. Luton Airport (LTN):
Similar to Stansted, Luton is a key player for budget travelers asking how many airports in london support airlines like Wizz Air and easyJet.
Overview
Luton is about 35 miles north of London. It is smaller than Stansted and handles a massive number of flights to Eastern Europe. It is famous for being the headquarters of easyJet.
The Travel Experience
Historically, Luton had a reputation for being difficult to access, but that has changed. In recent years, they opened the “Luton DART” (Direct Air-Rail Transit). This is a fast shuttle train that connects the airport terminal directly to the Luton Airport Parkway train station in under 4 minutes.
Best Way to Get to London
- Train + DART: Take the train from St Pancras International to Luton Airport Parkway, then hop on the DART. The whole trip can take as little as 30 minutes.
- Bus: Coaches are available to Central London, but like Stansted, traffic on the M1 highway can be a nightmare.
Best For: Travelers heading to North London or those finding cheap deals on Wizz Air.
5. London City Airport (LCY):
If you want to feel like a VIP and land right in the middle of the action, London City Airport is the one for you.
Overview
Located in the Royal Docks, this airport is only 6 miles east of the City of London (the financial district). It is physically small, with only one runway, and mostly serves business destinations like Zurich, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, though it has some summer holiday routes too.
The Travel Experience
This is the fastest airport experience in London. You can often get from the plane to the train station in 15 minutes. There are no long walks and no massive crowds. The approach to landing is also stunning, offering views of the Thames, the O2 Arena, and the skyscrapers.
Best Way to Get to London
- DLR (Docklands Light Railway): The airport has its own station. The DLR connects you to the London Underground network at Canning Town or Bank in less than 20 minutes.
Best For: Business travelers, solo travelers, and anyone willing to pay a premium to avoid stress.
6. London Southend Airport (SEN):
When listing how many airports in london england there are, people often forget Southend. After a quiet period during the pandemic, it is bouncing back in 2025 and 2026.
Overview
Located 40 miles east of London on the coast, Southend is a small, award-winning airport. It is known for customer service and speed.
The Travel Experience
Southend feels more like a private terminal than a major international hub. Security lines are almost non-existent. However, the number of flights is much lower compared to the other five airports, with easyJet being the primary airline here.
Best Way to Get to London
- Train: A dedicated train station is practically attached to the terminal. Trains run to London Liverpool Street and take about 55 minutes.
Best For: People who live in East London/Essex or travelers who want a completely stress-free experience and don’t mind a limited flight schedule.
Which Airport Should You Choose in 2026?
Now that you know how many airports are there in london, how do you choose? Here is a quick cheat sheet based on your travel style:
- Choose Heathrow if: You are flying long-haul (USA/Asia) or want the easiest connection to Central London via the Elizabeth Line.
- Choose Gatwick if: You are staying in South London or want a good balance of flight options without the chaos of Heathrow.
- Choose Stansted or Luton if: Price is your only priority. The flights are cheap, but remember to factor in the cost of the train ticket to get into the city!
- Choose London City if: You have a bigger budget and want to save time. It is perfect for short weekend trips.
- Choose Southend if: You want to avoid crowds entirely and find a flight that matches their schedule.
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Traveling around your local area or to UK airports can be a hassle, with traffic, scheduling, and logistics to consider. First Choice Taxi Services eliminates these issues, offering:
Reliable Fleet: A range of clean, well-maintained vehicles suitable for solo travel, families, or groups, ensuring comfort and safety for every journey.
Professional Drivers: All drivers are highly trained, fully licensed, punctual, and possess extensive knowledge of local roads and routes across the UK.
Real-Time Tracking: Advanced dispatch systems and GPS tracking ensure timely arrivals and allow for monitoring of your journey status.
Bespoke Services: From assistance with luggage to pre-booked multiple stops, services are tailored to meet specific needs.24/7 Availability: No matter the time of day or night, a taxi is ready to serve travel requirements. Whether for a daily commute, a family trip, or an important appointment, First Choice Taxi ensures the journey is smooth and efficient.
Final Thoughts
When planning your trip for 2026, knowing how many airports in London are available gives you the power to make smarter travel choices. Don’t just book the first flight you see. Check which airport you are landing at, look at the transfer times to your hotel, and choose the route that starts your visit to the UK on the right foot. Whether you prefer the global buzz of Heathrow or the quiet efficiency of Southend, London has a gateway that fits your needs.
FAQs
How many airports in London England are international?
All six major airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City, and Southend) are international airports. They all handle flights from outside the UK, though Heathrow and Gatwick handle the vast majority of long-haul transcontinental flights.
Which London airport is closest to the city center?
London City Airport (LCY) is by far the closest, located roughly 9 miles from Central London. Heathrow is the next closest, followed by Gatwick.
Is it easy to transfer between airports?
Direct transfers between airports can be tricky as they are located on different sides of the city. For example, getting from Heathrow (West) to Gatwick (South) involves a bus ride or a trip into the city and back out. Always leave plenty of time—at least 4 to 5 hours—if you have a connecting flight from a different airport.
