the best way to travel between the centre of london

How to get around London: from tubes and trains to bikes and buses

Mar 17, 2024 • 10 min read

With a bus, Tube, boat or bike? We'll help you discover the best ways to get around in London © Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

London is a sprawling city of over nine million people. With its combination of Roman walls, Victorian development, post-WWII rebuilding and pockets of ongoing regeneration, it's a jumble of roads, Tube and train lines, and definitely not the most intuitive city to navigate.

However, with apps, good mapping, signage and a bit of patience, it's possible to visit almost all of the city via public transport. From train companies to Transport for London, here's everything you need to know about each mode of transport and the all-important ticketing system.

The Tube (the London Underground) is the quickest and easiest

The London Underground, or "the Tube," is the city's subway running across 11 different color-coded lines, with only about 45% of the Underground network actually operating underground. Despite the never-ending upgrades and engineering works requiring weekend closures and escalators out of action, the Tube is overall the quickest and easiest way of getting around the city. It is also usually the warmest place to wait for your transport in winter, except on those rare above-ground Tube stations. 

Be aware though: some stations, most famously Leicester Square and Covent Garden, are much closer in reality than they appear on the Tube map, and going underground to travel between them will take much longer than simply walking between them.

Tip for using the Tube for sight-seeing: The Piccadilly Line stops at some of London’s key sights and neighborhoods – Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge – and it runs from Heathrow's airport terminals. It's a good Tube line to base yourself near. 

Catch the Night Tube on Friday and Saturday nights

The Tube runs roughly 5am to 1am, although when your last train departs does vary by line and the day of the week. 

Several lines (the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines) run all night on Friday and Saturday to get revelers home (on what is called the "Night Tube"), with trains every ten minutes or so (and off-peak fares). 

London's red buses (and the best sight-seeing bus route)

London's ubiquitous red double-decker buses afford great views of the city, but the going can be slow thanks to traffic jams and dozens of commuters getting on and off at every stop.

There are excellent bus maps at every stop detailing all routes and destinations served from that particular area (generally a few bus stops within a two- to three-minute walk, shown on a local map).

Bus services normally operate from 5am to 11:30pm. Many bus stops have LED displays listing bus arrival times, although downloading an app such as Citymapper to your smartphone is the most effective way to keep track of when your next bus is due. 

Top tip for taking the bus: Bus Route 15 is no longer served by heritage Routemaster buses but is still a useful route for tourists, connecting the Tower of London, St Paul's, the Strand and Trafalgar Square.

The Elizabeth Line

London’s shiny new "purple" line, connecting towns as far west as Reading and as far east as Shenfield to central London via hubs like Paddington, Liverpool Street Station and Tottenham Court Road,  is now open for business .

The line also offers a quicker (although more expensive!) route between Heathrow airport and central London.

Getting around London by foot

London is too large to realistically cover on foot, but once you're in an area of interest, you can't beat walking for proper neighborhood exploration. A good map or GPS is recommended, as London's winding streets can quickly disorientate. Bridges cross the Thames at regular intervals, and there are two pedestrian tunnels beneath the river: one at Greenwich and one at Woolwich. 

If you're exploring London in winter, wrap up with a warm hat, gloves and scarf. In central London, an umbrella is a liability on narrow footpaths; you're better off wearing a waterproof coat with a hood. Ice and snow are not uncommon in the depths of winter, so watch for slippery streets in the mornings.

Another key hazard for walkers in London can be cyclists, or rather pedestrians are a worry for them. Looking out for cars when you cross the road goes without saying, but in London, many streets allow cyclists to ride against a one-way driving system on "contra-flow" lanes. This means you need to look both ways before crossing roads, especially as you won't hear a bike coming! 

Better on a boat on the Thames

Several companies operate along the River Thames; only Uber Boat by Thames Clippers really offers commuter services, however. It’s fast and pleasant, and you’re almost always guaranteed a seat and a view. Thames Clippers boats run regular services between Embankment, Waterloo (London Eye), Blackfriars, Bankside (Shakespeare's Globe), London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, North Greenwich and Woolwich piers. Tickets can be bought at the piers, or pay-as-you-go with your Oyster or Contactless card (see   below for more information on paying fares).

Cycling is a surprisingly quick way to cross London

Cycling is generally a great way to get around the city , although city traffic can be intimidating for less-confident cyclists – it is important to keep your wits about you. The city has tried hard to improve the cycling infrastructure, by opening new "cycle superhighways" for commuters and "quietways" which are back street cycle lanes for leisure cyclists. The public bike-hire scheme Santander Cycles is particularly useful for visitors with bike-hire docks throughout the city. It costs £2 for unlimited journeys up to 30 minutes and £2 for each additional 30 minutes. Download the app to find the closest bikes and where there are spots available to drop off your bike near your destination. Cycling is also an excellent option for exploring parks and along the Thames.

London's black cabs and other taxi options

Licensed black cab drivers have "The Knowledge", acquired over three-to-five years of rigorous training and a series of exams. They are supposed to know 25,000 streets within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross/Trafalgar Square and the 100 most-visited spots of the moment, including clubs and restaurants.

Cabs are available for hire when the yellow sign above the windshield is lit; just stick your arm out to signal one. Fares are metered, with the initial charge of £3.80 rising by increments of 20p over distance traveled or time taken, which varies depending on the tariff being used. You can pay for your journey with a credit or debit card or cash.

Minicabs (private hire cars) are cheaper alternatives to getting a black cab, but they must be booked in advance through a cab office or an app and cannot be hailed on the street. Fares are set in advance rather than metered.

Ride-share apps are also in operation in London, although their introduction and impact on the city, from undercutting traditional black cabs to accusations of increased car congestion, is still hotly debated by locals. 

Top tip for taking a black cab: Despite the name, not all of London's black cabs are black! They are broadly all shaped the same, though, and will have a yellow sign above the windshield that says "Taxi."

Driving a car in London

As a visitor, it’s very unlikely you’ll need to drive in London. Much has been done to encourage Londoners to get out of their cars and onto public transport (or on their bikes), and the same disincentives should keep you firmly off the road: the additional Congestion Charge (CC) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees, extortionate parking costs, the high price of fuel, fiendishly-efficient traffic wardens, and ubiquitous CCTV cameras recording cars parked (even momentarily) on double yellow lines or not giving way when they should... it's probably not worth it. 

Riding above the Thames on a cable car

The Emirates Air Line is a cable car linking the Royal Docks in East London with North Greenwich some 90m above the Thames. The journey is brief and rather pricey, but the views are stunning. The Air Line is step-free, and the cable cars can accommodate most motorized wheelchairs.

The DLR (Docklands Light Rail)

The DLR, or Docklands Light Railway, is a driverless train network operating in the eastern part of the city. It's likely you'll take a ride on it if you're heading to the Emirates Air Line cable car or arriving/departing via London City Airport. It's a winner for travelers with children, who like to pretend they're driving the train from the front carriage. 

London Overground and the suburban train network

The Overground train network is part of Transport for London and operates mainly beyond the center of London (although some lines do pass through Zone 1 so pay attention if you're trying to avoid Zone 1 fares). In February 2024 the sprawling Overground network was rebranded into six separate lines, named to celebrate the capital’s modern history and diversity. Not all Londoners were impressed by the names.

There are various private companies operating trains in London that run out to the suburbs. The train network is particularly good for any day trips out of London , but pay attention to which operator you've booked train tickets with as more than one company will depart from the same station. 

Accessible transportation in London

London is a frustrating mix of inconsistent user-friendliness for travelers with access needs . All tram stops, the Emirates Air Line (cable car) and DLR stations have step-free access, as do all Thames Clippers and most piers (the exceptions are Cadogan Pier, Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier and London Bridge City Pier). However, only around a quarter of Tube stations and half of Overground stations have step-free access. This means that if you need to go through an interchange on the Tube network, you may find yourself facing an unexpected flight of stairs. There is often a gap between the train and the platform to contend with, as well. Careful planning and notification of a staff member are recommended before you board a train.

Buses are a much better bet: all can be lowered to street level when they stop, and wheelchair users travel free. Wheelchair users enter through the middle doors and have priority use of the wheelchair space over stroller users. All black cabs are meant to be wheelchair-accessible, but power wheelchair users should note that the space is tight, and headroom can be insufficient.

Guide dogs are universally welcome on public transport. Pavements are generally in good repair, pedestrian crossings relatively frequent and well-placed, and curb cuts sufficient not to leave you stranded. The further you get from the center of London, the more likely it is that you'll have the occasional issue with a missing curb cut.

Transport passes, tickets and fares

Transport for London operates the integrated transport network in the city and is the best source for up-to-date travel information, including timetables and fares. Children under five travel free with a fare-paying adult. Use the larger automatic gates to pass through with children, strollers, wheelchairs or luggage.

You can buy tickets for single journeys at ticket offices and self-service machines at most stations, but it's cheaper and much more convenient to either use Contactless, an Oyster card, or a mobile payment with a smartphone (unless you're paying overseas transaction fees). 

Contactless: This is any credit or debit card that allows for contactless payment. You hold it near the yellow card readers at ticket barriers for the Underground and rail systems to mark the start (and end) of your journey. This is referred to as "touch in, touch out." The cost of the journey will automatically be deducted from your account.

Oyster cards:  These are pre-paid reusable cards that can be topped up with funds either at a ticket machine or online. They are sold at most Tube/train stations and many newsagents (£5 charge) and follow the same "touch in, touch out" system.

Bus journeys: Buses are all cash-free, meaning you must either have a ticket in advance or pay with Contactless or an Oyster card when you board. You only need to "touch in" at the start of your journey. You will pay a flat fee no matter how long you are on board.

Travel zones for Tube and rail

The city's Tube and rail systems are divided into zones, radiating outwards from Zone 1 in the very center to Zone 9 as the outer section in Greater London to the north (it goes as far as Zone 6 to the south). Fares are capped, so providing you use the same card/device throughout your day and travel within the zones system, you'll pay a reduced Travelcard rate.

If you're taking a train beyond the London zones, perhaps for a day trip to the coast or farther afield, you will need to buy a separate train ticket.

This article was first published March 2021 and updated March 2024

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The best ways to get from Heathrow Airport into London

Editor's Note

After a long flight, you just want to get from the airport to your hotel in the easiest (and, ideally, the most cost-effective) way possible.

With an airport as vast as London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) — the biggest and busiest flight hub in the United Kingdom — achieving that goal can seem daunting even though it's only 16 miles from central London.

There are several options for getting from Heathrow to the city center, depending on your flexibility, the amount of luggage you're carrying, your budget or your time constraints. You can choose between taxis, the Tube, Uber, dedicated train services and even the bus.

Here are the best options for traveling from Heathrow to London — along with how long they take and other pros and cons — so that you can start your trip off on the right foot.

London Underground (aka the Tube)

Heathrow is on the London Underground's Piccadilly line. To spot it, simply look out for the dark blue line on any Tube map.

The popular service — run by the Transport for London (or the TfL for short) — connects the airport to plenty of central city locations. Often, you won't even need to transfer once you've made it to the city center.

If you're looking for the cheapest option to get you from Heathrow into the city, this is likely it. However, it may not be the most comfortable if you are carrying lots of luggage or traveling during peak commuter hours — especially during summer.

Depart from : Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5; the latter two have Underground stations in Zone 6.

Possible destinations : The Piccadilly line directly serves Hammersmith, Gloucester Road, South Kensington, Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Holborn and King's Cross St. Pancras, among other stops. The first and last stops on the line are Uxbridge (Zone 6) and Wood Green (Zone 3).

When does it run? Typically, you can expect Tubes to run from all terminals from around 5 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.; nighttime services from stations in Terminals 2, 3 and 5 run on Fridays and Saturdays. You can check the timetable from all stations here .

Transit time : This will obviously vary depending on your final destination. As a guide, it takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Piccadilly Circus from Heathrow's Terminal 5 or an hour to reach King's Cross St. Pancras.

Estimated cost : Single journeys from Heathrow to destinations in Zone 1 (such as Piccadilly and King's Cross) cost 5.60 British pounds ($7.09) if you pay contactless or with an Oyster card. Buying a ticket to central London at a machine will cost around 6.70 pounds (about $8.29) per person. Children under 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

If you're going outside of Zone 1 (such as to Hammersmith, in Zone 2), then you're looking at a smaller fare of 2.10 pounds (around $2.60) during peak times and 3.40 pounds (around $4.21) at off-peak times.

Paying for your trip : You can pay as you pass through the gates or by buying a ticket. The most convenient method is to use your contactless payment card by touching it on the yellow card readers found at Tube entrances and some platforms.

Note: The card readers aren't always connected to gates and are sometimes free-standing. Keep an eye out for them. If you don't tap in and out at the start and end of your journey, you'll get charged for traveling through Zones 1 to 9.

You can also tap in using a prepaid Oyster card, which is available to buy at all Tube and Overground stations, plus most Elizabeth Line stations, for 7 pounds (about $8.69); they're also available at some newsstands and visitor centers throughout London.

After purchasing an Oyster card, you can add money to the card using the ticket machines found inside Underground stations. You can then purchase daily or weekly travel cards covering various zones.

Alternatively, you can buy paper tickets from the ticket machines at each Tube, Overground and Docklands Light Railway station. One-way, return, daily and weekly travel cards are available.

Some stations also have staffed kiosks instead of ticket machines; you can ask for advice here on the best tickets to buy or routes to take.

Related: The best lounges at London Heathrow — and how to get inside

Elizabeth Line

A relatively recent addition to the TfL network, the Elizabeth Line opened in 2022. It is one of the fastest and cheapest options for traveling into central London from Heathrow Airport.

While not as cheap as the Tube, the Elizabeth Line trains are newer, roomier, air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi. It's not quite as fast as the Heathrow Express (more details below), but it is more affordable.

Depart from : Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 railway stations.

Possible destinations : The Elizabeth Line travels direct from Heathrow to Abbey Wood, serving Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf. You can see the full map on TfL's website .

There are no direct services between Canary Wharf and Terminal 5 except for some early morning and late evening services; instead, you must go via Paddington or transfer at Terminal 4. Trains arriving at Heathrow from Canary end at Terminal 4.

When does it run? Times vary by terminal and whether you're traveling during a weekday or weekend. Typically, the first trains leave between 5:15 and 6:05 a.m., and the last trains leave the airport between 11:46 p.m. and 12:13 a.m. Depending on your destination or starting point, you may find trains start slightly earlier or run marginally later. Find specific timing here .

Transit time : It depends on where you're headed. As a guide, Terminal 5 station to Paddington takes around 35 minutes, while traveling from stations in Terminal 2 and 3 to Liverpool Street takes about 45 minutes.

Estimated cost : Heathrow claims journeys to or from the airport that start or end in Zone 1 cost up to 12.80 pounds ($15.83) per person. However, if you use contactless payment or Oyster, TfL's single fare finder shows a single journey from Terminal 5 to Paddington on the Elizabeth Line costs 12.20 pounds ($15.44).

A journey from stations in Terminals 2 and 3 to Liverpool Street costs 13.30 pounds ($16.45). These prices only apply to contactless payments or Oyster payments. Buying a paper ticket via station ticket machines costs a small amount more — as discovered by TPG recently when we paid 14.30 pounds for an off-peak ticket from Liverpool Street to Heathrow via the Elizabeth Line.

Generally speaking, while savings are only minor, it's better to pay by contactless or Oyster card. Children under the age of 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

Heathrow Express

The direct train, Heathrow Express, is the fastest option to get from Heathrow to Paddington. The trains are relatively modern and, despite the short distance between its sole stop, they also have luggage racks and plugs for charging phones — handy if you're boarding after a long journey.

For onward journeys, Paddington is well connected to multiple Tube lines. Do note, however, that the Heathrow Express is more expensive than all other rail options.

Depart from : Terminals 2 and 3 station and Terminal 5 railway station; you'll need to take a free connecting shuttle to the station if you land in Terminal 4.

Possible destinations : Paddington station; for an extra cost, you can add connecting Tube travel.

When does it run? It typically operates from around 5 a.m. until midnight. Trains run every 15 minutes. See the full Heathrow Express timetable here .

Transit time : It takes 15 minutes to get to Paddington from Terminals 2 and 3 or 20 minutes from Terminal 5.

Estimated cost : A single Heathrow Express journey from Paddington to Heathrow usually costs 25 pounds ($31.65) per person, but you can sometimes pay less if you book in advance. If you're from Great Britain and have a National Railcard, you could pay as little as 16.50 pounds ($20.89).

Alternatively, you can sometimes find discounts online by searching for Heathrow Express vouchers or coupon codes.

The trains also have Business First Class carriages that start around 32 pounds ($40.51) for a single journey. This may not seem worth it given the short distance and travel time. However, Heathrow Express Business First Class ticket holders are also eligible to use Heathrow Airport's fast-track security service — it may be worth it if you're in a rush.

While the Heathrow Express is more expensive than other options, it can sometimes be a good deal for families; children under 15 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

If you are returning to the airport within one month of your ticket, an anytime ticket is cheaper overall than booking two single journeys, which start at 32 pounds ($40.51).

Frequent travelers can also save by buying carnets — starting at six tickets for 109.80 pounds ($138.99) for standard class or 160 pounds ($202.54) for Business First class.

If public transport isn't your thing or you need to travel between Heathrow and central London when other transport isn't running, you can easily book Uber rides. Naturally, this will cost more than a Tube or train ride.

Depart from : Short-stay parking lot in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5; the app will tell you where to go once you've requested a ride and your driver is confirmed, depending on the terminal you're in.

You can typically find Uber pickup spots in the following locations:

• Terminal 2: Level 4, Row H (Short Stay Car Park 2)
• Terminal 3: Level 3, Row A (Short Stay Car Park 3)
• Terminal 4: Level 1, Private Hire Pickup
• Terminal 5: Level 1, Row R (Short Stay Car Park 5)

Possible destinations : You can use Uber to go wherever you like.

When does it run? In theory, you can get an Uber at any hour, but be wary of long waits during peak times.

Transit time : It varies depending on traffic, destination and other factors. (Pay attention to rush hour and commuting times.) As a rough guide, it typically takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Paddington by car or one hour to reach Piccadilly Circus from Terminal 5 (on a good day).

Note that despite its convenience, Uber isn't necessarily the quickest way to reach Heathrow from most locations.

Estimated cost : The cost of an Uber depends on traffic, your destination and other factors. As an example, it can cost 59 British pounds ($74.69) from Terminal 5 to Paddington or 63 British pounds ($79.75) to Piccadilly Circus for UberX rides, excluding tips.

Do note that groups of four or more with more than small suitcases will need to order either a larger car or multiple cars. Expect to pay more for an Uber Lux or Comfort journey.

Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you

Taxis (including black cabs, WeKnow and Addison Lee)

Beyond Uber, there are plenty of other taxi services in London. Options include hailing an iconic London black cab, prebooking an electric car from Heathrow's private hire transfer service WeKnow or arranging a pickup from a company such as Addison Lee.

The latter two options provide a meet-and-greet service to help get you and your luggage straight into the car.

If booking with Addison Lee, you'll be required to share your flight number at booking so the driver can adjust your ride in case of a delay.

Again, this mode of transport will be more expensive than using public transport.

Depart from : The relevant taxi rank outside Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 for a black cab; other services will specify the pickup location when you book, or the driver will meet you at the terminal.

Possible destinations : You can use this option to go wherever you'd like.

When does it run? In theory, you should be able to arrange a taxi or car transfer anytime.

Transit time : As with Uber, it varies depending on traffic, destination and other factors. Terminal 5 to Paddington will typically take around 50 minutes while heading to Picadilly Circus will usually take roughly one hour.

Estimated cost : Prices vary depending on the taxi service you opt for and traffic. Some estimates are below.

• Black cab : The meter starts when your ride begins. TfL — which manages London's black cabs — says trips from Heathrow to central London cost between 52 pounds ($65.83) and 97 pounds ($122.79). More information about black cabs is available here .
• WeKnow : Prices are fixed, so you'll know what you're paying when you book. Terminal 5 to Paddington or Piccadilly Circus typically costs 70 pounds ($88.61) to 94 pounds (around $118.99), depending on the car booked. A meet-and-greet service costs 9.99 pounds (about $12.65) extra. Book here .
• Addison Lee : Like WeKnow, prices for Addison Lee rides are fixed. A sample Terminal 5 to Paddington journey (leaving ASAP) was quoted online as 94.32 pounds ($119.40) or up to 122 pounds ($154.44), depending on the car size needed. The meet-and-greet is included in both prices. For an exact quote, visit Addison Lee's website and input your flight number and journey details.

Coach (including National Express and Megabus)

From Heathrow, National Express and Megabus coaches can drop you off at Victoria Coach station. They're usually inexpensive and often have Wi-Fi and power outlets. They can also carry your luggage in the hold. Here's where you can find Megabus luggage allowances and National Express luggage allowances .

While cheap, buses are not the quickest way to reach central London, as times fluctuate considerably depending on traffic, time of day and other factors.

Depart from : Heathrow's Central Bus Station between Terminals 2 and 3 is the quickest departure point for both National Express and Megabus coaches. From Terminal 4, you'll need to take the free shuttle to the bus station. You can also board a coach from Terminal 5 (look for arrivals level stops 13, 14 and 15 for the Megabus).

Possible destinations : You can use these modes of transportation to reach Victoria Coach station, which is a short five-minute walk from the Victoria Line at Victoria station. This line stops at Green Park, Oxford Circus, Warren Street and King's Cross.

When does it run? National Express coaches run throughout the day, with a service gap between 1 and 3:45 a.m. You can check times and prices here . For Megabus times, head here .

Transit time : From Terminals 2 and 3, National Express coaches take between 55 minutes and one hour and 20 minutes to reach Victoria Coach station. Megabus takes between 45 and 55 minutes for the same journey.

From Terminal 5, National Express coaches can take anywhere from one hour and 20 minutes to one hour and 35 minutes.

Estimated cost : National Express coach rides start from 6 pounds ($7.60) per person. For Megabus coaches, a single journey starts from 8 pounds ($10.13).

Other travel options

The 285 bus from Heathrow's Central Bus Station (serving Terminals 2 and 3) will take you to Feltham train station — it's 16 stops away. From there, you can take a 30- or 45-minute train to Waterloo via Clapham Junction.

London bus hopper fares cost 1.75 British pounds ($2.22), and train tickets start from 8.60 pounds ($10.89) per person. The hopper fares allow you to take unlimited journeys from one hour of tapping in.

This is probably the cheapest option from Heathrow to central London, but it is a long-winded option.

There are several local bus routes from the airport for those traveling somewhere in Greater London rather than central London. View them here .

Bottom line

The best route from Heathrow to central London depends on your budget, the amount of luggage you're traveling with and the amount of time and hassle you are willing to put up with.

The Elizabeth Line and Tube are our top picks to avoid street traffic and save money. If speed is your primary concern, then consider the Heathrow Express.

Need to get away from dragging luggage around or just want the absolutely simplest path from point A to point B? Consider an Uber or taxi.

Hi, I'm Candace

Candace Abroad

A London & Travel Blog

London , London Travel Tips & Inspiration , Moving to London Advice & Resources · August 14, 2023

How to Get Around London: Your Ultimate Transport Guide for 2024

Table of Contents

Looking to get around London? Whether you’re navigating getting around London as a tourist for the first time or just need a brush up on the London transportation system, here’s how to navigate the London public transport system like a pro — from a Londoner!

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Travelling to London can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with getting around the city.

With its sprawling metropolis and countless attractions, getting from A to B in London can seem like an impossible task. But don’t fret!

Over the years I’ve learned the ins and outs of London transport (and may or may have gotten on several wrong tubes along the way). Seven years later I can proudly say getting around London is a breeze, but there’s definitely a learning curve.

This London transport guide will provide all the information you need on getting around London using public transportation. From the tube, buses, trains, the infamous black cabs and more — here’s everything you need to know to make your way around London as easily as possible. Let’s dive in!

How to Get Around London: Your Ultimate Transport Guide to the City

How London Zones Work

Before you dive into the world of London transport, it’s important to know how the transport system is set up.

The zone system divides up London into nine circular zones that extend out from Zone 1 (Central London) to Zone 9 (the outskirts of London).

As you can see on the London transit map above, these zones are used by many forms of public transport in London in order to calculate fares and determine which areas are served by each service.

So for example, if you’re travelling within Zone 1 by tube, as of 2023 it would cost you £2.50 on your Oyster Card.

But if you’re travelling from Zone 1 to Zone 3 by tube, it would cost you £2.90 on your Oyster Card.

Knowing how the zone system works can help you make sense of getting around London quickly and efficiently. So know it well!

P.S – If you’re just getting around London as a tourist you’ll most likely be staying in ‘Zone 1-2’ during your trip (unless you’re going somewhere like, for example, Kew Gardens in Zone 3 or Hampton Court Palace in Zone 6).

The Best Transit Apps for Getting Around London

Before bracing yourself for the mighty world of the London transport system, you’ll want to have an app or two handy, or in my case, just one. Citymapper .

It’s a public transit app that started in 2011 (in London actually!) and is hands down the best way to get around the city.

I’ve used it for years without a glitch, but if in doubt Google Maps or Apple Maps will work too.

How Do You Pay for Public Transport in London?

The easiest way to pay for your rides on London public transport is by getting an Oyster Card or using your Contactless Payment Card.

Both cards use the same ‘tap-in’ payment system, that you’ll use on most public transport in the city.

The Oyster card is a physical card that you top up with money at any Tube station or online — and it’s always best if you plan ahead and pre-load your card before travelling .

You can purchase an Oyster card at most airports (except London Southend), or any Tube or National Rail station in London as well as most newsagents and convenience stores throughout the city. It’s also possible to purchase an Oyster Card online through the official Transport for London website .

Once you have your card, simply top it up with money, and you’re ready to start getting around London quickly, safely and conveniently!

Alternatively, contactless payment cards are linked directly to your bank account and allow you to tap into stations and buses without having to worry about topping up beforehand. Contactless payments can be made using debit or credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other mobile wallets such as Samsung Pay.

The best thing about using your Oyster and contactless card are the pay-as-you-go daily and weekly caps .

These were made to limit the amount that London tourists and locals alike pay on transport every day and week, with a daily cap of £7.70 between Zone 1-2 and £38.40 weekly for Zone 1-2 (meaning you’ll never pay more than this for unlimited travel within these zones), for London buses the daily cap is £4.95.

The cap amount depends on what zones you’re travelling to that day and your passenger type, so be sure to check what your cap fare would be here .

What about Travelcards and Visitor Oysters?

You may have also heard of something in London called ‘ Travelcards ‘.

When purchased these enable unlimited travel within certain zones, however unless you’re travelling non-stop in London the cost of Travelcards usually isn’t worth it in comparison to using your Oyster or Contactless card.

Visitor Oyster Cards on the other hand are designed specifically for visitors who need short-term access to transportation services in the city and also come with special discounts to various London experiences and restaurants.

Overall, unless you’re eligible for discounts on the Oyster card or want to make use of the discounts on the Visitor Oyster Card , the easiest way to pay for London transport will be your contactless card as you can use it instantly straight from your phone as soon as you arrive in London (as long as you have your Apple Pay or Google Pay set up).

How Much is Public Transport in London?

The price of public transport London varies depending on the method of transit you use as well as the distance you’re travelling to between Zone 1-9.

The tube and Overground starts from £2.50 a journey and the bus from £1.65. But to get a realistic number on what your journey will cost I highly suggest using the TfL Fare Calculator so you can price your journey beforehand.

P.S – Citymapper will also tell you how much any journey you take will cost!

Discounts on Travelling in London

Like most things that involve London life, getting around the city can get expensive. So here’s a few ways to save on transport in London.

Hopper Fare: This gives you unlimited journeys within one hour on all TfL buses for £1.65 and works automatically

18+ Student Oyster: Any student in London (even international) can save 30% on bus & tram journeys

16-25 Railcard: 1/3 off train travel and 1/3 off single off-peak pay as you go fares on the London Undeground and DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

26-30 Railcard: Same discounts as the 16-25 Railcard

16-17 Zip Oyster: 50% off travel on most London transit

11-15 Zip Oyster: Free travel on London bus and 50% off most fares

Children Under 11: Free travel on most London transport services for up to 4 children accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket

60+ London Oyster: Free travel if you’re over 60 living in London

P.S – For more free and discounted options for public transport in London make sure you check out TfL’s official website !

What’s the Best Way to Travel Around London?

The best way to travel around London will depend on your specific journey, but my favourite way is walking .

London has SO many beautiful hidden corners that you’ll simply miss on public transportation.

My love for walking in London aside, in general, using the London Underground or the London buses will be the best way to get around the city.

The tube (London Underground) is usually very reliable, even with the recent TfL strikes over the past year, along with the London buses which are a great way to experience London like a true local.

Both also have incredible connections to almost an place in the city, unlike the Overground, DLR (Docklands Light Railway), River Boat or many other London transport options we’ll run through in a bit.

10 Ways to Get Around London

The London Underground (a.k.a. the Tube)

The Tube is the most iconic form of public transport in London (and for good reason). It’s been around since 1863, and today it’s a vital part of getting around the city.

The Tube consists of 11 lines that cover 270 stations over 402 kilometres (250 miles) of track and can take you to nearly every corner of the capital, making it one of the best ways to get around London.

London Tube Lines:

• Bakerloo Line
• Central Line
• Circle Line
• District Line
• Hammersmith & City Line
• Jubilee Line
• Metropolitan Line
• Northern Line
• Piccadilly line
• Victoria line
• (NEW) Elizabeth Line

If you’re getting around London as a tourist, you should be able to get to the majority of places on your itinerary through the tube alone (although I still highly suggest taking a ride on the London buses and walking if your location is close enough).

Before you take your first ride, I suggest having a look at the tube map and familarising yourself with the lines.

To catch the tube to your destination you’ll need to know which line and which direction you’ll need to take (Eastbound or Westbound or Northbound or Southbound), followed by the branch of the line (i.e the end destination of the line).

So, for example, if I wanted to from Leicester Square to Hampstead , my directions would say I need to get the ‘Northern Line’ going ‘Northbound’ on the branch that’s going towards ‘Edgeware’ .

Step-by-step here’s how you would get there on the tube once you have the directions:

• Walk to Leicester Square station
• Tap in with your Oyster, Visitor Oyster or Contactless card on the yellow reader
• Follow the signs to the Northern Line
• Go to the platform that says ‘Northbound’ on the Northern Line
• Look at the digital display board on the platform screen and make sure you’re getting on the tube that is going towards the end destination listed on your directions
• Get off at Hampstead
• Follow the signs to the exit
• Tap out with your Oyster, Visitor Oyster or Contactless card on the yellow reader
• Give yourself an internal high-five for figuring out the London tube system
• Explore Hampstead!

Mimic these steps for any journey you’re taking on the tube until it becomes like clockwork!

Safety is a also top priority on the Tube network with CCTV cameras located throughout all stations and on every train carriage. Emergency help points are also positioned at regular intervals along each platform with constant monitoring to make sure any potential problems are quickly identified and dealt with. If you’re ever feeling lost the TfL staff is also more than willing to help you get back on your route.

There’s also a night tube service on the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines if you’re coming home late from a night out in London.

P.S. – Don’t forget to read my tube etiquette guide !

With over 8,000 buses operating in the city, getting from one place to another on public transport in the city has never been easier.

Buses are a great way to explore all that London has to offer as they provide access to some of the city’s best attractions and views of the capital (check out the best bus routes for sightseeing in London! ).

Like I mentioned before, you’ll also get unlimited rides on any London bus journey within an hour through the Hopper Fare , so for example, if you take 3 buses across the city in one hour, it’ll still be £1.65.

To use the bus — simply load up the directions to your destination and catch your correct bus from the bus stop (for example, ‘Bus 148 to White City, leaving from Stop P).

When you get on tap your Oyster, Visitor Oyster or contactless card on the yellow reader near the bus driver and take your seat (you won’t need to tap-out like you do on the tube).

Although taking the bus usually works out longer than taking the tube, it’s a great way to see London from a new perspective and get to more secluded areas in the city.

P.S – Try getting the top left or right seat on the double-decker buses for the best views!

DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is a light rail network in London, connecting parts of East and South East London.

It operates using driverless automated trains, with easy-to-understand route maps that make getting around this part of the city much smoother.

The DLR is fully integrated with other forms of public transportation too, including the Tube and bus services, so you may end up using it as part of your journey from time to time. Like if you’re going from Central London to the beautiful Greenwich !

This makes getting around this part of London easier than ever before, as you can easily switch between transport networks while using the same payment card and ticketing system.

Unlike the Tube or bus, it also runs above ground on its own tracks, meaning that it has no traffic congestion to delay your journey and no waiting for traffic lights, with great views along the way. From the ExCel Centre to Canary Wharf, Greenwich and more, it’s a lovely way to get from point A to point B when needed.

The London Overground is a suburban and inner-city network that services many locations in the Greater London area.

It covers a large part of Central London and includes lines like the East London Line (ELL), North London Line (NLL), West London Line (WLL) and more. These lines also lead to popular neighbourhoods such as Shoreditch High Street Station , Camden Town , Angel Islington, and Old Street Station.

Getting around on the London Overground is very easy and follows the same ‘tap-in, tap-out’ system as the tube. Trains don’t come as often as the Underground so you may find yourself waiting a bit longer, they also move a bit slower too — but of course as it’s the ‘Over’ground, this means London views!

Rail Services

The National Rail services in London play a key role in getting around the capital. The National Rail network consists of over 2,500 stations and more than 11,000 miles (17,700 kilometers) of track across Great Britain…that’s a lot of rail services!

Lucky for you, in London there’s only four main ones to rememeber —  The Southeastern Railway, Thameslink, The Southern Railway and The Southwestern Railway, i.e the major railway networks in the city.

These offer frequent services from many points in the city in addition to destinations across the entire UK and many London airports.

For rail journeys within London you can use your Oyster card or contactless, but you’ll need to purchase a seperate physical or digital ticket if you’ll be taking a train from London to elsewhere in the UK.

You can save 30% on all train travel in the UK if you’re 16-25 or 26-30 by getting a Railcard .

You’re also likely to use a train if you’re coming from the airport to Central London, but other than that you won’t be using the train often if you’re getting around London as a tourist.

If you’re looking to do a few London day or weekend trips away from the city, I’d suggest catching the train from Paddington, Waterloo or London Bridge station. Make sure you use Trainline to find the cheapest train tickets !

River Bus Services

For a more unique way to get around London, try a river bus !

London has one of the largest networks of navigable waterways in Europe, which includes the famous River Thames and other small streams, rivers and canals.

This network is both picturesque and practical, providing public transport in London for passengers like no other.

The most popular river boat services in London are run by Thames Clippers , who operate regular daily cruises from Embankment Pier to many locations along the Thames such as Tower Bridge, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and Woolwich. Prices vary depending on how far you’re travelling along the route but it’s generally quite affordable for tourists; single adult fares cost about £5-£7 per journey or £9-£15 return tickets and they accept Oyster and contactless cards .

Thames Clippers also offer various combined tickets which provide discounted prices when travelling on multiple boats or getting off at multiple stops – they even have an Oyster card reader installed on their ticket machines so you can top up your card while onboard.

Apart from Thames Clippers there are loads of amazing river cruises in London that will allow you to experience the city from a new perspective, in style!

P.S – Due to their slightly higher price point in comparison to the tube, London buses etc. you won’t often find locals using river boats for their daily commutes, but if you live here it’s a great option if you’re ever looking to mix things up! You can check out more TfL river bus services here .

London’s black cabs are also a popular (and expensive) way of getting around the city, offering a convenient and reliable transport service for both locals and tourists alike.

Black cab drivers must pass extensive tests known as ‘the knowledge’ in order to get their license, so they are highly experienced in getting you from A to B with minimal fuss.

There are two main types of black cabs in London, the traditional TX4 and the newer LEVC electric models — both offer a spacious interior for up to 6 passengers with plenty of room for luggage or shopping bags. Most have built-in payment terminals accepting credit/debit cards and Apple/Android pay options; but you can pay in cash if preferred.

Black cabs can be hailed on the street by flagging them down or you can use apps like Uber or Gett to hail one from the app.

The cost of a journey varies depending on how far you’re travelling, but generally speaking every mile is about £6.50 to £11.20 (roughly 6-13 minutes) and prices are 10% higher in the evening.

It’s also worth noting that while getting around by black cabs is usually very safe, I always recommend checking the driver’s ID badge before getting into your ride.

London is a great city for getting around by bicycle, with a huge network of dedicated cycle lanes and bike paths for cyclists (although we’re no Copenhagen yet).

If you’re new to London or just getting into cycling then the best place to start is to understand the Cycleways which comprises hundreds of miles of dedicated cycle lanes throughout London. You can also download and plan your route ahead of time .

To rent a bike simply find a Santander Cycles station near you or check out other options like Lime’s E-scooters and E-bike rentals .

London drivers can be a bit unforgiving, so make sure you know the Highway Code while you’re out on the road. For example all cyclists must keep left unless they’re passing another cyclist; and pedestrians always have right of way (even if they don’t look like they’re paying attention!). This is particularly true in busy pedestrian areas such as Oxford Street or Trafalgar Square.

Overall cycling around London is a fantastic way to explore the city and save on travel, with bike hires starting from less than £2.

Getting around London on foot is a great way to explore the city and experience its sights, sounds and culture.

Walking allows you to take in your surroundings at a leisurely pace (something that let’s just say the tube doesn’t always allow…), getting up close and personal with the bustling metropolis that makes up London. Plus getting around by walking is one of the most cost-effective ways to get from A-B — no tickets or fares required!

When getting around London by foot it’s important to plan your route carefully beforehand so you know exactly where you’re going. With apps like Citymapper you can find the best routes and the estimated time it’ll take to reach your destination.

If you’re exploring Central London, you’ll also find most locations are in walking distance from each other. For example, walking from Soho to Covent Garden will take you just 15 minutes! And we all know Big Ben to Tower Bridge is just an excuse to do a lovely walk along South Bank .

Just make sure to pack your comfortable shoes!

P.S – I’ve got plenty of custom London walking tours if you’re looking for an interesting route

Read More: Ultimate London Packing List: What to Wear in Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Bonus: Cable Car

The newly renamed IFS Cloud Cable Car offers a unique way to get around London while getting stunning views of the city and the River Thames.

Spanning across the river between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, it’s an incredibly efficient, low-cost and convenient form of transport that can take you on a stunning journey across London in a matter of minutes.

You can pay for your ride via your Oyster card or contactless and ride with up to 10 passengers at a time. Although the ride is only about 10 minutes, there’s plenty of Instagram opportunities and breathtaking views to take in along the way, including the likes of the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf and iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the City Hall if you look close enough.

I’ll admit, this isn’t a London transport option you’d use on a daily basis, but if you’re looking for a new way to see the city, this is it!

Accessibility & London Transport

Although using London’s transport network is an incredibly convenient and straightforward way to get around the city, it can be more difficult for people who may require extra assistance or support. Fortunately, London is getting more accessible every year.

The majority of London’s public transport offer wheelchair access , as well as other facilities such as ramps, lifts and audible announcements. All buses in London also feature low floors which make getting on and off easier for wheelchair users.

Additionally, most tube stations have been redesigned to include new tactile maps, Braille signs and audio-visual systems to help passengers find their way around with greater ease.

You can also use the TfL website to plan your accessible journey and find out more .

Final Tips on Using Public Transport in London

• Always ‘Mind the Gap’ when you’re on the tube and stick to the right side of the escalator for standing and the left side for walking
• Don’t forget to check how close two destinations in London are to each other — or you may miss out on a lovely walk!
• Stick to exploring 1-2 areas of London at a time to save on your transportation costs and time

Whew — that was LONG! But hopefully now you feel more prepared than ever to tackle the London transport system.

Like I said, once you do it a few times you really do get into the swing of things. And we all know getting around London by public transportation is the only way to be a true Londoner (at least if you ask me!).

Happy Londoning,

• Ultimate London Packing List: What to Wear in Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
• 5 Etiquette Tips for Taking the Tube (from a local)
• The Best Bus Routes for Sightseeing in London (for £1.65!)
• Top 10 London Attractions: 10 Famous Places to See & Visit
• 10+ Unique Experiences in London You Have to Try for Yourself
• 10 Tips for Tourists in London (Tourist Mistakes and How to Avoid Them)
• The Best Affordable Afternoon Teas in London

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Finding the Universe

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London Airports: How to Get from the Airport to London

Last updated: March 4, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 15 Comments

If you’re visiting London from abroad, the chances are that you’re going to be arriving at one of London’s airports. London has six airports, and a question folks often have is how to get to central London from the airport.

Obviously the answer to this question will vary depending on which London airport you arrive at.

In this post, we’re going to share with you all the transport options that you have for getting into the centre of London from each of London’s six airports.

We’re going to try and cover options for all budgets, and give an indication of cost for each option, although do always check the referenced websites for most up to date pricing and timetable information.

I’ve also not mentioned hire cars in this post as I don’t feel London is best experienced with a car, but if you feel differently, all the airports have car rental counters if you’d prefer to drive.

One other point of clarification on terminology before we get started. In the UK we refer to “coaches” and “buses”.

A “coach” is a large, more comfortable bus used for longer distance transport, normally between cities, that normally has fewer stops. A “bus” usually refers to an inner-city service with many stops.

If you’ve not travelled in London before, you might also find the following useful as references for your visit:

• A guide to public transport in London
• Tips on how to buy and use the Oyster card in London
• Advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London

Now, all you have to do is scroll down to the airport you need information on, or click on each link to go directly to the entry for that airport. As well as tips for getting from each airport to London, we’ve also included some recommended hotel options at each airport for your convenience.

Once you’re done, head to the end of the post for some further reading to help you plan your trip to London.

List of London Airports

London has six airports, which are, in order of passenger numbers:

• Heathrow Airport
• Gatwick Airport
• Stansted Airport
• Luton Airport
• London City Airport
• Southend Airport

London Airport Distances from London

London’s airports are geographically diverse, with some located very close to the city, and others quite far out. Here’s a list of all the airports in order of distance from London:

• London City Airport – in London
• Heathrow Airport – 14 miles from London
• Luton Airport – 29 miles from London
• Gatwick Airport – 33 miles from London
• Stansted Airport – 40 miles from London
• Southend Airport – 40 miles from London

Closest Airports to London by Travel Time

Distance of course doesn’t tell the whole story. You will probably be more interested in how long it actually takes to get from each London airport to London.

For this, I will use the fastest travel time in each case. Obviously, London is quite big so travel times will vary depending on your destination. In addition, slower options will also be available which may cost less, see each airport entry for more details.

• Heathrow Airport – 15 minutes by Heathrow Express train to London Paddington
• London City Airport – ~20 minutes to most destinations in London
• Gatwick Airport – 30 minutes by Gatwick Express to London Victoria
• Luton Airport – 35 minutes by train + shuttle bus to London St. Pancras
• London Stansted – 47 minutes by Stansted Express train to London Liverpool Street
• Southend Airport – 55 minutes by train to London Liverpool Street

As you can see, journey times vary quite a lot. The closest airports to London by travel time are Heathrow Airport and London City Airport, although this will depend on where you want to be in the city.

Which Airports Can I Travel to With an Oyster Card?

If you have an Oyster card, you can use it to travel to the following airports:

• Heathrow Airport on the Tube, Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express
• Gatwick Airport on Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink train services
• London City Airport on the DLR

See more on using an Oyster card here , and the best ways to pay for travel in London here .

You can buy a regular Oyster card in person in London, or you can buy a visitor Oyster Card in advance of your visit here.

How to Get from Heathrow Airport to London

London Heathrow is London’s busiest airport, handling half of London’s passengers. It’s situated 14 miles west of the centre of London, and has a variety of options for getting into the city. These are as follows.

1. London Underground (aka Tube) from Heathrow Airport

Our favourite way of getting from Heathrow Airport to central London is to take the Tube, London’s underground train system. It’s also one of the cheapest options. The Piccadilly Line runs from three locations in Heathrow Airport, and services all the major terminals.

The Tube runs right into central London, plus you can change onto the other lines and thus reach pretty much anywhere in London. There is a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays from Terminals 1,2,3 & Terminal 5. During the week, trains begin departing from around 5.10am (5.50am on Sundays) with the last service at 11.45pm (11.30pm on Sundays).

Cost: A ticket costs £5.60 to zone 1 using Oyster or Contactless.

Journey time: Approximately 50 minutes to central London

Tips: Our suggestion would be to either buy a visitor Oyster card in advance, buy an Oyster card in person at the station, or to use your contactless card. Read our advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London for more information on your options.

2. Bus from Heathrow Airport

The Heathrow Central Bus Station is found between Terminals 2 and 3. The public buses operating from here primarily service areas of outer London rather than central London.

You can of course get to central London by bus during the day, but it will require a number of changes and will take at least a couple of hours, so we would advise the tube is going to be a better option if you want to take public transport.

However, if you arrive into London Heathrow late at night on a weekday, the Tube will not be running. You are not out of luck when it comes to public transport though – there is a night bus from London Heathrow to Trafalgar Square. The N9 departs from Terminal 5 and the Heathrow Central Bus Station (Terminals 2&3).

The N9 is a direct bus service that starts at around 23.35 (11:35PM). You can see the full timetable here – select your stop and day for the correct time. It’s by far the cheapest option for getting into central London for Heathrow.

Cost: A ticket costs £1.75. Journeys cannot be paid in cash; you must have a contactless card or an Oyster card.

Journey time: Just over an hour, depending on which stop you go to.

Tips: Again, our suggestion would be to either buy a visitor Oyster card in advance, buy an Oyster card in person at the station, or to use your contactless card. Read our advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London for more information on your options.

3. Coach from Heathrow Airport

There are a number of coach transfer services (see note on the difference between coaches and buses at the beginning of the post) from London Heathrow to central London. These can be more convenient than the Tube or the bus if you have a lot of luggage that you don’t want to struggle with loading on and off public transport.

Two of the main coach operators from Heathrow are National Express and Megabus . The main route for coach operators terminates at Victoria Coach Station. Coaches start at around 4.15am and run until around 10pm, although check timetables for your dates.

Cost : Tickets start at around £6 per person.

Journey Time: Varies, typically 45 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the route and time of day.

Tips: Coach fares vary based on demand and when you book, so you should always book in advance to guarantee a spot and the lowest price.

4. Train from Heathrow Airport

There are two main train services to central London which operate from Heathrow Airport – Heathrow Express, and the Elizabeth line (formerly TfL Rail). The central train station can be found at terminals 1, 2 and 3, with Terminals 4 & 5 also served by the both the Elizabeth Line and Heathro Express.

The fastest train option, and also the fastest way to central London from Heathrow Airport, is the Heathrow Express. This takes fifteen minutes to get to London Paddington from the airport, and leaves every fifteen minutes from around 5am (6am on Sundays) until just before midnight.

A generally cheaper (and slightly slower) option is the Transport for London (TfL) Elizabeth Line service. This takes 25 minutes to London Paddington. It also continues on to other major destinations in London including Liverpool Street train station, Stratford and Canary Wharf, making it a very convenient option for many central London stops.

Cost: Heathrow Express tickets are £25 peak if booked on the day of travel. You can also use your Oyster card or contactless card on Heathrow Express, and the prices are the same as the off-peak and peak fare. Note these fares to not count towards daily or weekly caps. If you book in advance, prices start as low as £5.50.

Elizabeth Line tickets from Heathrow Airport to Paddington are £12.80 (as of March 2024), and Oyster cards are accepted. Elizabeth line fares also count towards your Oyster card / contactless cap limit, which means further journeys can be more cost effective.

There are a number of websites for booking UK train tickets online. We recommend  The Trainline for train bookings. They also let you book tickets for destinations all across Europe, and so are a handy one stop shop for all your ticket needs. You can also book tickets for the Heathrow Express on the official Visit Britain shop here .

You can see the full price table for Heathrow Express  here .

Journey Time: 15 minutes for Heathrow Express (+ a few minutes from Terminals 4&5), 30 minutes with Elizabeth Line. Heathrow Express terminates at London Paddington train station, Elizabeth Line continues onto multiple stops throughout the city and beyond.

Tips: The Heathrow Express can be a fast and economical option if you book well in advance. Otherwise it’s only ten minutes slower by Elizabeth Line. You can buy your tickets in advance and then collect them at the station from ticket machines to make your life easier. Check prices and book online here .

5. Taxi from Heathrow Airport

A ride in a London black cab is a quintessential part of any trip to London, and this is certainly an easy way to get from the airport and straight to your hotel. This is a great option if you have a lot of luggage, or you are a group of more than two people as it can work our fairly cost effectively.

There are a number of black taxi ranks at Heathrow, you can see a map here .

There are also minicab services operating from London Heathrow. These can be booked on the day from the official taxi desks, or you can compare prices and book in advance here . These will be fixed price trips, which can offer peace of mind.

Uber is another option for an on-demand taxi service, and if you’ve not used them before you can save on your first ride with this link.

Cost: Black cabs are metered, so fares vary depending on factors including traffic and time of day. Expect to pay in the region of £45 – £70. Minicabs will also vary, but you can book in advance for a fixed fare, which will likely start in the region of £45. Uber is usually slightly cheaper than a standard taxi, but will vary depending on distance.

Journey time: Will vary according to traffic, time of day, and your destination in London. Likely 45 – 90 minutes, door to door.

Tips: Always use either a black cab from an official stand, or a reputable minicab booked through an online service or at an official airport desk. Do not use unauthorised drivers who solicit your attention at the airport. We recommend Minicabit for comparing prices and getting a good deal on advance bookings.

6. Airport Transfer from Heathrow Airport

If all of the above sounds like too much effort, worry not. You can book a direct airport transfer from Heathrow Airport to your central London destination.

There are a few different options depending on the size of your group and budget.

One of the lower cost options is this shared transfer option which has you sharing a shuttle service. This is lower cost, but might take a bit longer.

If you don’t want to share the ride or are in a group, this private transfer option works for individuals and groups.

Cost: Current cost of a direct airport transfer starts at around £20 per person for a share option and rises, depending on service.

Tips: This is definitely one of the most hassle-free way of getting to central London from Heathrow Airport, and can work out fairly cost effectively depending on group size and transport option

Where to Stay Near Heathrow Airport

Here are some recommended hotels near Heathrow Airport should you wish to stay overnight. You have two main options – you can stay at the airport itself, or you can stay at one of the hotels reached by shuttle or public bus, usually within 10 minutes of the airport. The latter tend to be a little less expensive.

• Hilton Garden Inn – found on site at Terminals 2&3, this is a great option if you don’t want to worry about shuttle buses. Rooms are all en-suite and there’s an on-site restaurant.
• Aerotel T3 – found on-site at Heathrow Terminal 3, this hotel offers en-suite rooms and a restaurant
• Novotel London Heathrow – found about a 10-minute drive from Heathrow airport, this offers great value comfortable rooms. A shuttle bus is available for a fee, alternatively, you can use London Buses for free as the hotel is within the Heathrow Free Travel Zone

If you are staying at the airport, you might be planning on leaving a car there too. Check out the official Heathrow airport parking website for parking information and prices.

How to Get from Gatwick Airport to London

Gatwick is London’s second busiest airport, and can be found 33 miles south of the city centre. Unlike Heathrow, it is not connected to the Tube network; however, there are still multiple options for getting to London from Gatwick airport.

1. Coach from Gatwick Airport

There are a number of coach services that offer transfers from Gatwick airport to central London. The most popular options are the National Express service and the easyBus service, which operate from both the north and south terminals at Gatwick Airport.

Both services terminate at London Victoria and services run through the night, so you should usually be able to find a coach at any time of night.

Cost: easyBus tickets are available from £2 one-way. National Express tickets are available from £6 one way (£5 + £1 booking fee) if you book 30 days in advance. Flexible tickets that let you get the next available National Express service are £10, available here .

Journey time: It takes around 90 minutes from London Gatwick to London Victoria

Tips: Depending on the ticket you buy, you may be committed to travelling only on the bus you specify. So do leave yourself plenty of time to get through customs and immigration and to collect your luggage. Tickets are cheaper the further in advance you book.

2. Train from Gatwick Airport

Gatwick has one major train station with a number of routes running into central London. The fastest option is the Gatwick Express, which takes 30 minutes to travel non-stop to London Victoria. Trains run every day from 5am to 00.30am, with departures every fifteen minutes.

Two other train operators also run trains from Gatwick – Thameslink and Southern. These are slightly slower and cheaper, but also service different stops.

You can buy tickets at the station or online for all of these services. In addition, all these services accept Oyster cards or contactless cards for payment. For Gatwick Express it is usually cheaper to book online than to use Oyster. For Thameslink and southern services, the Oyster card will usually be the cheapest option.

We recommend  The Trainline for train bookings.

Cost: Gatwick Express single tickets are £19.90 in person at the station, but can sometimes be bought online for a reduced fee. Check the Gatwick Express website for prices, as well as the this train ticketing website . Tickets for Thameslink and Southern start at around £8.10 for a single using an Oyster or contactless card. You can also compare prices and book tickets on all trains from Gatwick including Gatwick Express here .

Journey time: Varies depending on destination, but will be between 30 and 60 minutes for most trips.

Tips: Booking in advance and checking for offers will usually save you money on the Gatwick Express. On Thameslink or Southern, an Oyster card or contactless will usually offer the cheapest prices. You can either buy a visitor Oyster card in advance, buy an Oyster card in person at the station, or use your contactless card. Read our advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London for more information on your options. It’s also really important that you make sure you get on the right train, as tickets are often only valid for the operator you purchase for.

3. Taxi from Gatwick Airport

Gatwick is outside the range of London black taxis, however you can arrange a taxi in advance or at the taxi kiosks in both terminals. You can see the official page here for Gatwick taxis. Alternatively, you might find pre-booking a minicab is a cheaper option – check prices here .

Cost: A taxi through the recommended Gatwick taxi company to central London will cost from £60. Minicabit prices start from around £55.

Journey time: This will vary depending on traffic, time of day and destination, but will generally be 60 – 90 minutes.

Tips: A taxi or minicab for four or five people usually makes reasonable economic sense, plus it will take you directly to your destination.

4. Airport Transfer from Gatwick Airport

As with Heathrow, you can also book a direct airport transfer from Heathrow Airport to your central London destination.

This will be a more expensive option, but is certainly going to be hassle free. We found this option for you to consider.

Cost: Current cost of a direct airport transfer starts at around £100 for a group of three

Tips: This is definitely one of the most hassle free way of getting to central London from Gatwick Airport but is also likely to be a more expensive option.

Where to Stay Near Gatwick Airport

Here are some recommended hotels near Gatwick Airport should you wish to stay overnight. As with Heathrow Airport, you have two options – you can stay at the airport itself, or you can stay at one of the hotels reached by shuttle or public bus, usually within 10 minutes of the airport.

Gatwick actually has quite a few hotel options on site, so we’d suggest one of these would be the easiest option. There are two terminals at Gatwick, so we’d suggest picking a hotel in the terminal you will be using.

• BLOC Hotel – found in the south terminal of London Gatwick, this hotel offers en-suite rooms with king size beds. We’ve stayed here, and whilst the rooms are small, they were very comfortable and the location is excellent.
• YOTELAIR – also in the south terminal, this hotel offers a similar setup to BLOC, with small rooms that feature everything you need. Prices are very reasonable and the location is also perfect.
• Sofitel London Gatwick – this four star hotel is found just a short walk via a covered walkway from Gatwick’s North Terminal. Room’s are all comfortably sized en-suite, with soundproofing. There are three on-site restaurants and two bars to choose from.
• Premier Inn London Gatwick – this three star hotel offers excellent value accommodation a minute’s walk from the North Terminal entrance. Rooms are en-suite and there’s an on-site restaurant.
• Hilton London Gatwick – a four star Hilton just a few minutes walk from the North Terminal. We’ve stayed here, and rooms were comfortable. The on-site restaurants were also appreciated.

How to Get from Stansted Airport to London

If you’re flying with a low-cost carrier within Europe, chances are that you will arrive at London Stansted. This is London’s third biggest airport, and is found 40 miles north of London.

1. Train from Stansted Airport

There are two main train options for journeying from Stansted airport to central London. The first is the Stansted Express , a high speed train service which takes 45 minutes to London Liverpool Street and runs approximately every fifteen minutes. Times vary depending on the day of week, but usually start from 4.10am – 4.40am, and run until 23.25 – 00.30pm.

This service is operated by Greater Anglia, and goes via Tottenham Hale, where you can change for trains to Stratford.

Note that Stansted Airport is outside of the Oyster card system, so even if you have an Oyster card you will still need to purchase a train ticket.

Journey time: 47 minutes to London Liverpool Street

Cost : A standard Stansted Express ticket costs from £19 depending on destination, however, you can save by booking in advance, with tickets available from £9.70. Group discounts are also available. See this website for tickets and fares.

2. Coach from Stansted Airport

There are three major coach operators servicing Stansted airport, with services available 24 hours a day. The operators are National Express , Terravision and easyBus . Services run to London Victoria, with stops along the way including Liverpool Street and Stratford.

Cost: easyBus has tickets starting at £2 if booked in advance. National Express has tickets at £6 (£5 +£1 booking fee).  Terravision has buses for £9 to London Liverpool Street and £10 to London Victoria.

Journey time: varies depending on route, time of day and destination, but generally 50 – 90 minutes.

Tips: Definitely book in advance to get the best price.

3. Taxi from Stansted Airport

There are no taxi ranks at Stansted Airport, so the only option is to book a car, either in advance through a minicab booking service like minicabit , or on arrival at the taxi kiosk in the terminal. Rates will be set in advance.

Cost : Prices will vary depending on destination, but the cost will likely be £70 – £100 plus.

Journey time : It’s around a 1 hour drive from Stansted to central London

Tips: Skip the queues and get the best prices by booking online, we recommend minicabit .

Where to Stay Near Stansted Airport

Here are some recommended hotels near Stansted Airport should you wish to stay overnight. There are a couple of recommended options a couple of minutes walk from the hotel terminal, and a couple of options where you will need to take a shuttle.

• Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted – two minutes walk from Stansted Airport terminal, this well-located 4* hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms. There are also three restaurants on site.
• Hampton by Hilton – just a few minutes walk from the terminal building, this 3* hotel offers great value comfortable en-suite rooms, as well as a bar.
• Premier Inn London Stansted Airport – a 10 minute (paid) shuttle ride from Stansted Airport, this budget 3* hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms with desks and tea/coffee facilities. There’s also an on-site restaurant.
• Holiday Inn Express London Stansted – 5 minutes (paid) shuttle ride from Stansted Airport, this is a great value 3* hotel. En-suite rooms include work desks and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also a restaurant on site serving breakfast and dinner.

How to Get from Luton Airport to London

Another popular airport for low-cost airlines (easyJet are headquartered here), London Luton airport is 29 miles north west of London. There are a number of options for getting from Luton Airport to central London.

1. Train from Luton Airport

Two companies operate trains between London Luton and central London – Thameslink and East Midlands Trains.

The primary port of call for these trains is London St. Pancras International, which gives you access to the Tube network, as well as buses and taxis at St. Pancras. Trains run throughout the night, although there are no trains between 1am and 3am.

The train station is called Luton Airport Parkway. However, you will want to get a ticket to “Luton Airport”, as then the 10 minute shuttle from the train station to the airport is included in the fare. From Luton Airport Parkway there is a cash-only fee payable for the shuttle transfer, which is £2.10 at time of writing.

Luton Airport is outside the Oyster card zone so you must purchase a ticket prior to travel even if you have an Oyster card.

Cost : Train fares start at around £13 one way for an off-peak journey.

Journey time: 10 minute shuttle ride, then around 25 minutes to St. Pancras

Tips : As with all train journeys, the best prices usually come when booking in advance. Check prices and book online here .

2. Coach from Luton Airport

There are three coach operators with service between Luton airport and central London. They are National Express , easyBus, and Green Line .

Services operate through the night to a variety of destinations in London including to Finchley Road, Baker Street, Marble Arch, and Victoria.

Cost: easyBus has tickets starting at £2 if booked in advance. National Express has tickets at £6 (£5 +£1 booking fee). Green Line tickets start at £11.

Journey Time: Depends on time of day and destination, but typically 60 – 90 minutes. Note the Green Line is the slowest service and is not direct.

Tips: Book in advance to get the best price.

3. Taxi from Luton Airport

As Luton airport is outside the London black taxi area, only pre-booked vehicles are available. You can book a taxi either in advance before arrival with Addison Lee , or on site when you arrive at the Addison Lee desk.

You can also use minicabit to compare prices for minicabs – check prices here .

Cost: Around £100 with Addison Lee, depending on destination. Minicabit prices start around £65.

Journey time: Approximately an hour into central London by car

Tips: Pre-booking with a private mini cab firm will usually be the cheaper option.

Where to Stay Near Luton Airport

Here are some recommended hotels near Luton Airport should you wish to stay overnight. There are no hotels within the terminal buildings, however, the closest hotel is only a 10 minute walk from the terminal building, or a short shuttle ride.

Some of the hotels offer free shuttles, whilst others charge a small fee. You can see the shuttle timetables and prices here .

• Holiday Inn Express London Luton Airport – found just 10 minutes walk from Luton Airport, or a short free shuttle ride, this is the closest hotel to Luton Airport. Rooms are all en-suite with work desks and there’s an on-site restaurant and bar.
• Holiday Inn London Luton Airport – another minute or so walk past the previous hotel,  this is another great value option. Rooms feature tea/coffee facilities, en-suite, and there’s an on-site restaurant and bar.
• ibis London Luton Airport – this budget oriented hotel is just a little past the previous two hotels, and also accessible via a shuttle bus for a small fee. Rooms are small but have everything you need. Breakfast is available and there is a cafe, but no full service restaurant.

How to Get from London City Airport to London

London City Airport is the closest airport to London. It is in fact inside the city, in London’s docklands. It is only capable of handling smaller aircraft due to its location, however a lot of UK and European flights do come here, and it is popular with business travellers. Being so central, it’s easy to get to the rest of London.

1. DLR from London City Airport

The DLR, or Docklands Light Railway, is an automated light metro system which serves the docklands area of London. It connects to both rail and Tube stops in London, and is the easiest way to get to London from London City Airport.

Services run from around 5.30am until midnight.

Cost: It’s currently £3.30 with an Oyster card or contactless card to travel from the London City Airport DLR station to Zone 1 in London, which is where most travellers will be heading.

Journey time: Depends on where you are going in London, most journeys will likely be between 15 minutes and an hour.

Tips: Definitely use an Oyster card or contactless payment card for this journey. You can either buy a Visitor Oyster card in advance, buy an Oyster card in person at the station, or use your contactless card. Read our advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London for more information on your options.

2. Bus from London City Airport

Two London bus routes service London City Airport – the 473 and 474. Neither of these go directly to central London, so you will have to change buses depending on your destination. The bus is definitely the cheapest option, but might not be the most convenient from London City Airport depending on your destination.

Cost: A ticket costs £1.50. Journeys cannot be paid in cash, you must have a contactless card or an Oyster card.

Journey time: will depend entirely on your destination, time of day and traffic.

Tips: Our suggestion would be to either buy a Visitor Oyster card in advance, buy an Oyster card in person at the station, or to use your contactless card. Read our advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London for more information on your options.

3. Taxi from London City Airport

There is a black cab rank outside London City Airport, where you can catch a black cab anywhere inside London which will be on a metered fare. You can also prebook a minicab with minicabit .

Cost: Prices will vary depending on destination, but expect to pay £35 – £45 to get to central London with a black cab, and roughly the same with a minicab.

Journey time: Depends on time of day and destination, but 20 – 40 minutes in most cases.

Tips: Prebooking a service will give peace of mind at busier times of day, but there are usually plenty of black cabs available in London.

Where to Stay Near London City Airport

One of the main benefits of flying into London City Airport is that it brings you right into London, with good transport links across the city. As a result, there’s less need to stay at an airport hotel, as there are a great many hotels across London to choose from!

However, if you have an early morning flight or arrive late in the evening, you might appreciate a hotel closer to the airport, so we recommend the following options:

• London City Airport Hotel – just 3 minutes walk from London City Airport, this is definitely the most convenient hotel for London City Airport. Rooms are comfortable with en-suite facilities, work desk and tea/coffee making facilities. Definitely the best option if proximity to the airport is key.
• Holiday Inn Express London ExCel – this hotel is a few minutes walk from the London ExCel centre, which is handy if you are visiting for a show at this large exhibition centre. It’s around a six minute taxi ride, or 22 minutes on the DLR from the airport. The hotel offers en-suite rooms with breakfast included, as well as a restaurant and bar.
• Hampton By Hilton London Docklands – a similar distance from the airport as the Holiday Inn Express, this 3* hotel offers good value en-suite rooms which include tea/coffee making facilities. Breakfast is included and there’s a restaurant on site.

How to Get from London Southend Airport to London

Located 40 miles east of London, Southend airport is the least busy of London’s six major airport. However, the airport has undergone expansions, and is used by a number of airlines which service primarily European destinations. It has fewer transport options than the other airports.

1. Train from London Southend Airport

Up to eight trains an hour operated by Greater Anglia connect London Southend airport with London’s Liverpool Street station, and the train station is on site at the airport, so easy to find. Trains run from 4.05am until 11pm.

Cost: Prices start at £12.10 to Stratford, and £15.10 to London Liverpool Street.

Journey time: 45 minutes to Stratford, 55 minutes to London Liverpool Street

Tips: None really, the train is an easy way to get from Southend airport to central London, and our recommended option.

2. Taxi from London Southend Airport

Being outside London’s black taxi area means you’ll need to book a private hire car or minicab. The official taxi firm for Luton Airport is Addison Lee . You can also pre-book a minicab with minicabit.

Cost: Approximately £100 into central London. It is also possible to split the taxi with other people for a fixed fare of £100 to London Liverpool Street. Minicabit prices start from around £62 into central London.

Journey time : Depends on time of day and destination, but likely 60 – 110 minutes.

Tips: We’d suggest the train if possible. For a group booking, a taxi might be cheaper if booked in advance.

Where to Stay Near London Southend Airport

There’s one hotel on site at London Southend Airport, which is the hotel we’d recommend if you are wanting to spend the night near the airport.

The airport is not far from Southend itself, and there are also many hotels to choose from in the city if you would prefer some other options.

• Holiday Inn Southend – this airport in on-site at the airport, and is the closest hotel to Southend Airport. It’s also just a 10 minute walk from Southend Airport Railway Station. Rooms are all en-suite, and feature tea/coffee making facilities.
• Southend Airport Bed and Breakfast – if you’re looking for a budget B&B near the airport, this is a very well rated option. Rooms feature shared bathrooms, free continental breakfast, and it’s less than a kilometre to the airport.

Further Reading for your visit to London

And that’s it for our advice on getting to central London from all of London’s airports. Before you go, here are some resources you might find useful for planning the rest of your trip.

• To help you plan your time in London effectively, check out our itineraries for 1 Day in London , 2 Days in London , 3 Days in London and 6 Days in London
• We have a complete guide to all our favourite hotels in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• A full review of the London Pass which can help you figure out if the pass would help you save you money on your trip to London.
• A guide to public transport in London , tips on how to buy and use the Oyster card in London , plus advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London .
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• Tips on finding the best Photography Locations in London that I put together
• For the Harry Potter fans amongst you, take a look at our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
• Our guide to 8 Things to Do in Kensington , London, in case you wanted to focus more on a specific region of the city
• Our experience taking a full day walking tour of London , in case you like the idea of a fully guided day
• If you are interested in day trips from London, we have posts on a Stonehenge, Bath & Cotswolds day trip , and tips on planning a Oxford day trip.
• Travelling on from London and looking to visit Edinburgh? Check out our guide to getting from London to Edinburgh . You can even take a private jet !
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it! We hope you found our post useful for your visit to London. If you have any questions – let us know in the comments below!

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There are 15 comments on this post

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30th September 2023 at 7:32 am

Of course my flight into Heathrow Terminal 4 has to be on a day of a strike. I have to get to Park Plaza Riverbank London and am thoroughly confused. I don’t want to spend the earth and as it’s so close to my visit 4th Oct. I haven’t the option of staying at an airport hotel. Even if the strike doesn’t go ahead I’m still quite confused. I understand the nearest station? Metro? Underground? and bus/coach depot is Vauxhall. Can you help please?

Laurence Norah says

1st October 2023 at 8:57 am

First of all let me say that I entirely sympathise, I recently had a similar issue arriving into Gatwick on a rail strike day, which made onward travel planning much more complicated!

Heathrow is thankfully a little easier as it is better connected by more means of transport. If you are arriving on the 4th October, then there are tube strikes, however buses and the Elizabeth line will be running.

So your best option is going to be to take the Elizabeth line into central London, and then take a bus to your hotel. So for example, you can take the Elizabeth line to Paddington train station, and from there you can take a bus such as the 344.

Alternatively, once you arrive at Paddington you could take a taxi or Uber to your hotel.

I hope this helps! If I’ve got your date wrong let me know 🙂

Safe travels!

1st October 2023 at 9:10 am

Thank you for finding this info for me Laurence. I’m likely to be thoroughly lost, not a good way to start a trip but I’m sure once I actually arrive I’ll be spellbound!! Yep date is correct. regards. Carol

1st October 2023 at 9:22 am

No worries. So Google Maps has pretty good public transport routing which is normally kept up to date with strikes. You do need data to use it, but Heathrow and Paddington both have free WiFi so you can get connected and plan your route in real time if you don’t have cellular data.

Enjoy your time in London 🙂

Lorena says

24th March 2023 at 5:02 pm

Hello there! Thank you so much for your research! I am traveling to London with an 11-year-old. I was planning to use contactless for my travel fees, but I thought it would be convenient if my daughter had her own card. I have missed the window to order her an oyster card before our trip. Your blog said it was possible to buy an oyster card in London? Do you know the locations? The TFL website was vague about this; they made it seem like oyster cards had to be purchased in advance. Also, can she have a discounted youth oyster card without me also having an oyster card? We will be traveling together, but I prefer not to have a prepaid card. I welcome other suggestions for how best to travel with her. Thanks again!

24th March 2023 at 6:32 pm

You can definitely easily buy Oyster cards in person in London, pretty much all the tube stations have Oyster card vending machines and you can also normally get them at TfL ticket counters including at Gatwick and Heathrow airports. For the Young Visitors discount (well worth getting) I don’t believe you need an Oyster card as well, they should be able to load it onto her card. You just need to go to a ticket desk and ask them to add it for you.

Have a great time and let me know if you have any more questions!

Ashlee says

17th April 2022 at 9:44 am

Hi! Very helpful post 🙂 I’m visiting London in June for 7 days and was considering purchasing a 7 day Travelcard for the unlimited travel instead of paying per trip with the Oyster card. I noticed the travelcard doesn’t include the airport transport if you get Zone 1-2, so would you recommend paying for the train/tube with contactless then using the Travelcard after that? Or would it be cheaper to just use the Oyster card/contactless the whole time? It can be very confusing trying to work this out so your expertise would be much appreciated!

17th April 2022 at 10:19 am

Thanks Ashlee!

So you are correct, Heathrow is in Zone 6, so the 1-2 zone travelcard wouldn’t cover that. A 7 day travelcard which covers zones 1-6 would be £70.30, compared to £38.40 for one that covers Zones 1-2.

A single fare on Oyster or Contactless would be £5.50 peak (6.30am – 9.30am), and £3.50 the rest of the time.

You can use either Oyster or Contactless to pay for the fare. If are ok to charge up the Oyster card with the fare then I would do that, it won’t affect your Travelcard which will only apply to journeys in zones 1 & 2.

I hope this answers your question, but let me know if it’s still not clear! I appreciate it can be rather a confusing system 🙂

Cynthia Koomas says

7th March 2022 at 11:12 pm

Your site is wonderful and full of useful information. I’m really enjoying reading it and taking notes for our upcoming visit from Montreal. What I didn’t see was the transportation options from London or the airports to Southampton to board a cruise. Can you make any suggestions which are easy, rapid and within budget. Thanks

8th March 2022 at 11:01 am

Hi Cynthia,

Thanks very much! So this article is primarily focused on getting into central London from the various airports, rather than other destinations in the UK. For Southampton though it’s quite easy, I’d say the best option would be to take a train. There are direct trains from London Waterloo station which take just over an hour, and that would be my recommended option. There are also direct trains from London Gatwick Airport. So it will depend a bit on where you plan to come from, but it is definitely an easy route to do. Have a great time in London and an awesome cruise!

Shirley says

23rd January 2020 at 5:22 pm

Hello . . . Thanks for sharing London’s tips & advice. My aunt is 82, one of her bucket list is London. Do u know the city is Handicap friendly? I like to bring a folderable wheelchair? Or, Do you have any senior activities I should add to my planner for March 2020? Many Thanks! Shirley

25th January 2020 at 4:04 pm

Hi Shirley,

For the most part London is very accessible, with the majority of attractions and museums being accessible. In terms of transport, all the public buses are accessible. The only area I would advise caution is the underground or metro, as this is an old network and there are not that many step free underground stations, particularly in central London. Installing elevators into 100 year old stations has proven to be a bit of an engineering challenge! There’s some good information on the TfL website about accessibility across the London transport network here: https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/

Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

David Lloyd says

24th May 2018 at 9:39 pm

That was quick. Many thanks.

David Llolyd says

24th May 2018 at 5:23 pm

I like your comprehensive descriptons of travel from London’s airports into town. I am sure you have noted that TFL is now operating a train service from Heathrow to Paddington which sounds good and avoids the costly Heathrow Express. It would be very helpful f you would add this to your list.

24th May 2018 at 9:05 pm

Thanks very much David – I hadn’t seen that the TfL Rail service had launched to replace Heathrow Connect. I’ve updated the post accordingly – much appreciated!

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Cheap Transport from London's 6 Airports to the City Centre

With six London airports to potentially fly into (most of which are not technically in London), figuring out how to get yourself into the city centre is enough to make your head spin! Here’s a breakdown of the easiest and cheapest transport options, so you can save your money for the fun times ahead .

Quick note : Oyster cards (a top-up card that you scan at ticket gates to pay for travel in London) and contactless payment are referred to below. Be aware that contactless cards from some countries are not accepted on London’s transport network.

London Heathrow

Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK and Europe, with 80.8 million passengers passing through its doors in 2019. As such, there are a variety of ways to get from the terminal gate to Aldgate (or Bishopsgate, Moorgate, New Gate, Ludgate, you get the idea). Here is a brief list, ranked from the cheapest to the most wallet-flattening.

Mingle with the charming West London locals and catch a big red double decker bus to Central London.

• Price: £ 1.55 with contactless card/Oyster.
• Pros: SO CHEAP. An adventure! Ride the top deck and see the real London.
• Cons: Hardly any room for luggage. Takes ages to get anywhere.

Piccadilly Line

Go underground (well, for some of the way) and take the dark blue line to Zone 1.

• Price: £ 5.30 (peak — Mon to Fri, 0630 to 0930), £ 3.30 (off peak).
• Pros: CHEAP. Feel like a proper Londoner. It’s easy—no need to book. And you get to ride the famous Tube and hear the man say ‘Mind the Gap’ hundreds of times!
• Cons: Time dependent—avoid this option at rush hour at all costs, unless you really like being jostled and jeered at by commuters. Not much space for your luggage.

Coach/shuttle

If you don’t fancy riding the rails, then this is probably the best option for the open road.

• Price: from £ 7.15
• Pros: CHEAP(ish). Good for late night/early morning arrivals and there’s plenty of room for your luggage. You can buy tickets online in advance.
• Cons: Vulnerable to traffic-related delays.

Heathrow Express

Feeling rich? Get comfy in spacious carriages that make up this speedy link to Central London, and bonus cheapo points if you save a few quid by booking in advance .

• Price: £ 22.00 on average.
• Pros: Fast and direct to Paddington. Comfortable. Lots of luggage space.
• Top tip: On weekends and if you book super early, the fare could be as low as £ 5.50 .
• Cons: EXPENSIVE—most of the time (I advise you to save the money for a lovely fish n’ chips instead).

Ride sharing

If you’re travelling as a couple or as a family, then the otherwise expensive option of getting Uber starts to make a lot of sense. £ 30.00 compares very favourably to the £ 50.00 you would pay as a family of 2 adults and 2 kids on the Heathrow Express.

• Price: From £ 30.00 .
• Pros: Minimal waiting, door-to-door service.
• Cons: Expensive if travelling alone, a little challenging to find the pick-up point on your first trip to Heathrow.

For more details, see our article on getting from Heathrow to central London .

London Gatwick

Gatwick is the second largest airport in the UK, and tends to be seen as the ‘overflow’ runway choice for many long-haul carriers flying into London. Having said that, it does offer a gateway to many European destinations. Visiting one of those beautiful European spots from London? Be sure to check our budget guide first! However , it’s not the closest airport to central London—in fact it’s probably located close to the half-way point between the city and the south coast. Upon stating to an acquaintance that you will be flying in to or out of Gatwick, most people will simply reply with ‘Oh, bad luck’, or ‘Sorry, something’s come up, I won’t be able to meet you at arrivals anymore’.

So, there are three options for you.

Provided by EasyBus , Terravision or National Express .

• Price: From £ 6.50
• Pros:  CHEAP, lots of choice, regular services.
• Cons: You will be at the mercy of the traffic of the M25 (the infamous circular motorway around London).

Regular train service

Pro tip: Book at least two days and ideally two weeks in advance for big savings on train fare— you can book your Gatwick train tickets here.

• Price: £ 8.00 – £ 14.00 (you can now use contactless/Oyster from Gatwick)
• Pros: Quicker than the bus. Cheaper than the Gatwick Express (it’s the same train line, but there are more stations at which to stop). Choice of destination (London Bridge or Victoria) Getting in early? Here’s a few cheap and easy ways to kill time in the area while you wait for your hotel check-in.
• Cons: More expensive than the bus. Slower than the Gatwick Express.

Gatwick Express

Note: Gatwick Express service is currently suspended .

• Price: Just under £ 20.00 .
• Pros: Fast and regular service into London Victoria.
• Cons: EXPENSIVE (we advise you to save the money for an over-priced pint instead).
• London City Airport

This small airport is unusual. It is located incredibly close to the main business districts of London, and the East End, meaning flights from Europe and the rest of the UK soar impossibly close to the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. If you are lucky enough to touch down here, then getting into Central London is a cheap breeze.

DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

• Price: £ 3.40 (peak), £ 2.80 (off peak).
• Pros: CHEAP. Ride at the front and pretend to drive the train!
• Cons: I can’t think of any cons, unless you don’t trust driverless trains.

See Heathrow advice above, but this time you will be mingling with charming East Londoners.

London Luton, London Stansted and London Southend

I group these three airports together because they share many similarities. They are all (just about) north of London, they all deal primarily with European flights, and none of them are in London—despite having the word ‘London’ prefixed onto their names (my dear old Grandma lives near Southend and I can assure you that it is not part of the capital). They also all present similar methods to transport yourself from the arrivals hall to Whitehall, or the Royal Albert Hall, or indeed Vauxhall.

Provided by  EasyBus , Terravision or National Express

• Good for: Luton and Stansted.
• Price: From £ 1.99 . EasyBus tends to be the cheapest option.
• Pros: CHEAP. Great for late-night/early-morning transfers.
• Cons: Slower than the train and liable to delays.

Good for: Luton ( National Rail into St Pancras), Stansted ( Stansted Express or National Rail into Liverpool Street) and Southend ( National Rail into Liverpool Street)

• Price: Luton – from £ 18.40 , Stansted – from £ 19.90 , Southend – from £ 14.50 .
• Pros: Direct service into Central London.
• Cons: More expensive than the bus.

Ditching your luggage

Arriving into London early and don’t fancy hauling your luggage around for the day? Providers like Klook & Luggagent will same-day deliver your suitcase from the airport to your hotel or residence for around £ 40.00 . Just register beforehand and drop your cases off at the desk. They can also pick your luggage up and bring it to the airport for you—potentially giving you an extra baggage free day of exploring!

Right then! Unless you’re arriving by private jet or helicopter (unlikely, I assume), I think that just about covers all your options for arriving into London by air, ready to spend a few days or to start a new life over here in the United Kingdom.

This post was originally published in 2016. Last updated: April 6, 2021. Information is subject to change.

• London Southend Airport
• London Stansted Airport
• London Luton Airport
• Gatwick Airport
• Heathrow Airport

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How to travel from Heathrow to London (all options compared)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 22, 2023

Landing at Heathrow Airport and unsure how to get to your accommodation in London? Find out all the options in this practical guide to how to get from Heathrow into London.

London Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports and unless you are being picked up by friends, relatives or for business the first question for many visitors is how to actually get from Heathrow into London.

Heathrow airport is around 15 miles to the west of London and, depending on the time of flight arrival, travel time into the city can vary considerably. 

Travel between Heathrow Terminals may also be required before travelling into the central areas of London.

You may be feeling overwhelmed at the thought of the different options and wondering which is the best, cheapest, quickest, easiest, or simply the best way for YOU to get from Heathrow into London.

In this article, we cover ALL of the options to help you choose the best way for you to make the transfer. Read on for all the info!

Looking for a place to stay in London? If you are not sure where to stay in London our neighbourhood guide to the best places to stay in London is the best place to start. It includes information about each area plus recommended accommodation options for all budgets and travel styles.

Or are you arriving late in the day? Or flying out early morning? Check out our guide to the best Heathrow hotels.

London Heathrow Airport has 5 terminals

How to get from heathrow to london – quick guide, factors to consider when choosing the best option for you:, option 1 – tube train from heathrow airport, option 2 – heathrow express from heathrow airport, option 3 – bus from heathrow airport, option 4 – private car transfer from heathrow airport, option 5 – taxi cab from heathrow airport, option 6 – uber, enjoy your trip to london, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks), faqs – heathrow airport.

• Terminal 1 (T1) is no longer used.
• Close to T3, around 10 mins walk via a moving walkway.
• Free shuttle bus between T2 and T4.   
• Four free trains run also, and takes around 20 mins.
• From the Heathrow Central station, Heathrow express train to T5 takes about 20 mins.
• Close to T2, around 10 mins walk via a moving walkway.
• Free shuttle bus between T3 and T4.  
• T2 and T3 free shuttle bus, takes around 20mins.
• T5 -Go to bus stop 7, take bus number 482 or 490 showing a destination ‘Heathrow Terminal 5’ – free service (no cost). Takes around 20 mins.
• T2 and T3 – Free Heathrow Express train service to Heathrow Central Station. Takes around 20 mins.
• T4 – Bus stop 7, take Bus 482 (destination ‘Southall town Hall’) or Bus 490 (Destination ‘Pools on the Park’).

What are the various options available to travel from Heathrow Airport to London?

Personal taste, circumstances and budget will mainly determine the ‘best’ way to travel from Heathrow Airport into the city of London.

• Where in the city you are travelling to?
• How many in your travel party?
• The age/ mobility/ energy levels of your travelling party.
• The day/time of the day you plan to travel.
• Underground (subway) – Piccadilly underground line (dark blue colour on the London Underground map), journey time – approx. 60 mins, often no more than 10 -20 mins wait between trains, depends on time and day of the week.
• Heathrow is situated in Zone 6 on the London Underground zones.
• Discounted tickets with the visitor Oyster card, maximum day fare caps may apply.
• A London Travel card may be an option and can include tube travel costs
• Read more about using public transport in London including the Tube.

Factors to consider

• Can be difficult if you have a lot of luggage.  Can be a lot of walking on/off the tube and changing tube trains.
• Tube trains can get very full.
• Can be a challenge for small children, the elderly or for anyone with mobility issues.
• Can be a cheaper option.

• Non-stop trains, every 15 mins departure to London Paddington train station.  Journey time, 15 – 20 mins.
• Trains run from around 5 AM to around 11 – 11.30 PM (depends on the day of the weeks, and around planned engineering works or weather impact.
• Plenty of space to store luggage. 
• Easy trains access. 
• Consider that connections to tube trains or London Overground trains may involve a lot of walking.
• Depending on the day/time of travel, trains can be nearly empty or very full.
• Train is fast.
• Not expensive for Heathrow Express tickets
• Good selection of value hotels in close proximity to London Paddington station for ongoing journeys.  Great option if you have an early flight the following morning.
• The bus N9 runs from Heathrow’s central bus station.
• Consider this option when the tube is not operating, such as night time.
• Bus runs into central London. 
• Travel time is variable on the traffic congestion. 
• Note: London traffic can be heavy, all day and sometimes into the night.
• National Express coach/bus – Costs approximately £6 single journey.  Coaches run Heathrow to London Victoria central bus station. Each journey is around 30 mins depending on traffic but can increase to over 2 hours.
• Frequency depends on the time of day, ranges from 1 to 4 coaches an hour.
• Operates from around 4 AM to around 10 PM.
• Plenty of space to store luggage on National Express. 
• Limited space on buses.
• Buses/coaches give a good view of the city and good fun for children. 
• Not expensive.
• Journey time can be variable depending on traffic, roadworks and weather.

• Obviously depends on your destination but can start around £50.
• Useful for groups of around 4 and if any of the group find mobility challenging.
• Duration depends on traffic and the final destination.

➡️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PRIVATE TRANSFER

• No flat rate charges, fare is based on a taxi meter and based on the length of the journey as to the overall incurred cost.
• As per the app quoted fares.
• Fares dependent on:
• Day/Time of travel.
• Number of people in the travel group.
• Easy option. 
• Good view of the city and good fun for children. 
• Can be expensive if based on a taxi meter.
• Best option for the elderly or for anyone with mobility issues.
• Best point to point travel option.

I am sure this article has helped you decide which of the many options is best for you to get from Heathrow into London and to your accommodation Read my guide to the best areas of London for your stay here.

Whether you decide to book a private transfer , take the bus or make plans to catch the Tube, Heathrow Express, cab or Uber it will be easier and less stressful to sort this out before you arrive.

Getting from any airport to our destination is always something I plan very carefully. This alleviates stress when we land and ensures we are absolutely clear about what we are doing. There is nothing worse than landing at a strange airport after a long flight and having no idea how to get to the accommodation!

Need help planning your trip? My UK Travel Planner will guide you step by step.

Looking for suggestions of what to do and see in London? Read my London Travel Guide which contains tips, resources and more to help plan your itinerary.

These best booking sites for UK travel will also help when you plan your trip.

How to Get from your London Airport to the City Centre

We’ll start by saying London is big, like 607 square miles big, with a population of almost 9 million. Yes, really . This means it’s not as simple as hopping on a train and getting to your choice of London accommodation in ten minutes. Well, it can be easy, but it can also be pretty complicated unless you’ve got all the insider info; that’s what we’re here for. London has multiple airports, so we’ve broken this guide into sections covering each one, so you can easily skip to the airport relevant to you. Here’s our guide on how to get from your London airport to the city centre. 

First, download a London transport app…

First, make sure you have Citymapper or Google Maps downloaded; this is the best way to plan your route, but adjust your arrival date and time as early or late arrivals will have significantly fewer options. Your journey time can be pretty quick or painfully slow, depending on where you’re staying, so choosing the right travel option is essential. 

Image Courtesy of Heathrow Airport

How to get from Heathrow Airport to London

Heathrow is the biggest airport in London, and there are multiple options for getting into the city from each terminal, which means it has travel options to suit different budgets. When travelling from this London airport to the city centre, you have a few options: a coach/bus, a train, the London Underground and a taxi.

Coach and bus

Coach is the longest way to travel into the city centre but also the cheapest, and they’re the best option if there’s a train or tube strike on your travel days. 

National Express and Megabus are the most well-known companies that regularly run from Heathrow; some even operate 24 hours a day. We recommend booking your coach tickets in advance.

If you’re catching the coach from Terminals 2 or 3, hop on one at Heathrow Central Bus Station, located between the terminals above the London Underground station. 

Or, if you’re at Terminal 4, outside the arrivals level of the terminal building, at bus stops 12 to 17, and a short walk from the London Underground and Elizabeth line stations. 

If you’re at Terminal 5, you’ll find the coach stop at bus stops 9 to 15, above the London Underground, Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line stations.

There are also London buses that you can catch from the Central Bus Station, which is within walking distance of Terminals 2, 3 and 5, though some routes also call at Terminal 4. Keep note that cash is not accepted on Transport for London buses. Instead, you can use a Contactless or Oyster Card, which you can read more about in our article about paying for transport in London . You’ll see public bus options pop up on Google Maps if it’s an option for your journey.

The London Underground – The Piccadilly Line

The Underground, or as Londoners like to call it, The Tube , can get you into the city centre in less than an hour. Heathrow is on the Piccadilly Line, and trains frequently run from all three stations in terminals 2/3, 4 and 5, and it’s one of the cheapest ways to get into the city. You can tap your contactless card, buy an Oyster card or purchase a ticket, but the latter will cost you more.

The Heathrow Express train is the fastest and most reliable way to the city centre. It only takes 15 minutes from terminals 2 and 3, plus an extra three from terminal 5. It runs four times an hour between the airport and London Paddington, and you can get a ticket for less than twenty pounds if you book it in advance , but it’s also fine to buy them at the airport, you will just pay more, around £25, making it the most expensive option for travelling into the city.

The newly-opened Elizabeth line is also a great option; it can get you into the city in under 45 minutes and runs every half an hour, but this will cost you a little over ten pounds. Take a look at our article about how to pay for transport in London to find out the best way for you.

Taxi is the most convenient way to get into the city from Heathrow Airport. You can jump off your flight, pop your bags in a pre-booked airport taxi and be on your way. But it’s also the most expensive and can take longer than public transport depending on how bad the traffic is. You could jump in an Uber (wait times can vary), or if you want to be super prepared, book a pre-booked ride through our reliable taxi partner, which operates with hand-picked, fully-trained drivers, arrival monitoring and they’ll greet you in the terminal once you’ve grabbed your luggage.

How to get from London Gatwick Airport to London

Gatwick is London’s other major intercontinental airport, and while it’s nowhere near London, there are many options for travelling from Gatwick Airport into the city. If you don’t plan on getting a taxi or coach, it’s a good idea to have an Oyster or contactless card ready to go, so you can hop on the train and be on your way as soon as you touch down.

Bus and coach

You can reach London Victoria or Earl’s Court from Gatwick by bus/coach, where you can then hop on the Underground. This is the slowest form of transport into the city, but it’s also the cheapest, costing as little as £7 depending on when you book and the route you take.

You can catch a bus at almost any hour of the day, and they operate from the lower South Terminal forecourt and outside International Arrivals at Gatwick’s North Terminal (don’t worry, you’ll see lots of signs pointing you in the right direction). You’ll find National Express ticket desks in both the North and South terminals, or you can book in advance and likely save a little money while doing so, costing from £7 to £28, depending on the time you book and the route you take. Megabus also operate services from Gatwick Airport and can be booked in advance or purchased at the Megabus ticket kiosk machine in the South Terminal, costing from £8 per ticket.

Trains are quick and not very expensive, from Gatwick to many London hubs, and the station is right in the south terminal, so it’s straightforward to access. Southern trains run four times every hour to Victoria, travelling via East Croydon and Clapham Junction with a journey time of 35 minutes. There are also Thameslink services to London Bridge, London Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras International, which operate four times an hour, taking around 30-45 minutes. To figure out which station is best for you to go to, use Google Maps or Citymapper and then when you’re at the station, check the board to see which train is going to that station next. It’s easy, and there’s lots of staff around to help.

Since you’re heading to London, the easiest way to pay for your train ride is by contactless debit or credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Oyster card. You can also purchase a one-time ticket, which will cost you a little more. 

Just a heads up, there’s also the Gatwick Express which will get you into the city in 30 minutes. However, it’s expensive, even when booked in advance; and the regular trains mentioned above are just a few minutes longer, so, in general, we say a big NO for the Gatwick Express.

Getting a taxi from Gatwick to the city is the most expensive way to travel, depending on your location. The travel time is around an hour into the city centre, but this can be significantly longer depending on traffic and which part of the city you’re trying to get to. If you don’t mind spending more and would rather have the convenience of hopping in a car, you can secure a taxi in advance using our airport transfer partner.   Whatever you do, don’t turn up expecting to be able to book an Uber straight away, they’re super hard to get from Gatwick if you can get one at all, and you might be waiting a while at the airport taxi rank.

How to get from London Stansted Airport to London

Although Stansted Airport isn’t technically in London, you can easily reach the city within an hour, depending on which mode of transport you opt for. Plus, there are a handful of options that cover all budgets and destinations, making travel into the city relatively stress-free.

You can hop on a National Express coach, which will take you to any of the 38 pick-up points around the city, with 15 being in the centre and all key London tube stations, including London Paddington, Victoria, Liverpool Street and Stratford. It’s the cheapest way to travel, with some tickets costing as little as six pounds when booked in advance. The bus/coach station is only a 2-minute walk from the main airport terminal, and people are on hand to help you board the right bus.

Train – Stansted Express

There’s no London Underground Service at London Stansted Airport, but there are regular trains, including the speedy Stansted Express, which runs every 30 minutes and goes straight to Tottenham Hale and London Liverpool Street in around 50 minutes, so it’s quicker than a coach. If you have an early flight, the trains start running at 03:40 am on Monday, Friday and Saturday mornings. You can buy tickets online, at the ticket machines or at the station’s information desks, which will cost you around £22, but you’ll save the most money by booking in advance on Omio .

Although it’s possible to get an Uber at Stansted Airport, it’s unlikely, and you’ll probably be waiting for ages if you even manage to get one. Waiting for a taxi when you arrive can be a lengthy task, so your best bet is to pre-book through our airport transfer partner to ensure your journey is as seamless as possible. The airport is located just off the M11 motorway, approximately 40 miles from the city centre of London, so you can expect to be in London in around 45 minutes to an hour.

How to get from London Luton Airport to London

London Luton Airport is another one of the city’s airports, operating for budget airlines, mostly travelling to Europe. There are a handful of ways to travel to the city from the airport, but knowing all the info can help you decide which option is best suited to you. 

Bus and Coach

The cheapest way to travel between Luton Airport and London is by hopping on a coach or bus, which will likely have a stop near your final destination; they stop at Golders Green, Marble Arch, London Paddington, and London Victoria . However, it’s also the slowest way to travel, taking around an hour to 90 minutes to get from the airport into the city centre, and maybe even longer if there’s traffic. National Express and Megabus run regular services and are reasonably priced, starting from around £12. But book in advance to save a little.

The quickest way to travel between the airport and the city is by taking a train. Luton Airport has no train station, but Luton Parkway station is around a mile from the airport, with regular DART shuttles running every four minutes at peak times. Thameslink trains run up to six times in one hour, operating fast services between the city and the airport, taking approximately 35-45 minutes to get to King’s Cross St Pancras, a central London station with Underground links all over the city. The Luton Airport Express also runs from the airport to London every half an hour and offers a more sustainable way to travel since the trains are a new fleet of electric Class 360 trains. The DART shuttle will get you from the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway in just a few minutes, where you can then hop on the Luton Express and be in London in as little as 32 minutes. You can book online with no booking fees, from £10 one-way when you book in advance, or you can purchase tickets at any station, including at Luton Parkway.

If you’ve got the cash to splash or heaps of luggage you’d rather not lug onto a train, opt for a private taxi. It’s tough to get an Uber from Luton Airport, and you might be waiting a while at the local rank, so booking a cab in advance is recommended and can be done so through our airport taxi transfer company . You can expect to travel for around an hour and ten minutes in light traffic and depending on which part of the city your hotel is in.

Image Courtesy of London City Airport

How to get from London City Airport to the city centre

London City Airport is the closest airport to central London but also the smallest, meaning there are fewer flights, and they’re often more expensive. However, travelling from this London airport to the city centre is easy if you know what route to take.

Local London doubledecker buses operate regularly from London City Airport to all over the city for a very reasonable price (under £2). Buses don’t accept cash, so you’ll need a contactless debit card, or Oyster set up, ready to tap as you board – take a look at our article on how to pay for transport in London to find out more. Hop on the 473 or 474 to access stops around the city; check Citymapper or Google Maps when you arrive to find out which one you need.

London City Airport is part of the London Underground network, even having its own stop on the DLR ( Docklands Light Railway ), connecting you to major stations like Stratford. Trains run frequently and can be accessed using a contactless or Oyster card, which can be purchased at London City DLR Station.

Taxi is the most expensive way to travel to your destination from London City Airport, but if you have the time and the money, it’s the most convenient way. You can get an Uber or queue at one of the taxi ranks but expect to wait a little while. If you want to ensure you have transport sorted before you land, book an airport transfer using our airport taxi partner, where a driver will be waiting for you once you touch down on English soil.

OK you’ve figured out your airport transfers, but after that, it’s pretty hard making a multi-day itinerary for a city you’ve never been to, isn’t it? Add onto that that London is HUGE and you don’t want to be making a plan that could have you spending HOURS on transport each day, running all over the city and exhausting yourself. To help you avoid that, we created our London itineraries. They’re ready-made plans for 3, 4, 5 or 6 days in the city that make sense and that are made by a Londoner who knows her stuff. Sound good? Grab your own London itinerary.

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This Is (Possibly) The Most Efficient Sightseeing Tour Of London

Pressed for time and want to see all the attractions , very quickly? This London sightseeing map is for you!

Have you ever wanted to go for a walk and hit up almost all of London’s sights in one fell swoop? Well, Redditor magulagie has the answer for you. They’ve created the ultimate London sightseeing map for tourists in a hurry. Just over five miles long on the map, it takes in a ton of London’s most iconic features, and if you avoid going inside any of the places you pass, it’ll only take about two hours to fly by them all! Who needs to be filled in on all the historic interiors, anyway?

It’s the perfect way to tick a lot of London tourist map boxes, fill up that Instagram story, or get your bearings for your first experience of London sightseeing . It’s like the Match of the Day of finding your way around London for the first time – and this one will hit like an injury-time winner.

Naturally, we had to give the sightseeing route a try for ourselves. And it definitely gets our seal of approval!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Secret London (@secret.london)

You’ll start off at Trafalgar Square…

There’s no London walking tour map without Trafalgar Square , so we might as well kick things off with this roaring-statue-filled paradise of pigeons…and a slice of London’s history, of course. A mighty first spot, and one that Nelson would very much approve of being tucked into first place. Where else would we begin? Now get ready for a day of walking!

Take a stroll along the Mall…

When we say stroll, we mean a speedy one—we’ve got a time limit to adhere to, people! A route in honour of Queen Victoria has to be added to a London map of attractions, right? Well, not necessarily, but when it looks this grandiose, you’ll want to be making it your next stop on your sightseeing tour. On we march; our love of London building more and more with each stride…

Until you arrive at Buckingham Palace…

Can’t really miss this one, can you? The home of the Royal Family gazes out over the plush fields of Green Park and attracts millions of visitors each year. If you see King Charles , be sure to quiz him on whether he’s ticked off all these boxes on his London sightseeing tour. Will he be a mere poser on London attractions or a go-to knowledge box?

Then head along Birdcage Walk…

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ciaran Thomas (@ciaranthomas97)

After you’ve taken a selfie with the Royal Family, it’s a no-brainer to make Birdcage Walk the next pin on your walking map of London attractions . Famous diary scribe Samuel Pepys mentioned this walk in his writings way back in the 1600s, and the name of the walk dates back to the reign of King James I . Not a bad smattering of history to saunter through on the way to your next destination. Tweet tweet.

Until you get to Westminster Abbey…

Even if you’ve been before, or don’t plan to look inside, making time for the resplendent piece of gothic architecture that is Westminster Abbey on your walking tour of London is a necessity. It’s been the location of 39 coronations since 1066 , and you simply can’t miss this London crown jewel of attractions.

The Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben, are right next door…

Talking of jewels in London’s crown, it’s always nice to check out the big bonging boombox that is the Elizabeth Tower , better known as Big Ben . You can also kill two birds with one stone by adding the Houses Of Parliament to your London sightseeing day which, if nothing else, is good to tick off to say you’ve seen the place where Members of Parliament shout at the Members of Parliament sitting opposite them. And the place Guy Fawkes wanted to destroy…

Then head over Westminster Bridge…

The second path over the river in central London history, after London Bridge, has been here since 1750. Although it’s only been green since 1970 – and it’s the perfect spot for a moment of reflection on your walking tour of London… if you don’t get bumped out of the way by commuters hurrying across Westminster Bridge in the morning. Hey, it happens. Unless you’re the one who does the bumping. Then you’re the one to watch out for, you treacherous little fiend. We see you.

And you’ll get to the South Bank. Along here you’ll see the London Eye.

Though the queue might seem daunting, there’s no denying that the dome built for the millennium is something that just needs to be seen. The London Eye was even named London’s most loved landmark in a study, so at the very least you’ll need to head over there on your walking tour to see whether you agree. Plus, the London Eye’s place in London’s list of attractions was recently cemented for posterity – it’s set to become a permanent fixture in the capital ! But since we’re blazing our way through a quickfire walking tour, there’s no time to jump on board. Those pods go around slooooowwwwllllllyyy.

Now for the Southbank Centre

There’s always something going on at the Southbank Centre . It’s a great place to hang out in the summer to catch some rays or for a cold day’s activity of viewing some art . And you’ll likely see us banging on about it all year round !

And book stalls under Waterloo Bridge.

“I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in.” Robert Louis Stevenson was a maverick with the pen, so maybe we should start adopting this practice too. If you’re looking for the former, then this is just the spot to stop on your London sightseeing walking tour. Maybe the man who gave us Treasure Island and Kidnapped also once carried a London sightseeing map in his pocket…

Head past that scrap of sand we call the foreshore and the OXO Tower.

While we can’t get away with calling it a beach , we’ll just play pretend for this London sightseeing tour , okay?! There’s no time for a cocktail on these shores though; there’s a tour to be getting on with! Dawdlers, be gone.

Before too long you’ll arrive at the Tate Modern .

The Tate Modern is London’s most popular art gallery, don’tcha know? Are you going to go in? NO. THERE IS NO TIME. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE REST OF YOUR LONDON SIGHTSEEING MAP.

Carry on along the river a little bit and you’ll see Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

And this is embarrassing but (for the only time on this walk) you’ll have to double back on yourself very slightly. I know, we said it was straightforward and this is the ultimate betrayal. But it’s still not quite as tragic as the tragedies that have walked across this iconic theatre’s floors. Poor Hamlet…

Then it’s over Millennium Bridge:

2000 gave us Kid A by Radiohead, but it also gave us the opening of the incredibly useful Millennium Bridge. You can decide which you prefer for yourself; though you can, of course, enjoy them simultaneously along your London sightseeing map walk through the power of headphones. What a world.

Until you reach St. Paul’s Cathedral !

I hear it’s beautiful inside, but you’re not allowed to take photos anyway so, quite frankly, who’s got the time? Regardless, St Paul’s Cathedral is Christopher Wren’s masterpiece and you’ll definitely want to check it off your London sightseeing tour list.

Then it’s time to walk along Cannon Street…

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This bit’s a little boring, to be honest. (It’s certainly nowhere near as pretty as its namesake in Birmingham .) But there is a stunning little townhouse, now home to The Walbrook Club, hidden away down a side street along the way. Don’t spend too long searching for it, though, as there are places to go and sights to see!

…until you get to The Monument!

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Don’t ask which monument – it’s The Monument and you’ll find it near Monument station. Keep your eyes peeled! Even though it towers overhead – it’s surprisingly easy to miss! The grand monument to the Great Fire Of London in 1666 is a tall order for your London tour, but I’m sure you’ll make it worthwhile.

Now just roll down Lower Thames Street and you’ll soon get to the Tower of London!

You could go in, meet the ravens, chat with a Beefeater, and even check out the Crown Jewels. Or you could say ‘nahhhhhhhhhhh y’alright’ and carry on. There’s plenty more of your sightseeing tour to tick off. Anyway, it’s a classy fortress and it might look easy on the eye, but it was also used to lock people up in the Tudor period. Don’t get on the wrong side of them…

Tower Bridge is, like, right next door. Get a load of that.

Few more to go on your London sightseeing map . Getting tired yet? Good. You’ve nearly earned your end-of-tour pint. Hey! Stop thinking about alcohol and feast your eyes on Tower Bridge . And then get ready to sternly lecture the next person who gets Tower Bridge and London Bridge mixed up.

Just a couple of minutes away you’ll reach the pretty marina at St. Katherine’s Docks:

Frankly, we need a pint by now… But St. Katherine’s Docks is pretty, and pretty much wraps up our London tourist map. I can practically hear the sound or beer filling our waiting glasses.

Until – hurrah! – you finally arrive at a flower-festooned pub.

And what a charming, floral spot to finish it all up! Well played, my tourist friend: the cheeriest of cheers to you. Now it’s definitely time for a pint !

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

How Do I Get From Gatwick Airport to London?

Gatwick is located approximately 30 miles to the south of central London . London Gatwick (LGW) is the second largest airport in the UK after Heathrow. The two terminals, North and South, are linked by an efficient monorail service, with a journey time of two minutes.

Traveling by Train between Gatwick Airport and Central London

The Gatwick Express is the quickest way into central London . The station is in the South Terminal and linked to other parts by escalators and lifts. Gatwick Express operates four trains per hour to and from London Victoria, with a journey time of 30 minutes. There is no service between 12:32 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. from London and between 1:35 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. from Gatwick. Other rail operators run services through the night. Fares are from £17.80 for a single ticket. Note that you can no longer buy your ticket on the train, but instead you can book online and use the self-service machines to print your ticket.

Since the start of 2016, you can also use contactless payment  (by touching a bank card with the contactless payment symbol on the card reader) or Oyster card for pay as you go travel between Gatwick Airport and London on the Gatwick Express.

Editor's note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, operations on the Gatwick Express are currently suspended. Please check the site directly for the latest rates and schedule.

These "pay as you go" options give you the most flexibility if you are in a rush as you don’t need to queue to buy a ticket. Do remember to touch your card (Oyster card or accepted bank card) on the yellow card reader at the start of your journey, and use the same card to touch out again at the end. You will automatically be charged the right fare for the trip you’ve made (deducted directly from your bank account or Oyster card's balance).

If you are making a return journey, it is cheaper to buy a paper return ticket online and then print it out at the self-service vending machines.

• Thameslink  operates up to six trains per hour to and from four central London stations. Tickets cost from £12 and journey time is 30 minutes on average. An hourly service operates through the night. (First Capital Connect stopped working on this route in 2014.)
• Southern also runs a rail service to London Bridge and Victoria, with four trains an hour. The journey to Victoria takes about 30 minutes and costs from £17.60 for a single ticket.

Coach Services between Gatwick Airport and Central London

• National Express operates an hourly coach service to and from Victoria Coach Station. The fastest journey time is around two hours. Fares are from £8.
• easyBus operates from 3 a.m. to 11:25 p.m. and Gatwick (North and South Terminals) from 4:25 a.m. to 1:10 a.m. The journey time is around 65 minutes. Online fares are always better than paying the driver. Prices start at £2 for a single ticket. Editor's note: due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this route is also suspended. Please check the easyBus site for schedules in real time.

Private Shuttle between Gatwick Airport and Central London

There is a choice of private shuttle options. If you need a larger vehicle, to be able to carry 6-8 passengers, this larger vehicle airport shuttle option is best. If you need a standard-size vehicle airport shuttle, this company can offer a 24-hour service. If you would like to arrive in style, there are private executive transfers available. And if you'd want a set-price shared transfer from the airport to your hotel that's available too. All can be booked through Viator.

Taxi from Gatwick Airport to Central London

You can usually find a queue of black cabs at both terminals. The fare is metered but watch for extra charges such as late night or weekend journeys. Tipping is not compulsory, but 10-15 percent is considered the norm. Expect to pay at least £100 to get to Central London. Only use a reputable mini-cab and never use unauthorized drivers who offer their services at airports or stations.

How to Enjoy a Quick Layover in London on a Budget

London Travel: Which Oyster Card is Best for Visitors?

How to Get From Heathrow to Gatwick: The Complete Guide

Getting Around London: Guide to Public Transportation

A Guide to Airports in London

A Guide to Airports in England

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

Your Trip to London: The Complete Guide

Take GO Transit to Toronto Pearson Airport

Your Guide to Visiting Walt Disney World During the Pandemic

Getting Around Beijing: Guide to Public Transportation

Taking the Roissybus to or From Charles de Gaulle Airport

How to Travel From London to Birmingham by Train, Bus, and Car

Getting Around Madrid: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel from Amsterdam Airport to City Center by Train, Taxi, Bus, and Shuttle

Munich Airport Guide

Money latest: Gameboys, Sindy dolls, designer shoes, 1950s furniture - the items in your attic that could be worth a small fortune

Gumtree's most popular items include rare stamps, Gameboys and Pokemon cards. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment or submit a consumer dispute or money problem in the box.

Monday 29 April 2024 19:46, UK

• Three of UK's biggest lenders up mortgage rates
• Annual mortgage repayments have increased by up to 70% since 2021
• Higher food prices and shortages warning - as new Brexit checks begin this week
• People on disability benefits could receive vouchers rather than cash

Essential reads

• Gameboys, Sindy dolls, designer shoes, 1950s furniture: The items in your attic that could be worth a small fortune
• Money Problem : 'A company isn't abiding by written warranty for dodgy building work - what can I do?'  
• '£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches
• The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical and where can you go?

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Strikes at Heathrow Airport are taking place over the next few weeks, with the first one already under way.

Staff at the UK's biggest airport are set to walk out during the early bank holiday in May, with their union warning planes could be "delayed, disrupted and grounded".

Click here to find out when all the strikes are, what disruption is expected and which airlines are affected...

The average price paid for comprehensive motor insurance rose 1% in the first quarter of the year, according to industry data indicating an easing in the steep rises seen last year.

The latest tracker issued by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) showed a 1% increase on the previous three months to £635.

That was despite the average claim paid rising 8% to reach a record of £4,800, the body said.

The ABI said the disparity showed that its members were "absorbing" additional costs and not passing them on.

Nevertheless, the average policy was still 33%, or £157, higher between January and March compared to the same period last year.

Read the full story here ...

Getir , the grocery delivery app, has abandoned a European expansion that is set to result in the loss of around 1,500 jobs in the UK.

Sky News had previously revealed that the Turkey-based company, which means "to bring" in Turkish, had  successfully raised money from investors to fund its withdrawals  from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

It had already departed other countries including Italy and Spain.

The exits were prompted by growing losses linked to the company's rapid expansion.

Waitrose is launching an exclusive range of products with popular chef Yotam Ottolenghi today. 

The Israeli-British chef is famous for his Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired food, and has worked with the supermarket to release products including a pasta sauce, spice blend and shawarma marinade. 

It is the first time Ottolenghi has partnered with a supermarket in such a way. 

The full range will be available in Waitrose shops, Waitrose.com and Ottolenghi.co.uk from today, while a selection of products will be available from the supermarket on Deliveroo and Uber Eats. 

An introductory 20% off offer is being launched until 18 June. 

The range includes: 

• Ottolenghi Miso Pesto 165g (£4)
• Ottolenghi Kalamata Olive & Harissa Sauce  350g (£4.50)
• Ottolenghi Pomegranate, Rose & Preserved Lemon Harissa 170g (£5)
• Ottolenghi Green Harissa 170g (£5)
• Ottolenghi Aleppo & Other Chillies Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Sweet & Smokey Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Citrus & Spice Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Red Chilli Sauce (£4.50)
• Ottolenghi Shawarma Marinade (£4)

Ottolenghi said he had "always been super eager to get our flavours onto people's dinner plates nationwide, not just in London, without having to cook it from scratch every single time". 

He added: "I hate to admit it but the pasta sauce already features heavily in my home kitchen, when no one is looking."

The cost of bread, biscuits and beer could increase this year due to the impact of the unusually wet autumn and winter on UK harvests.

Research suggests that production of wheat, oats, barley and oilseed rape could drop by four million tonnes (17.5%) compared with 2023.

The wet weather has resulted in lower levels of planting, while flooding and storms over winter caused farmers more losses.

The predictions come just as the rate of price increases on many food items begins to slow as inflation falls.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) analysed forecasts from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHBD) and government yield data.

It found a "real risk" of beer, biscuits and bread becoming more expensive if the poor harvest increases costs for producers, according to its lead analyst Tom Lancaster.

Beer prices could be affected because the wet weather is still disrupting the planting of spring crops such as barley, the ECIU said.

And potatoes might also see a price hike in the coming months, with growers warning of a major shortage in the autumn due to persistent wet weather.

By Emily Mee , Money team

When I think about the toys of my childhood - my pink Barbie car, my Gameboy Micro, my collection of Pokemon cards - I can't tell you where they went. 

Maybe they were shipped off to a charity shop at some point... Or perhaps they're in the attic? 

While my hot pink Gameboy Micro is lost to the void of time (or a cardboard box somewhere in my mum's house), other versions of it are selling on eBay for £100 or more. 

And there are Pokemon cards selling for anything from a tenner to hundreds or even thousands of pounds. 

It's possible you also have items at home that are a collector's dream. 

Gumtree says its collectables category is already proving to be a "hotbed of activity" this year, with listings up 22% in 2024 so far. 

Its most popular items include rare stamps, coins, war memorabilia and Pokemon cards. 

Spring is often the most popular time for buying and selling collectibles, with demand spiking in March and April. 

We've enlisted the help of TV presenter and collectables expert Tracy Martin to give an idea of what could make you an easy buck. 

Old toys making a 'retro comeback'

Tracy explains that while trends change, vintage toys tend to stand the test of time. 

"Toys are always going to be popular because they tap into nostalgia, our childhood memories," she says, explaining that adults like to buy the toys they used to have. 

Perhaps you were into cars, and you've got some old diecast vehicles from Matchbox, Corgi or Dinky Toys. 

A quick look on toy auction site Vectis.co.uk shows a Corgi Toys "James Bond" Aston Martin estimated to sell for between £600 to £700 - while others are likely to fetch £50 to £60. 

Sindy dolls are also particularly sought after - particularly those from the 1960s - and Barbie dolls from the 1990s too. 

Pokemon cards have seen a "massive surge", Tracy says, with people paying "thousands and thousands of pounds" for good unopened sets. 

She's even seen examples of people paying £16,000 upwards. 

Another up-and-coming market is games consoles, such as Gameboys, vintage consoles and PlayStations, which are making a "retro comeback".

What else could earn you some cash?

Tracy says there's currently a surge in people wanting to buy "mid century" furniture, which is dated to roughly 1945 to 1965 and typically uses clean lines and has a timeless feel. 

Vintage Danish furniture is sought after, particularly tables and chairs with good designer names such as Wegner, Verner Panton and Arne Jacobsen.

Prices range from the low hundreds into the thousands.

People will also look out for vintage framed prints by artists such as Tretchikoff, J.H. Lynch and Shabner - these can range in price from £50 upwards to a few hundred pounds plus. 

Vintage clothes, handbags and shoes can fetch a good price - but you can also invest in modern pieces. 

Tracy suggests looking out for good classic designs with high-end designer names such as Gucci, Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. 

Modern designers such as Irregular Choice, Vendula and Lulu Guinness are also collected. 

Collaborations with designers and celebrities can do well as they're often limited edition. 

For example, Tracy says the H&M x Paco Rabanne maxi silver sequin dress retailed at £279.99 last year but now sells for in excess of £600. 

When it comes to shoes, "the quirkier the design the better" - so look out for brands such as Irregular Choice and Joe Browns. 

Converse and Dr Martens collaborations also do well, depending on the design and condition, as well as Adidas and Nike limited edition trainers. 

What's the best way to sell?  

Tracy recommends to always research before selling your items, as they might perform better on different platforms and you can also get an idea of how much they sell for. 

For example, Vinted can be a good place to sell clothes and shoes, while other items might be better suited for sale on Gumtree, eBay or Etsy. 

Tracy's favourite way to sell is through auction - especially if there are specialist sales. 

Vectis is one of the biggest and most popular for toy selling. 

Interests in different periods and items can go up and down, but for the time being vintage pieces from the 1980s and 90s are popular. 

How much you'll be able to get from an item often takes into account its rarity, condition, whether it reflects a period in time, and if it's got a good name behind it. 

You never know - you might be sitting on a treasure trove. 

Annual mortgage repayments have increased by up to 70% since 2021, according to new data from Zoopla .

The biggest impact of rising interest rates has been in southern England where house prices are higher.

Across the South West, South East and East of England, the annual mortgage cost for an average home is £5,000 higher than previously. This rises to £7,500 in London.

But the universal uptick in mortgage costs has been less pronounced in other parts of the UK, with the North East seeing a £2,350 increase.

In a bid to tackle inflation, the Bank of England has raised the base rate from 0.1% in December 2021 to a 16-year high of 5.25% now.

The Zoopla research looked at the average home buyer taking out a 70% loan-to-value mortgage.

This week seems to be starting where last week left off - with three major lenders announcing further hikes in mortgage rates.

Amid uncertainty of the timing of interest rate cuts from the Bank of England  this year, swap rates (which dictate how much it costs lenders to lend) have been rising in recent weeks.

Financial markets currently see two rate cuts by the Bank of England this year.

We've reported on a string of rate bumps from the high street over the last 10 days, and this morning NatWest, Santander and Nationwide moved.

In its second hikes announcement in less than a week, NatWest laid out increases across its full range of residential and buy-to-let fixed deals of up to 0.22%.

Santander, meanwhile, announced increases for both fixed and tracker deals across their residential and buy-to-let products - up to 0.25%.

The same hikes are being imposed for a range of Nationwide deals.

All of these will kick in tomorrow.

Amit Patel, adviser at Trinity Finance, told Newspage it was "not a great start to the week". 

"This is not good news for borrowers," he said.

Where will the base rate go this year?

The majority of the bets, according to LSEG data, are on the first cut coming in August (previously this was June) and the second in December.

This would take Bank rate from the current level of 5.25% to 4.75%.

Disabled people could receive vouchers instead of monthly payments under proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The changes could see people being provided with either one-off grants for specific costs such as home adaptation, or being directed to "alternative means of support" rather than financial support.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride is set to announce plans today to overhaul the way disability benefits work.

In a Green Paper due to be published alongside Mr Stride's statement to the Commons, ministers will set out plans to reform Personal Independence Payments (PIP), the main disability benefit, through changes to eligibility criteria and assessments.

The plans also include proposals to "move away from a fixed cash benefit system", meaning people with some conditions, such as depression and anxiety, will no longer receive regular payments but rather get improved access to treatment if their condition does not involve extra costs.

Speaking to Sky News earlier, Mr Stride said: "I want us to have a grown-up, sensible conversation about a benefit called PIP that has not been reviewed in over a decade.

"And I want to ask the question, is it fit for purpose given the world that we're in today, in which mental health issues sadly present more of an issue than they did a decade ago."

By James Sillars , business reporter

A fresh high for the FTSE 100 to start the week.

The index of leading shares in London was 0.5% up at 8,179 in early dealing.

The gains were led by miners and financial stocks.

Dragging on the performance were some consumer-facing brands including JD Sports and Flutter Entertainment.

One other development of note to mention is that stubbornly high oil price.

A barrel of Brent crude is currently trading almost 1% down on the day.

But it remains at $88 a barrel.

The market has been pulled by various forces this month, with hopes of a rebound in demand in China among them.

The latest decline is said to reflect peace talks being held between Israel and Hamas.

A demand for smaller homes has driven growth in UK property prices early in 2024, according to research by Halifax.

Data from the bank's house price index suggests annual property price growth hit 1.9% in February this year - a significant rise from -4.1% just three months prior.

That equates to a rise in prices of £5,318 over the past year.

It follows interest rates stabilising, Halifax says, after a sharp rise over the past two years which squeezed mortgage affordability.

A key driver behind rising prices, Halifax says, has been first-time buyers, who made up 53% of all homes bought with a mortgage in 2023 - the highest proportion since 1995.

And it's smaller homes that have recorded the biggest increases in price growth in the early part of this year - with buyers adjusting their expectations to compensate for higher borrowing costs.

Flats and terraced houses made up 57% of all homes purchased by first-time buyers last year.

This varies by region - for example, in London, flats and terraced homes accounted for 90% of all first-time buyer purchases.

Challenges remain

However, Amanda Bryden, head of Halifax mortgages, said "it's important not to gloss over the challenges" facing the UK housing market, given the "impact of higher interest rates on mortgage affordability" and "continued lack of supply of new homes".

"But scratch beneath the surface and there is a more nuanced story, one which shows that demand for different property types in different parts of the country can vary hugely," she added.

"As interest rates have stabilised and buyers adjust to the new economic reality of owning a home, one way to compensate for higher borrowing costs is to target smaller properties.

"This is especially true among first-time buyers, who have proven to be resilient over recent years, and now account for the largest proportion of homes purchased with a mortgage in almost 30 years."

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