Are there long queues at London City Airport?

London City Airport was ranked best by the study, with the average queue lasting just 12 minutes. Half of travellers reported waiting between five and 10 minutes. It was also the only London airport where customers did not suffer any waits of more than an hour.



London City Airport (LCY) is famous for having some of the shortest wait times of any major international hub, making it a favorite for business travelers. As of early 2026, the average time to clear security is typically between 10 and 20 minutes. Because the airport is significantly smaller than Heathrow or Gatwick and features a single-terminal design, the "curb-to-gate" experience is remarkably efficient. However, travelers should still be aware of peak periods; Monday mornings (5:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and Friday evenings often see a surge in corporate commuters, which can push security wait times closer to 30 minutes. LCY has also implemented advanced CT scanners in several lanes, allowing many passengers to keep liquids and electronics inside their bags, further speeding up the process. Despite its efficiency, the airport recommends arriving 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours for international departures to account for any unexpected operational spikes.

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you could get there 30-40 mins before departure and get through easily with time to spare. Security is always v quick helped by the fact everything can stay in your bag and then larger liquid allowance. It's a very small airport so departure gates not a long trek.

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It is the fifth-busiest airport by passengers and aircraft movements serving the London area — after Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton — and was the 14th-busiest in the UK in 2017. In 2019, the airport handled over 5 million passengers.

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Major airports in London. In 2022, four of the airports in London served more than 10 million passengers: London-Heathrow, London-Gatwick, London-Stansted and London-Luton. While much smaller than the others, London-City is also worth mentioning as it's perhaps the most convenient London airport.

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Because of space limitations and just one, very short runway, large aircraft is not permitted to use the airport, which limits long-haul flight availability. The lack of space also means that London City Airport operates out of a relatively small terminal building.

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There is only one terminal at London City airport so travelling through the airport can often be quicker than at other London airports. Check in opens 2 hours before your flight. Please do not arrive earlier than 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.

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London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to central London, and it's easily accessible by Tube, bus or taxi. Because it's a smaller airport, arrivals and departures at LCY can be much quicker and easier than larger airports in London.

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At London (LCY) Airport you will be Fast Track or Expedite through immigrations and customs upon international arrival or Fast Track or Expedite through check in and security upon your departure.

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Facilities at London City Airport (LCY) Free wi-fi for all passengers using the airport. Travelex currency exchange facilities. Cafes on the terminal concourse for pre-security snacks and a choice of pub food, gourmet sandwiches, American meals or baked goods when you head through the gates.

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A single DLR train ticket from City airport (zone 3) to the Bank DLR station in the city centre of London (zone 1) costs just €5.10 (£4.50). Tickets can be bought at the DLR station at City airport from the ticket desks or automated ticket machines.

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The General Guideline for How Early You Should Get to the Airport. Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.

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Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.

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And generally, airports don't want you to go through security too early to avoid overcrowding the airport. In general, the earliest time when you can go through security is 2-4 hours before the flight if you have checked baggage or as soon as the security checkpoints open on the same day.

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Though TSA does not actually offer any specific recommendations for airport arrival time, the general rule of thumb is 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.

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A Visitor Oyster card can be delivered to your home before your visit, or Oyster cards can be purchased at all London airports and stations. Visitor Oyster card holders also enjoy a range of special offers and discounts across the city.

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What are the advantages of flying out of London City Airport? It is a small and compact airport. Even if it is super busy, chances are you'll make it through security in less than 15 minutes. If not busy, it might even be as little as five minutes from airport entrance to gate.

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As was perhaps to be expected, London City Airport, the closest airport to the City, is also the most expensive.

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