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.

Yes, London City Airport (LCY) is the smallest of London's five major airports, but it is also the most efficient. Located in the Royal Docks just 6 miles from the City financial district, it handles roughly 5 million passengers annually, compared to Heathrow's 80 million. Its "smallness" is its greatest advantage: the single-terminal design means you can get from the front door to your gate in under 20 minutes. The airport has a very short runway (1,508m), which restricts it to smaller, quieter aircraft like the Airbus A220 or Embraer E190, as larger jets like the Boeing 737 cannot land there. A unique "walk-boarding" experience is standard, where you walk across the tarmac directly to the aircraft stairs. In 2026, while it lacks the massive duty-free malls and lounge options of larger hubs, it is the premier choice for business travelers who value "speed over scale," often allowing passengers to check in just 30 minutes before their flight departs for a seamless European connection.