Quick Answer
The fastest and most recommended way to travel from Heathrow (LHR) to London City Airport (LCY) is by taking the Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street Station, then transferring to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). This takes approximately 45-55 minutes and costs around £12.70 peak / £10.70 off-peak (with Oyster/Contactless). The cheapest option is the Piccadilly line + DLR route at just £5.90 off-peak, but it takes closer to 75-90 minutes. There is no direct rail or coach link.
By Train: The Fastest and Most Efficient Public Transport
London's integrated rail network offers the best balance of speed, cost, and frequency for this cross-city airport transfer. All routes require one change in Central/East London.
Option 1: The Fastest Route (Elizabeth Line + DLR)
This is the premium recommended route for most travelers since the Elizabeth line's opening.
- At Heathrow: Board the Elizabeth line (purple) heading east towards Abbey Wood. Trains run every 5-10 minutes. Use terminals 2, 3, 4, or 5 stations.
- Key Journey: Travel directly to Liverpool Street Station (~35 minutes). The trains are new, have air conditioning, WiFi, and ample luggage space.
- The Change: At Liverpool Street, follow signs for the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). It's an indoor, step-free transfer within the station complex, taking about 5-7 minutes.
- Final Leg: Take any eastbound DLR train (towards Beckton or Woolwich Arsenal) for 2 stops to London City Airport station. The journey takes 10 minutes, and the station is integrated into the airport terminal.
Total Time: 45-55 mins | Cost (Oyster/Contactless): Peak £12.70 / Off-Peak £10.70.
Option 2: The Cheapest Route (Piccadilly Line + DLR)
The budget-friendly classic, ideal for solo travelers with light luggage.
- At Heathrow: Take the Piccadilly line (dark blue) eastbound towards Cockfosters. Runs every 5 minutes.
- Key Journey: Travel to Holborn station (~50 minutes). Note: This is a deep-level tube, often crowded with less luggage space.
- The Change: At Holborn, take the Central line (red) eastbound 2 stops to Bank station.
- Final Leg: At Bank, transfer to the DLR (within the same complex) and take a train to London City Airport (approx. 15 mins).
Total Time: 75-90 mins | Cost (Oyster/Contactless): Off-Peak £5.90 / Peak £6.70 (within Zone 1-6 cap).
| Route | Key Stations (Change) | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost (Off-Peak) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth + DLR | Heathrow â Liverpool Street â LCY | 45-55 min | £10.70 | Speed, comfort, luggage |
| Piccadilly + Central + DLR | Heathrow â Holborn â Bank â LCY | 75-90 min | £5.90 | Budget travelers, light packers |
Source: Transport for London (TFL.gov.uk) single fare finder.
By Coach or Bus: Is It a Viable Option?
Contrary to journeys to central hubs, there is no direct or convenient coach service between Heathrow and London City Airport. Attempting this via coach is not recommended for airport transfers due to multiple, time-consuming changes.
The Reality of Coach Travel:
- No Direct Service: Major operators like National Express or Heathrow Express coaches terminate at central London hubs (Victoria, Paddington). From there, you would need to take the Tube/rail to a DLR station, effectively replicating a slower, more expensive version of the train routes above.
- Local Buses: Public London buses (TfL) would require 3+ changes and take over 2.5 hours, making them impractical with luggage.
Verdict: For a direct airport-to-airport transfer, coach/bus is not a feasible choice. The rail network is vastly superior for this specific route.
By Taxi, Uber, or Private Transfer
This is a door-to-door but expensive option, heavily dependent on London's notorious traffic.
Black Cab (London Taxi)
- Cost: £80 - £120+. The meter runs based on time and distance, and the journey crosses multiple congestion and emission charge zones (unless your taxi is zero-emission).
- Time: 60 to 90+ minutes. Can be quicker very late at night or very early in the morning.
- Advantage: Spacious, can take 5 passengers, knowledgeable drivers.
Minicab or Pre-Booked Transfer (e.g., Addison Lee, Uber)
Often slightly cheaper than a black cab. Always pre-book for the best fixed price.
- Cost (Fixed Fare): £65 - £95 for a standard car.
- Booking Tip: Use reputable companies that offer fixed fares quoted in advance to avoid surge pricing. Ensure they are licensed for airport pick-ups.
When Is a Taxi Worth It?
- Traveling in a group of 3-4 (splitting the cost).
- If you have excessive or heavy luggage unsuitable for the Tube.
- For very late-night or early-morning flights when Tube/rail services are reduced.
- If you have mobility issues.
Top Tip: If booking a transfer, use a company specializing in airport runs like Simply Airports or Addison Lee for reliability.
Ticket, Cost & Time Comparison: At a Glance
| Mode | Approx. Journey Time | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Key Advantage | Key Disadvantage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Line + DLR | 45-55 min | £10.70 - £12.70 | Fast, comfortable, reliable | Requires one change | Most travelers (BEST OVERALL) |
| Tube (Piccadilly) + DLR | 75-90 min | £5.90 - £6.70 | Cheapest option | Slow, crowded, stairs/lifts | Solo budget travelers |
| Taxi / Private Hire | 60-90+ min | £65 - £120+ | Door-to-door, no changes | Very expensive, traffic-dependent | Groups, heavy luggage, late night |
| Coach/Bus | 120+ min (with changes) | £20+ (combined) | N/A for this route | Multiple changes, indirect | Not Recommended |
Payment Tip: For all public transport, use a contactless bank card or Oyster card. It's the cheapest and simplest way, automatically calculating daily caps. Avoid buying paper tickets.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Luggage Strategy is Key
- Elizabeth line > Piccadilly line: The Elizabeth line has wide doors, open gangways, and dedicated luggage spaces. The deep-level Piccadilly line trains have narrow aisles and are often packed.
- Consider Left Luggage: If you have a long layover, use the Excess Baggage left luggage facilities at Heathrow (£7.50-£12.50 per item for 24 hrs) to explore London hands-free before your LCY flight.
Navigating the Change at Liverpool Street / Bank
- Follow the Signs: Both are large stations but are well-signposted for the DLR. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes for the transfer, especially during peak hours.
- Use Citymapper or Google Maps: These apps provide real-time, step-by-step navigation inside stations, telling you which exit to take and even which part of the train to board for the quickest change.
Timing Your Journey
- Avoid Peak Hours (7:30-9:30 & 16:30-18:30): Trains will be crowded, and road traffic will be at its worst, increasing taxi times and costs.
- Check TFL Status: Always check the TfL status page for line closures or delays on the Elizabeth, Piccadilly, or DLR lines before you travel.
- LCY is Efficient: London City Airport is small. While you should arrive 90 mins before a flight, check-in and security are typically much quicker than at Heathrow.
FAQs: Heathrow to London City Airport
What is the fastest way to get from Heathrow to London City Airport?
The fastest public transport route is the Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street, then the DLR, taking approximately 45-55 minutes, depending on connections.
What is the cheapest way to travel between Heathrow and London City Airport?
The cheapest option is the London Underground (Piccadilly line) combined with the DLR, costing just £5.90 (off-peak with Oyster/Contactless).
Is there a direct train from Heathrow to London City Airport?
No, there is no direct train. All journeys require at least one change, typically at central London stations like Liverpool Street, Bank, or Tower Gateway.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to London City Airport?
A black cab or pre-booked minicab costs between £80 and £120+, depending on traffic, time of day, and vehicle type. It can take 60-90 minutes.
Can I use the Heathrow Express to get to London City Airport?
Yes, but it's not the most efficient. The Heathrow Express gets you to Paddington in 15 mins, but from there you still need to take the Elizabeth line/Circle line and DLR, making the total journey time and cost higher than other rail options.
Is the coach a good option for this journey?
For direct airport-to-airport service, National Express coaches are not a viable option as they do not serve London City Airport directly. You would need to coach to Victoria and then take multiple trains, making it slow and cumbersome.
What should I do if I have a lot of luggage?
For heavy luggage, the Elizabeth line is the best public transport choice due to step-free access at key stations and ample space. Alternatively, consider a pre-booked private transfer, though at a significantly higher cost.
How early should I leave Heathrow for a flight from London City?
Allow a minimum of 3 to 3.5 hours before your LCY flight departure. This accounts for 60-75 mins travel time, potential delays, and the recommended 90-minute check-in time at the smaller, efficient London City Airport.