Quick Answer
The best and fastest way to get from London City Airport (LCY) to its on-site hotels is on foot. Both the Holiday Inn Express and Moxy hotels are located directly adjacent to the terminal, connected by covered walkways. The journey takes just 3-5 minutes, is completely free, and involves no waiting for transport. For other nearby hotels, use the DLR (1 stop) or a local taxi.
1. Walking: The Ultimate Convenience
This is the core answer for most travellers asking this question. London City Airport is uniquely designed with integrated hotel facilities, making a ground transfer simpler than at any other London airport.
Detailed Route & Experience
Upon exiting baggage claim and arrivals, follow clear signs for "Hotel Walkway" or directly for "Holiday Inn Express / Moxy". You will ascend via escalators or lifts to a covered, well-lit pedestrian bridge that connects the terminal directly to the hotel complex. The entire path is indoors and protected from the weather.
- Distance: Approximately 150-200 meters.
- Time: 3-5 minutes at a leisurely pace.
- Cost: £0.
- Accessibility: Fully step-free with lifts and ramps, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
- Luggage: Easy with wheeled suitcases. There are no stairs on the main route.
Which Hotel is Closer? Both hotels are part of the same connected building structure. The walk is virtually identical in length and convenience.
Pro Tip: Even if you are staying at a different hotel in the area, consider the sheer convenience of these on-site options for an early flight or late arrival. According to the airport's own official guide, this integrated design is a key passenger benefit.
2. Free Hotel Shuttle: The Reality
A common question is about free shuttle buses. It's crucial to manage expectations, as LCY's setup differs from larger airports like Heathrow or Gatwick.
Key Facts:
- On-Site Hotels (Holiday Inn Express, Moxy): No shuttle needed or provided. The walk is the "shuttle".
- Off-Site Hotels: London City Airport does not operate a general free hotel shuttle bus service to hotels in the surrounding Royal Docks, Canning Town, or Excel areas.
- Hotel-Provided Shuttles: These are extremely rare due to the excellent public transport links and short distances. Always check directly with your hotel before travelling. Do not assume one exists.
Alternative for Nearby Hotels: For hotels a short distance away (e.g., around Excel London), the DLR (next section) or an affordable taxi ride are your practical, reliable alternatives to a non-existent shuttle.
3. Taxi & Private Transfer
While walking is superior for on-site hotels, taxis are a solution for other situations: multiple heavy bags, reduced mobility, very late arrival after public transport ends, or travel to a hotel not served well by the DLR.
Options, Costs & Booking
Licensed Black Cabs: Available at the official taxi rank directly outside the terminal. They charge by meter.
Pre-Booked Minicabs: Often cheaper and offer fixed rates. Reputable local companies like Addison Lee or Green Airport Cars are reliable. Your hotel may also recommend a service.
Sample Fare Guide (Approximate):
| Destination | Estimated Fare (Meter/Fixed) | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Site LCY Hotels | Not Recommended (Walk) | 2 min drive | – |
| Hotel in Silvertown | £8 - £12 | 5-10 mins | Bad weather, lots of luggage |
| Hotel near Canning Town Station | £10 - £15 | 8-12 mins | Late-night arrival |
| Hotel at Excel London | £12 - £18 | 10-15 mins | Group travel (split cost) |
Warning: Avoid unlicensed "touts" who may approach you inside the terminal. They are illegal, uninsured, and often overcharge. Always use the official rank or a pre-booked service.
4. Public Transport: Bus & Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
For budget-conscious travellers heading to hotels slightly further afield (e.g., in Poplar, Canning Town, or near other DLR stations), public transport is efficient and cheap.
The DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
The DLR station is inside the airport terminal (lower level). It's the fastest public transport link.
- To Canning Town: 1 stop, ~3 minutes. Many budget hotels are a short walk from here.
- Fare: £2.80 (Off-Peak) to £3.30 (Peak) with Oyster/Contactless. Caps apply.
- Frequency: Every 8-10 minutes.
- Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: ~05:30-00:30, Sun: ~07:00-23:30. Check TfL's DLR page for live updates.
Local Buses
Slower but comprehensive coverage. The bus stop is directly outside the terminal.
- Route 474: Serves Silvertown, North Greenwich (for the O2) and Canning Town. Fare: £1.75 (Hopper fare applies).
- Route 473: Goes to Stratford, passing through various local neighbourhoods with hotels.
- Advantage: Cheapest surface transport, good for very short local hops.
- Disadvantage: Traffic can cause delays; less ideal with heavy luggage.
Payment: Always use a contactless bank card, Oyster card, or mobile payment. Cash is not accepted on London buses.
5. Cost & Time Comparison Table
This table summarizes all options to help you decide instantly. Assumes destination is an on-site LCY hotel unless specified.
| Method | Approx. Cost (Per Person) | Approx. Time (Terminal to Hotel Lobby) | Key Advantage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walking | FREE | 3-5 mins | Fastest, healthiest, no wait | EVERYONE staying at Holiday Inn Express or Moxy LCY |
| DLR (1 stop + walk) | £2.80 - £3.30 | 10-15 mins total | Cheap, fast, avoids traffic | Hotels near Canning Town/DLR stations |
| Local Bus (e.g., 474) | £1.75 | 10-25 mins (traffic dependent) | Cheapest wheeled option | Ultra-budget, nearby Silvertown hotels |
| Licensed Taxi | £8 - £18+ | 5-15 mins | Door-to-door, private | Late night, groups, heavy luggage, reduced mobility |
| Pre-booked Minicab | £10 - £20 (fixed) | 5-15 mins | Fixed price, pre-arranged | Peace of mind, knowing car is waiting |
Verdict: For the specific question of getting to a London City Airport Hotel, walking is unequivocally the best option. For other hotels, use the table above to balance cost, time, and convenience.
6. Traveler Tips & Advice
Maximizing Your Convenience
- Book the On-Site Hotel if Possible: For a stress-free start or end to your trip, the marginal extra cost of the Holiday Inn Express or Moxy is often worth saving £30+ on a taxi and 30+ minutes of hassle.
- Check DLR Times for Late Flights: If your flight lands after 11 pm, especially on a Sunday, the DLR may have stopped. Have a backup plan (taxi number saved).
- Download Citymapper or Google Maps: These apps provide real-time public transport routing, including walking directions from the DLR/bus stop to your specific hotel entrance.
- Luggage for Long Walks: While the walk to on-site hotels is short, if you're venturing further via DLR, pack light or ensure your suitcase has reliable wheels. Not all DLR stations have lifts.
- Weather Proofing: The walkway to the on-site hotels is covered. But if using the DLR or bus for a final leg, have a rain jacket or umbrella handy—London weather is unpredictable.
FAQs: London City Airport Hotel Transfers
Can I walk from London City Airport to the on-site hotels?
Yes, absolutely. The most convenient option is walking. Both the Holiday Inn Express London City Airport and the Moxy London City Airport are located directly adjacent to the terminal, connected via covered walkways. The walk takes approximately 3-5 minutes and is fully signposted, making it ideal for all travellers with manageable luggage.
Is there a free hotel shuttle at London City Airport?
London City Airport does not operate a general free shuttle bus to off-site hotels. However, the on-site hotels (Holiday Inn Express and Moxy) are a very short walk away. For other nearby hotels in the Royal Docks or Excel area, you will need to use public transport, a taxi, or check if your specific hotel offers a paid shuttle service (which is rare).
How much is a taxi from LCY to an airport hotel?
For the on-site hotels, a taxi is unnecessary as they are within walking distance. For other nearby hotels within a 1-2 mile radius (e.g., in Silvertown or Canning Town), expect a fare of £8-£15. Always use a licensed black cab or a pre-booked minicab service like Addison Lee for fixed rates. Avoid unlicensed touts.
What is the cheapest way to get to hotels near London City Airport?
The cheapest way is walking (free). For hotels not directly at the terminal, the next cheapest option is public transport. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from LCY to nearby stations like Canning Town (1 stop) costs around £2.80-£3.30 with an Oyster/Contactless card. Local buses like the 474 are also a budget-friendly option at £1.75.
I'm arriving late at night. What are my options to get to a hotel?
If your hotel is one of the on-site properties (Holiday Inn Express or Moxy), walking is perfectly safe and available 24/7 via the lit, covered walkways. For other hotels, the DLR runs until around 00:30 on weekdays and 23:30 on Sundays. After this, your only reliable option is a licensed taxi. It's advisable to pre-book a minicab if you have a late flight.
Is the DLR from LCY easy to use with luggage?
Generally, yes. The DLR station is directly connected to the terminal. Trains are modern, have step-free access, and dedicated spaces for luggage and wheelchairs. However, during peak commuting hours (7-9 am, 5-7 pm), it can be very crowded, making large suitcases cumbersome. For a single stop to Canning Town, it's very manageable.
Which London City Airport hotel is closest to the terminal?
Both the Holiday Inn Express London City Airport and the Moxy London City Airport are equally close, with an almost identical walking distance of 3-5 minutes. They are built as part of the airport's development and are connected via the same pedestrian bridges. The choice between them comes down to brand preference, price, and room style.
Can I use the Elizabeth Line to get to London City Airport hotels?
Not directly. The Elizabeth Line does not serve London City Airport. The closest Elizabeth Line station is Canary Wharf (approximately 3 miles away). From there, you would need to transfer to the DLR for one stop to LCY, or take a taxi for the final leg. For airport hotels, the DLR connection from central London is more direct.