Quick Answer
The fastest, easiest, and most recommended way to travel from London City Airport (LCY) to Stratford is by taking the direct Docklands Light Railway (DLR). The journey takes 15-20 minutes, costs approximately £3.30 (peak) or £2.80 (off-peak) with a contactless card or Oyster, and runs every 8-10 minutes. It delivers you directly to Stratford International station, adjacent to the Westfield shopping centre and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
By Docklands Light Railway (DLR) - The Best Way
The DLR is an automated light metro system that connects the Docklands and East London. For travel to Stratford, it is unbeatably convenient, offering a seamless, direct link from the airport terminal.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find the Station: Follow signs for “Trains” or “DLR” from the arrivals hall. The station is integrated into the airport terminal, accessible via lifts and escalators.
- Tap In & Board: Use a contactless card, Oyster card, or mobile payment to tap the yellow reader at the gates. Take a train bound for Stratford International. Ensure the destination is displayed on the front of the train.
- The Journey: Enjoy a smooth, above-ground ride through the Docklands. Key stops you'll pass include Canning Town and Star Lane, but no change is needed.
- Arrive & Tap Out: Alight at Stratford International DLR station. Tap your card again on the yellow reader to exit. You'll emerge right next to the Westfield Stratford City mall.
Frequency, Schedule & Fares:
| Time of Day | Frequency | First/Last Train from LCY (approx.) | Single Fare (Contactless/Oyster) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (Mon-Fri 6:30-9:30 AM) | Every 8-10 mins | 05:30 / 00:30 (Mon-Sat) | £3.30 |
| Off-Peak (All other times) | Every 10-15 mins | 07:00 / 23:30 (Sun) | £2.80 |
Source: Transport for London (TfL) DLR page.
Pros, Cons & Key Considerations:
- Pros: Direct, frequent, affordable, step-free access, scenic route, part of London's fare-capping system.
- Cons: Can be busy during rush hour. Not a traditional "tube" train, so luggage space is more limited than on some other lines.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible. All stations have lifts.
- Alternative Route: If you need to go to Stratford (mainline) station instead of Stratford International, stay on the same DLR train for one more stop.
By Taxi or Private Transfer
For door-to-door convenience, especially with heavy luggage, late at night, or in a group, taxis or pre-booked cars are a viable but costly option.
Black Cab vs. Uber/Private Hire:
- Black Cab: Available immediately outside the terminal. They are metered. The fare to Stratford typically ranges from £25 to £40, depending on traffic and time of day. They can use bus lanes, which can be faster in congestion.
- Uber / Minicab / Pre-Booked Transfer: Often cheaper than a black cab, with fares from £20 to £30. You must use the app or pre-book by phone. Designated pickup points apply at the airport. Companies like Addison Lee offer fixed-price pre-booking.
Journey Details & When to Choose This:
Travel Time: 15-25 minutes. This can double during peak congestion (e.g., weekday evenings). The route is straightforward via the A1020 and A118.
Best For:
- Families with young children and lots of luggage.
- Business travellers on expenses.
- Arrivals after the DLR has stopped running.
- Passengers with mobility issues not served well by public transport.
Major Drawback: Cost. It is up to 10x more expensive than the DLR for a solo traveller.
By Bus - The Budget Choice
If you want to spend as little as possible and are not in a hurry, local London buses are an option.
Recommended Route: 473 Bus
The 473 bus runs from outside the airport terminal directly to Stratford City Bus Station.
- Where to Board: Bus stop G on Hartmann Road, a 2-minute walk from the terminal.
- Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during the day.
- Journey Time: Approximately 35-50 minutes, heavily dependent on road traffic.
- Fare: £1.75 with contactless/Oyster. A single fare is valid for unlimited bus journeys within one hour of tapping in.
- Night Service: The N8 night bus also runs this route when the DLR is not operating.
Check live schedules on the TfL 473 route page.
Analysis & Suitability:
Advantage: It is the absolute cheapest method. You see street-level London.
Disadvantages: Slow, unreliable due to traffic, less comfortable with luggage, and can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Verdict: Only recommended if you are extremely budget-conscious, have light luggage, and are not time-sensitive. The DLR's modest extra cost is almost always worth the significant time savings and reliability.
On Foot (For the Very Adventurous)
This is not a practical choice for most airport travellers but is technically possible.
- Distance: Roughly 3 miles (4.8 km).
- Time: At least 1 hour of steady walking.
- Route: You would walk via Silvertown Way and the A1011. Parts of the route have good pedestrian pathways, but it involves navigating major road junctions and is not a particularly scenic or recommended walk.
- When it might make sense: If you have a very long layover, enjoy urban hiking, have only a small backpack, and the weather is excellent.
Our strong advice: Use the DLR.
Cost & Time Comparison: London City Airport to Stratford
| Transport Method | Approx. Journey Time | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Key Advantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DLR (Direct) | 15-20 mins | £2.80 - £3.30 | Fast, direct, frequent, affordable, integrated with TfL. | Almost everyone (BEST OVERALL) |
| Black Taxi | 15-25 mins (varies with traffic) | £25 - £40 | Door-to-door, convenient, available 24/7. | Groups, late arrivals, heavy luggage, business travel. |
| Uber/Private Hire | 15-25 mins (varies with traffic) | £20 - £30 | Cheaper than black cabs, can pre-book fixed price. | Those wanting a car but at a lower cost than a taxi. |
| 473 Bus | 35-50 mins | £1.75 | Cheapest option, direct bus route. | Solo travellers on a very tight budget with time to spare. |
| Walking | 60+ mins | Free | Free, exercise. | Not recommended for typical airport travel. |
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey:
- Use Contactless Payment: It's the simplest way. Just use the same card/device to tap in and out. TfL automatically calculates the cheapest daily fare (fare capping).
- Avoid Peak DLR if Possible: Weekdays between 7:30-9:00 AM can be very crowded with commuters. If your flight lands then, expect to stand with your luggage.
- Luggage Strategy: Travel light. The DLR has space for bags, but large suitcases can be cumbersome. If you have lots of luggage, a taxi, despite the cost, may be less stressful.
- Connection Ready: Stratford International station is directly connected to the massive Westfield Stratford City mall, perfect for food, shopping, or using facilities before your next journey. The main Stratford station (for Tube, Elizabeth line, and national trains) is a 5-minute indoor walk away.
- Check for Engineering Works: Very occasionally, the DLR may be suspended on weekends for maintenance. Always check the TfL status page before you travel.
- Explore Stratford: Your destination is an attraction itself! You're moments away from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London Stadium, and the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a direct train from London City Airport to Stratford?
Yes, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) provides a direct and frequent service from London City Airport to Stratford International station. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes with no changes required.
What is the cheapest way to get from LCY to Stratford?
The cheapest option is the 473 bus, costing £1.75 with a contactless payment or Oyster card. The DLR is also very affordable at around £3.30 (peak) for the direct route and offers better speed and reliability.
How do I pay for public transport from the airport?
The easiest ways are: 1) Contactless debit/credit card (just tap in and out), 2) Oyster card (available at the station), or 3) Apple/Google Pay on your phone. All offer daily and weekly fare capping. Avoid buying paper tickets as they are more expensive.
Is the DLR from LCY to Stratford wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All DLR stations and trains on this route are step-free and fully accessible. London City Airport station has lifts from the terminal to the platform.
How long is the taxi ride from London City Airport to Stratford?
The taxi ride typically takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. While it can be as fast as the DLR in light traffic, congestion, especially during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), can significantly increase travel time.
Can I walk from London City Airport to Stratford?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended for most travellers. The walk is about 3 miles (4.8 km) and takes over an hour, involving navigating busy roads and footpaths. It's only suitable if you have very little luggage and enjoy long walks.
What should I do if I arrive at LCY very late at night?
The DLR operates until around 00:30 on weekdays and Saturdays (slightly earlier start on Sundays). For arrivals after this time, your only public transport option is the night bus N8. Otherwise, you will need to take a taxi or pre-book a private transfer.
Is Stratford station connected to the London Underground?
Yes, Stratford station is a major transport hub. In addition to the DLR, it is served by the London Underground's Central and Jubilee lines, Overground, Elizabeth line, and national rail services, making connections to central London and beyond extremely easy.