Business Travel Simplified: A Guide to London’s Major Airports

Navigating London travel can feel overwhelming for even the most confident business traveller. With six major airports in London, making informed travel choices is crucial for business travellers. But never fear, this guide to London’s major airports will help travellers plan the perfect business trip.

London City Airport (LCY)

•    Distance from London Centre: 6 miles 
•    Daily Flights: Primarily short-haul flights, serving European destinations
•    Airlines like British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Lufthansa operate here
•    Proximity allows a swift commute of under 30 minutes

Nestled in the vibrant Royal Docks, LCY serves as a strategic gateway for business travellers seeking convenient travel into and out of the city. The airport's proximity, a mere 6 miles from the city centre, ensures a swift commute of under 30 minutes, making it an enticing choice for professionals with tight schedules.

Despite its smaller size compared to other London airports, LCY excels in serving as a hub for short-haul flights, offering primarily European destinations. Airlines like British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Lufthansa operate here, providing direct flights to major European business hubs such as Zurich, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. LCY's strategic location caters perfectly to professionals darting straight into London’s bustling financial district without missing a beat.

 Heathrow Airport (LHR) 

•    Distance from London Centre: 14 miles west 
•    Daily Flights: Global hub with numerous daily flights across the globe 
•    Serves over 80 airlines 
•    Advanced planning recommended due to distance, approximately an hour by road
•    Dedicated terminals for specific airlines and various amenities for a comfortable travel experience

As Europe's busiest airport, Heathrow is a global transport hub, serving over 80 airlines and hosting an array of shops and lounges.  
Positioned about 15 miles west of the city, getting into and out of the city typically takes an hour by road so advanced planning is always recommended. However, there are plenty of London Transport options and a multitude of amenities and dedicated terminals for specific airlines ensuring a convenient and comfortable start or end to any business trip. Fast-track options within the airport can help navigate the crowds swiftly, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Whether it's a direct flight to New York, a connecting flight to Asia, or a quick hop to Edinburgh, Heathrow's numerous daily flights across the globe cater to the diverse needs of business travellers.

Gatwick Airport (LGW) 

•    Distance from London Centre: 30 miles south 
•    Daily Flights: 46 million passengers annually, offering expedited commute via express trains
•    Airlines like easyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and Emirates operate here
•    Focuses on both leisure and business travel, connecting to major European cities and global financial centres

With over 46 million passengers passing through annually, Gatwick holds its own when it comes to London Airports for both domestic and international flights. Situated approximately 30 miles south of central London, this airport offers an expedited commute when it comes to London Transport. Efficient express trains ensure business travellers get to their destinations in around 30 to 40 minutes. 

While primarily serving leisure travellers, Gatwick also hosts a considerable number of business-focused airlines offering routes to major European cities and global financial centres. Airlines like easyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and Emirates provide a mix of budget-friendly and premium options, connecting travellers to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. 

Luton Airport (LTN) 

•    Distance from London Centre: 35 miles north 
•    Daily Flights: Focus primarily on leisure travel but offers cost-effective flights to European hubs
•    Airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair operate numerous routes 
•    Budget-friendly fares and a quieter atmosphere

Luton Airport (LTN), though situated about 35 miles north of London, is still a great choice for business travellers with its unique offerings. Despite the hour-long journey from the city, this airport appeals to budget-savvy flyers seeking a quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling city airports. Unexpected perks like budget-friendly fares and priority security lanes make Luton a bit of hidden gem, often overlooked but worth considering for its calmer environment and cost-effective travel options. Perfect for those who like to take the road less travelled.  

 While its focus remains largely on leisure travel, airlines such as Wizz Air and Ryanair operate numerous routes connecting Luton to various European cities. These budget carriers offer a host of options for business travellers looking for cost-effective flights to major European hubs like Berlin, Budapest, and Prague. 

Stansted Airport (STN)

•    Distance from London Centre: 40 miles northeast 
•    Daily Flights: Focuses on budget-friendly options, expanding global connections
•    Airlines like Ryanair, Jet2, and others offer European connections
•    Offers pre-booking security fast tracks for smoother journeys through the bustling airport

Situated approximately 40 miles northeast of London, Stansted Airport might seem a bit out of the way, but it caters well to budget conscious travellers. Handling over 25 million passengers annually, this airport boasts an expanding list of global connections. Business travellers can take advantage of the pre-booking security fast tracks, ensuring a smoother journey through the airport.  

Airlines like Ryanair, Jet2, and several other low-cost carriers offer an extensive network of flights -especially to European destinations. 
Despite its focus on budget-friendly options, Stansted also caters to business travellers with select airlines providing connections to key European business centres such as Milan, Barcelona, and Dublin. 

So there you have it, from the swift access of London City Airport to the global reach of Heathrow, each airport has unique offerings. Gatwick and Stansted cover both leisure and business needs, while Luton stands out for its quieter atmosphere and cost-effective options.

For more help navigating London be sure to check out our corporate traveller guide and to find the best serviced apartments for you get in touch with a member of our team of experts.