London City Airport (LCY) Guide
About London City Airport (LCY)
London City Airport is the closest airport to central London, tucked into the Royal Docks in East London just six miles from the City and three miles from Canary Wharf. It’s compact, quick to navigate and brilliantly connected by the DLR – making it a favourite with business travellers who’d rather spend their time in a meeting than in a departure queue. With a single terminal, over 30 European destinations and a growing roster of leisure routes, LCY packs a lot into a small footprint.
Flights from London
Airlines servicing London City Airport (LCY)
Aer Lingus
AirDolomiti
Aurigny
British Airways
KLM
LOT Polish
Lufthansa
Luxair
SWISS
Check-in
London City Airport has a single, compact terminal where check-in desks typically open around two hours before departure. It’s always a good idea to arrive at the airport nice and early for your flight, and to confirm check-in times directly with your airline as each may have different requirements. One of the perks of LCY is its size – it takes just two minutes to walk from check-in to the departure lounge. Remember, it’s often possible to check in online in advance via your airline’s website or app, and if you’re travelling with hand luggage only, you can head straight through to security.
Baggage
Baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket class, so it’s important to confirm what’s included with your flight booking to avoid any surprises at bag drop! For more specific information on baggage limits, such as the size, weight and number of bags included in your airfare, check with your airline or ask your Travel Expert for assistance. If you’ve left something behind at the airport, lost property can be reported via the airport’s online claims system. For items lost on board an aircraft, you’ll need to contact your airline directly.
Facilities
There are a range of facilities available at London City Airport for your convenience and use before or after your flight.
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Quiet room and prayer room
- Compact, fully accessible terminal with lifts and ramps
- ATMs and bureau de change
- Special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
- Power charging points
Transport and terminal transfers
Looking for the best ways to get to and from London City Airport? There are plenty of ground transportation options available.
The DLR is the quickest and most popular way to reach London City Airport. The station is right next to the terminal, with frequent trains running to Canary Wharf, Bank, Stratford and other key London destinations. The journey to Bank station in the City of London takes around 22 minutes, and services run every four to ten minutes.
Licensed black cabs queue outside the terminal, and ride-share services are also available for pick-up. All taxi fares are metered, so you’ll be able to see the cost displayed inside the cab.
London City Airport is a single-terminal airport, so there’s no need for terminal transfers. Everything is under one roof – which, given the two-minute walk from check-in to departures, is rather the point.
London City Airport offers both short-stay and long-stay parking. Rates start at approximately £3.50 per hour for short stays. You can pre-book online for the best rates, and disabled parking bays are located close to the terminal.
Bus routes 473 and 474 connect London City Airport with Stratford, Canning Town, Silvertown, North Woolwich and East Beckton. Services run every 9 to 13 minutes, and you can pay using an Oyster card, contactless payment or mobile payment.
Frequently asked questions
A number of airlines fly into and out of London City Airport, including British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss, Aer Lingus, LOT Polish Airlines, Luxair, Aurigny and Air Dolomiti. Routes cover over 30 European destinations as well as a small number of UK domestic services.
As a general rule, you should aim to arrive at London City Airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours before international flights. That said, one of the great advantages of LCY is its compact size – you can get from check-in to the departure gate in as little as two minutes. Check with your airline or your Travel Expert directly for more information on recommended arrival times.
There are plenty of transport options available from London City Airport, including the DLR to Bank, Canary Wharf and Stratford, local buses, licensed black cabs and ride-share services. The DLR is the most popular choice, reaching Bank station in the City of London in around 22 minutes.
London City Airport does not currently have any public airport lounges. However, an AeroSpa in the departures area offers paid spa treatments if you’re looking for a way to unwind before your flight.
While there are no hotels within the airport itself, the Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport is just a short walk from the terminal. It’s worth noting that LCY has restricted operating hours – the terminal is not open overnight – so if you have an early morning flight, booking a nearby hotel is a good idea.
You may be able to earn loyalty points or rewards on eligible flights to or from Acapulco Airport booked with us. When booking online, you’ll see a place to add your loyalty program or frequent flyer membership details if this is available, or you can ask your Travel Expert for help when booking in-store. If the booking meets your program’s requirements, you’ll earn points! For more information, check with your specific loyalty program and see our Booking Terms and Conditions. Keen for even more travel perks? Subscribe to our email list for birthday surprises, competition entries, exclusive deals and VIP pre-sale access to the hottest holiday savings around.
Check-in times and baggage rules for flights departing from London City Airport will vary depending on your ticket, so make sure you confirm with your airline in advance. Remember, it’s often possible to check in online or via your airline’s app, which can help save time at the airport. For more information or help finding your check-in times and baggage limits, talk to your Travel Expert.
London City Airport has a single terminal that handles all arrivals and departures, so you won’t need to worry about choosing the right one. All airlines operate from the same building.
Yes, London City Airport offers both short-stay and long-stay parking. Short-stay rates start at approximately £3.50 per hour. Pre-booking online is recommended for the best rates, especially during busy periods.
Family facilities at London City Airport are limited, but the terminal does provide baby changing facilities in the restrooms. The compact size of the airport means less walking, which can be a bonus when travelling with little ones.
Keen to pick up a few bits before your flight? London City Airport’s departures area features an Aelia Duty Free shop, WHSmith, Aspinal of London and a handful of dining options including Pilots Bar & Kitchen, Pret A Manger and Brick Lane Brews. It’s a small but well-curated selection.
While last-minute sale fares to and from London City Airport may become available, you’ll generally find it pays to plan ahead, especially if you’re booking international flights. As a rough guide, we recommend booking domestic flights three to six months in advance and international flights six to nine months before you plan to fly. When it comes to balancing flexible travel dates with the biggest savings, this should give you the best of both worlds!
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