By Coach and Taxi from London's Airports

The Alternatives to Tube or Train Travel from Airports in London

Nov 2, 2009

With so many airports serving London, getting into the city can sometimes be a challenge. When rail transport isn't available, coach and taxi are the next best options.

Travelling by train or tube to and from London's airports isn't always possible during the night but fortunately most coach and taxi services run 24 hours a day. Depending on the traffic flow, catching a taxi is normally the fastest and most direct way to travel. It is also the most expensive. On the other hand, coach services to the airport are the slowest but by far the cheapest way to connect.

Travelling by National Express Coach or Easybus to Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted

Coach may be the cheapest option but it is often the most tedious way to travel from London’s airports. Buses are at the mercy of motorway and central London traffic and most make stops along the way, all adding to the transfer time. On the plus side, most of the coach services run 24 hours a day and some return tickets are as cheap as £4.

National Express is the main airport transfer coach service and probably the top recommendation. There are others but beware of buying their tickets, especially if they are being sold on a low-cost airline. It may seem like a good deal but these companies have a limited number of vehicles and if coaches fill up quickly, leaving unlucky passengers waiting for 30 minutes or more for the next departure.

National Express serves all five airports from London Victoria although using it to get to London City is not advisable as it takes a long time to cross town and involves a change at Stratford bus station. Getting the tube and DLR is far easier and quicker.

All services begin and terminate at Victoria bus station and most make stops in London en route. Check their website as intermediate stops depend on the destination. Victoria is a sizeable place so allow time to find the stop as coaches depart promptly. Travel time to airports range from 50 minutes for Heathrow to 1 hour 30 minutes for Stansted. Tickets start at £9 for an open return to Heathrow and go up to £19 for the same to Luton Airport and are available to book online.

Another cheap option is Easybus, which shuttles between central London and Luton, Stansted and Gatwick (north terminal) airports. Single tickets start from as little as £2.

And Finally, Taking the Taxi from the London Airports

Taxis are plentiful in London but they are also expensive. For departures or arrivals between 6am – 10pm consider other methods of transport first. However for young families or those unable to travel light, public transport may not be a practical option. Many taxis are now available to book online and will take flight information so they can check for flight delays.

Two important things to remember are to supply the driver with the full address and phone number of the hotel or accommodation (even if this information has already been supplied prior to the trip). London taxi drivers are very well qualified but there may be more than one hotel (or road) with the same name and being prepared could save time and aggravation.

The second is to be sure to bring cash (GB pounds, not euros) for payment. Many taxi companies do not accept credit cards and they should be happy to quote the fee beforehand if booking online or by phone.

As of 2009, one-way fares from London’s airports to central London are approximately:

Travel times will vary greatly. Traffic in and around London is notoriously bad and can be at any time of day so those in a particular hurry should consider the rail options first.

To find out about London Underground and train travel, see part one of this article:

The copyright of the article By Coach and Taxi from London's Airports in U.K./Ireland Travel is owned by Sara Revell. Permission to republish By Coach and Taxi from London's Airports in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.