AirportCosts logo AirportCosts

London airport cost intelligence

The true cost of getting to London airports.

Compare Central London rail and coach fares, drop-off charges, private-transfer suitability and luggage friction before a cheap flight becomes an expensive journey.

By , founder of AirportCosts · Last updated: 1 September 2026 · How we check costs

Compare costs View airports
Rail Coach Private transfer Drop-off fees
6London airports
37reviewed cost guides
1 Sep 2026homepage reviewed
Choose an airport guide Open the airport that matches your flight or final London stop
LHRBest all-round London airport for rail choice, long-haul flights and west London access. LGWStrong rail access south of London, with a key terminal choice between North and South. STNCompare the real cost of reaching Stansted by train, coach, bus, taxi or car, including terminal access, drop-off, pickup, luggage and early-flight planning. LTNCompare the real cost of reaching London Luton Airport by train, DART, coach, taxi or car, including parking, pickup, drop-off and early-flight planning. LCYCompare the real cost of reaching London City Airport by DLR, Elizabeth line connection, bus, taxi or car, including drop-off, pickup and parking rules. SENStratford, Liverpool Street, Essex and east London connections

Central London airport calculator

Choose your airport, group, luggage and priorities.

Source backed
Scope: This comparison starts in Central London. For another town, use its route guide or check live operator fares.

This is a Central London baseline, not a live booking engine or a door-to-door calculation from another town. Confirm the final fare with the operator.

Start with your decision

Choose the right AirportCosts guide

Each link below answers a different question. Using the specific guide avoids mixing a Central London baseline with a local route, driving charge or terminal rule.

Airport guides

Compare each London airport before you book

Flight price is only one part of the decision. The pages below focus on airport-to-city cost, friction and hidden charges travellers usually discover too late.

Full comparison
LHR
15 to 60 minutes depending on Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line, Piccadilly line, coach or road traffic.
Airport cost profile

Heathrow Airport costs

Heathrow has the widest rail choice, but the cheapest, fastest and easiest option depends heavily on your terminal and final London stop.

Fastest public routeHeathrow Express
Drop-offGBP 7 per entry
LGW
About 30 minutes to Victoria on Gatwick Express; Southern and Thameslink journey times vary by stopping pattern and destination.
Airport cost profile

Gatwick Airport costs

Gatwick has direct rail links to Victoria and several central London stations, but the best route depends on the final stop and whether the flight uses North or South Terminal.

Fastest public routeGatwick Express
Drop-offGBP 10 for 10 minutes
STN
Stansted Express lists about 48 minutes to Liverpool Street and about 37 minutes to Tottenham Hale; coach and road times depend on the route and traffic.
Airport cost profile

Stansted Airport costs

A practical cost guide for Stansted Airport: compare the railway station under the terminal, 24-hour coaches, road charges, pickup, luggage and early-flight options before paying.

Fastest public routeStansted Express
Drop-off£10 for up to 15 minutes
LTN
London Luton Airport says its fastest rail-and-DART journey from St Pancras can take as little as 32 minutes. Thameslink also serves Farringdon, City Thameslink, Blackfriars and London Bridge. Check the live timetable and a through fare to Luton Airport (LUA).
Airport cost profile

London Luton Airport costs

A practical Luton Airport cost guide covering Luton Airport Parkway, the DART, trains, coaches, parking, drop-off, pickup, luggage and early flights.

Fastest public routeTrain plus Luton DART
Drop-off£9 for up to 12 minutes
LCY
The airport publishes example public-transport times of about 25 minutes to Canary Wharf, 35 minutes to Tower Bridge or Shoreditch and 45 minutes to Westminster or Piccadilly. These are planning examples, not guaranteed journey times. Check TfL's live journey planner for the exact address and travel date.
Airport cost profile

London City Airport costs

A practical London City Airport cost guide covering the DLR, London connections, buses, taxis, drop-off, pickup, parking, road charges and accessible travel.

Fastest public routeDLR and onward TfL connection
Drop-off£8 for the first 5 minutes
SEN
About 52 minutes to Liverpool Street
Airport cost profile

London Southend Airport costs

Southend Airport's station is about 100 paces from the terminal. Contactless pay as you go is accepted on Greater Anglia services, but Oyster is not. Drivers using Express Pick-up and Drop-off pay £8 for up to ten minutes after leaving the area.

Fastest public routeGreater Anglia train
Drop-off£8 for up to 10 minutes

At a glance

London airport routes at a glance

Use these cards to choose the relevant airport guide. Published fares and forecourt rules change, so the card does not pretend that one fixed price fits every date or traveller.

LHR Heathrow
🚆 Public transport Check live fare Piccadilly line, Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express
🚕 Taxi / transfer Live quote
⏱️ Journey Check route
🚗 Drop-off See rules
LGW Gatwick
🚆 Public transport Check live fare Southern, Thameslink or Gatwick Express
🚕 Taxi / transfer Live quote
⏱️ Journey Check route
🚗 Drop-off See rules
STN Stansted
🚆 Public transport Check live fare Stansted Express or airport coach
🚕 Taxi / transfer Live quote
⏱️ Journey Check route
🚗 Drop-off See rules
LTN Luton
🚆 Public transport Check live fare Thameslink or Luton Airport Express plus DART
🚕 Taxi / transfer Live quote
⏱️ Journey Check route
🚗 Drop-off See rules
LCY London City
🚆 Public transport Check live fare DLR with the interchange for your final stop
🚕 Taxi / transfer Live quote
⏱️ Journey Check route
🚗 Drop-off See rules
SEN Southend
🚆 Public transport Check live fare Greater Anglia towards Stratford or Liverpool Street
🚕 Taxi / transfer Live quote
⏱️ Journey Check route
🚗 Drop-off See rules

Published fares and airport rules change. Open the airport guide, note its review date, then confirm the live operator price before paying. Read how AirportCosts checks sources.

Decision guides

Common London airport cost traps

Decision guide

London Airport Drop-off Charges 2026: All 6 Compared

Compare Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend drop-off charges, time limits, payment deadlines, pickup rules and free alternatives.

Decision guide

Heathrow Express Prices 2026: £10 Advance vs £26 Today

Compare every Heathrow Express fare, the real advance-booking window, free child travel and the cheaper Elizabeth and Piccadilly line alternatives.

Decision guide

Heathrow Express vs Elizabeth Line vs Tube: £26/£15.50/£5.90

Heathrow Express hits Paddington in 15 minutes for £26; the Elizabeth line takes about 30 for £15.50 direct across London; the Piccadilly line (Tube) is slowest but cheapest at £5.90 at all times for a Heathrow journey involving Zone 1. Which is worth it, and can you use one ticket on another?

Decision guide

Gatwick Express vs Thameslink 2026: Price & Time

Compare Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Southern by live fare, journey time and London stop. Choose the train that avoids an unnecessary change.

Decision guide

Stansted Express vs Coach 2026: Fare, Time & Night Travel

Compare Stansted Express and National Express by live fare, timetable, London stop, luggage, accessibility and overnight coverage before you book.

Decision guide

Luton DART Fares 2026: £4.90, Tickets & Discounts

Check the £4.90 online Luton DART fare, through-ticket rules, overnight service, contactless payment and free or reduced concession travel.

Decision guide

Elizabeth Line to Heathrow 2026: Fares, Times & Oyster

The £15.50 Zone 1 fare (£14.60 from Paddington) is only part of the decision. Check terminal branches, first and last trains, Oyster rules and when Heathrow Express is actually faster.

Decision guide

Tube to Heathrow Terminal 4: Fares, Times & Loop (2026)

Take the Piccadilly line directly to Heathrow Terminal 4. Check the £5.90 Zone 1 fare, one-way loop, last trains and accessibility.

Decision guide

Tube to Heathrow Terminal 5: Fares, Times & Route (2026)

Take the Piccadilly line direct to Heathrow Terminal 5. Check the £5.90 Zone 1 fare, journey time, branch, Night Tube and step-free access.

Decision guide

Cheapest Way to Get to Heathrow 2026: Tube & Coach Costs

The cheapest way to Heathrow Airport from central London is usually the Piccadilly line. Compare Tube, coach, Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express costs.

Decision guide

Cheapest Way to Gatwick Airport 2026: Compare Total Costs

Find the cheapest way to Gatwick Airport from London by comparing live coach and rail fares, station access, luggage, terminal transfers and group costs.

Decision guide

Cheapest Way to Stansted Airport 2026: Full Cost Guide

Find the cheapest way to Stansted Airport from your part of London. Compare the full train, coach and driving cost, early-flight coverage and terminal arrival.

Decision guide

Cheapest Way to Luton Airport 2026: Train, Coach or Bus?

Find the cheapest way to Luton Airport for your date. Compare complete coach, train and DART costs, booking restrictions, London connections and early-flight options.

Decision guide

London to Gatwick Airport: Trains by Station (2026)

Choose the right London station for Gatwick Airport. Compare direct trains from Victoria, London Bridge, Farringdon, St Pancras and Clapham Junction.

Decision guide

London to Luton Airport: Trains and Coaches by Station (2026)

Choose the right London station for Luton Airport. Compare direct trains from St Pancras, Farringdon, Blackfriars and London Bridge with terminal coaches.

Decision guide

Charges for Driving in London: Airport Journeys

Check Congestion Charge, ULEZ, tunnels, Dart Charge and airport access fees before driving to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City or Southend.

Decision guide

London Congestion Charge for Airport Journeys

Check the London Congestion Charge price, times and zone rules for airport trips, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend.

Decision guide

Left Luggage at London Airports 2026: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton

Left luggage desk locations, opening hours and prices at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton, plus when an off-airport storage app is the cheaper choice.

2026 drop-off charges

Airport drop-off charges by airport

What it costs to drop someone at each London terminal, how to pay, and how to avoid the fee.

Popular fixed-fare routes

Local airport transfer cost pages

Door-to-door transfer costs and public transport comparisons for every local route currently covered by AirportCosts.

WatfordLHR

Watford to Heathrow Airport

Compare public transport, luggage friction, drop-off charges and fixed-fare private transfer options for this route.

Fixed-fare transfer + public transportRoute-specific comparisons and airport rules.
St AlbansLHR

St Albans to Heathrow Airport

Compare public transport, luggage friction, drop-off charges and fixed-fare private transfer options for this route.

Fixed-fare transfer + public transportRoute-specific comparisons and airport rules.
ReadingLHR

Reading to Heathrow Airport

Compare public transport, luggage friction, drop-off charges and fixed-fare private transfer options for this route.

Fixed-fare transfer + public transportRoute-specific comparisons and airport rules.
SloughLHR

Slough to Heathrow Airport

Compare public transport, luggage friction, drop-off charges and fixed-fare private transfer options for this route.

Fixed-fare transfer + public transportRoute-specific comparisons and airport rules.
High WycombeLHR

High Wycombe to Heathrow Airport

Compare public transport, luggage friction, drop-off charges and fixed-fare private transfer options for this route.

Fixed-fare transfer + public transportRoute-specific comparisons and airport rules.
BrightonLGW

Brighton to Gatwick Airport

Compare public transport, luggage friction, drop-off charges and fixed-fare private transfer options for this route.

Fixed-fare transfer + public transportRoute-specific comparisons and airport rules.
CambridgeSTN

Cambridge to Stansted Airport

Compare public transport, luggage friction, drop-off charges and fixed-fare private transfer options for this route.

Fixed-fare transfer + public transportRoute-specific comparisons and airport rules.
St AlbansLTN

St Albans to London Luton Airport

Compare public transport, luggage friction, drop-off charges and fixed-fare private transfer options for this route.

Fixed-fare transfer + public transportRoute-specific comparisons and airport rules.
Milton KeynesLTN

Milton Keynes to London Luton Airport

Compare public transport, luggage friction, drop-off charges and fixed-fare private transfer options for this route.

Fixed-fare transfer + public transportRoute-specific comparisons and airport rules.

Journey fit checks

Decide by the full door-to-terminal cost

AirportCosts is most useful when the cheap-looking route has hidden friction: a premium rail fare, a terminal shuttle, an early flight, or a drop-off fee that changes the real answer.

01

Public transport test

Check the final London stop, not just the airport train.

A fast airport rail link can lose its advantage when you still need a Tube change, taxi, hotel walk or terminal shuttle after the advertised journey ends.

  • ✓ Destination after the train
  • ✓ Luggage through interchanges
  • ✓ First and last service times
02

Hidden fee scan

Add charges travellers usually notice too late.

Drop-off zones, Luton DART tickets, Gatwick terminal changes and post-visit payment deadlines can turn the cheapest headline route into the wrong choice.

  • ✓ Terminal drop-off payment rules
  • ✓ Rail premium and shuttle add-ons
  • ✓ Penalty risk and time limits
03

Transfer reality

Price a fixed vehicle when the journey is fragile.

Private transfer value rises quickly with 3+ passengers, early departures, large bags, children, mobility needs or homes that sit far from a direct rail route.

  • ✓ Passenger and bag count
  • ✓ Pickup postcode and flight time
  • ✓ Drop-off fee included or separate

Editorial method

How AirportCosts keeps comparisons useful

The site separates stable facts from prices that need a live check. It also states the limits of its calculator instead of pretending to know a door-to-door fare from every address.

Official sources first

  • Airport and appointed parking operators
  • Rail, coach and transport-authority pages
  • Published accessibility and terminal guidance

Visible review dates

  • Each remediated guide shows when it was checked
  • Unstable prices are labelled as examples or live fares
  • Incorrect or expired claims are removed rather than softened

Commercial links disclosed

  • AirportCosts is independent and does not sell tickets
  • Related private-transfer links are disclosed
  • Sponsored links use the appropriate relationship attribute

Read the full AirportCosts methodology and source policy.

FAQ

Using AirportCosts

Direct answers about the calculator, live prices, airport comparisons and how the site is funded.

What does the AirportCosts calculator compare?

It compares published public-transport options from Central London by passenger count, luggage and journey priorities. It is a planning baseline, not a live booking engine or a door-to-door quote from every UK address.

Does AirportCosts show live train, coach or transfer prices?

Not consistently. Where an operator publishes a stable fare, the relevant guide states what was checked and when. Advance tickets, coach offers and private-transfer prices can change, so AirportCosts directs readers to the operator or quote provider before payment.

How do I compare the six London airports?

Use the London airport comparison to match Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend to the final London stop, passenger count, luggage, terminal journey and late-night fallback. The airport with the cheapest flight is not always the cheapest complete trip.

Where can I compare London airport drop-off charges?

The London airport drop-off comparison covers current terminal fees, time limits, payment deadlines, pickup rules, free alternatives and Blue Badge arrangements. Each airport guide links to the official payment or rules page used for verification.

Is AirportCosts a booking website?

No. AirportCosts is an independent planning and comparison website. It does not sell rail or coach tickets. Some clearly disclosed links may lead to a related private-transfer business, and those links are marked sponsored where required.

How does AirportCosts check travel information?

The editorial team checks fares, operating rules, terminal information and deadlines against official airport, rail, coach and transport-authority sources. Every reviewed guide shows a date, and readers are told when a price must be confirmed live.

Which page should I use for a journey from a town outside London?

Open the relevant route guide where one is available. Route pages cover local stations, direct coaches or buses, terminal changes, road pinch points and airport hand-off rules that a Central London calculator cannot represent accurately.

Can one airport option be cheapest for every traveller?

No. Passenger count, children, luggage, accessibility, flight time and the final address can reverse the result. Compare the complete journey for the actual group rather than relying on a single headline fare.