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The first choice for your new life overseas
Which Airport?
- London is Served by 5 International Airports
- Heathrow is the Most Convenient for Central London, however it is also the Busiest
- All Airports are Accessible by Public Transport
Overview
The UK is a major flight hub for worldwide flights and the various London airports deal with 100's of direct flights and connections every day. To deal with this vast volume of traffic, London currently has 5 different international airports servicing its needs.
Major Airports
Heathrow
Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest international airports in the world and has five terminals handling 67 million passengers a year. It serves about 90 airlines and 180 locations worldwide. Heathrow airport is situated 15 miles west of central London and is accessible in a number of different ways including coach services, local buses, London Underground (Piccadilly Line which is blue on all tube maps) and Heathrow Express (over ground trains departing from Paddington train station in North West London - the journey only takes 25 minutes).
This airport has 5 terminals so it is important that you check which one you are departing from before travelling:
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Terminal 1 |
Is for most BMI flights plus El Al and South African Airways. |
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Terminal 2 |
Is for most non-UK carriers' flights to Europe and some long haul destinations. |
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Terminal 3 |
Long haul terminal for US, South American, Asian and Asia Pacific airlines plus most African carriers. |
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Terminal 4 |
Most British Airways long haul flights (until mid-late 2008) and some European services, KLM and Qantas |
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Terminal 5 |
New British Airways terminal. Check with the British Airways for the correct terminal for your flight as they are in the process of moving all their flights from the other terminals to Terminal 5. |
For more information about travel and accommodation around the airport, go to http://www.heathrowairport.com/
Gatwick
Gatwick Airport is 28 miles south of London and it is London’s second largest airport . There are currently 79 airlines operating from this airport serving 227 destinations. As with Heathrow airport, there are a number of ways to get to the airport by public transport: the Gatwick Express (coach and very cost effective but can be slow due to road traffic) leaves from Victoria every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes early morning and late evening , Thames Link (train) and also buses. For more information go to http://www.gatwickairport.com/ .
Many people prefer this airport to London Heathrow as it is not as busy and flights are normally cheaper.
Regional Airports
The other airports below offer a much better travel experience as they are not as big and it takes a lot less time to get through Check-in, security and onto the plane. Luton, Stansted and City Airport however have less airline carriers flying from them and therefore offer less destinations.
Luton
Luton Airport is located 32 miles northeast of London. It is possible to get to the airport by rail from Central Londonand only takes 21 minutes from King Cross station, however you can also travel there by bus or coach. For more information please visit http://www.london-luton.co.uk/en/
Stanstead
Stansted Airport is over 30 miles to the North East of London and London’s fastest growing airport. There is a direct train service from the airport to London's Liverpool Street station, which runs every 15 minutes on weekdays and it takes about 40 minutes. There are also buses and coaches going to Stansted Airport. For more information go to http://www.stanstedairport.com/
London City
London City Airport is situated in the heart of East London serving over 25 European and domestic flights. You can get there by DLR, London Underground and buses. For more information go to http://www.londoncityairport.com
