London airports

London Airports is a collective entry for six passenger airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend. It is useful when comparing flights, but it is not a terminal or a place to travel to. A booking shown simply as “London” still needs an airport name before you can arrange an arrival, departure or transfer.

Choose the flight and the onward journey together

Compare the whole journey rather than the air fare alone. Arrival time, checked baggage, the onward rail or coach service and the return flight can change which option works for a short break. A service advertised for the day may not operate when a very early flight departs or a delayed flight lands.

Heathrow offers Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line services. Gatwick has several rail operators and a shuttle between its North and South terminals. Stansted Express and other rail services serve Stansted; Luton uses the DART shuttle to connect the passenger terminal with Luton Airport Parkway. London City is served by the DLR, while Southend has its own railway station. Read the individual airport guide for the procedure that applies to your booking.

Connecting flights and performances

Changing airports is a separate journey, not an internal terminal transfer. Before buying separate flight tickets, check baggage collection, entry formalities, onward transport and the next airline's check-in deadline. Do not assume that a delayed first flight protects a separately booked connection.

For a theatre or concert break, reserve a realistic arrival window before the performance. Security checks at the airport and entry checks at the venue are different parts of the day. Keep a return transport plan that still works after the show finishes.

Assistance and tickets

Arrange airport assistance through the airline or travel organiser and check the individual airport's instructions. Rail assistance and airport assistance may need separate arrangements. Payment rules also differ: an Oyster card or a contactless bank card is not a universal ticket for every airport service. Confirm the exact route and ticket before boarding.