Self-connecting in London: Useful tips for transit passengers
London with its 5 airports is a major hub, where millions of people connect every year. Apart of being home to British Airways, London is also a hub for Ryanair, Wizzair, easyJet, Virgin, and a number of other airlines. The availability of so many low fare airlines turns London into a true self-connecting hub.
Let’s start with outlining the airports located around the city of London.
London City Airport (LCY) - This primarily a business airport, located in Docklands and is the closest airport to central London. It serves a limited number of short haul flights, predominantly attracting business passengers. 4,3 million passengers annually pass thru London City Airport. It is best accessible via Dockland Light Railway, an integral part of the city’s transit system.
London Heathrow (LHR) is the busiest airport out of all, focused on serving intercontinental flights and also a hub of British Airways. More than 75 million passengers use the airport annually, 13 million of which flying to or from the USA. Significant part of the traffic is generated by transit passengers. London Heathrow has 5 terminals and is not used by low fare airlines. It links to central London by tube, train and busses.
London Gatwick (LGW) is the second busiest airport after London Heathrow, serving 40 million passengers annually. Apart from being a secondary hub of British Airways, it also hosts a number of low fare airlines such as easyJet and Norwegian. Despite the fact that London Gatwick is located 53 km away from the city of London, it is linked to the city by the Gatwick Express rail service, covering the distance between Gatwick and Victoria station in 30 min.
London Stansted (STN) serves 22 million passengers annually on low fare traffic only. Most of these are Ryanair passengers. London Stansted is one of the biggest hubs of Ryanair.
London Luton (LTN) also serves low fare traffic, but the amount of passenger is less - only about 12 million annually. Among other low fare airlines, Luton airport is used by Wizzair, which serves routes to Eastern Europe primarily.
Due to the specialization of the traffic, the most popular self-connecting pattern in London involves arrival and departure from different airports. Unfortunately, change of airports is inevitable if you arrive in London on a low cost carrier and continue your journey on a transatlantic flight. Therefore, you will need to pick the most efficient option to transfer from either Stansted, Gatwick or Luton to Heathrow and vice versa.
All airports are accessible by rail, although not all of them are directly linked. You will need to connect in central London in many cases. Rail transport in UK is very reliable and frequent, so it is always a good option. At peak hours it may be hard to board some trains and under some occasions ( e.g. strikes) trains may not be running, but that is not the biggest problem. For self-connecting passengers, keeping the budget tight is of primary importance. Unfortunately, rail transport in the UK is not the cheapest. For example, Luton Airport (LTN) and Gatwick (LGW) are linked by a direct rail line. Journey time takes 1h 40min and costs around GBP 28 for a single ticket. Other than rail, you have the option of National Express coach service, shuttles, and of course taxis and private transfers.
Let’s look now into the available options between the most frequent “change of airports” routes.
London Luton (LTN) - London Heathrow (LHR)
Option 1: By car / private transfer
The distance between both airports is 35 miles, linked via M1/M35 motorways. The ride without traffic takes about only 40 minutes. You can prebook private transfer for around GBP 60 (3 people car) one-way, which may be a good option if you are traveling in a company and hurrying for your connection.
Option 2: By National Express coach service
There is a dedicated service, operated by National Express. The line runs hourly and it takes about an hour. Trip is comfortable and you have a reserved seat. Fares start at GBP 15 for a single journey, and is advisable to pre-book.
Option 3: Rail service via London
That is generally a pain. It involves 2-3 changes of bus/rail/tube, a lot of walking and moving around and minimum 2 hours. It’s hard to estimate the cost too, as you will need an oyster card (London city transport system smart card).
London Luton (LTN) - London Gatwick (LGW)
Option 1: By rail
There is a direct rail service between both airports, operated by Thameslink. Journey takes around 1h 40 min and costs GBP 28 for a single ticket.
Option 2: By car / private transfer
Distance between both airports is 70 miles via M25 motorway. It takes around 1h 30 min in case there is no heavy traffic. Getting a private transfer with a saloon car (3 passengers) costs around GBP 100, not quite cheap.
Option 3: National express coach service
Trip by coach takes minimum 2 h for direct and 3 h with connection. Direct coaches are less frequent, but schedule is available on National Express website. You can find tickets for as low as GBP 12, but pre-booking is a must to get a deal.
London Luton (LTN) - London Stansted (STN)
Option 1: By car / private transfer
Distance by road is 53 miles via M25 / M11 motorways, avoiding heavy traffic in the city. Pre-booked private transfers costs GBP 66 for a passenger car accommodating 3 passengers.
Option 2: National express coach service
There is direct line serving both airports, taking around 1h 20min. Ticket prices start at GBP 15, when you pre-book.
London Gatwick (LGW) - London Heathrow (LHR)
Option 2: National express coach service
There is a frequent direct line serving both airports, taking around 1h 20min. Ticket prices start at GBP 12, when you pre-book.
Option 2: By car / private transfer
Distance between both airports is 37 miles via M25 motorway. The ride takes around 45 min to 1 h in case there is no heavy traffic. Getting a private transfer with a saloon car (3 passengers) costs around GBP 65.
Option 2: National express coach service
There is a frequent direct line serving both airports, taking around 1h 20min. Ticket prices start at GBP 12, when you pre-book.
London Stansted (STN) - London Heathrow (LHR)
Option 1: National express coach service
There is a frequent direct line serving both airports, taking around 1h 30min. Ticket prices start at GBP 12, when you pre-book.
Option 2: By rail
This option takes around 2h (or more). Stansted airport connects to London Liverpool street by express train. Train ride takes only 40 min. From Liverpool street, you need to get into the tube system (best is to use google maps for planning), which will ultimately take you down to Heathrow , connected to central London by the Piccadily line.
Option 2: By car / private transfer
Distance between both airports is 63 miles. The ride takes around 1 h 30min.
Don’t forget that in order to change airports, you need to pass thru immigrations. Unless you are an EU citizen, check for transit conditions. Allow your self extra time for transfer, and always have a back up plan. Enjoy London!
Written by Connectionreview.com