London City, minutes from the desk

How long does it take to reach London City by car?

From Docklands and east London, very little time. From the West End and west London, longer than the mileage suggests, because the route runs east through the City and Limehouse, where traffic sets the pace.

Times come from road routing, with a rush-hour allowance in the last column. Greenwich is just across the river and only a couple of miles away, but the crossing through the Blackwall tunnel decides how long it takes.

What does the London City drop-off charge cost?

Since 6 January 2026, London City charges £8 for a stay of up to five minutes on its forecourt, then £1 for each additional minute, with a maximum stay of 10 minutes. The forecourt is monitored by number plate cameras. Blue Badge holders are exempt.

Ten minutes is a short limit, and it is enforced. When we take you to City Airport, the charge is included in your price and our chauffeurs are in and out well within it: bags on the pavement, a quick goodbye and the car moves on.

When is London City Airport open?

London City has restricted operating hours, set by its planning permission to limit noise for its neighbours. There are no flights overnight, and the airport closes for part of each weekend, from Saturday afternoon until Sunday lunchtime. Early morning departures on weekdays start from around 06:30.

Check your flight time carefully if you are travelling at a weekend. If your plans need a Saturday evening or Sunday morning flight, Heathrow or Gatwick will be the options, and we can give you drive times to both.

How early should you leave for City Airport?

Later than for any other London airport. The terminal is compact, the walk from the entrance to security is short, and check-in usually closes a short time before departure for passengers with only hand luggage. Your airline sets the exact deadline, so check it, but many regular City passengers aim to arrive about an hour before a short-haul flight.

The road is the variable. From Canary Wharf, the journey is short and steady. From Mayfair at 08:30 on a weekday, it can take as long as the drive to Heathrow. We plan the pickup around the time of day, not only the distance.

Is the DLR quicker than a car?

For a traveller in the City or at Bank with a small bag, the DLR is hard to beat: London City Airport has its own station, and trains run directly to Bank and Canary Wharf. It is the obvious choice for many business travellers heading into the Square Mile.

The car earns its place from the West End, Kensington or Westminster, where the DLR means a change, and for travellers with luggage, families and groups. It also helps early in the morning and late in the evening, when a car to your door is simpler than a train and a walk.

Where will your chauffeur meet you?

The arrivals area at London City is small, so meeting your chauffeur is easy. Your chauffeur waits just outside the arrivals exit with a board showing your name, and the car is parked a short walk away.

Because City handles a lot of business travel, many passengers arrive with hand luggage only and are out of the terminal within minutes of landing. Your chauffeur follows your flight and is waiting before you are, rather than timing their arrival to the schedule.

Which car suits a London City trip?

Most City passengers are business travellers with a single bag, and the Mercedes E-Class is the natural choice. For a working journey, or collecting a client, the S-Class gives a quieter cabin for a call on the way in. Groups travelling to the same meeting fit together in the V-Class, which keeps everyone arriving at the same time.