Greenwich, across the water from City

How do you get from Greenwich to London City Airport?

By crossing the river. The usual routes use the Blackwall Tunnel or the Silvertown Tunnel from the North Greenwich peninsula, and the drive takes around 19 minutes off-peak and about 25 minutes at busy times. From Woolwich, the Woolwich Ferry is another option when it is running, and it lands close to the airport.

Since April 2025, both the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels have a user charge. When your route uses one, the charge is part of your fixed price, so there is nothing extra on the day. The chauffeur chooses the crossing with the clearest approach at the time of your journey; the queue for the Blackwall Tunnel on a weekday morning is famous for a reason.

Is Gatwick easier than it looks from here?

Yes. Rather than crossing central London, chauffeurs usually head south-east on the A2 or the A20, join the M25 and run clockwise to the M23. The journey is about 42 miles and takes around an hour on a clear road, or about 78 minutes in the weekday rush.

For holiday departures from Gatwick, that is a predictable run. For an early flight at 06:30, a pickup at about 03:45 from Greenwich or Eltham leaves enough time for bag drop and security in the busy first wave.

What does a Heathrow journey from Greenwich involve?

A crossing of the whole of London. Heathrow is about 27 miles away, and the drive takes around 68 minutes off-peak and nearly an hour and a half in the rush. The usual route runs along the A2 and through central London on the A4, or round the M25 if that is clearer.

The rail alternative is worth knowing about. The Elizabeth line runs from Woolwich and Abbey Wood towards central London and on to Heathrow. With light luggage and a daytime flight, it is a reasonable choice. With a family, heavy cases or an early departure, the car from your door is easier.

How do O2 event nights affect pickups?

When there is a concert or a big event at the O2, the North Greenwich peninsula fills with traffic before the doors open and again when the crowd leaves. The approach roads to the Blackwall Tunnel slow down at the same time.

If your pickup or arrival falls on an event night, we plan for it. The chauffeur may suggest an earlier departure or a different crossing, and for arrivals, a route home that avoids the peninsula. Tell us your address, and we will check the event calendar when you book.

How do pickups work in Greenwich?

Greenwich town centre has narrow streets, heavy weekend visitor traffic around the market and the park, and restrictions around the Cutty Sark. The chauffeur will meet you at the nearest point where a car can stop and message you with the exact spot.

For the riverside towers at Greenwich Peninsula, Royal Arsenal Riverside in Woolwich and Kidbrooke Village, give us the building name and the entrance with a drop-off area. Many blocks have a concierge who can let the chauffeur know you are on your way down.

In Eltham, Blackheath and Shooters Hill, most homes have a quiet street or a driveway outside, and the car will wait at your door.

What about Biggin Hill and Southend?

Both are closer than they look on a map. London Biggin Hill, used for private and business flights, is about 15 miles south of Greenwich and around 38 minutes away via the A20 and the A21 or local roads through Eltham. Tell us the handling agent, and the chauffeur will go directly to that building.

Southend is about 37 miles away and takes around an hour via the Dartford Crossing and the A13 or the A127, with the crossing charge included when the route uses it. For short-haul holiday flights from Southend’s compact terminal, that can be less stressful than Gatwick at the peak of the summer.

Which car is best for a Greenwich journey?

For the short hop to London City, the Mercedes E-Class suits most business travellers. For Gatwick holidays, the V-Class takes six passengers and six large cases, with room for pushchairs. If you are heading to Dover or Southampton for a cruise, the V-Class is the usual choice, because cruise luggage is generous.

For arrivals after long flights, many travellers choose the S-Class for the quietest ride home.