Lewisham, closer to three airports than you think

Which airport is quickest from Lewisham?

London City, at about ten miles and around 24 minutes off-peak via the A102 and the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnels, or 31 minutes in the rush. For short-haul business trips and city breaks, it is the obvious first choice.

London Biggin Hill, for private flights, is about 11 miles and 28 minutes south via the A21. Gatwick is about 27 miles and 55 minutes off-peak, and Southend about an hour via the Dartford Crossing. Heathrow is about 26 miles away and takes around 63 minutes, or over 80 in the rush.

How does the route to London City work?

The car heads north through Lewisham or Blackheath to the A102 and crosses the Thames by the Blackwall Tunnel or the Silvertown Tunnel, both of which have a user charge. When your route uses a charged crossing, the charge is part of your fixed price.

The DLR is the rail alternative. From Lewisham, trains run north towards Canary Wharf, where you change for the branch to the airport. With a small bag, that is a fine choice. With luggage, children or an early flight, the car from your door is simpler.

Is Gatwick easy to reach from here?

Reasonably. From Catford, Sydenham and Forest Hill, the usual routes run south through Croydon to the A23 and the M23, or out on the A21 to the M25. The drive is about 27 miles and takes around 55 minutes off-peak and about 72 minutes in the rush.

Trains from Lewisham and the local stations to Gatwick usually involve a change at London Bridge or East Croydon. For a family with holiday luggage or a 06:00 departure, a car is often the less tiring option.

What about private flights at Biggin Hill?

London Biggin Hill is about 28 minutes from Lewisham town centre and a little less from Downham and Grove Park. Tell us the handling agent or terminal building, along with the flight time, and the chauffeur will go directly there. For arrivals, the chauffeur follows the flight and waits at the agent’s building.

How long should you allow for Heathrow?

About an hour off-peak and up to an hour and twenty minutes in the rush, across central London on the A2 and the A4, or round the M25 if that is clearer. For long-haul departures, we suggest a pickup about three and a half to four hours before the flight.

The Elizabeth line is a useful alternative for some Lewisham residents. From Woolwich or Abbey Wood, trains run through central London to Heathrow; from the west of the borough, the Overground or Thameslink connects to Farringdon or Whitechapel for the Elizabeth line. With light luggage, it works; with a family, the car is easier.

How does the South Circular affect journeys?

The A205 South Circular runs through Catford, Forest Hill and Lee, and it is slow for much of the day, particularly around the Catford gyratory and the level crossings in the area. Journeys that start on or near it can take longer to get going than the distance suggests.

Chauffeurs know where the pinch points are and often use side roads to join the main route further along. Because your price is fixed when you book, a slow start does not change what you pay.

How do pickups work on Lewisham’s streets?

Many streets in Brockley, Hither Green and Ladywell are long, steep and parked on both sides, and the chauffeur may stop a little way along and walk to your door. For flats in the new developments at Deptford, Lewisham Gateway and Convoys Wharf, give us the building name and the entrance with a drop-off point.

Lewisham town centre has pedestrianised streets and a busy bus interchange, and the chauffeur will meet you at the nearest point where a car can stop and message you with the exact location.

Which car suits a Lewisham journey?

The Mercedes E-Class suits one or two travellers on the short run to London City, and it copes easily with Brockley’s narrow streets. Families with holiday luggage should book the V-Class, which takes six passengers and six large cases. For groups, the V-Class keeps everyone together in one vehicle.