Liverpool Street, three airports by rail, all by road

Car or Stansted Express?

For a solo traveller or a couple with light luggage, the Stansted Express from Liverpool Street is usually the better choice. It runs frequently, directly to the station under the airport terminal, and avoids the A12 and the M11 at busy times.

A car wins when you have a family or group, heavy luggage, or a flight before the first train of the morning; many Stansted departures leave before 07:00. By road, Stansted is about 38 miles and around 71 minutes off-peak, or 103 minutes in the rush, so allow plenty of time.

Is the Elizabeth line better for Heathrow?

At busy times, often yes. The Elizabeth line runs from Liverpool Street directly to the Heathrow stations, and it is unaffected by traffic across central London. By car, Heathrow is about 49 minutes off-peak and about 71 minutes in the weekday rush.

The car is the better option with heavy luggage, several colleagues travelling together or a family, and for late evening or very early flights. It also saves the long walk from the Heathrow platform to check-in at some terminals.

Why is London City the easiest airport by car?

Because it is so close. From Liverpool Street and Broadgate, the drive east along the A13 or through the Limehouse Link to the Royal Docks takes about 23 minutes off-peak and 33 minutes in the rush. For a business trip to a European city with hand luggage, it is often the quickest overall, from office door to departure gate.

The rail alternative involves the Elizabeth line or the Central line and a change to the DLR, which with luggage is less convenient than it sounds.

What about Southend Airport?

Trains from Liverpool Street run to Southend Airport station, beside the terminal, and for a light traveller that is a simple journey. By road, Southend is about 40 miles and around 67 minutes via the A13 and the A127. Southend’s small terminal suits some short-haul holiday and city-break flights.

What if the trains are replaced by buses?

Weekend engineering work is common on the lines into Liverpool Street, and when it affects the Stansted Express or the Southend line, trains may be replaced by buses for part of the journey. With luggage, a rail replacement coach plus a change of train can turn an easy trip into a long one.

Check the planned works for your travel date before you decide. On a weekend when the line is closed, a car from your door or from the station to the airport is often the simplest option, and early on a Sunday morning, the A12 and the M11 are usually clear. We can tell you the likely drive time for your date when you book.

Coming in from Cambridge or Norwich to fly?

Many travellers from East Anglia come into Liverpool Street and continue to a London airport. For Stansted, it is usually quicker to travel directly rather than via London; Stansted is on the line from Cambridge. For Heathrow, London City or Gatwick, the car from the platform avoids a crossing of London on the Underground with luggage. Give us the train, and the chauffeur will meet you at the barrier.

Where does the chauffeur meet you?

Liverpool Street’s concourse is crowded at the start and end of the working day. We agree a clear meeting point, such as the end of your platform, the Elizabeth line entrance or a named landmark on the main concourse, and the chauffeur messages you when they are in position.

The streets around the station, including Bishopsgate and Liverpool Street itself, are busy and restricted. The car waits at the nearest legal stopping point, and the chauffeur walks you there with your bags.

How do pickups from Broadgate offices work?

The Broadgate estate is largely pedestrian, with offices set around squares and walkways. Vehicle access is from the surrounding roads, and many buildings have a designated pickup point or a loading entrance. Tell us the building and the entrance your reception uses for cars, and the chauffeur will wait there.

Firms that book regularly can set up an account with a single monthly invoice and cost codes for each journey.

Does the Congestion Charge apply?

Yes, during charging hours. Liverpool Street is in the City of London, inside the Congestion Charging Zone, so a pickup between 07:00 and 18:00 on a weekday, or between 12:00 and 18:00 at weekends and bank holidays, incurs the £18 daily charge. It is part of your fixed price when it applies.