Newham, with a runway in the Docks

How close is London City Airport?

Very close. From Canning Town, Custom House or Beckton, the drive to the terminal takes around ten minutes off-peak and about 13 minutes at busy times. From East Ham and Forest Gate, allow 15 to 20 minutes. Few London addresses are nearer to a commercial airport.

London City’s terminal is compact, and short-haul passengers with hand luggage can often arrive later than they would at a larger airport. Check the airline’s own deadline, but for a morning flight from the Docks, a pickup about 90 minutes before departure is common from Newham.

Do you run transfers to and from ExCeL London?

Yes, often. ExCeL hosts large exhibitions and conferences throughout the year, and many delegates arrive at London City or Heathrow and need to reach the venue, a hotel in the Royal Docks, or both. The chauffeur meets you in arrivals and takes you to the ExCeL entrance you need; the venue has separate east and west entrances, and choosing the right one saves a long walk.

On the busiest show days, the roads around the Royal Victoria Dock fill with traffic and taxis. Tell us the event and your hall or entrance when you book, and the chauffeur will plan the approach and a clear set-down point.

How long does Stansted take from Newham?

About 35 miles and around an hour off-peak, via the A406 North Circular and the M11, or about 77 minutes in the rush. From Stratford, the A12 gives a quick start. Stansted’s early departures are easier from here than from most of London, because the North Circular and the M11 are nearly empty before six.

For a 06:30 flight, a pickup at about 03:40 leaves two hours at the terminal. The Stansted Express, the rail alternative, runs from Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale, which means a change for most Newham residents.

What does a Heathrow journey involve?

A crossing of London. Heathrow is about 25 miles away, and the drive takes around 66 minutes off-peak and about 86 minutes in the rush, usually via the Limehouse Link, the A4 and the M4. For long-haul flights, we suggest a pickup about three and a half hours before departure.

The Elizabeth line is a real alternative from Stratford, Forest Gate, Manor Park, Custom House and the other stations on the line, with a direct or single-change journey to Heathrow. With light luggage and a daytime flight, it is a sensible choice. With a family or an early departure, the car from your door is simpler.

Can you connect London City with Heathrow or Gatwick?

Yes. London City to Heathrow takes around an hour and ten minutes off-peak across London. London City to Gatwick is usually quicker than people expect, at about an hour, because the route runs east to the Dartford Crossing and round the M25. The crossing charge, when used, is part of your fixed price.

Plan connections generously. We will tell you honestly if the time between your flights looks too tight for the journey.

How do pickups work around the Docks?

The Royal Docks has wide roads, but many of its new apartment buildings have entrances on pedestrian quays or podium levels that cars cannot reach. Give us the building name and the nearest road entrance, and the chauffeur will meet you there.

For the hotels around ExCeL and Royal Victoria Dock, the chauffeur will wait at the hotel entrance. For homes in East Ham, Plaistow and Forest Gate, the terraced streets are usually parked on both sides, and the chauffeur may stop a few doors along and walk to you for the bags.

What about Southend and the other airports?

Southend is about 34 miles away and takes around 53 minutes via the A13 and the A127, and its small terminal suits many short-haul holidays. Biggin Hill, for private flights, is about 46 minutes south via a river crossing. Luton is about an hour and ten minutes via the North Circular and the M1.

Which car suits a Newham journey?

For the short hop to London City, the Mercedes E-Class is the usual choice. Exhibitors travelling with display cases or samples should book the V-Class, which takes six passengers and six large cases, and describe the items in the notes. For groups of delegates arriving together, the V-Class keeps everyone in one vehicle.