Redbridge, where the M11 begins

Which airport is closest to Redbridge?

London City, at about six miles and around 14 minutes off-peak via the A406 and the A13, or 18 minutes at busy times. For short-haul business trips and city breaks, it is the first choice for many Redbridge residents.

Stansted is next, at about 32 miles and around 52 minutes via the M11, then Southend at about 53 minutes via the A127, and Heathrow at around an hour. Luton is about an hour, and Gatwick a little over an hour via the Dartford Crossing.

Why is Stansted so easy from here?

Because the M11 starts at the Charlie Brown’s roundabout on the Woodford border, and from there it is motorway almost all the way to the airport. From Woodford and Wanstead, the drive takes under an hour off-peak; from Ilford and Seven Kings, a few minutes more to reach the start of the motorway.

Stansted has a large wave of European departures before 07:00. For a 06:30 flight, a pickup at about 03:40 from central Redbridge leaves two hours at the terminal for bag drop and security. At that hour, the M11 is nearly empty.

Is Southend a good alternative?

For some flights, yes. Southend is about 35 miles away and takes around 53 minutes via the A12 and the A127, or the A13. Its terminal is small, and the walk from the drop-off zone to the gate is short. The express drop-off charge at Southend is part of your fixed price.

Southend’s route network is smaller than Stansted’s, so check whether your destination is on it. When it is, many travellers find the smaller airport less stressful at busy times of year.

How does a Heathrow journey work from Redbridge?

Heathrow is about 33 miles away, and the drive takes around an hour off-peak and about 78 minutes in the rush, usually via the North Circular and the A40, or round the M25 if that is flowing better.

The Elizabeth line runs from Ilford, Seven Kings, Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath towards central London, where you can continue towards Heathrow with a change. With light luggage, that is a reasonable option. With a family, several cases or an early flight, the car from your door is the simpler choice.

How do pickups work around the borough?

Ilford town centre has pedestrianised streets, a one-way system and busy bus routes around the station, and the chauffeur will meet you at the nearest point where a car can stop. For flats in the new towers near Ilford station, give us the building name and the entrance with a drop-off area.

In Woodford, Wanstead and Chigwell Road, most homes have a driveway or a quiet road outside, and the car will wait at your door. The Gants Hill roundabout can be slow at busy times, and chauffeurs often approach nearby streets from the side roads to avoid it.

What about late arrivals home?

Stansted and Southend both handle many late-evening holiday arrivals, and delays can push landings past midnight. The chauffeur follows your flight, waits in arrivals however late it lands, and takes the M11 or the A127 home, which are usually clear at night. The fixed price does not change if the flight is delayed.

Can you connect Stansted with Heathrow or Gatwick?

Yes. Stansted to Heathrow runs round the M25 in about an hour and a half off-peak, and Stansted to Gatwick takes a similar time via the Dartford Crossing. Plan connections generously, and we will tell you honestly if the gap between flights looks too short.

How early should you leave for a long-haul flight from Heathrow?

Earlier than from west London. With an hour’s drive on a clear road and up to 80 minutes in the rush, we suggest a pickup about four hours before a long-haul departure on a weekday, and about three and a half hours at weekends or late in the evening.

That sounds generous, but it covers the drive, the drop-off, bag drop and security, which at Heathrow’s busiest terminals can take an hour on its own. If the roads are clear, you arrive early and relax; if the North Circular is slow, the margin absorbs it. The price is fixed, so extra time on the road does not cost you more.

Which car suits a Redbridge journey?

The Mercedes E-Class suits one or two travellers on the short run to London City. Families with holiday luggage should book the V-Class, which takes six passengers and six large cases. For ski trips and golf holidays, mention the equipment so we can match the car to it. For groups, the V-Class keeps everyone together.