Shoreditch, from the roundabout to the runway

Which airport is quickest from Shoreditch?

London City, by a clear margin. The drive runs east along Commercial Street and the Highway, or through the Limehouse Link, to the airport at the Royal Docks, and it takes about 24 minutes off-peak and 35 minutes in the rush. For short trips to European cities, it is the obvious first choice.

Heathrow is about 50 minutes off-peak and 73 minutes in the rush, across central London on the A501 and the Westway or the A4. Stansted is about 68 minutes via the A12 and the M11, and Luton about 70 minutes via the M1. Gatwick is the longest, at around 74 minutes, because the fastest route runs east and round the M25 rather than through the centre.

Where can a car stop on Shoreditch’s streets?

Shoreditch High Street, Great Eastern Street and Old Street are busy red routes and bus corridors, and stopping on them is restricted at most times. The side streets are narrow, often one-way and lined with delivery vans during the day, and some are closed to traffic in the evenings.

Give us the building name and the street, and the chauffeur will choose the nearest legal place to stop, often a quieter road such as Charlotte Road, Rivington Street or a street behind the building, and message you with the exact spot. For studios and offices in railway arches or courtyards, tell us which gate or entrance you use.

How do weekend nights change pickups?

From Thursday evening through to the early hours of Sunday, Shoreditch is one of the busiest nightlife districts in London. Streets around Shoreditch High Street, Curtain Road and Rivington Street fill with people, taxis and ride-hail cars, and some roads are closed or restricted late at night.

For a late-night or early-morning departure at the weekend, we suggest a pickup point slightly away from the busiest streets, such as the Hackney Road side or the edge of the City near Liverpool Street. The chauffeur will agree it with you in advance. Early on a Sunday morning, the streets are quiet and the drive to any airport is fast.

Is the Elizabeth line from Liverpool Street quicker to Heathrow?

Often, yes. Liverpool Street is a ten-minute walk from much of Shoreditch, and the Elizabeth line runs from there directly to Heathrow. At busy times, a solo traveller with light luggage will usually get there faster by train than by car.

A car is the better choice when you are carrying equipment, travelling with colleagues or family, or flying very early. It also saves carrying bags through the busy station and along the Heathrow platforms, which at the larger terminals involves a long walk.

Does the Congestion Charge apply in Shoreditch?

It depends on the exact address. The zone’s boundary runs close to Shoreditch along the edge of the City, so streets on the City side are inside and most of Shoreditch and Hoxton is outside. Our quote is based on your address and the route, and it includes the £18 charge only when a journey actually enters the zone during charging hours.

Can you move equipment for shoots and events?

Yes. Many Shoreditch studios send crews and kit abroad for shoots, trade shows and conferences. Tell us the number and size of the flight cases, and we will send a vehicle with enough space; the V-Class takes equipment alongside passengers. The chauffeur will wait at the studio’s loading entrance where there is one.

Firms that travel often can book on account and receive one invoice per project or per month.

How early should you leave for a Stansted flight?

For Stansted’s early wave of departures, before 07:00, a pickup about three hours before the flight is usually right from Shoreditch. At that hour, the A12 and the M11 are nearly empty, and the drive takes under an hour. For afternoon flights, allow more, because the A12 and the North Circular are busy from mid-afternoon.