Stratford, where east London connects

How quick is London City from Stratford?

Quick. The drive south along the A12 and the A13, or through Canning Town, reaches the terminal in about 18 minutes off-peak and 23 minutes in the rush. For a short business trip to Europe with hand luggage, a pickup about 90 minutes before departure is common from Stratford, but check the airline’s own deadline.

The DLR is the rail alternative, with a change at Canning Town for the airport branch. With a small bag, it works well. With a family or several cases, the car from your door is simpler.

Why is Stansted so accessible from here?

Because the A12 leads straight to the North Circular and the M11, which runs north to the airport. The drive is about 35 miles and takes around an hour off-peak and 79 minutes in the rush. Before six in the morning, it is often quicker, which suits Stansted’s early wave of European departures.

For a 06:30 flight, a pickup at about 03:40 leaves two hours at the terminal. We confirm early pickups the evening before, and the chauffeur messages you when the car is outside your building.

How do event days at the London Stadium affect journeys?

West Ham United play at the London Stadium, and the stadium also hosts athletics, concerts and other large events. On event days, roads around the Olympic Park close or come under restrictions, crowds fill the walkways from Stratford station, and traffic on the A12 and around Westfield slows for several hours.

If your pickup or arrival falls on an event day, we will check when you book and plan around it. The chauffeur may suggest a pickup point outside the restricted area, or a time before the crowds arrive. The same applies to big events at the London Aquatics Centre and the Copper Box Arena.

How do pickups work in East Village and the new towers?

The East Village, the former athletes’ village, and the newer neighbourhoods around the park have wide pedestrian streets and courtyards, with vehicle access only to some entrances. Many buildings are reached from a service road rather than the street that appears on a map.

Give us the building name and the entrance with a drop-off point, and the chauffeur will go there. For the towers around Stratford High Street and the station, most have a concierge who can tell you when the car has arrived.

What about Heathrow and Gatwick?

Heathrow is about 23 miles west and takes around 66 minutes off-peak and 86 minutes in the rush, across central London on the A12 and the A406 and the A40, or through the centre on the A13 and the A4. The Elizabeth line from Stratford is a strong alternative for a solo traveller with light luggage.

Gatwick is about 48 miles away and takes around 68 minutes, usually via the Blackwall Tunnel and the A2 or the Dartford Crossing and the M25. Tunnel and crossing charges, when used, are part of your fixed price.

Can you collect from Westfield or Stratford International?

Yes. Westfield Stratford City has its own drop-off areas; tell us which entrance you will use. For passengers arriving at Stratford International on a high-speed train from Kent and flying on the same day, the chauffeur can meet you at the station and take you straight to your airport.

Can you meet visitors staying near the Olympic Park?

Yes. The hotels around Westfield and the park are popular with visitors to events at the stadium, with business travellers working at Here East and the new university campuses, and with people who want easy access to central London by train. Many arrive at London City or Stansted.

The chauffeur follows the flight, meets the visitor in arrivals with a name board and brings them to the hotel entrance, most of which have a clear set-down point. For groups arriving for a conference or a sporting event, we can meet several flights and send the organiser a note as each guest arrives. On the way back, the chauffeur waits at the hotel door at the booked time.

Is Stratford inside the Congestion Charge zone?

No. Stratford is well to the east of the zone, and journeys to London City and Stansted do not go near it. A route to Heathrow may pass through central London; if the charge applies in charging hours, it is included in your fixed price.