London City to Heathrow

Which route does the chauffeur take?

From the Royal Docks, the car takes the A1020 and the Limehouse Link tunnel west, then the Highway and the Embankment or the Westway, and the A4 and the M4 to Heathrow. Our route data gives about 26 miles. The chauffeur chooses between the river route and the Westway from live traffic.

An alternative round the North Circular and the A40 is longer but sometimes quicker when central London is heavily congested.

How much time should a connection have?

At least four hours between landing at London City and departing from Heathrow. London City is quick to leave, often 20 minutes from aircraft to kerb for a European arrival, but the drive across London can take an hour and a half at busy times, and Heathrow’s check-in and security for a long-haul flight need at least two hours.

If your flights are on separate tickets, the second airline will not wait. Leave a generous margin, or consider an overnight stay near Heathrow.

Do you pass through UK border control?

If you arrive at London City from abroad, yes: you enter the UK at London City and leave again from Heathrow, which is landside transit. Depending on your nationality, that may require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Check the rules on GOV.UK before you travel. Domestic arrivals from elsewhere in the UK do not pass through immigration.

Car or DLR and Elizabeth line?

The rail route is the DLR from London City to Custom House or Canning Town, and the Elizabeth line west to Heathrow, sometimes with a further change. With a small bag and plenty of time, it works, and at busy times it can be as quick as the car.

With long-haul luggage, children or a tight connection, the car is simpler: one vehicle from the London City kerb to your Heathrow terminal’s departures door, with no platforms or changes.

Starting from Canary Wharf or the City instead?

For travellers leaving from Docklands or the City for a long-haul flight from Heathrow, the same route applies, starting from your office or home. From Canary Wharf, allow about three and a half hours before a long-haul departure on a weekday afternoon; our Canary Wharf and City route guides cover those journeys in detail.

Should you stay near Heathrow overnight?

If your London City flight lands in the evening and your Heathrow flight leaves the next morning, the answer is almost always yes. The evening drive across London is quicker than the morning one, and a hotel near the terminals removes the risk of a slow M4 or a busy Heathrow security queue before a long-haul departure. Many Heathrow hotels run shuttle buses to the terminals, or we can take you the short distance in the morning.

Why is London City quick to leave?

London City’s terminal is small, and passengers on short European flights often go from the aircraft to the kerb in 20 minutes or so, especially with hand luggage and eGates. That makes the first part of this connection faster than at the bigger airports. The time you save there is time you can spend on the road, which on this route is the less predictable part.

Travelling with colleagues?

Teams based in Docklands or the City often fly in to London City and out of Heathrow on the same trip, or meet at Heathrow from different starting points. We can collect each person from their flight or office and bring everyone to the same terminal at the same time. The V-Class takes six passengers with luggage, and firms that book regularly can use an account.

Where will the chauffeur meet you at London City?

Just past the arrivals exit, with a board showing your name. London City’s terminal is small, and the car park is a short walk away. The chauffeur follows your flight and adjusts to delays.

Does the Congestion Charge apply?

It can. The route through central London may enter the zone during charging hours, depending on the line the chauffeur takes. When it does, the £18 charge is included in your fixed price.

What does the price include?

The journey, the parking at London City while the chauffeur waits, and Heathrow’s £7 drop-off charge at your departure terminal. It does not change if your first flight is late or the traffic is heavy. Heathrow to London City is available too, and the same advice about timing applies.