London City to Westminster

Which route does the chauffeur take?

From the airport, the car takes the Limehouse Link tunnel, the Highway and Upper Thames Street, then the Victoria Embankment beside the river to Westminster Bridge and Parliament Square. It is a direct line, and for most of the day it is also the quickest. When the Embankment is closed or slow, as it sometimes is for events and marches, the chauffeur comes through the City and the Strand instead.

How long does it take?

About 34 minutes off-peak and around 49 minutes in the weekday rush. A domestic arrival early in the morning can be in Westminster within 45 minutes of landing, because there is no immigration queue and the roads are clear. Late afternoon, when the Embankment fills with traffic heading east, is the slowest time in the other direction.

Arriving on a domestic flight?

London City has regular flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and other UK cities. Domestic passengers do not go through passport control, so the walk from the aircraft to the car can take a few minutes. For members of parliaments and assemblies, officials and advisers travelling for a meeting, that speed at the airport end makes a return day trip straightforward.

Where can the car set you down?

Close to government buildings, stopping is restricted, and some streets have barriers or security checks. Tell us the building and the entrance you need, and we will agree a set-down point on an open street nearby, such as a side road off Millbank or Victoria Street, with a short walk to the door. On days of large demonstrations or ceremonial events, the point may change, and the chauffeur will tell you.

For hotels around St James’s Park and Victoria Street, the chauffeur will stop at the hotel entrance.

Car or Jubilee line?

The rail route is the DLR from the airport to Canning Town and the Jubilee line directly to Westminster station. It involves one change, and at busy times it is competitive with the car. For a single traveller with a small bag, it is a sensible choice.

The car is better with luggage, with colleagues, or for a meeting that cannot be missed, because it removes the change and the walk through Westminster station, which is deep and busy. It also allows private calls on the way.

Does the Congestion Charge apply?

Yes, during charging hours. Westminster is inside the zone, so an arrival between 07:00 and 18:00 on a weekday, or between 12:00 and 18:00 at weekends and on bank holidays, incurs the £18 daily charge. It is included in your fixed price when it applies.

Planning the return to the airport?

For a short-haul or domestic flight, allow about 90 minutes from pickup in Westminster to departure on a weekday afternoon, and check the airline’s check-in deadline. The Embankment eastbound is slow from about 16:00. If a meeting or a vote runs late, message the chauffeur; we will tell you honestly if the flight is at risk. London City’s £8 drop-off charge is included.

Staying near St James’s Park or Victoria?

Many visitors with business in Westminster stay at the hotels around St James’s Park, Victoria Street and Buckingham Gate, within walking distance of the government departments. From London City, the car follows the Embankment to Westminster and then turns along Great George Street or Victoria Street to the hotel entrance. If your room is not ready on an early arrival, the hotel will hold your bags while you go to your first meeting.

Visiting at the weekend?

At weekends, Westminster fills with visitors to the Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye across the river and St James’s Park. The Embankment is usually quicker at weekends than on weekday afternoons, but the streets around Parliament Square are crowded, and some close for events. The chauffeur will drop you as close to your hotel or destination as the day’s arrangements allow, and message you if the set-down point changes.

Can you coordinate cars for a delegation?

Yes. For groups arriving on the same flight or several flights, we can send cars timed to arrive together at an agreed set-down point, and to return the group to the airport at the end of the day. Organisations that travel regularly can book on account.

Where will the chauffeur meet you?

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