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TOP 6 BIGGEST AIRPORTS IN LONDON

The Great British Airport Showdown: A Hilarious Guide to London's Six Biggest Airports

London isn’t just famous for tea, red buses, and the Queen’s guard standing unflinchingly still. It’s also the location of a mind-boggling six airports, each with its own peculiarities, personality, and frequent traveler tantrums. Business, pleasure, or just a traumatized layover – whatever brings you to town, let’s give these airports the most engaging treatment possible. Buckle up, friends, because this is going to be a bumpy ride!

Table Of Content

1. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – The Big Boss

London Heathrow AirportIf London’s airports were a family, Heathrow (LHR) would be the overachieving eldest child—always in the spotlight, running the show, and making sure everyone knows just how important it is. And, let’s be honest, it’s got the numbers to back it up!

 

  • Airport Code: LHR
  • Land Area: 12.27 square kilometers (4.74 miles or 3032 acres)
  • Passenger Numbers: 79.2 million per year
  • Runways: 2
  • Terminals: 4 (but we used to have 5, and one just vanished into history)

With a whopping 79.2 million passengers passing through each year, airport Heathrow is a giant. Covering 12.27 km² of land, this airport is like a mini city with its four (formerly five) terminals. And while it only has two runways, those bad boys handle some of the busiest international routes in the world—especially the ever-popular Heathrow to JFK connection.

But let’s talk about the real Heathrow experience. If you’re flying from here, you’re either loving the sheer number of global destinations available or mentally preparing for the Olympic sport that is navigating security lines for both Heathrow airport departures and Heathrow airport arrivals. Seriously, if you’re running late, just consider your sprint to the gate a free workout.

One thing’s for sure: Heathrow is not for the faint of heart. It’s fast-paced, a little chaotic, and always buzzing with energy. Whether you’re a seasoned business traveler or just trying to escape the British drizzle, Heathrow’s got your back—just maybe pack an extra dose of patience for those security queues!

CLICK HERE: LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT IN-DEPTH READ!!

2. London Gatwick Airport (LGW) – The Spirited Underdog That Won't Back Down

gatwick airportIf airports were people, London Gatwick Airport (LGW) would be the scrappy underdog—tough, tenacious, and never afraid of a challenge. All too often eclipsed by the behemoth and more internationally famous Heathrow, Gatwick will not be ignored. Rather, it has forged a reputation for efficiency, convenience, and an unbeatable value for penny-pinching travelers.

  • Airport Code: LGW
  • Land Area: 6.7 square kilometers (2.59 miles or 1656 acres)
  • Passenger Numbers: 46.6 million per year
  • Runways: 1 (but somehow handles all those flights anyway)
  • Terminals: 2

That’s where GATW truly shines—it’s the record-holding busiest single-runway airport in the world. Every takeoff and landing is a precision choreographed effort that requires keen timing and synchronization. Other huge airports have the luxury of managing operations across many runways, but Gatwick somehow accomplishes it using a single one, proving that indeed necessity is the mother of invention. The airport hums like a well-lubricated machine, having air traffic circulate smoothly in what appears to be a finely choreographed ritual.

But aside from its flying ability, Gatwick is also a budget traveler’s paradise. It is well-supported by low-cost carriers like easyJet, Norwegian, and Ryanair and gives easy access to Europe and even farther afield at cheap rates. Escape London’s drizzle for Spain’s sun-warmed beaches or hop across the Atlantic for a fraction of the normal price. Gatwick has it covered.

While Heathrow can luxuriate in the spotlight, Gatwick flourishes as the never-say-die challenger, demonstrating that the underdog can steal the limelight at times.

3. London Stansted Airport (STN) – The Budget Traveler's Paradise

London Stansted AirportIf you’re hunting for the cheapest flights across Europe, London Stansted Airport (STN) is your best bet. The destination for Ryanair’s biggest hub, this airport draws budget travelers willing to venture out to off-the-beaten-path destinations. Whatever it is—a spur-of-the-moment weekend to an infinitesimal Slovakian village or a quick two-day trip to an offbeat European treasure trove—airport Stansted makes it accessible—quite often at costs that appear more than a tad unbelievable.

  • Airport Code: STN
  • Land Area: 3.9 square kilometers (1.51 miles or 964 acres)
  • Passenger Numbers: 25.5 million per year
  • Runways: 1
  • Terminals: 1

The biggest downside? Reaching Stansted is an adventure of its own. Unlike Heathrow or Gatwick, Stansted is located farther away from central London, so the trip to the airport can take longer than the actual flight. Although the Stansted Express train is fast but expensive, most budget travelers resort to using the much cheaper (and much slower) bus services. Prepare for traffic, delays, and a test of your patience.

But once you get there, the terminal is quite good. It’s modern, fairly efficient, and has a decent range of food and shopping facilities. No, it’s not Heathrow-standard luxury, but for a budget airline hub, it’s a bit of a pleasant surprise.

Finally, if you can bear the hike, Stansted is a door to dirt-cheap flights and surprise vacations. Just make sure to book ahead and allow lots of time to get there—because missing that bargain flight could cost you more than you ever saved!

4. London Luton Airport (LTN) – The ‘Almost London’ Airport

london luton airportAh, Luton—where budget-friendly travel dreams take flight! Despite being a good 55 kilometers from central London, it confidently carries the ‘London’ name, much to the amusement of travelers. Ambitious? Absolutely. But let’s give credit where it’s due—Luton Airport has carved out its niche in the world of affordable air travel.

  • Airport Code: LTN
  • Land Area: 2.45 square kilometers (0.95 miles or 605 acres)
  • Passenger Numbers: 13.3 million per year
  • Runways: 1
  • Terminals: 1

With Wizz Air and easyJet controlling the departure boards, Luton is without a doubt the leader in low-cost aviation. This airport is your first choice if you’re searching for an affordable way to travel to Europe or elsewhere. But part of the adventure is getting there. Luton is a little more work—usually a train to Luton Parkway and a shuttle to the airport—than Heathrow, which is blessed with a straightforward Underground journey, or Gatwick, which has an easy direct express train. It can be an art to choose the best time, but for the astute traveler, cheap flights are well worth the discomfort.

Once inside, Luton International Airport surprises with its efficiency—at least when security lines behave. It may lack the prestige of Heathrow or the style of Gatwick, but it compensates with a solid selection of eateries and shops. If you’re willing to embrace the journey, LTN just might be your best budget-friendly travel buddy!

5. London Southend Airport (SEN) – The One Everyone Forgets (But Shouldn’t!)

Concealed away on the Essex coast, London Southend Airport (SEN) is the capital’s most overlooked airport—and that’s precisely why you need to pay attention. Chances are, you’ve never even heard of it. Ask a run-of-the-mill Londoner, and you’ll likely receive a bemused face and then, “Wait. is that a thing?” Indeed it is, and it might be one of London’s best-kept travel secrets.

  • Airport Code: SEN
  • Land Area: 1.7 square kilometers (0.66 miles or 420 acres)
  • Passenger Numbers: 1.2 million per year
  • Runways: 1
  • Terminals: 1

At first sight, Southend is small—especially as compared to Heathrow or Gatwick. That’s exactly the reason why it’s so nice. Imagine traveling through security without queuing up, strolling through a terminal without the traditional hubbub, and boarding your flight without the stress of crowded waiting areas.

The only drawback? Limited options for flights from Southend airport. Southend has plenty of potential, but it needs more airlines to recognize its advantages. If more carriers added routes, SEN could become a serious alternative for travelers who want a smooth, no-fuss journey.

So, next time you’re booking a flight, take a moment to check if London Southend Airport fits your itinerary. It might just become your new favorite London airport!

6. London City Airport – The Business Traveler’s Secret Weapon

If Heathrow is the big boss in many lists of airports in London, then London City Airport (LCY) is the slick executive who skips the small talk and gets straight to the deal. With just one terminal, one runway (which is ridiculously short), and 3.7 million passengers per year, LCY proves that bigger isn’t always better.

  • Airport Code: LCY
  • Land Area: 0.5 square kilometers (0.19 miles or 124 acres)
  • Passenger Numbers: 3.7 million per year
  • Runways: 1 (and it’s ridiculously short)
  • Terminals: 1

Tucked into the Docklands, it’s a dream for business travelers who don’t have time to waste. Need to get to the heart of London? No problem. Hop on the DLR, and you’ll be shaking hands in the City in no time.

Now, let’s talk about that landing. LCY demands a steep approach, which means pilots need some serious skills. Even seasoned fliers might find themselves gripping their armrests a little tighter as they descend over the Thames. But once you touch down? Smooth sailing.

Forget long walks between terminals or endless security lines. At just 0.5 km², LCY is tiny but mighty—you can be off your flight, through passport control, and in a cab within minutes.

So, if you’re a business traveler who values speed, efficiency, and the occasional adrenaline rush on landing, London City Airport is your go-to. Less hassle, more hustle.

FAQ

Which London airport is closest to the City?

London City Airport is the closest airport to the city. Its easy accessible by the Tube, Bus, Taxi or Share ride.

After landing at Heathrow airport, catch the non stop express to London Paddington. From there go to the London Underground and catch the circle line to Victoria Station. Now catch the Gatwick Express that takes you directly to Gatwick Airport.

Heathrow is closer to London City Centre. Its 25Km west of the city where Gatwick Airport is 45Km south of London City Centre.

The closest airport to get to Buckingham Palace is London City Airport (LCY). Its 8.3 miles (13.3km’s) away.

A taxi will cost roughly 50-60 pounds and will take roughly 32mins depending on traffic

Unfortunately, there is no direct train to London City Airport from London Paddington Station. For more information on transportation please visit:  https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/getting-to-london/london-airports

Final Boarding Call

And there you have it—London’s six airports, each one with its character. If you’re experiencing Heathrow bedlam, Gatwick one-runway magic, or Stansted’s interminable Ryanair announcements, you’ll never lack a tale to tell. So go ahead, book that flight—just ensure you double-check which ‘London’ airport you’re leaving from. Happy travels!

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