How to Travel From Gatwick Airport to London City Airport

Travelling between Gatwick and London City airports might seem like a straightforward journey, but navigating the various options available can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with London’s extensive public transport system. Whether you’re an international business traveller, trying to make a hasty connection flight, or just seeking the most inexpensive way to get from one airport to another, this travel guide will walk you through all of the available options, considering their pluses and minuses. From the bargain buses to the more expensive but quicker taxi rides, we’ll examine all of them so you can make an informed decision about how to travel.

Understanding the Two Airports

Prior to getting into the details of the different transport options, let us have some knowledge of a little about Gatwick [LGW] and London City [LCY] airports. They are both major hubs within the UK but positioned on either side of London, which will affect your travelling time.

London Gatwick Airport, located approximately 35 miles south of central London, is one of the UK’s busiest airports. Gatwick has two terminals: the North and South terminals, with the South Terminal being home to the main Gatwick railway station. This puts Gatwick in an extremely well-connected position to London, especially for intercity and long-distance travellers. The trains at Gatwick are fast and frequent, and it is the gateway to most international flights.

London City Airport, though much smaller and comparatively closer to the centre of London, in particular, the financial districts like Canary Wharf. From the eastern edge of the city, it has mainly short-haul operations, and while it doesn’t possess the identical far-reaching transport links like Gatwick, it is still quite well-connected, particularly for the traveller who wishes to reach the centre of London urgently.

Train – The Fastest Solution

And if time is of the essence, then by far and away the fastest and most convenient means of transport from Gatwick to London City Airport is the train. The whole process involves a couple of simple changes, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s an effective system that has you arriving both comfortably and quickly. This is how it does it:

From Gatwick Airport, you will catch a Thameslink train from the station in the South Terminal. They run regularly and will bring you straight to London Bridge station in about 30 minutes. From London Bridge, take the Jubilee line of the Underground, travelling eastbound to Canning Town. The Jubilee line is one of the quickest and most direct ways to travel through London, and the transfer at Canning Town is straightforward. Once you’re at Canning Town, you’ll board the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) for a short ride to London City Airport. The DLR is fully automatic and enjoys a scenic journey over the River Thames, which is a welcome bonus if you like a bit of viewing on your way.

The total journey time will be around 48 minutes, although this is slightly different based upon the time of day and waiting time at transfers. You can expect a normal ticket to start at £17, although if you book early, you might be able to get it for a lower price, with prices sometimes up to £35 for peak times or last-minute buys.

One of the best things about taking the train is that it’s a fairly predictable journey with no worries about traffic, unlike travelling by car or taxi. You’ll get to experience the convenience of London’s public transport, with multiple transfers but no long waits in between. Plus, you’ll save a bit of money compared to taxis, though the journey is still quite a bit pricier than taking the bus.

Bus – A Cheaper but More Slower Alternative

If you do want to save a little money and don’t mind the longer journey, then take the bus. It is also a good alternative if you have more luggage to carry and don’t want to battle with the crowds on the train. The journey from London Gatwick Airport to London City Airport is a little more effort but still an affordable mode of transport.

Travel from Gatwick South Terminal to the Coach Station, then take a FlixBus or National Express coach to Stratford City Bus Station. These are ideal for those willing to chill and forget the inconvenience of getting transferred from train to tube. Traveling from Gatwick to Stratford will take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.

When you arrive at Stratford City Bus Station, you will need to board London Bus 473 that will take you straight to London City Airport. Strata-to-London City bus travel will take around 30 minutes depending on traffic and the time of day.

Overall, this bus ride will cost you about 2 hours 22 minutes, which is the longest of all the alternatives. While it’s a lot dearer than the train at about £7 to £35 depending on when you buy it and if it’s available, this may be the choice if you’re a bit budget-conscious or simply don’t mind a longer ride. It’s a pleasant straightforward ride, but just keep in mind it might be a little delay or surprise you with some unforeseen traffic, especially rush hour.

Taxi – Convenience and Comfort at an Affordable Price

For those to whom convenience and comfort are top priorities, a taxi is the easiest option. If you are short of time or have a lot of luggage, the taxi will pick you up right outside the terminal at Gatwick and take you straight into London City Airport. This is the most convenient option, as it saves transfers and the uncertainties of public transport. But convenience does not come without a cost.

The journey time can vary, but it typically takes around 1 hour and 6 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Be prepared, though, as London traffic can be unpredictable, particularly during rush hour. It’s not uncommon for the journey to take a bit longer during these busy periods, so it’s a good idea to leave yourself some extra time if you’re on a tight schedule.

The cost of a taxi ride from Gatwick to London City Airport can range between £79 and £117, which is relatively expensive compared to the train or bus. That being said, for individuals with plenty of luggage or who just like the convenience of door-to-door, this could be the option. Taxis are also the added advantage of being available at any time during the day or night, so they’re ideal if you’ve got a late flight or are arriving early morning.

Which Option is Best for You?

So which should you use? Well, it depends on what is most important.

If you’re in a rush and want to minimise transfer time, then the train is your best bet. It’s the fastest and most efficient way to get between the two airports, and you’ll avoid the hassle of London’s notorious traffic.If you’re willing to save a bit of cash and don’t care for that little bit of extra travel time, then the bus is a good idea. It’s inexpensive and fairly simple, although not the quickest way of getting around. And if you would like comfort and convenience, the taxi is the way to go. It’s simple, and you don’t need to worry about organizing public transport, but it’s costly.

In the end, however much you prioritize speed, cost, or convenience, each of these options has pros and cons. whatever you decide, getting from Gatwick to London City Airport shouldn’t be an intimidating experience it’s simply a matter of finding the most appropriate course for your needs.