LCY · Traveller guide
London City Airport: arrivals, pick-up and getting to London
London City is the closest commercial airport to the City and Canary Wharf, and it is compact: the airport says you can usually get from kerb to plane in minutes. This guide covers how collection works, the charges, the DLR, and the very short drive into London.
After you land
What happens after you land
London City is a compact airport with 15 gates across two wings: Gates 2b to 14 on the West Pier and Gates 21 to 24 on the East Pier. After you leave the aircraft, passport control, baggage reclaim and customs follow in turn. The airport graphic shows about 20 minutes from entry to gate on departure, and the airport describes itself as London's most central airport.
GOV.UK says eGates need a biometric passport, an age of 8 or over (8 to 17 with an adult) and a height of at least 120 cm, with eligible nationalities including British, Irish and EU citizens. Your passport must be valid for your whole stay. The airport is silent: it does not make announcements to call passengers to gates, so watch the screens.
London City's official airlines page lists British Airways, ITA Airways, KLM, Lufthansa (operated by Air Dolomiti), Luxair, SWISS, Aurigny and Air Dolomiti. Airlines change over time, so check your booking.
Meeting and collection
How collection works at London City
The airport's public pages do not name a meeting point for international arrivals. Its pick-up area is in the Short Stay car park, and vehicles are not allowed to wait on the forecourt next to the terminal. A chauffeur will be in arrivals with a name board; for anyone else, agree a spot inside the terminal.
If you arrive by private jet, the Private Jet Centre is separate from the main terminal. It says its car park is directly outside Private Jet Centre Arrivals for pre-arranged cars, and its reception team meet cars there. Staff greet you at your aircraft and help you through customs and immigration. Its address is Royal Docks, London E16 2PJ.
The airport's own charges
These are the airport's published figures, read on 28 October 2026. They change, so use the link on each line to confirm before you rely on them.
Drop-off at the terminal forecourt
Official page, checked 28 October 2026£8.00 for 0 to 5 minutes, then £1 a minute; maximum stay 10 minutes
Paid online afterwards, by midnight the next day, via APCOA. Staying beyond 10 minutes brings a £100 charge, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. Do not wait in your vehicle or leave it unattended.
Pick-up area in the Short Stay car park
Official page, checked 28 October 2026£10.00 for 0 to 20 minutes
Cashless. The airport says a pre-booked licensed minicab or executive car can collect you from this area.
Getting to London
From London City to central London
Typical driving times without traffic, then the train options. Allow more time at rush hour and on Friday afternoons.
By car, without traffic
| To | Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Mayfair | about 35 min | 10 miles |
| Westminster | about 35 min | 9 miles |
| The City (Bank) | about 25 min | 7 miles |
| Canary Wharf | about 15 min | 4 miles |
| King's Cross | about 35 min | 9 miles |
Our estimates from OpenStreetMap road data at normal free-flow speeds, rounded to the nearest five minutes. They are not a promise: traffic, roadworks and the time of day change them.
Loading the journey map…
By train, coach and Tube
DLR to Bank
21 minutes
Zone 3. Trains every 4 to 10 minutes depending on destination, and the DLR connects to the Elizabeth line, Overground and Underground.
Official pageDLR to Canning Town
under 7 minutes from the Private Jet Centre
The Private Jet Centre runs a free shuttle to the DLR, and Canning Town connects to central London.
Official pageBlack taxis
no time given
A cab rank with licensed black taxis is outside the terminal. Fares vary with time of day and traffic.
Official pageRight now
Weather at London City
The latest report and the next twelve hours, in plain English. Strong wind, low cloud or fog can slow flights, so it is a good moment to check your flight status.
Loading the weather at London City…
Good to know
Assistance and useful tips
Assistance
Tell your airline, tour operator or travel agent when you book, or up to 48 hours before you travel. If you can't, use the Information Desk inside the terminal entrance. The Assisted Travel Service can be called or messaged on WhatsApp on +44 7867 358938 (Monday to Friday 05:00 to 22:00, Saturday 05:00 to 13:00, Sunday 11:00 to 22:00). The DLR is step-free, with a lift to the terminal.
Useful to know
- Please arrive no more than two hours before your flight.
- There is no left luggage facility, and the airport says it has no showers or prayer room.
- Free Wi-Fi is available.
- Hand baggage is limited to 56 x 45 x 25 cm and liquids of 100ml or less; CT scanners mean liquids and electronics can stay in your bag.
Questions
London City FAQs
Where does my chauffeur meet me at London City?
Can a car wait outside the terminal?
How long does it take to drive from London City to Canary Wharf?
Is London City open all night?
Sources
Where this information comes from
Checked on 28 October 2026against the airport's own pages, TfL, rail operators and GOV.UK. Airports change terminals, charges and timetables, so confirm anything important with them before you travel.
Explore more
Related chauffeur services
A chauffeur meets you in arrivals at London City Airport, tracks your flight and takes you straight to your destination.
Book your London City transfer
Tell us your journey and we'll confirm your chauffeur and an all-inclusive price, fast. Available 24/7, worldwide.