Travelling to London is an exciting experience, but choosing the
right airport transfer can make a significant difference in cost and comfort.
London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to central London, making its
taxi fares more affordable than other major London airports. However, several
factors, such as distance, time of travel, and the type of vehicle, influence
the overall taxi fare.
In this guide, we compare taxi prices from London City Airport to
Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, and Southend Airports. We’ll also explore
the best taxi services available and the pros and cons of private hire versus
black cabs.
London
City Airport Taxi Fares: What to Expect
Located just 7 miles (11 km) from central London, London City
Airport offers some of the most cost-effective taxi fares among all London
airports.
Estimated
Taxi Fares from London City Airport:
●
To Central London (Westminster, Soho, Oxford
Street): £35-£45
●
To Canary Wharf: £15-£25
●
To London Bridge: £25-£35
●
To Heathrow Airport: £80-£100
●
To Gatwick Airport: £100-£120
Taxis at London City Airport are available at the taxi rank
outside the terminal, while pre-booked private hire vehicles offer competitive
rates and may sometimes be cheaper.
London
Airport Taxi Fare Comparison
London has six major airports, and taxi fares vary based on
distance and traffic conditions. Below is a comparison of taxi fares from each
airport:
Heathrow Airport (LHR) Taxi
Fares
●
To
Central London: £60-£80
●
To Canary Wharf: £75-£95
●
To London City Airport: £80-£100
Gatwick Airport (LGW) Taxi Fares
●
To
Central London: £90-£110
●
To Canary Wharf: £95-£115
●
To London City Airport: £100-£120
Luton Airport (LTN) Taxi Fares
●
To
Central London: £85-£100
●
To Canary Wharf: £90-£110
●
To London City Airport: £95-£115
Stansted Airport (STN) Taxi
Fares
●
To
Central London: £100-£120
●
To Canary Wharf: £110-£130
●
To London City Airport: £110-£130
Southend Airport (SEN) Taxi
Fares
●
To
Central London: £85-£100
●
To Canary Wharf: £95-£110
●
To London City Airport: £100-£115
London City Airport remains the most affordable option for
reaching central London, while Stansted and Gatwick tend to be the most
expensive.
Best Taxi Services at London
Airports
Several taxi services operate at London airports. The best
service depends on price, comfort, and reliability.
Black Cabs (London Taxis)
Pros:
●
Licensed by Transport for London (TfL)
●
No need to pre-book
●
Experienced drivers with in-depth knowledge
of London’s roads
Cons:
●
Metered fares can be expensive in heavy
traffic
●
More costly than private hire options
Private Hire Vehicles
(Pre-Booked Taxis)
Companies like Addison Lee, Uber, and Bolt offer private hire
taxi services.
Pros:
●
Fixed pricing (no surprise costs)
●
More affordable than black cabs
●
Luxury and executive options available
Cons:
●
Requires pre-booking
●
Service quality may vary
Ride-Sharing Apps (like Uber)
Pros:
●
Cheaper than black cabs
●
Easily booked via an app
●
Cashless transactions
Cons:
●
Surge pricing during peak times
●
Drivers may lack local knowledge
Chauffeur & Executive Car
Services
Perfect for business travellers looking for premium service.
Pros:
●
High-end cars (Mercedes, BMW, etc.)
●
Professional chauffeurs
●
Fixed fares and scheduled pick-ups
Cons:
●
Higher cost than standard taxis
●
Must be booked in advance
Private
Hire vs. Black Cab: Which is Better?
When choosing between a black cab and a private hire vehicle,
consider the following:
|
Feature
|
Private Hire
|
Black Cabs
|
|
Price
|
Fixed, lower
|
Metered, higher
|
|
Booking
|
Pre-booking required
|
Available at taxi ranks
|
|
Availability
|
May delay during peak times
|
Readily available
|
|
Comfort
|
Luxury options available
|
Standard vehicles
|
|
Local Knowledge
|
GPS-reliant
|
Extensive area knowledge
|
|
Payment
|
Online payment
|
Cash or card
|
Verdict:
●
Choose black cabs for an instant,
hassle-free ride.
●
Choose private hire for a lower, predictable
fare.
Which
London Airport Offers the Cheapest Taxi Fares?
Based on our fare comparison, here is a ranking of the cheapest
to most expensive airport taxi fares to central London:
- London
City Airport (£35-£45)
- Heathrow
Airport (£60-£80)
- Luton
Airport (£85-£100)
- Southend
Airport (£85-£100)
- Gatwick
Airport (£90-£110)
- Stansted
Airport (£100-£120)
For budget-conscious travellers, London City Airport is the most
cost-effective option for reaching central London. On the other hand, Stansted
and Gatwick have the highest taxi fares.
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable London
Airport taxi, consider Westside Cars for competitive fares and excellent
service.
Conclusion:
Choosing the Best Taxi for Your London Airport Transfer
When it comes to affordability and convenience, London City
Airport taxis are the most budget-friendly option for reaching central London.
Our London airport transfer cost comparison highlights that London City Airport
offers the lowest fares, while Stansted and Gatwick are among the most
expensive.
Finding the best taxi service to/from London airports depends on
your needs. If you prefer a fixed price and a pre-booked ride, private hire
taxis are a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer an immediate ride
with a knowledgeable driver, black cabs provide reliability and convenience.
The private hire vs. black cab London airports debate ultimately
comes down to whether you value cost savings and pre-booking or the flexibility
of hailing a taxi on demand.
No matter which airport you’re flying from, planning ahead
ensures a smooth, hassle-free journey into the heart of London. |