Trains to London Airports

Go from the railway to the runway with ease

Find out the best train station for getting to each London airport, and check rail and other transport connections for your journey

Getting to London airports by train

Travelling to the airport can often be the most stressful part of your trip, but it doesn’t have to be. Opt for the smart way to start your journey: travel by train. Whether you’re jetting off on business or embarking on a long-awaited holiday, the rail network offers regular connections to all of London’s airports.

With dedicated services like the Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express and Stansted Express whisking you directly to the terminal, train travel is the perfect way to begin or end your trip. Avoid the motorway madness, save money on parking, and relax knowing you’ll arrive on time and in comfort.

For information about travelling by train to airports in England, Scotland and Wales, visit our Trains to British Airports page.

If you are travelling with friends, family, workmates or teammates, check out our Group Travel page to see if you could save on your train journey to and from the airport.

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

What are the nearest train stations to Heathrow Airport?

Heathrow Airport has 3 stations: Heathrow Terminals 2&3, Heathrow Terminal 4 and Heathrow Terminal 5.

Remember to check which terminal your flight is leaving from before you travel.

Where do I catch the train to Heathrow Airport?

You can travel directly to Heathrow Airport from London Paddington station.

The Heathrow Express is the dedicated non-stop service and leaves every 15 minutes. It serves Heathrow Terminals 2&3, and Heathrow Terminal 5.

Elizabeth Line trains also go to Heathrow – they stop at more places and connect to central London and stations further west and east of the capital. The Elizabeth line stops at Heathrow Terminals 2&3, Heathrow Terminal 4 and Heathrow Terminal 5.

How long does it take to get to Heathrow Airport by train?

The fastest journey time from London Paddington to Heathrow Airport is 15 minutes*, on the Heathrow Express.

Can I use contactless to travel to Heathrow Airport?

Yes, you can use contactless payments and Oyster on both the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line.

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

What is the nearest train station to Gatwick Airport?

There is a dedicated station, Gatwick Airport, that offers direct access to the South Terminal of the airport.

Remember to check which terminal your flight is leaving from before you travel.

Where do I catch the train to Gatwick Airport?

You can travel to Gatwick Airport from London Victoria on the Gatwick Express. Southern and Thameslink trains also run from Victoria, London Kings Cross, London Bridge, City Thameslink and other stations, but they tend to take a bit longer.

Some services from stations on the south coast, including Brighton and Littlehampton, also run direct to Gatwick Airport.

How long does it take to get to Gatwick Airport by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London Victoria station to Gatwick Airport is 30 minutes* on the Gatwick Express.

Can I use contactless to travel to Gatwick Airport?

Yes, all train services that operate between London and Gatwick Airport accept contactless payment methods and Oyster.

London Stansted Airport (STN)

What is the nearest train station to Stansted Airport?

The nearest train station is Stansted Airport. It’s conveniently located inside the airport terminal.

Where do I catch the train to Stansted Airport?

Stansted Express trains to Stansted Airport go from London Liverpool Street station. Direct services also run from Cambridge.

How long does it take to get to Stansted Airport by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport on the Stansted Express is 45 minutes*.

Can I use contactless to travel to Stansted Airport?

No, you cannot use contactless payments or Oyster to travel by train to Stansted Airport.

London Luton Airport (LTN)

What is the nearest train station to London Luton Airport?

Luton Airport Parkway is the closest rail station to Luton Airport. From there you can use the Luton DART shuttle service to connect to the airport.

Where do I catch the train to London Luton Airport?

The Luton Airport Express runs between London St Pancras International and Corby via Luton Airport Parkway.

How long does it take to get to London Luton Airport by train?

The fastest time journey time from London St Pancras to Luton Airport Parkway is 22 minutes*.

Can I use contactless to travel to London Luton Airport?

Yes, you can use contactless payment methods on trains from London to Luton Airport Parkway. However, you cannot use Oyster.

London City Airport (LCY)

What is the nearest train station to London City Airport?

There is no train station, but you can use the London City Airport station on the DLR. It’s directly connected to the airport terminal.

Where do I catch the train to London City Airport?

You will need to connect to the DLR from your train station. For example:

From Stratford International or Stratford London, you can pick up the DLR to London City Airport
From London Waterloo take the Waterloo and City line to Bank, or the Jubilee line to Canning Town and change to the DLR there for London City Airport
From London Bridge take the Jubilee line to Canning Town and change to the DLR
From London Liverpool Street take the Central line to Bank and change to the DLR

How long does it take to get to London City Airport by train?

The fastest journey from London Bridge to London City Airport, using the Jubilee line and DLR, is 21 minutes*.

Can I use contactless to travel to London City Airport?

Yes, you can use contactless payment methods on London Underground and the DLR to London City Airport. You can also use Oyster.

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* Please note, some journeys will take longer and you may have to change trains on some services