London City Airport to Central London: DLR vs Taxi — 2026 Prices Compared
Independently compared and updated January 2026. Fares are indicative — always confirm live prices before you travel.
Quick answer: London City is the closest airport to central London. The cheapest and quickest public option is the DLR (~£3.60–£5, ~22 min to Bank); a black cab is short (~£30–£40); and the most convenient door-to-door is a pre-booked fixed-fare transfer - ideal with luggage, groups or an onward connection.
At a glance: every option compared
| Option | Typical 2026 price | Journey time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-fare private transfer Door-to-door | from ~£40 (saloon), fixed | ~20–40 min, direct | Luggage, groups, families, onward connections, a set price |
| DLR Cheapest & quick | ~£3.60–£5 (contactless) | ~22 min to Bank | Solo, light luggage, Bank / Canary Wharf |
| DLR + Elizabeth line (via Custom House) | ~£5–£7 | ~30–40 min | West End / Paddington with one change |
| Black cab (metered) | ~£30–£40 | ~20–40 min | On-arrival hailing; short hop so relatively cheap |
Prices are indicative for 2026 and change with demand, time of booking and destination. Confirm live train/coach fares with the operator and get a live quote for a private transfer.
Which should you choose?
Choose the DLR if…
you're light on luggage and heading to Bank, the City or Canary Wharf - it's fast, frequent and the cheapest way in.
Choose a black cab if…
you want door-to-door on a short hop without pre-booking; City is close so the meter stays modest.
Choose a private transfer if…
you have luggage, a group, or an onward connection (hotel, station, cruise port) and want a fixed price and a driver waiting.
Fixed fare, meet & greet - London City to your door
City is close to town, but with cases, a group or an onward leg a fixed-fare transfer is the easy call - your driver meets you and takes you straight there for a price set at booking.
Get your fixed quote City Airport TransfersThe options in detail
Fixed-fare private transfer
Pros
- Door-to-door, no changes
- Fixed price, meet & greet
- Best for luggage, groups and onward legs
Cons
- Dearer than the DLR solo
- Book ahead for best price
DLR (and Elizabeth line connection)
Pros
- Cheapest and quick to the City
- Frequent, step-free
Cons
- Changes for the West End
- Limited luggage room at peak
Black cab
Pros
- No booking, door-to-door
- Short trip keeps the fare modest
Cons
- Still pricier than the DLR
- Metered - rises in traffic
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way from London City Airport to central London?
The DLR at around GBP3.60-5 with contactless, roughly 22 minutes to Bank - the cheapest and one of the quickest options.
How much is a taxi from London City Airport to central London?
A black cab is typically GBP30-40 because London City is the closest airport to the centre. A pre-booked fixed-fare transfer is quoted upfront.
How do I get to the West End from London City Airport?
Take the DLR and change to the Elizabeth line at Custom House, or take a direct fixed-fare transfer if you have luggage or want no changes.
Is a private transfer worth it from London City?
With luggage, a group, or an onward connection, yes - a fixed fare and a waiting driver beat juggling the DLR and a change, for a modest price on a short route.