London is ringed by six airports, and the one that’s right for you depends mostly on where you start — not just the flight price. A £20 cheaper fare from a two-hours-further airport is a false economy once the transfer is added. Here’s the plain-English map.
The quick answer, by region
| Where you are | Usually closest | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Essex & East London | Stansted | Direct M11, budget-airline base |
| North London & Herts | Luton | Straight up the M1 |
| The City & Canary Wharf | London City | 15 min, business short-haul |
| West & South West London | Heathrow | Long-haul, closest to the west |
| South London & Surrey | Gatwick | Down the M23, wide network |
| South Essex & the coast | Southend | Quick regional option |
Don't just chase the cheap flight
The classic mistake is booking a £15 fare from an airport 90 minutes further away, then paying £40 more in transfer and losing an hour each way. Add the whole journey — flight + transfer + time — before deciding. From Essex, Stansted almost always wins on the total even when the airfare looks similar; from Hertfordshire, Luton does the same.
Business travellers: speed changes the answer
If you’re heading to a meeting in the City or Canary Wharf, London City beats every other airport on time — 15 minutes to Canary Wharf — even if the airfare is higher. For long-haul business, Heathrow’s network wins. The business traveller’s guide goes deeper on this trade-off.
Families and groups: count the heads
For a family or a group, the airport matters less than the vehicle. One minibus to Stansted or Luton, split per head, usually beats two saloons to a ‘cheaper’ airport further away. Work out the per-head cost before you book the flights.
FAQs
What's the closest airport to Essex?
What's the closest airport to North London and Hertfordshire?
Is it worth flying from a further airport to save on the fare?
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