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London · United Kingdom

London City Airport (LCY)

London City Airport is located in Royal Docks, Newham, approximately 10 km (6 miles) east of the City of London. It operates from a single, compact terminal building primarily serving short-haul European destinations and domestic business routes. Due to its size, walking distances between arrival gates and landside transport links are unusually short.

Terminals

Main Terminal
Handles all domestic and international arrivals and departures.

Arriving

Arrivals follow a straightforward sequence through a single terminal, moving from aircraft disembarkation to UK Border Control, baggage reclaim, and customs.

  • Follow the directional signage along the arrivals corridor to the UK Border Control hall.
  • Present your travel documents to UK Border Force officers, or use the automated eGates if holding an eligible biometric passport.
  • Proceed to the baggage reclaim area located immediately after passport control to collect checked luggage.
  • Pass through the customs channels (Green Channel for nothing to declare, Red Channel for goods over statutory allowances).
  • Exit into the main public arrivals concourse to access ground transport, ATMs, and airport services.

Getting to the city

  • Train

    Docklands Light Railway (DLR)

    Direct light-rail service connected to the London Underground network.

    Time:
    roughly 15-25 minutes to major interchange hubs
    Typical cost:
    typically £2-£5 using pay-as-you-go contactless cards
  • Taxi

    Licensed Black Cab

    Traditional London taxi service available directly outside the terminal entrance.

    Time:
    roughly 30-60 minutes depending on central traffic
    Typical cost:
    typically £40-£80 depending on destination and road conditions
  • Ride-hailing

    Rideshare

    App-based private hire pickups available at designated areas.

    Time:
    roughly 30-60 minutes depending on destination
    Typical cost:
    typically £30-£65 depending on vehicle type and demand
  • Bus

    Local Bus

    Transport for London local bus services stopping outside the terminal.

    Time:
    roughly 20-40 minutes to surrounding East London areas
    Typical cost:
    typically £1.75 flat fare using contactless card

Connections & transfers

London City Airport does not operate an airside transit corridor, so all connecting passengers must enter the United Kingdom landside before boarding onward flights.

  • Clear UK immigration and collect all checked baggage upon arrival.
  • Exit through customs into the main public arrivals hall.
  • Proceed to the departure check-in desks on the main concourse to drop luggage for your onward flight.
  • Clear security screening to access the main departure lounge and boarding gates.

Wi-Fi & staying connected

Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available to all passengers throughout the terminal building.

  • Select the network named 'London City Airport Wi-Fi' on your device.
  • Open your web browser to view the connection landing page.
  • Accept the terms of service to establish an internet connection.

Money, cards & tipping

Banking facilities, foreign currency exchange, and automated teller machines are accessible landside and airside.

  • ATMs dispensing British Pounds (GBP) are located in both the arrivals concourse and the departure lounge.
  • Currency exchange counters operate landside for buying and selling foreign banknotes.
  • Contactless card payments are accepted universally across public transport, taxis, and terminal retailers.

Food & drink

A range of dining options, coffee shops, and grab-and-go outlets are situated before and after security.

  • Landside options near the check-in area offer coffee, sandwiches, and light meals.
  • Airside options include sit-down restaurants, bars, and premium grab-and-go food outlets.
  • Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary requirements are catered for across most food venues.

Lounges & rest

A dedicated executive lounge area is available past security for eligible passengers and pay-per-use bookings.

  • The lounge provides quiet seating, refreshments, work spaces, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
  • Access can be reserved online prior to travel or purchased on arrival subject to space.
  • Located in the departure concourse past central security.

Airport hotels

Several hotel chains are located within walking distance or a short DLR ride from the terminal building.

  • Hotels such as Courtyard by Marriott and Premier Inn sit within a 5 to 10-minute walk of the airport entrance.
  • Additional accommodation options are located one to two stops away on the DLR line near the ExCeL London exhibition centre.
  • Reservations should be made directly through hotel providers prior to landing.

Baggage & customs

Baggage reclaim carousels are located inside the customs hall immediately past border control.

  • Check the flight information displays in the baggage hall to locate the specific carousel assigned to your flight.
  • Left-luggage services and lost property assistance are managed through the main airport information desk.
  • Luggage trolleys are positioned inside the baggage claim area for passenger use.

Family & accessibility

Basic family support amenities are provided throughout the single terminal building.

  • Dedicated baby changing rooms are available alongside toilet facilities both landside and airside.
  • Pushchairs and strollers are permitted up to the boarding gate, subject to individual airline policies.
  • Family-friendly seating areas are situated within the main departure lounge.

Facilities

  • Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
  • Currency exchange desk
  • Free airport Wi-Fi
  • Baby changing rooms
  • Executive lounge
  • Accessible toilet facilities
  • Information desk
  • Left luggage service

Emergency & safety

Local emergency number: 999 or 112 (National Emergency Services).

  • For life-threatening emergencies or immediate police assistance anywhere in the UK, dial 999 or 112.
  • Terminal staff and security personnel are trained in first aid; notify any staff member or visit the information desk for help.
  • If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the UK Police and contact your nation's embassy or high commission in London.

Before you leave home

  • Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
  • Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
  • Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
  • Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
  • Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
  • Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
  • Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
  • Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Official sources

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

Guide last reviewed October 3, 2026

Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.

Land connected

Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.

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Travel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.