Heathrow is on London’s western edge and London City Airport is in the Royal Docks to the east, so connecting between them means crossing the whole capital. A taxi from Heathrow Airport to London City does it directly – no Elizabeth line, no DLR, no changing platforms with bags. Your driver meets you in arrivals, loads your luggage and takes you straight to London City’s terminal door, at a price fixed before you land.
Heathrow to London City taxi prices
Every fare is for the whole vehicle:
| Vehicle | Passengers | Suitcases | One way | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon | 4 | 2 | £65 | £131 |
| Estate | 4 | 4 | £73 | £146 |
| Executive | 3 | 3 | £95 | £188 |
| MPV 6 Seater | 6 | 4 | £95 | £188 |
| MPV 8 Seater | 8 | 8 | £117 | £229 |
| Executive MPV | 7 | 7 | £141 | £275 |
| First Class | 3 | 2 | £153 | £298 |
Heathrow pickups include a £7 short-stay parking charge for meet and greet, added to the one-way fare in your quote; the return prices above include the London City pickup charge.
Which way does the driver go?
There are two main routes, and your driver will choose based on the time of day and live traffic:
- Through central London – the M4 and A4 into the city, then east along the Embankment or the Westway and the A13. Around 26 miles, and often quickest outside the rush hour.
- Around the M25 and A13 – longer in distance but can be steadier at busy times, when central London is congested.
Most journeys take between an hour and an hour and a half. For connecting flights, allow at least four hours between landing at Heathrow and departing London City – London City’s check-in closes earlier than you might expect for a small airport.
Heathrow to London City: taxi or Elizabeth line?
By rail, you’d take the Elizabeth line east and change to the DLR, typically taking around 1 hour 15 minutes with at least one change and a walk between platforms. It’s cheaper for a solo traveller with light luggage. A taxi is door to door, starts the moment you walk out of arrivals and is far easier with luggage – and for two or three business colleagues, one fixed fare often compares well with separate tickets.
Business travellers between the airports
Many passengers making this connection are flying for work – landing long-haul at Heathrow and continuing on a short business hop from London City, or the other way round. Our executive Mercedes cars give you a quiet space to take calls or catch up on email during the crossing. Company accounts with monthly invoicing are available – talk to us.
London City to Heathrow
For a London City to Heathrow taxi, your driver meets you in London City’s compact arrivals hall and takes you to Terminal 2, 3, 4 or 5. The same fixed price applies, plus parking for the London City pickup. We track your flight, so delays are covered, and you get 60 minutes of free waiting from landing.
Heathrow terminals
We collect from and drop off at Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Give us your flight number and we’ll check the right terminal.
Staying in Canary Wharf or the City?
If you’re not flying straight on, we can take you from Heathrow to your hotel in Canary Wharf, the City or the Royal Docks, and then to London City Airport on the day of your flight. Just book both journeys, or call us to arrange it.
Choosing a vehicle
A saloon is fine for one or two passengers; an executive car suits business travellers; and 6 or 8-seat MPVs work for teams travelling together. See the fleet.
Minimum connection times
How much time you need depends on whether you have bags to collect and whether your arriving flight is domestic, European or long-haul. As a guide for this transfer:
| Arriving flight | Hand luggage only | With checked bags |
|---|---|---|
| UK domestic / Common Travel Area | 3h 30m | 4h |
| European | 4h | 4h 30m |
| Long-haul | 4h 30m | 5h |
These timings include the drive, arrivals and check-in at the other end, with a buffer for traffic. If your connection is tighter than this, call us before booking and we’ll talk it through honestly.
Tips for the Heathrow to London City transfer
Central London traffic is unpredictable, especially on weekday mornings and between 4pm and 7pm. The Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels, the A13 and the Embankment are the usual pinch points. Your driver will choose the route based on live traffic, and your fixed fare doesn’t change whichever way you go. London City’s bag-drop and gate cut-off times are shorter than at Heathrow, so check your airline’s rules and don’t cut the connection too fine.
Related routes
Heathrow to London City taxi FAQs
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to London City Airport?
A saloon is £65 fixed, plus £7 parking for the Heathrow pickup. An executive car is £95.
How long does it take from Heathrow to London City by taxi?
Usually an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic and route.
How much time should I allow between flights?
At least four hours between landing at Heathrow and departing London City.
Is the Elizabeth line quicker?
It can be similar in time, but involves at least one change and carrying your luggage. A taxi is door to door.
Can I book from London City to Heathrow?
Yes – the same fixed price applies in either direction.
Which route is quicker, through London or round the M25?
It depends on the time of day. Your driver will choose based on live traffic – the price is fixed either way.
Is the congestion charge included?
Yes – any congestion or clean air charges are included in your fixed fare.