Six airports, thousands of daily flights - London's sheer competition means deals are always out.
London rewards strategy more than loyalty: in one week you can see a GBP 80-150 swing depending on whether you depart from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton. Midweek departures, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, and mixed return combinations are where many of the strongest deals appear.
Airport choice then determines the trip style. Heathrow (LHR) concentrates long-haul and alliance traffic, Gatwick (LGW) mixes leisure long-haul with low-cost Europe, and Stansted or Luton drive ultra-budget short-haul demand. City Airport (LCY) is tuned for business schedules and the fastest access from Canary Wharf.
Ground transport can erase a cheap fare if you ignore it. Heathrow Express is fastest at 15 minutes to Paddington but costs around GBP 25, while the Elizabeth Line is slower and cheaper. Gatwick Express reaches Victoria in about 30 minutes; Stansted and Luton coaches cost less but often add 60-90 minutes door to door.
London City Airport (LCY) is just 6 miles from the City of London and reachable by DLR in 22 minutes. However, its route network is limited to European business destinations and a few leisure routes.
Absolutely. Stansted and Luton often have fares GBP 50-100 cheaper than Heathrow on the same route, but factor in longer transfer times and coach costs. For transatlantic flights, Heathrow and Gatwick are usually the only options.
At GBP 25 one-way it is expensive, but it takes just 15 minutes to Paddington with guaranteed seats. The Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) is cheaper at GBP 12.80 and reaches Paddington in 27 minutes — the smart budget alternative.
