London City Airport (LCY) – Terminals, Flights, Transport & Hotels
Airport Directions
London City Airport (LCY) is the most convenient airport in London for business travelers and those located in Canary Wharf or the City of London. Handling around 5 million passengers annually, it is famous for its incredible speed—you can often get from the front door to your departure gate in under 20 minutes. While LCY does not have a runway long enough for large wide-body jets, it is a crucial premium gateway for Flystodubai travelers, offering seamless business-class connections to Dubai via major European hubs like Frankfurt, Zurich, and Amsterdam.
Airport Name
London City Airport
IATA Code
LCY
Location
Hartmann Road, London, E16 2PX, UK
Terminals
single compact terminal
Distance from Central London
Just 6 miles (10 km) east of the City of London and 3 miles (5 km) from Canary Wharf.
Nearby Areas
Canary Wharf, Stratford, Greenwich, and ExCeL London.
Airlines Operating from the Airport
LCY hosts premium flag carriers that connect London to the world via their main hubs.
- Main Carrier: British Airways CityFlyer (Dominant airline with an extensive European network).
- Connecting to Dubai: Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), SWISS (via Zurich), KLM (via Amsterdam), and ITA Airways (via Milan/Rome) all offer “single-ticket” connections to Dubai.
- Other Carriers: Luxair, Loganair, LOT Polish Airlines.
Destinations & Routes
London City flies to over 30 destinations across Europe.
- Flights to Dubai: There are no direct flights from LCY to Dubai due to runway restrictions. However, travelers can book a seamless connection with Lufthansa or SWISS, checking bags in London and collecting them in Dubai.
- Popular Routes: Frankfurt, Zurich, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, and Ibiza (seasonal).
Airport Terminals Information
London City operates from a single compact terminal, ensuring a stress-free experience with no confusing satellite buildings or long walks.
- Main Terminal: Check-in, security, and gates are all within a few minutes’ walk of each other.
- Facilities: The departure lounge is designed for the business traveler, with ample charging points, quiet work zones, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Airport Facilities & Services
- Wi-Fi: Free, lightning-fast Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
- Lounges: Uniquely, LCY has no “standard” airline lounges (like BA Galleries) because the terminal experience is designed to be faster than a lounge. However, there is a First Class Lounge (Private Jet Centre) available for a premium fee.
- Business Facilities: Workstations with power outlets are available at almost every gate.
Shopping & Dining at the Airport
- Wi-Fi: Free, lightning-fast Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
- Lounges: Uniquely, LCY has no “standard” airline lounges (like BA Galleries) because the terminal experience is designed to be faster than a lounge. However, there is a First Class Lounge (Private Jet Centre) available for a premium fee.
- Business Facilities: Workstations with power outlets are available at almost every gate.
Airport Security & Immigration
- Security: London City is the first major UK airport to fully roll out Next Generation Security Scanners. You can leave liquids (up to 2 litres) and laptops inside your bag. This makes security exceptionally fast.
- Immigration: E-Gates are available for eligible passport holders (UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Singapore, South Korea).
LCY to Dubai Flight Information
Detailed flight data for your trip with Flys to Dubai.
Feature | Details |
Average Flight Time | 10h 30m – 13h 00m (Connecting) |
Distance | ~5,500 km |
Direct Flights | No (Runway too short for long-haul) |
Cheapest Months | January, February |
Dubai Arrival Airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Connecting flights via Lufthansa, SWISS, or KLM arrive at DXB. This is the main hub with direct Metro access to the city.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Less common for scheduled legacy carriers, but possible depending on the specific connection.
Transport & Connectivity
Transport to LCY is unique as it relies heavily on the DLR rather than standard trains.
- DLR (Docklands Light Railway): The airport has its own station. Trains run every 8-15 minutes to Bank (City of London) in 22 mins, Canning Town (Jubilee Line interchange) in 7 mins, and Stratford in 15 mins.
- Elizabeth Line: You can connect to the DLR via the Elizabeth Line at Custom House station (approx. 10 mins away).
- Taxi: Black cabs have a rank directly outside the terminal. Ride-hailing apps (Uber/Bolt) have a designated pick-up zone in the short-stay car park.
- Car: Located outside the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) but check specific routes.
Parking Information
- Short Stay: Located a 2-minute walk from the terminal.
- Main Stay: A slightly cheaper option, still within easy walking distance (3-5 mins).
- Valet Parking: Drop your car directly outside the terminal door for the ultimate speed.
- Drop-Off Charge: A £8 charge applies for dropping off on the terminal forecourt (New Jan 2026 pricing). Tip: There is no free drop-off zone at LCY; the fee is mandatory unless you have a Blue Badge.
Hotels Near the Airport
- Courtyard by Marriott: The closest hotel, located a 5-minute walk from the terminal.
- The Good Hotel: A unique floating hotel in the Royal Docks (accessible via cable car or short taxi).
- Moxy London Excel: Located near the ExCeL center, a short DLR ride away.
- Travelodge London City Airport: A budget-friendly option within walking distance.
Tips for Travelers
- The “20-Minute Rule”: You can genuinely arrive 20 minutes before your flight (with hand luggage) and make it. It is that fast.
- Liquid Freedom: Enjoy the new security rules—bring your full-size water bottle or large toiletries!
- Window Seat Views: The landing and takeoff at LCY offer stunning views of the Thames, O2 Arena, and London skyline. Choose a window seat!
- Avoid the Drop-Off Fee: If possible, take the DLR to avoid the £8 forecourt charge.
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Questions & Answer
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No, the runway is too short. We recommend connecting via Frankfurt (Lufthansa) or Zurich (SWISS).
Yes! LCY allows liquids up to 2 litres in hand luggage thanks to new CT scanners.
Yes, the London City Airport DLR station is connected directly to the terminal.
It gets busy during the early morning (7-9am) and late afternoon (4-6pm) peaks with business travelers.
Be mindful. Due to aircraft weight limits, carry-on and checked allowances can be stricter than at larger airports.
Options are good but limited. There are several bars and cafés airside, perfect for a quick coffee or meal before flying.