Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in London. London City Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of LCY:
- Can you legally enter United Kingdom? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Docklands Light Railway (DLR), you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the GBP. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Spend Your Time in London
For a layover visit to London, we’d suggest Greenwich Park & Royal Observatory and Tower of London. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule. On a clear day, the views alone justify the detour.
If you’d rather stay inside LCY — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Aspire Lounge LCY
- World Duty Free
How to Get Into London
You have two main options for getting from London City Airport into town:
- Docklands Light Railway (DLR): About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Eating Well on a London Layover
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into London: Gaucho Canary Wharf and The Narrow (Gordon Ramsay). Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for The City Bar & Grill or Pret A Manger. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in London, budget roughly $49 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $26 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $13 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Staying Connected
WiFi at LCY should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in United Kingdom and you’re good to go.
Luggage Storage at LCY
You can store your luggage at No on-site self-service luggage lockers are available at London City Airport. Passengers are advised to use city-center luggage storage services if needed.. Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around London as well.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at LCY, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in London genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.