HailLondon City Airport sits in the Docklands, only about 9 miles east of central London, which makes it the quickest airport-to-city run in the capital — and the reason business travellers rate it so highly. Short runway, small terminal, no sprawling walk to arrivals: a London City Airport taxi gets you into town, to Canary Wharf or to ExCeL faster than almost any other transfer in London. This guide covers London City Airport taxi prices, how pick-up works at its single terminal, and how a taxi from London City Airport compares with the DLR.
London City Airport taxi prices: fixed fares to popular destinations
These are typical fixed fares for a Standard taxi (up to 4 passengers, 2 bags), including the airport set-down/pick-up fee. Your exact quote for your address and time is shown instantly before you book, and it is the price you pay — it does not move with traffic, demand or how long the journey actually takes.
- London City Airport to Canary Wharf: from around £19
- London City Airport to Greenwich: from around £16
- London City Airport to Stratford / Olympic Park: from around £21
- London City Airport to the City / Bank: from around £46
- London City Airport to central London (Trafalgar Square area): from around £50
- London City Airport to Heathrow Airport: from around £87
- London City Airport to Gatwick Airport: from around £102
Travelling with a lot of luggage or picking up a client? A 6-Seater Estate or 8-Seater Minibus is useful for groups, and Executive or Luxury cars are popular here for business pickups — see our guide to Standard vs Executive taxis if you're not sure which to choose. You can get a live, address-specific quote any time on our London City to central London page or directly on the booking page.
How long does a taxi from London City Airport take?
Into central London, allow 25 to 50 minutes. The route runs via the A1020 and the Docklands, and for destinations inside the Congestion Charge zone on a weekday, that charge is included in your fixed fare automatically — it's never a separate line to work out at the end. Being this close to the City and Canary Wharf is exactly why London City is the airport of choice for a lot of same-day business trips.
London City Airport taxi vs the DLR
Taxi: door to door from the terminal to your specific address, one vehicle for the whole group and all the luggage, and a fixed price whatever the traffic. The practical choice for client pickups, heavy luggage, or anywhere that isn't a five-minute walk from a DLR station.
DLR (Docklands Light Railway): runs directly from the airport to Canning Town, Canary Wharf and on to Bank, and is genuinely quick — often the fastest way to those specific destinations in the middle of the day. It's less convenient with luggage, during the DLR's more limited early-morning and late-evening hours, or if you're heading somewhere that needs a change at the other end.
The DLR wins on price for a solo traveller going to Canary Wharf or the City in the daytime. A taxi wins for groups, luggage, early or late flights, client pickups, and anywhere that isn't right on the DLR line.
London City Airport pick-up: how it works
London City has a single, compact terminal, so there's no terminal number to get right. Add your flight number when you book and we track it automatically, so your driver adjusts to your actual landing time and is waiting at arrivals with a name board (or curbside, if you'd rather). It's one of the fastest terminal-to-car transfers of any UK airport, which matters if your whole trip is built around a tight schedule. Our airport transfer checklist covers everything else worth having ready before you land.
Dropping off at London City: departures made simple
For a taxi to London City Airport, the same fixed-fare principle applies in reverse, including any set-down fee the airport charges. Because the terminal is small and security is typically quick, aim to arrive about 90 minutes before a short-haul flight — noticeably less buffer than you'd build in for Heathrow or Gatwick, which is part of why business travellers who fly often choose it.
Why book a London City Airport transfer with Hail A Taxi
- Fixed price: no surge, no meter, no surprise at the end of the ride.
- Flight tracking and meet & greet at arrivals.
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup.
- Executive, SUV and Luxury cars for client pickups, alongside Standard, Estate and Minibus options.
- Any UK address or postcode as your destination, not just central London.
Get an instant fixed fare for your London City Airport transfer, or read the answers below.
London City Airport taxi: frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from London City Airport to central London?
A fixed-price Standard taxi from London City to central London starts at around £50, and an Executive car is around £70. It is the shortest airport transfer into London, so the fare is far lower than from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton or Stansted.
How much is a taxi from London City Airport to Canary Wharf?
A fixed-price Standard taxi starts at around £19, reflecting how close the airport sits to Canary Wharf and the Docklands business district.
Do you pick up business travellers at London City?
Yes. Executive and Luxury cars are available, with meet and greet at arrivals, and we're used for a lot of same-day client pickups given how quick the terminal-to-car transfer is here.
Is the Congestion Charge included in the price?
Yes. If your pickup or drop-off is inside the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours, that fee is calculated automatically and included in your fixed fare.
Can I book a taxi from London City to Heathrow or Gatwick?
Yes. Transfers to the other London airports are available at a fixed price, useful for a same-day connection without checking timetables.
Can I cancel a London City Airport taxi booking?
Yes. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before pickup. Full details are on our cancellation policy page.
Prices shown are typical fixed fares and can vary with the exact address, time of day and vehicle. The quote you see at booking is final.