Choosing which London airport to fly into can be a daunting decision. Over the years, I’ve flown into and out of all the major airports in London—some experiences were smooth, others frustrating, and a few downright chaotic. Whether it’s navigating Heathrow’s sprawling terminals, rushing through Gatwick’s busy train connections, or squeezing into the compact yet efficient London City Airport, I’ve gathered insights to help fellow travelers make informed decisions.
Let me share my personal experiences, along with a detailed comparison of London’s airports and why Birmingham International Airport might just be the hidden gem you hadn’t considered yet.
My Experiences Flying Into London’s Airports
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
I still remember my first time landing at Heathrow after a long-haul flight from New York. I was groggy but relieved to find that Heathrow’s immigration process, while notoriously slow at times, wasn’t too bad that day. The connectivity to central London via the Heathrow Express was seamless—though at £25 one-way, it was pricier than I’d have liked.
Heathrow is London’s busiest and biggest airport, making it the most well-connected choice for international flights. However, it often feels more like a shopping mall than an airport, and during peak hours, security lines can stretch endlessly.
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
One winter evening, I nearly missed a flight from Gatwick due to a train delay on the Gatwick Express. I remember running through the terminal with my backpack bouncing behind me, only to reach the gate and find out the flight was delayed anyway. Typical travel irony!
While Gatwick is an excellent hub, especially for those heading to Southern England, its location 30 miles from central London means it’s less convenient than Heathrow. That said, if you’re flying budget airlines or seeking lower fares, Gatwick is a great choice.
Stansted Airport (STN)
My least favorite experience? A 4:00 AM Ryanair flight from Stansted. Arriving on the Stansted Express at 2:30 AM, I found myself among a sea of exhausted budget travelers sprawled across the terminal floor, desperately trying to catch some sleep before their early flights.
Stansted is a hub for budget airlines, making it ideal for cheap European getaways. However, it’s located quite far from central London, and unless you’re prepared to take the train or book a car, it can be a hassle to reach.
Luton Airport (LTN)
Luton has improved over the years, but I still vividly recall a time I nearly missed a flight because of the shuttle bus from Luton Airport Parkway station. Unlike other airports with direct rail connections, Luton requires a short bus transfer, which—if you’re cutting it close—can be nerve-wracking.
London City Airport (LCY)
Flying out of London City Airport is a dream compared to Heathrow or Gatwick. I once had an afternoon flight from there and managed to leave my hotel, check in, clear security, and grab a coffee—all within 25 minutes!
For business travelers or those heading to Europe, LCY is by far the easiest and most efficient choice.
Is Birmingham Airport a Better Alternative?
While Birmingham Airport doesn’t bear “London” in its name, it might as well, given how easily accessible it is from the capital.
A few years ago, I booked a last-minute trip to Ireland and, instead of dealing with the chaos of London airports, I flew from Birmingham International Airport (BHX). Getting there was surprisingly easy—the Birmingham Airport train from London Euston took just over an hour, and the airport itself was refreshingly calm.
Birmingham Airport offers a great alternative to the congestion of London airports, with an increasing number of international flights from Birmingham Airport to European and even long-haul destinations. It’s well worth considering, especially if you find cheap flights from Birmingham compared to London’s main airports.
Airport Comparison Table
| Airport | Distance from London | Best For | Major Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow (LHR) | 14 miles | Long-haul & premium travel | Crowds, expensive transport |
| Gatwick (LGW) | 30 miles | Budget & charter flights | Inconvenient connections |
| Stansted (STN) | 30 miles | Budget European flights | Far from central London |
| Luton (LTN) | 30 miles | Low-cost airlines | No direct train to terminal |
| London City (LCY) | 6 miles | Business & short-haul | Limited long-haul options |
| Birmingham (BHX) | 100 miles | Alternative to Heathrow | Needs a train connection |
Final Thoughts: Which London Airport Should You Fly Into?
If you’re looking for the best airport near London, it ultimately depends on your destination, budget, and convenience.
- For premium long-haul flights → Choose Heathrow.
- For budget flights → Consider Gatwick or Stansted.
- For business trips or European city breaks → London City Airport is your best bet.
- For an alternative, less congested experience → Don’t overlook Birmingham International Airport!
I never thought I’d be an advocate for London Birmingham Airport, but after experiencing the ease of flying from there, I can see why it deserves more attention. Whether it’s the cheapest way to get to Birmingham Airport or finding great flights from Birmingham to Europe, it’s worth considering as an alternative to Heathrow and Gatwick.
So next time you’re booking a flight, take a moment to weigh your options—you might just find that skipping the London chaos and flying from Birmingham is the smarter choice!
FAQ – London & Birmingham Airport Travel Guide
1. Which London airport should I fly into for the best connections?
If you’re flying internationally, Heathrow Airport offers the most connections. However, if you’re looking for budget options, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton are great alternatives. For business travel, London City Airport is the most convenient. If you’re heading north, Birmingham Airport (BHX) is surprisingly well-connected and can be an efficient alternative.
2. Is Birmingham International Airport a good alternative to London airports?
Yes! While not technically in London, Birmingham International Airport (BHX) offers excellent rail connections to central London, making it a great alternative. If you’re considering cheap flights from Birmingham, it can often be more affordable than Heathrow or Gatwick.
3. What’s the cheapest way to get to Birmingham Airport?
The Birmingham Airport train from London Euston takes just over an hour and can be booked for as little as £15 with advance planning. There are also budget-friendly coach options, making Birmingham Airport public transport a solid choice for saving money.
4. What are the benefits of flying from Birmingham Airport instead of London?
Flying from Birmingham International Airport can save time and money. Security lines are usually shorter, and you can often find cheap flights from Birmingham to Europe. Plus, with the Birmingham Airport expansion, more international flights are becoming available.
5. How does Birmingham Airport compare to Heathrow?
While Heathrow Airport has more long-haul flights, Birmingham Airport is a less stressful alternative. You can reach London in about an hour via train, and there are plenty of international flights from Birmingham Airport to Europe and beyond.
6. What’s the best airport near London for budget travelers?
If you’re flying on a budget, Stansted, Luton, and Birmingham Airport often have cheaper flights than Heathrow or Gatwick. If you’re looking for alternative airports to Heathrow, these can be great options.
7. How do I get from Birmingham to London quickly?
The fastest option is the Birmingham Airport train, which takes about 70 minutes from Birmingham International Airport to London Euston. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get to Birmingham Airport, booking an off-peak train ticket or a National Express coach in advance can help you save.
