London City Airport (LCY) is one of the capital’s most convenient and accessible airports, located in the heart of the city. With over 5 million passengers passing through its terminals each year, it caters to business and leisure travellers alike. The airport primarily serves destinations across Europe, with some long-haul routes such as New York. Major airlines operating out of London City include British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, and Swiss, making it a hub for quick, efficient journeys.
If you're planning to drive to London City Airport, it's essential to know the parking options available. Here's everything you need to know about parking at LCY, from costs to directions.
Where is London City Airport?
London City Airport is located in the Royal Docks area of East London, just 6 miles from the city centre. It's the closest airport to Central London, making it a popular choice for travellers looking to minimise transfer times.
Directions by car
To reach London City Airport by car, you can use the following address for your sat nav:
London City Airport, Hartmann Rd, Royal Docks, London E16 2PX
The airport is easily accessible via the A1020 and A112, both of which link to major routes such as the A13 and the North Circular Road (A406). If you’re travelling from Central London, you can typically reach the airport within 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Directions by public transport and coach
London City is well connected to public transport, with the DLR providing direct access to the airport, linking it to major London Underground lines such as the Jubilee Line at Canning Town. This makes the airport easily reachable from the city centre in under 25 minutes.
There are also several bus services, including routes 473 and 474, which connect the airport with East London areas. While there aren’t direct coach services to the airport, travellers can use National Express or other services to nearby locations, such as Stratford, and then take the DLR.
How much is parking at London City Airport?
Parking prices at London City Airport vary depending on the duration of your stay and the type of parking chosen. The airport offers both short-stay and long-stay options, with additional valet and meet-and-greet services available, but you’ll want to review all options before deciding.
Can you book parking in advance?
While the airport does offer some parking spaces available for pre-book, prices for a long weekend can start at £119 — likely beyond what you are hoping to pay for a short trip away — while booking on JustPark for the same timeframe starts at £33.
Pre-booking online ahead of time often allows you to secure a better rate than paying on the day. By booking in advance on JustPark, you can compare prices and select a parking option that fits your budget and travel needs, including affordable parking spaces in neighbouring driveways or unfilled car parking spaces.
Booking early is especially recommended during busy travel periods, such as holidays or peak business travel seasons, to ensure you have a space reserved.
How much is short-stay parking?
Short stay parking is for those dropping off or picking up passengers or for shorter trips. At London City Airport, short stay parking is typically priced per hour. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Up to 30 minutes: £8.50
- Up to 1 hour: £13.00
- Up to 2 hours: £18.00
- Up to 4 hours: £26.00
- Up to 24 hours: £49.00
How much is long-stay parking?
Long stay parking at the airport is available for extended trips or holidays. London City Airport’s long stay car park prices generally start from:
- 1 day: £49.00
- 2 days: £96.00
- 3 days: £140.00
- Each additional day: £25.00
Alternatively, you can look to book a parking space a short distance away and see significant savings of up to 60% off. For longer trips, we also recommend booking at a slightly further distance such as Stratford or Greenwich and making the rest of the short journey by train for ease of driving.
Drop-off and pick-up zone rates
If you're just dropping someone off, LCY has designated zones you can use for free (as long as you don’t idle in the waiting area, which can result in a fine). If you’re collecting someone who has gotten off a flight, you can pick them up from the Short Stay car park. We recommend coordinating on timing since staying longer than 20 minutes can add up to large charges quickly.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging options near the airport
If you’ll be needing to charge your EV while you’re away, there are private chargers that you can pre-book within walking distance of the airport.
Other charging stations are also available in some nearby car parks, but these are subject to availability on a first-come first-served basis, so you’ll need to come prepared with enough battery life just in case.
Can I request a disabled parking space if I have a Blue Badge?
The airport is equipped with disabled parking bays close to the terminal, making it accessible for passengers with reduced mobility. Blue Badge holders can park in these designated areas, and assistance is available upon request.
Note that you can only park for up to 30 minutes for free in the main car park; if you require longer-term parking you’ll need to choose from one of the Blue Badge bays in the official airport car park, where discounted rates are available.
Pick the option that works best for your budget
As you can see, if you plan on driving to London City there are a range of options to suit your needs, from short stays to long-term parking and premium services like valet. By planning ahead and booking your space in advance, you can enjoy a hassle-free journey, knowing your car is safely parked. Whether you're jetting off for a quick business trip or a long holiday, JustPark can help you find the best parking spaces near London City Airport.
