Car Hire London City Airport

Car Hire

Being the airport closest to the City of London and Canary Wharf, the two main financial centres of the English capital, London City Airport is the preferred airport for business travellers. The number of leisure travellers using the airport has increased, however, as onward transport here is top-notch. Buses, trains and London cabs mean all parts of London are easily accessible. Purchasing car hire at London City Airport can also be a practical option for getting around the city.

Who to Book With
Several car hire suppliers operate at London City Airport, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Alamo and National Car. Travellers need to head outside the terminal building to find the offices of these companies. Most suppliers operate Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 21:30, Saturday from 07:00 to 16:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 21:30.

Need to Know Essentials
On vehicle collection, these documents must be presented:

- National driving licence
- Credit card used for the reservation
- Confirmation of identity
- Confirmed reservation

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
UK driving regulations must be observed as fines for traffic violations can be heavy. When driving in built-up areas, drivers must follow a speed limit of 30mph. Outside of London, the limit is 60mph and on motorways and dual-carriageways, it is 70mph. Seatbelts must be worn by all persons within the vehicle, including those at the back if seatbelts have been fitted. A child restraint must be used for children under three. When driving or parking in Central London (zone indicated by a ‘C’ sign), a congestion charge of £8 is levied between the hours of 07:00 and 18:00.

More UK driving information can be found in our guide here.

Transport

London City Airport is the closest airport to Central London so public transport between the airport and various points in the city is widely available. The airport has a dedicated station for Docklands Light Railway trains. A couple of bus lines serve the airport as well. With car hire, travellers can take the North Circular Road (A406) to North London, the A13 to East London, the Blackwall Tunnel to South London or the Limehouse link tunnel to London’s West End.

Trains
London City Airport is connected to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) system via its own dedicated station, which is accessible from the terminal. It connects the airport to the rest of East London as well as to the London Underground. The station is within Zone 3 of the train system. Trains from the airport's station depart every 8 to 15 minutes. The 20-minute ride to Bank Station in the City of London costs £4.30.

Taxis
Licensed London cabs are available at the taxi stand right outside the terminal. Metres are used so fares to various parts of the city depend on the time of the day and road congestion.

Taxi prices:
London City Airport to City of London is about £25
London City Airport to Piccadilly Circus is about £30
London City Airport to Canary Wharf is about £12
London City Airport to Kings Cross is about £35

Buses
Two public bus lines operated by Transport for London run between London City Airport and various points in London. Bus 473 travels to Prince Regent DLR Station, North Woolwich, Silvertown and Stratford, while bus 474 runs to East Beckton via Silvertown, North Woolwich and Canning Town. A single bus journey costs approximately £2.30. When using an Oyster card, travellers save £1.

Facilities

Terminals
London City Airport only has one terminal building. The airport is small when compared to the city's other four airports. Being close to London's financial districts, the airport attracts mostly business travellers. Air France and British Airways operate the most flights at the airport. Destinations served include UK and Ireland airports, as well as airports in Europe and one in the US (New York-JFK).

Parking
Car parks are located within two to five minutes’ walk of the terminal. There is a short-stay car park and a main-stay car park. Booking a parking spot can be done online at the London City Airport parking portal. Payment machines can be found within the terminal building or drivers can simply insert their credit card at the car park exit barrier. Two to four hours of parking at the short-stay car park costs around £18. The same cost applies for four to eight hours of parking at the main-stay car park.

Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is provided in the terminal building. Internet desks can also be found at the Departures lounge.

Information Services
There is an information counter right by the entrance on the ground floor.

Useful Numbers
General Enquiries: +44 20 7646 0088

Accessibility
Passengers with special requirements can rest assured as assistance is provided at the airport. Parking for Blue Badge holders is provided at the short-stay car park at discounted prices. Toilets have been adapted for persons with reduced mobility. Lifts provide access to the Departures level as well as to the apron for boarding.

Restaurants and Bars
Before the security controls are two restaurants: Pret A Manger and Panopolis. More eateries are located after security, including Rhubarb, the City Bar & Grill, Caffe Nero, Espressamente Illy and another branch of Panopolis.

VIP Lounges
Meridian Business Centre

Money and ATMs
Various currency exchange desks and ATMs are located within the small terminal. Three ATMs are situated on the ground floor before security, with another three located at the Departures lounge and another three at the Arrivals area. Travelex has a counter right by the information desk and another in the Departures lounge.

Shopping
WHSmith newsagents can be found before and after security. Aelia Travel Shopping, the duty-free shop here, sells spirits, tobacco, clothes, accessories, confectionery and many other items. Gassan, meanwhile, sells jewellery and watches.