Last year London Heathrow Airport handled a staggering 79 million passengers!
If you have a short flight connection, layover or a delayed flight at a London airport and are interested in venturing out of the airport there are lots of options both day and night.
Find out everything you need to know, including how to get to London from the airport to London city centre, the best, fastest and cheapest ways to get around London, and what to see and do during your layover.
What Airports are there in London?
This guide will focus on layovers from Heathrow, but the other London airport like Gatwick, Stanstead, City and Luton airports also have fast transport connections so you can be in Central London within an hour.
Can I Leave the Airport?
Yes, thousands of people leave London airports to visit London during short durations, but it really depends on how much time you have and whether you need a visa.
If you have valid visa, or a European, US/ Canadian/Singaporean or Japanese passport, you don’t need a visa.
Can I leave airports like Heathrow during a layover without visa? This really depends on your nationality. You can check if you need a UK visa on the official gov.uk website.
When leaving the airport during a transit flight this is known as a ‘landside’ - where you do pass through UK border control, but come back through it and leave the UK within a short amount of time (usually 24 hours).
What to Do with Luggage
Unless you are travelling light the chances are you don't want to be carrying around your luggage.
There are lots of options for luggage storage in London, at airports, transport hubs like train stations and also in popular central locations. Prices are affordable and can be booked online or on arrival.
How Do I Get to London fast from the Airports?
All London airports have fantastic transport connections allowing you to reach central locations very quickly. Book trains or buses in advance for the best prices. Taxi's can be booked on arrival or pre-booked.
These are the best ways to travel from the different London airports.
Heathrow
Tube is the quickest way allowing you to reach central London in under one hour. Bus services are available as well as taxi's, although traffic can affect journey times.
Gatwick
The Gatwick express train gets you to Central London in 30 minutes. There is a normal slower train service via East Croydon and also bus and taxis available.
Stanstead
The Stanstead Express train can get in to Central London in 48 minutes. There is also a cheaper slow train, or bus services can also connect you to popular London transport hubs. Taxis are also available.
Luton
Train or bus are best. Taxi's are also available if you have a larger budget around £50 but the journey can take over one hour.
Itineraries
No matter if you are visiting during day or night, or even if you have been to London before, it is always fun to wander the city centre taking into the sights, sounds and people of the English capital.
What you do whilst on a layover really comes down to your personal interests and if you are on a layover at either day or night. And also whether you have visited the city before because if you haven't you really should focus on the tourist sightseeing attractions.
3-6 Hours
London's amazing transport network allows you to take time to go sightseeing or visit central localtions even if you are short on time.
You could get the tube to Oxford Circus and then wander the streets of Soho, Regent and Carnaby Streets, take in Leicester Square, Chinatown and Picadillly Circus.
For shopping check out Oxford Street which has hundreds of fashion brands.
If you are new to London and want to see some famous sights, you could walk to Trafalgar Square, then 2 minutes away is 10 Downing Street and a further 5 minute walk is the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
For food and eating out, you can find so many places to eat in Soho.
6-10 Hours
If it is sunny take a wander around Hyde Park, and if you feel like a fun/romantic experience you could rent a pedalo on the lake.
A walk down Embankment along the Thames River is always special where you can see Tate Modern, Shakespeare Globe, The Shard and the London Eye.
For shopping, nightllife or entertainment you could travel north to the suburb of Camden and grab a bite to eat at the markets, go to see live music at a local pub or if you visit during the day sit by the canal and watch the world go by.
10-12 Hours
If you have almost a full day in London you have so much choice. For nightlife head to Soho or Camden where there are hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs.
For sightseeing, check out tips above. If you are interested in culture there are so many galleries and museums, most of which are free.
If you are lucky enough to have more time check out 24 hour itineraries for London.
Research Your Perfect London Layover
London is a great city to have a layover, and even if you only have a few hours you can do a lot of fun and different things. Hopefully our guide has given you ideas for what to do, and it is also easy to visit London without spending a lot of money. Now go explore the English capital for yourself.
