Convenience
Understand which airport best suits central London, west London, Canary Wharf or longer-distance travel.
Airport Comparison · Travel Planning · Private Transfers
London Airport Comparison
Compare Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Stansted and Luton so you can choose the right airport and plan a calm, reliable Mason & Green transfer.
- Heathrow, Gatwick, City, Stansted and Luton
- Meet & Greet guidance
- Transfer timing considerations
- Best airport by journey type
- Family and business travel planning
- Fixed-price private transfers
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Compare London’s main airports and plan a professional door-to-door transfer.
Service overview
Choose the right London airport for your journey
Each airport offers a different experience. Location, airline choice, terminal rules, walking distances and transfer arrangements can all affect how smooth your arrival or departure feels.
Airport comparison
London airports at a glance
Use this guide to compare the practical differences between Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Stansted and Luton.
Airport comparison table
| Airport | Distance to London | Best For | Meet & Greet | Travel Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | Approx. 15–20 miles | Long-haul, premium airlines | Mandatory | Large, busy, global hub |
| Gatwick | Approx. 28 miles | European & long-haul leisure | Mandatory | Efficient, high passenger volume |
| London City | Approx. 7 miles | Business travel | Mandatory | Fast, compact, city-focused |
| Stansted | Approx. 40 miles | Low-cost & European routes | Optional | Single terminal, longer walking distances |
| Luton | Approx. 35 miles | Low-cost & charter flights | Not available | Functional, restricted access |
Distances and arrangements are a planning guide. Airport rules and access arrangements can change, so confirm any special requirements when booking.
Airport breakdowns
Which London airport suits your journey?
Each airport has advantages depending on your airline, destination, luggage, passengers and onward travel plans.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow is the UK’s largest airport and a major international hub. It offers the widest choice of airlines and long-haul destinations but can be busy and complex to navigate.
Best for: Long-haul, premium and international travel.
View Heathrow transfer detailsGatwick Airport
Gatwick serves a broad mix of European and long-haul leisure routes. It operates efficiently but involves longer travel times into London.
Best for: Leisure and holiday travel.
View Gatwick transfer detailsLondon City Airport
London City is designed for speed and convenience, located close to Canary Wharf and the City of London.
Best for: Business and short-haul European flights.
View London City transfer detailsStansted Airport
Stansted focuses on low-cost carriers and European destinations. The terminal is modern but parking distances can be long.
Best for: Budget-focused European travel.
View Stansted transfer detailsLuton Airport
Luton primarily serves low-cost and charter flights. Access is more restricted, and Meet & Greet services are not available.
Best for: Budget and charter travel.
View Luton transfer detailsNeed a recommendation?
Share your flight details, destination, passenger numbers, luggage and child seat needs. Mason & Green can recommend the most suitable transfer plan.
Best for: Families, business travellers and complex itineraries.
Request a quotationPick-up planning
Meet & Greet and airport collection rules
Airport collection arrangements vary. Planning the right meeting point helps avoid confusion, delays and unnecessary waiting charges.
What you can expect
The Mason & Green Airport Promise
Practical details that make a pre-booked private transfer easier to understand before you travel.
Fixed-price clarity
Your agreed journey price is confirmed before travel. There is no surge pricing, and any parking, extra waiting or requested assistance that could add a charge is explained clearly.
Flight-aware collection
We use your flight number and landing time to coordinate driver timing around early or delayed arrivals and the expected time needed for passport control and baggage reclaim.
Clear airport meeting plan
Meet & Greet or designated collection arrangements are planned for the airport you are using, with driver communication to reduce uncertainty after landing.
Family-ready planning
Tell us about children, child seats, pushchairs and luggage in advance so we can recommend a compatible vehicle rather than relying on passenger capacity alone.
FAQs
Quick answers
Useful answers for choosing and planning London airport transfers.
Which London airport is closest to central London?
London City Airport is usually the closest major airport to central and east London, especially Canary Wharf and the City. Heathrow is also convenient for west London.
Which London airport is best for long-haul flights?
Heathrow is generally the strongest choice for long-haul and premium international flights because of its wide airline and route network.
Do all London airports offer Meet & Greet pick-ups?
Meet & Greet is mandatory at Heathrow, Gatwick and London City Airport, optional at Stansted, and not available at Luton Airport where designated collection areas are used.
Can Mason & Green help me choose the best transfer option?
Yes. Share your airport, flight number, landing time, destination, passenger count, luggage and child seat requirements. We can recommend the right vehicle and timing.