London City Airport is small, close to Canary Wharf and the City, and popular with business travellers. From Hounslow it is right across London, which is why choosing the right route matters more here than for any other airport.
Two ways across London
There are two main routes from Hounslow to the Royal Docks, and your driver picks the better one on the day.
- Through central London: the A4 Great West Road and Cromwell Road, along the Embankment and through the Limehouse Link tunnel to the docks. It is shorter in miles but slower in daytime traffic.
- Around the north: the M4 to the North Circular (A406), then the A13 towards the docks. It is longer in miles but often more reliable in the rush hour.
Typical journey time is 60 to 90 minutes. Early in the morning or late in the evening it can be closer to an hour. If a central route passes through the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours, ask us how that affects your quote.
Why business travellers like London City
The terminal is compact and check-in times are short, so it suits people who want to land and be in a meeting quickly. A booked car makes the most of that. Choose an executive saloon for a quiet, comfortable ride where you can take calls or prepare for the day. Receipts are available for expenses.
Pick-up timings
Because the journey crosses the whole of London, we usually suggest leaving Hounslow at least two hours before your flight, more on a weekday morning. We would rather you have time for a coffee at the gate than worry about the A13.
Arriving at London City
The driver tracks your flight and meets you as you come out. London City is small, so the walk from the gate to the car is short. With meet and greet the driver waits with a name board; otherwise they will call you when you land and tell you where to meet.
Linking London City with other trips
Many of our City Airport customers combine their flight with other journeys:
- A night at a Heathrow hotel before an onward long-haul flight; see our hotel transfer taxi page.
- A meeting near London Bridge or in the City before flying out.
- A direct transfer between London City and Heathrow for a connecting flight.
Who we collect from
We collect from every part of Hounslow and the nearby towns. Customers in Brentford and Chiswick are already on the A4 and M4, which makes either route a little quicker. Customers in Feltham, Hanworth and Bedfont can join the M25 and use the northern route.
Comparing options from Hounslow
| Option | Typical time | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Booked taxi | 60–90 min | None |
| Tube and DLR | 75–100 min | 2–3 |
| Elizabeth line and DLR | 70–90 min | 2 |
Times are typical estimates. For a business trip with a laptop bag and a suit carrier, the taxi is the calmest way to travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a taxi from Hounslow to London City Airport?
Typically 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and whether the driver goes through central London or round the North Circular.
Does the fare include the Congestion Charge?
If the best route passes through the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours, ask us how this affects your quote. Your fare is fixed when you book.
Can I book an executive car to London City Airport?
Yes. Choose an executive saloon when you book for a quiet, comfortable ride.
Do you transfer between Heathrow and London City?
Yes. Give us both flight details and we plan the transfer so you have time to check in.
Can I get a receipt for business expenses?
Yes, a receipt is available for every journey.