Hello... looking for advice on flying from London City airport for early October trip. After 5 nights in London we're headed for Florence and flights appear to be very early or nighttime. If we have a 7 a.m. flight and need to get there by 5 a.m. or so... It makes most sense to get a cab, right? I'm comfortable navigating tube and have used the DLR line once. But at that hour...
Also the airport sounds easy to get through, but wondering about any recent travelers who've used it for advice on ease of management, timing etc.
Cannot wait to return to London. Thanks so much!
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1430 posts
The tube works fine. I had a flight out of London City Airport and took the tube from Bloomsbury in the pre-dawn hours. I believe there was a transfer at the Bank Tube station but it was easy. And London City Airport was a joy- very small and very fast. Some Tube lines run 24/7. The DLR Line starts up at 5:30 am
Have a great Trip!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11180 posts
Due to its size, you may not need to be there 2 hrs early.
Do some research on what is needed. ( I have forgotten the details from few years back when I was set to fly from there--sadly trip got cancelled so the memory has faded)
Posted by
Freedonia
15013 posts
I've flown in and out of London City numerous times. It's small and can get crowded. But no long distances to gates.
Not knowing where you are staying, but getting to LCY by 5 AM by tube might be difficult as the tube normally doesn't start running until around 5.
Instead of a cab you could pre-book a car service. Much cheaper.
Posted by
OP
Sebastopol, California, United States
85 posts
thanks so much for advice.
And we are looking to stay in Earl's Court or thereabouts..
I'll check timing on tube and info re the hired car.
Posted by
Chicago
1325 posts
For 7 am, I’d be thinking of a car service first since you can’t build much flexibility into using the tube.
Posted by
OP
Sebastopol, California, United States
85 posts
car service sounds like the way to go...thank you!
Posted by
Freedonia
15013 posts
My normal habitat in London is Earls Court and the idea of taking a car service at that hour is probably a good one.
I used the Transport for London journey planner to see what your trip would be like from Earls Court to London City Airport to arrive around 5 AM. You would need to take five buses and it would take about 2 hours.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5326 posts
The security at LCY has been liable to back up a bit recently, especially early in the morning. It isn't really designed for half hour plus queues.
Posted by
OP
Sebastopol, California, United States
85 posts
5 buses and 2 hours, yikes! thanks Frank. and Marco re security.
such helpful info on this site... it's the best.