A Kingston to London City Airport taxi crosses London from the south-west to the Royal Docks in the east. The distance is only about 20 miles, but it is a city journey rather than a motorway one, so timing matters more than miles. Your fare is fixed when you book, and you can book any time of day.
Crossing London: the route
There is no single best road from Kingston to the Docklands. Depending on traffic, drivers use one of two broad approaches:
- South of the river, through Wandsworth and south London, then under the Thames by the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnel. Both tunnels now have a user charge.
- Along the river, via Putney or Battersea and the Embankment, then east past the City and through the Limehouse Link towards the Royal Docks.
Some routes pass through the central London Congestion Charge zone. Ask us when you book how road charges are handled for your journey.
| Journey | Typical time* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kingston to London City, early morning | Around 1 hr | Before the rush hour builds |
| Kingston to London City, weekday peak | 1 hr 15 – 1 hr 45 | Central and tunnel traffic |
| London City to Kingston, evening | 1 hr – 1 hr 30 | Depends on the route out |
*Typical times, not guaranteed.
Why people fly from London City
London City is a small airport with one terminal, close to Canary Wharf and the City of London. It is popular for business trips and short European flights. Because the terminal is compact, the walk from drop-off to check-in is short, but check-in and boarding times are set by your airline, so check them before you travel. The London City Airport website has current information.
Booking for business travel
If you travel for work, a pre-booked car means you can make calls or prepare on the way. Give us your flight details when you book. For return journeys, agree a meeting point and call 020 3740 4439 if your flight is delayed. You can book trips for colleagues too: just give us their name and mobile number.
Planning your journey
Morning rush hour in central and east London is the main thing to plan around. If your flight leaves at 8:30am, leaving Kingston before 6am usually avoids the worst of it. For afternoon flights, aim to set off before the school-run and evening traffic begins.
Pick-ups and related journeys
We arrange London City transfers from across the area, including Wimbledon, New Malden and Kingston Vale. Heading into the City by train instead? See our London Bridge and Charing Cross station pages, or compare with Heathrow, which is much closer to Kingston.
Luggage and hand baggage
Many London City flights are short business trips with hand luggage only, and a standard car is fine for one to four passengers. Families or groups with larger cases can book a 6 seater. Tell us what you are carrying when you book.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get to London City Airport from Kingston?
Typically 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, because the route crosses London. Rush hour can add more, so allow a good margin.
Will the journey go through the Congestion Charge zone?
It depends on the route the driver takes on the day. Ask us when you book how any road charges are handled for your journey.
Is the fare fixed?
Yes. London City Airport transfers from Kingston are quoted at a fixed price when you book.
Is London City a good choice for business trips?
Many people use it for short business flights because it is close to Canary Wharf and the City. Check your airline's check-in times before you travel.
Can you collect me from London City Airport?
Yes. Give us your flight number and arrival time, and agree a meeting point when you book.