London City Airport is small, quick to get through and popular with business travellers, but it sits on the far side of London in the Royal Docks. Our London City Airport taxi from Thames Ditton plans the whole cross-city drive for you and fixes the price in advance. You can use the journey to work, rest or simply stop watching the clock.
Crossing London to the Royal Docks
The airport is about 20 miles from Thames Ditton as the crow flies, but the drive crosses the whole capital. Depending on traffic, drivers either take the A3 and the South Circular (A205) east and cross the river at the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnel, or go through central London and out along the A13. River crossing charges apply to the tunnels. Ask whether they are included when you book.
| Time of travel | Typical journey |
|---|---|
| Early morning (before 6am) | 50–65 minutes |
| Weekday daytime | 70–95 minutes |
| Weekday peaks | 90–120 minutes |
Of all our airport runs, this is the one where timing matters most, because cross-London traffic is hard to predict. Give us your flight time and we will build in a sensible margin.
A small airport with quick processes
London City has one terminal and short walking distances, which is a big part of its appeal. The drop-off area is right outside the building. Even so, check your airline's recommended arrival time rather than relying on the airport's reputation for speed, especially if you are checking in a bag.
Business travel from Elmbridge and Kingston
London City is a popular choice for European business trips. If you need a receipt for expenses, ask the office and we will explain how it is provided. For regular trips, the office can keep your usual pickup details so booking takes seconds. If colleagues are travelling together, a 6 seater taxi takes the whole team with laptop bags and cases.
Returning to Thames Ditton
We track inbound flights, so your driver arrives for the time you actually land. Meet and greet is available, with the driver waiting in the small arrivals hall. From there it is usually a straightforward drive home, though evening traffic heading south-west can be slow. Your fare is fixed either way.
Nearby trips and alternatives
If you are staying overnight in Docklands or near ExCeL before a flight, our hotel transfer taxi can take you to the hotel the evening before. From our side of London, Heathrow Airport is usually a much shorter run, so compare fares if you have a choice of airports. Travelling by train from the City instead? We also serve London Bridge station.
We collect from all our local areas, including Kingston upon Thames, Esher and Hinchley Wood.
Book London City Airport
Use the booking form at the top of this page for a fixed price, or call 020 8390 5266. We take card and cash, and the office is open 24 hours a day.
London City Airport taxi questions
How long does it take to drive from Thames Ditton to London City Airport?
Typically 50 to 65 minutes very early in the morning, and 70 to 120 minutes during the day, depending on cross-London traffic.
Are tunnel charges included in the fare?
Routes through the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnel incur river crossing charges. Ask the office whether they are included in your quote.
Can I get a receipt for business expenses?
Ask when you book and the office will explain how receipts are provided for your journey.
Will the driver wait if my flight is late?
We track your flight number, so your driver's arrival follows the actual landing time.
Is London City Airport the best choice from Thames Ditton?
It depends on your flight. Heathrow is much closer, but London City is often quicker to get through once you arrive.
