Illustrative comparison based on typical fares and public transport costs. Ticket prices vary by airline, season and booking date.
London City is dramatically faster to the City — the DLR to Bank takes about 25 minutes, versus the Gatwick Express to Victoria plus onward travel.
LCY's tiny size means about 20 minutes from landing to the DLR platform — no long walks, no crowds.
For Canary Wharf and the City, LCY is simply unbeatable — the DLR drops you at your office.
Gatwick wins on money — around £13 cheaper door-to-door in this comparison.
Gatwick serves many more routes — LCY's limited destination list may not include where you need to go.
Gatwick has far more flight options — easyJet, BA, TUI, Vueling, and many more airlines.
Gatwick is significantly cheaper on the ticket — around 45% lower than LCY on comparable European routes.
Gatwick connects to south London and Brighton — LCY only connects east toward the City and Canary Wharf.
If LCY doesn't fly to your destination, Gatwick is the next best option among the southern airports.
Gatwick is about £13 cheaper door-to-door in this comparison, even after a checked bag.
Illustrative breakdown. Actual costs depend on your specific flight, baggage and chosen transfer option.
DLR to Canary Wharf in about 25 minutes. No other airport comes close.
Gatwick Express to Victoria, then a short taxi or Tube. LCY goes the wrong direction.
easyJet fares from LGW are far cheaper than LCY's premium pricing.
More space, wider airline choice, direct train connections without DLR stairs.
Gatwick is geographically perfect for south London and the south coast.
About 10 minutes faster door-to-door — more time in London. Worth the premium fare for a short trip.
Add baggage fees, transfer cost and schedule waiting. A £50 saving on the ticket can disappear after one checked bag.
London City is 11km from central London. Gatwick is 45km. The transfer cost and time differ significantly.
Budget airlines charge around £40 for a checked bag. Full-service airlines often include it.
Gatwick is better for south London. London City is better for east London and Canary Wharf.
Gatwick wins on money and route choice — about £13 cheaper door-to-door with many more flights — while London City is about 10 minutes faster and far quicker to navigate. The right answer depends on whether your destination is in the City or Canary Wharf.
The Gatwick Express reaches Victoria in about 30 minutes (~£20 off-peak; advance fares from £9.90). Southern and Thameslink trains take 40–50 minutes and cost less.
The DLR reaches Bank in about 25 minutes (~£3.30 off-peak) and runs every 5–10 minutes. London City has no Elizabeth Line and no Piccadilly Line — the DLR is its only rail link.
Gatwick typically costs around £140 door-to-door in this comparison; London City around £153 — about £13 more.
Gatwick serves mainly easyJet, BA and TUI. London City serves mainly BA CityFlyer and niche business carriers.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Next factual review: April 2027
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