Illustrative comparison based on typical fares and public transport costs. Ticket prices vary by airline, season and booking date.
This is the most extreme comparison in London — the furthest budget airport versus the closest premium airport.
London City saves about 30 minutes door-to-door — the DLR reaches Bank in about 25 minutes and the airport itself takes about 20 minutes from plane to platform.
LCY's DLR costs about £3.30; the Stansted Express costs about £22 and takes about 50 minutes.
Stansted serves hundreds of budget routes across Europe — LCY serves a handful of business routes.
The choice is stark: speed and convenience (LCY) versus price and route choice (Stansted).
Ryanair from Stansted flies to vastly more destinations than LCY serves — route choice alone may decide.
Stansted is about £51 cheaper door-to-door in this comparison — significant for budget-conscious travellers.
Stansted is better for northeast London, Cambridge and East Anglia.
If you have time and value the saving, the Stansted Express transfer is comfortable and reliable.
The last Stansted Express leaves around 00:30, so late arrivals are less constrained than often assumed.
Illustrative breakdown. Actual costs depend on your specific flight, baggage and chosen transfer option.
About 30 minutes faster. The DLR drops you at the office. The premium is worth it.
Ryanair fares can be very low. The saving of around £50 justifies the longer transfer.
If LCY serves your route, the short transfer is a game-changer with tired children.
The 30-minute saving means more time in London on a short trip.
LCY has limited routes. If your destination isn't served, Stansted is the budget fallback.
Stansted is the closest airport to Cambridge — direct train in about 30 minutes.
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. Stansted is 55km. The transfer cost and time differ significantly.
Budget airlines charge around £40 for a checked bag. Full-service airlines often include it.
Stansted is better for northeast London. London City is better for east London and Canary Wharf.
Stansted wins on price — about £51 cheaper door-to-door — and has far more budget routes. London City wins on speed: about 30 minutes faster door-to-door, with a DLR transfer of about 25 minutes to Bank.
The Stansted Express reaches Liverpool Street in about 50 minutes (~£22 walk-up; advance fares from £9.90). Coaches take 75–90 minutes for about £10–15. The last Express leaves around 00:30.
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.
Stansted typically costs around £102 door-to-door in this comparison; London City around £153 — about £51 more.
Stansted serves mainly Ryanair (largest UK base). London City serves mainly BA CityFlyer and niche business carriers.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Next factual review: April 2027
Paste your two flight options into the Travelvus Comparison Engine and see which really wins — door to door.
The next guide depends on the question you’re trying to answer.