Heathrow is the best airport for families — direct train connections, no coach transfers, good terminal facilities and the widest choice of airlines and flight times.
Heathrow is the best London airport for families with children. Direct train connections (no coach transfers with tired children and luggage), good terminal facilities including play areas and family lanes at security, and the widest choice of airlines and flight times. Gatwick is also good for families, especially for south London and southern Europe flights. Stansted, Luton and London City are less family-friendly — longer transfers, fewer facilities, or limited routes.
When travelling with children, these factors matter most: direct train connection from the terminal (no shuttle bus or coach), short walking distances, family security lanes, play areas or quiet spaces near gates, and a good choice of flight times so you can avoid very early or very late departures.
Heathrow scores highly on every family factor. The Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly Line connect directly from all terminals — no shuttle bus needed. Terminals have family lanes at security. There are play areas in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Flight choice is unmatched — you can find a departure time that works for your family's routine rather than being forced into a 06:00 Ryanair departure.
Stansted requires a 50-minute train or 75–90 minute coach transfer — hard with tired children. Luton requires the DART shuttle bus plus a train — two transfers before you even reach London. London City has limited routes — if it serves your destination, the tiny size is actually a plus, but route choice is very limited for family holiday destinations.
London City Airport — you walk from the plane to the DLR platform in about 20 minutes. The terminal is tiny. However, LCY serves very limited routes. Of the major airports, Gatwick's single-terminal design (South Terminal handles most flights) has the shortest walks.
Stansted is functional but the 50-minute Stansted Express or 75–90 minute coach transfer is hard with tired children and luggage. If you have no choice, book the Stansted Express and allow extra time.