London is one of the most visited cities in the world, and as such, it needs to have excellent transportation options, including airports. The city has several airports, but only two are considered international airports. In this article, we will discuss the names of these two airports, their characteristics, and some differences between them.
London’s Airports
As mentioned, London has several airports, but only two are international. These airports are Heathrow and Gatwick, both located outside the city center but with excellent transportation options to get there. They are the primary airports for tourists, business travelers, and locals who need to fly to other parts of the world.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow is the largest of the two international airports in London and the busiest airport in Europe. It is located in the west of London, about 23 kilometers from the city center. Heathrow has four terminals, and each one serves different airlines and destinations.
Overview of Heathrow
Heathrow airport has a wide range of facilities, such as shops, restaurants, lounges, and hotels. It is home to several airlines, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and American Airlines. The airport has excellent transportation links to central London, such as the Heathrow Express train service, buses, and taxis.
Terminals at Heathrow
Heathrow has four terminals, each serving different airlines and destinations. Terminal 2 is exclusively for Star Alliance airlines, while Terminal 3 serves Oneworld airlines. Terminal 4 is used by Skyteam airlines, and Terminal 5 is British Airways’ main terminal.
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick is the second-largest international airport in London, located about 45 kilometers south of the city center. It has two terminals and serves several airlines, including EasyJet, British Airways, and Norwegian.
Overview of Gatwick
Gatwick offers a wide range of facilities, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and hotels. The airport has excellent transportation links to central London, such as the Gatwick Express train service, buses, and taxis.
Terminals at Gatwick
Gatwick has two terminals, North and South, which are connected by a free shuttle service. The North terminal serves several airlines, including EasyJet and British Airways, while the South terminal serves airlines such as Norwegian and Ryanair.
Differences Between Heathrow and Gatwick
Heathrow and Gatwick have some differences. Heathrow is closer to the city center and has more facilities and airlines than Gatwick. However, Gatwick is less busy and has a more relaxed atmosphere. Both airports offer excellent transportation links to central London, but Gatwick is slightly cheaper.
Other London Airports
Apart from Heathrow and Gatwick, London has several other airports, such as Stansted, Luton, and City airport. These airports are mostly used by low-cost airlines and serve mostly European destinations.
Conclusion
London has two international airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, both offering excellent facilities and transportation links to the city center. Heathrow is the largest and busiest airport and has more airlines and destinations than Gatwick. However, Gatwick is less busy and has a more relaxed atmosphere. Both airports are great options for travelers visiting or departing from London.
References
- https://www.heathrow.com/
- https://www.gatwickairport.com/
