Cheap Flights to London (YXU)

The low-down on flights to London

They say when you’re tired of London you’re tired of life. Though Samuel Johnson would barely recognise the skyline of his beloved city, its historic streets and world-famous attractions continue to thrill each new generation. The shopping’s second to none, the museums are stacked with treasures, and the nightlife’s to die for. Hit the West End for that wish-list show, blag a table in a top-class restaurant, or support your dream team at the big match. With handy flights to London airports from all points of the UK, it’s never been easier to snatch a sneaky break in the capital.

Try our new Airport Guide to find all the different transport options from London Luton Airport to London 

When’s a good time to book cheap flights to London?

London’s pulse never stops beating, so any time’s a good time for a visit. Browse for Christmas goodies in the glow of Regent Street’s glittering illuminations; wander through storied Hyde Park and watch the spring flowers burst into life; settle back with a beer on the sun-filled deck of a Thames clipper as the city slips past at water level; or head to Shaftesbury Avenue to catch the opening night of the latest must-see musical and grab a bite in atmospheric Soho. Stretch your budget by travelling off peak, or book ahead for the best deals if your dates are fixed.

Where can I catch cheap flights to London?

With quick and easy return flights to London available from many UK airports, you’ll be in swinging London before you can say ‘groovy, baby!’ Fly with Ryanair and bag cheap tickets to London Stansted from Edinburgh and Glasgow, while EasyJet links Aberdeen with London Luton and Inverness with London Gatwick. London Heathrow is just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Newcastle-up-on-Tyne with British Airways.

Try our new Airport Guide to find all the different transport options from London Stansted Airport to London

Getting from the airport to central London

You’ll be spoilt for choice for onward travel at the end of your flight to London. If you’ve arrived into Stansted Airport, the Stansted Express departs every 15 minutes from right below the terminal building, whisking you to Liverpool Street mainline station in under 50 minutes. Tickets start at £8 for a single journey booked in advance. From Luton, catch a shuttle bus to Luton Parkway and arrive beneath the soaring arches of St Pancras International, home of Eurostar, around 25 minutes later. Both Gatwick and Heathrow boast express train services into central London, so you’ll be sipping cocktails on the South Bank less than an hour after you land.

Try our new Airport Guide to find all the different transport options from London-Gatwick Airport to London 

London calling

London conjures up so many iconic images that it’s hard to know where to start. The Changing of the Guard – black cabs – red double-deckers … if it’s your first time you’ll be stopping for selfies at every step! But to really get under its skin, take advantage of the user-friendly public transport network to stray beyond the tried-and-tested tourist trail. Ride the Docklands Light Railway to the Royal Borough of Greenwich and visit the Cutty Sark; wander down the King’s Road to Chelsea’s World’s End and see the birthplace of punk; check out the boho chic of Petticoat Lane market followed by a spicy Brick Lane curry, or party with the hipsters of Hoxton. Sweet dreams are made of this.