How to Get from Brighton to London City Airport: Taxi, Train & Travel Guide
Travelling from Brighton to London City Airport requires a little more planning than travelling to Gatwick. London City Airport is on the eastern side of London, and passengers travelling from Brighton can choose between a private airport taxi, train and London public transport, or driving.
The best option will depend on your flight time, luggage, number of passengers, budget and how comfortable you are changing between different forms of transport.
This guide explains the main ways to travel from Brighton and Hove to London City Airport, what to consider before travelling and how to plan your journey.
How Far Is London City Airport from Brighton?
London City Airport is located in East London, close to the Royal Docks and Canary Wharf.
Road journey times from Brighton can vary considerably because the final part of the journey involves travelling through or around busy parts of London.
A private transfer will typically take around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours or more, depending on your starting point, traffic and road conditions.
You should never plan an airport journey around the minimum possible driving time. Allow additional time for traffic as well as your airline’s recommended check-in, baggage drop and security requirements.
Brighton to London City Airport by Taxi
A pre-booked private airport taxi is one of the most straightforward ways to travel from Brighton or Hove to London City Airport.
Your driver collects you from your home, hotel, office or another agreed address and takes you directly to the airport.
Unlike travelling by public transport, there is no need to carry luggage between railway stations or change between trains and London transport services.
A private transfer can be particularly useful for:
- Families travelling with children
- Passengers carrying several suitcases
- Groups travelling together
- Business travellers
- Early-morning flights
- Late-night journeys
- Passengers who prefer direct door-to-airport travel
Airport Eagles provides Brighton to London City Airport taxi transfers from £180, with different vehicle options available depending on your passenger and luggage requirements.
Applicable London City Airport drop-off charges are included in your confirmed Airport Eagles fare.
For prices, vehicle options and booking information, see our Brighton to London City Airport Taxi service page.
Brighton to London City Airport by Train
There is no direct Brighton train that takes you straight into the London City Airport terminal.
Travelling by rail therefore involves reaching London and continuing towards the airport using London’s transport network.
The exact route can vary depending on current rail services, connections and engineering work.
When comparing train travel with a private transfer, remember to consider the complete journey rather than just the main train journey.
This includes:
- Getting from your Brighton or Hove address to the station
- Waiting for your train
- Changing services
- Travelling across London
- Reaching London City Airport
- Carrying luggage between connections
- Allowing extra time if a service is delayed
Always check current rail and London transport information before travelling because routes, timetables and engineering works can change.
Travelling Through London with Luggage
Luggage can make a journey involving several transport connections considerably less convenient.
If you are travelling with a small bag, changing between services may not be a major concern.
However, passengers travelling with large suitcases, children or several bags should consider how easily they can move through stations and between services.
A private airport transfer removes those changes because your luggage travels in the vehicle with you from your collection address to the airport.
Driving from Brighton to London City Airport
Driving your own car is another option.
However, you need to consider more than the driving time.
Before travelling, check:
- Airport parking costs
- Parking availability
- Your chosen car park’s location
- How you will reach the terminal from the car park
- London traffic conditions
- Any applicable road charges or restrictions
For longer trips, airport parking can become a significant part of the overall cost, so compare the complete cost of driving and parking rather than fuel alone.
Taxi vs Train: Which Is Better?
There is no single best option for every passenger.
A private airport taxi may be better if:
- You want door-to-airport travel
- You have several bags
- You are travelling as a family or group
- You have an early or late flight
- You want to avoid changing transport in London
- You prefer a pre-arranged collection time
Train and public transport may be better if:
- You are travelling alone with light luggage
- Suitable services operate around your flight time
- You are comfortable changing between transport services
- Public transport provides a better option for your particular journey
Compare the complete door-to-door journey, not simply the headline train fare or driving time.
What Time Should I Leave Brighton for London City Airport?
Work backwards from the time your airline recommends arriving at the airport.
You then need to add sufficient time for the journey from Brighton or Hove to London City Airport.
Consider:
- Day and time of travel
- London traffic
- Your exact pickup location
- Airline check-in requirements
- Baggage drop
- Airport security
- Possible road delays
Traffic conditions can change quickly, particularly when travelling towards London, so allowing additional time is sensible.
Early-Morning Flights from London City Airport
Early flights can make public transport planning more complicated because your preferred connections may not operate at convenient times.
If using public transport, check the actual timetable for the day of travel rather than assuming normal daytime services will be available.
A pre-booked private transfer can be arranged around your required airport arrival time.
Airport Eagles operates 24 hours a day by pre-booking, including early-morning London City Airport journeys.
London City Airport to Brighton
The same travel considerations apply when travelling in the opposite direction.
Passengers arriving at London City Airport can continue to Brighton using public transport or arrange a pre-booked private transfer.
With an Airport Eagles London City Airport to Brighton taxi, you can provide your flight number and arrival details when booking.
We can monitor the available flight information for your collection, and applicable London City Airport pickup or parking charges are included in your confirmed fare.
London City Airport to Brighton private transfers start from £180.
Travelling to London City Airport for Business
London City Airport is particularly convenient for many passengers travelling for business in London and beyond.
For business travellers starting in Brighton or Hove, a private transfer provides direct travel from a home, hotel or office to the airport without changing between public transport services.
Airport Eagles also offers a Business Class vehicle option for passengers looking for a more executive airport-transfer experience.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
The amount of luggage you are carrying can be just as important as the number of passengers.
Airport Eagles offers several vehicle categories for London City Airport transfers:
- Economy Saloon
- Economy Estate
- Business Class
- XL
- XXL
Choose a vehicle suitable for both your passenger numbers and luggage requirements.
If you are unsure which vehicle to select, contact Airport Eagles before booking.
Other Airport Transfers from Brighton
London City Airport is only one of several airports used by passengers travelling from Brighton and Hove.
Airport Eagles also provides pre-booked private transfers to:
Choosing an airport should take into account your destination, airline, flight price and the time and cost involved in reaching the airport from Brighton.
Plan Your Brighton to London City Airport Journey
Whether you choose a taxi, train or your own car, plan the entire journey before travelling.
Check your flight time, required airport arrival time, luggage requirements, transport connections and likely road conditions.
For passengers who prefer direct door-to-airport travel, Airport Eagles provides pre-booked private transfers between Brighton, Hove and London City Airport from £180 each way.
Your Stress Free Journey Starts Here.