This is the one part of south-east London with a genuine direct rail link to an airport, and it is worth being straight about that before anything else.
Abbey Wood is the eastern terminus of the Elizabeth line, and the Elizabeth line runs to Heathrow. No changes. One train, Abbey Wood to Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, 4 or 5. Woolwich has an Elizabeth line station too, one stop along. If you are a solo traveller with a cabin bag flying from Heathrow at a civilised hour, that train is a very good option and we would not pretend otherwise.
What follows is where it stops being the obvious answer — and the rest of the picture for Woolwich, Plumstead, Shooter's Hill, Thamesmead, Abbey Wood and West Heath, across SE18, SE2 and SE28. Fares on our site are estimates confirmed when we accept your booking.
Where the Elizabeth line stops helping
- It only goes to Heathrow. For Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Southend or even London City — which is about three miles away — it does nothing useful.
- It is a long ride. Abbey Wood to Heathrow is the full length of the line, well over an hour and a half, and that is before you have got to Abbey Wood.
- Early flights. First services do not cover a 4am departure. For a pre-dawn flight the train is simply not running when you need it.
- Luggage and groups. Two people with checked bags, or a family, and the door-to-door maths changes quickly — both on hassle and often on cost. Our Elizabeth line versus a car to Heathrow comparison goes through this properly.
- Getting to Abbey Wood in the first place. If you are in Thamesmead, Plumstead or Shooter's Hill, the station is a bus ride away with your cases.
Thamesmead has almost no rail at all
Thamesmead is one of the most poorly connected large residential areas in London. It has no railway station of its own — it is buses, or a walk or bus to Abbey Wood or Plumstead. For a big chunk of SE28 an airport journey by public transport means a bus, a train, and then at least one more change.
That is why pre-booked cars matter here in a way they simply do not in zone 2. It is not a convenience choice, it is often the only practical way to move a family and their luggage at 4am.
Roads and crossings
- The A206 (Woolwich Road / Plumstead Road) is the spine running east–west along the river, and it carries everything.
- The A2016 Eastern Way is the fast route east through Thamesmead towards Erith and the Dartford Crossing.
- Shooter's Hill (the A207) is genuinely steep — the highest point in this part of London — and the climb matters in ice or snow. Our winter weather airport transfers guide is relevant here in a way it is not for flat neighbourhoods.
- The Woolwich Ferry is free but slow, and rarely the right choice when you have a flight to catch.
- The Dartford Crossing is the eastern option for anything heading north or to Essex. A Dart Charge applies and, if you are driving yourself, it must be paid by midnight the day after you cross or a penalty follows. On a booked transfer it is accounted for in your fare.
Airport by airport
London City — around 3 miles from Woolwich as the crow flies, but you need a crossing, so realistically 6 to 8 miles via Silvertown or Blackwall. Still the closest airport by a wide margin, and a genuinely short transfer.
Southend — around 33 miles, either east on the A2016 over the Dartford Crossing and onto the A13, or north through the tunnels and east. One of the shortest Southend runs available from London.
Stansted — around 33 miles, north via the tunnels and the M11, or the Dartford Crossing and the M25 anticlockwise.
Gatwick — around 33 miles south-west, usually out on the A2 to the M25 and round to the M23.
Heathrow — the long one, around 30 miles west. Either through the tunnels and round the north on the M25, or across London.
Luton — around 42 miles north, and the longest run from SE18. Book well ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I get to Heathrow from Abbey Wood without changing? A: Yes. Abbey Wood is the eastern terminus of the Elizabeth line and it runs directly to all Heathrow terminals with no interchange. It is a long journey — well over an hour and a half — but it is direct.
Q: Does the Elizabeth line go to Gatwick or Stansted from Abbey Wood? A: No. The Elizabeth line only serves Heathrow. For Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Southend or London City it is of no help, which is why most airport journeys from SE2 and SE28 are made by road.
Q: Is there a train station in Thamesmead? A: No. Thamesmead has no railway station of its own and relies on buses to Abbey Wood or Plumstead. It is one of the least rail-connected large residential areas in London.
Q: Which airport is closest to Woolwich? A: London City, at around three miles across the river — realistically six to eight miles by road once you factor in the Silvertown or Blackwall crossing. It is much closer than any other airport.
Q: Do I pay the Dartford Crossing charge on a booked airport transfer? A: Not separately. The Dart Charge is accounted for in your quoted fare. If you are driving yourself, you must pay it by midnight the day after you cross or you will receive a penalty notice.
Q: Is Shooter's Hill a problem in winter? A: It can be. Shooter's Hill is the highest point in this part of London and the climb is steep, so ice and snow affect it more than the flatter riverside roads. Allow extra time in freezing conditions.
Q: Should I take the Elizabeth line or book a car to Heathrow from Abbey Wood? A: If you are travelling alone with a cabin bag at a reasonable hour, the train is a strong option. A car makes more sense for an early flight before services start, for two or more people with checked bags, or if you are coming from Thamesmead or Plumstead and would need a bus to reach Abbey Wood first.
Q: How far is Woolwich from Southend Airport? A: Around 33 miles, via the A2016 and Dartford Crossing onto the A13, or north through the tunnels. It is one of the shorter runs to Southend from anywhere in London.
Get an estimated fare for your transfer from Woolwich, Plumstead, Thamesmead, Abbey Wood or West Heath.