The EC postcodes cover the City of London and its fringes: Clerkenwell and Farringdon (EC1), Moorgate, Liverpool Street and the edge of Shoreditch (EC2), Aldgate, Tower Hill and Fenchurch Street (EC3), and St Paul's, Fleet Street and Blackfriars (EC4). It's one of the best-connected parts of London by rail. For an airport run, it's also one of the most awkward places to be picked up by car on a weekday.
This guide covers the journey to and from each London airport, the pickup problems specific to the City, and which vehicle to book.
Getting picked up in the City
The City's streets were not designed for cars, and recent changes have made them less so. Things to know before you book:
- Bank junction is restricted to buses and cycles on weekdays during the day. A driver can't take you through it, so a pickup "at Bank" really means a nearby street.
- Office buildings have several entrances. Give the building name and the street the entrance is on. Many towers have a main entrance on a pedestrian square that a car can't reach.
- Weekday vs weekend. On weekdays the City is congested from early morning. At weekends it's often very quiet, and journeys out can be noticeably quicker. Occasional events, such as the Lord Mayor's Show, close large parts of it altogether.
- The Congestion Charge. All of EC1–EC4 is inside the central London Congestion Charge zone. Our Congestion Charge and ULEZ guide explains how it applies to private hire. Check what's included when we confirm your price.
The simplest approach is to name a side street a car can stop in, near your door, and add it to the booking notes.
Airport by airport from EC1–EC4
Journey times below are typical and vary with traffic. Weekday rush hours are the slowest.
London City Airport
The closest airport to the City, around 6 to 8 miles east via the A13 or the Limehouse Link. Off-peak, it's often under half an hour by car. The DLR runs from Bank to the airport, which makes sense with light luggage. With cases, or for an early flight before the trains are busy, a car to the terminal is simpler. See our London City Airport guide.
Heathrow
Around 17 to 20 miles west via the A4 and M4. The Elizabeth line runs to Heathrow from Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Moorgate, so if you're travelling light near one of those stations, the train is a real alternative. A car makes more sense with heavy luggage, a group, or a flight early enough that you'd be on the first trains. The Elizabeth line vs minicab comparison does the maths per person.
Gatwick
Around 28 to 30 miles south. Thameslink runs directly to Gatwick from Farringdon, City Thameslink and Blackfriars, all in the EC area. By road, the route crosses the river and heads down the A23 or out to the M25, and it's the most traffic-sensitive of the London airport runs. Allow generous time on weekdays.
Stansted
Around 35 miles north-east via the A12 or A10 and the M11. Liverpool Street is the Stansted Express terminus, so EC2 residents and workers are well placed for the train. With a group, a car often works out at a similar total cost to several train tickets. Our Stansted guide covers the terminal end.
Luton
Around 32 to 35 miles north via the A1 and M1. Thameslink runs from Farringdon and the City stations to Luton Airport Parkway, with a shuttle to the terminal. A car door to door avoids the change. See the Luton Airport guide.
Southend
Around 40 miles east via the A13 and A127. It's the furthest of the six, but the trains from Liverpool Street make it a common choice for EC-based travellers. Our Southend Airport guide has the drop-off details.
Coming home: from the airport to EC1–EC4
For an arrival, give us your flight number, not just your landing time. The pickup then follows your flight if it's early or late. Our meet and greet guide explains how arrivals pickups are timed. For the City end, give the street a car can stop in, not just the building name. Late on a weekday evening the City empties quickly, so check that your building's entrance is still open or arrange the drop-off at the side that is.
Which vehicle to book
All of these are available for EC airport transfers:
- Saloon: up to 4 passengers with around 2 large cases. Fine for a business trip with cabin bags.
- Estate: 4 passengers and space for around 4 cases. The usual choice for a couple or family going on holiday.
- MPV or people carrier: 6 or 7 seats. Ideal for a family of five or six with holiday luggage.
- Minibus: 8 passengers and their luggage. Useful for a team going to a conference or a group trip.
Full seat and luggage numbers are on the fleet page. If you're between two sizes, choose the bigger one. Airport luggage is almost always bulkier than people expect.
Booking an EC airport transfer
Enter your EC address and airport on the booking page for an estimated fare. EC postcodes are priced on the actual route, so you'll see an estimate, and we confirm the final price when we accept your booking. We run airport transfers 24 hours a day, and you can also reach us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the nearest airport to the City of London? A: London City Airport, around 6 to 8 miles east of the EC postcodes. Off-peak, the drive often takes under half an hour.
Q: How long does a minicab from the City of London to Heathrow take? A: Usually 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter, depending on traffic. Weekday rush hours are the slowest, and early-morning and weekend journeys are typically quicker.
Q: Can a minicab pick me up at Bank station? A: Not at Bank junction itself, which is restricted to buses and cycles on weekdays during the day. Name a nearby street a car can stop in.
Q: Is the City of London inside the Congestion Charge zone? A: Yes. All of EC1 to EC4 is inside the central London Congestion Charge zone. Check what's included when we confirm your price.
Q: Which vehicle should I book for a family airport transfer from EC1? A: For four people with holiday luggage, an estate. For five or six, an MPV or people carrier. For up to eight, a minibus.
Q: Can I book an airport transfer from the City for an early-morning flight? A: Yes. We run airport transfers 24 hours a day. Book in advance for pickups before 6am.