WC1 and WC2 are central London's hotel, theatre and university district: Bloomsbury, Holborn, Russell Square and the edge of King's Cross in WC1, and Covent Garden, the Strand, Aldwych and Leicester Square in WC2. A lot of people start or end an airport journey here, especially hotel guests and visitors. It's also full of pedestrianised streets that a car can't get into.
This guide covers the routes to each London airport, the pickup points that work, and which vehicle to book.
Pickup points that actually work
The most common problem with a WC airport pickup is a car that can't reach the address. Before you book:
- Covent Garden Piazza and much of the surrounding area are pedestrianised. Name a street a car can reach, such as one on the edge of the piazza, and add it to the notes.
- The Strand at Aldwych has been partly pedestrianised. A pickup "on the Strand" needs a specific point.
- Leicester Square is pedestrianised. Charing Cross Road or a nearby side street works better.
- Hotels often have a set-down point on a side street or at the back of the building. Ask reception, or give the hotel name and we'll use its set-down point.
- Bloomsbury squares are easy for cars, but one-way systems mean the driver may approach from an unexpected direction. Wait inside until the driver confirms they've arrived.
The whole of WC1 and WC2 is inside the central London Congestion Charge zone. Our Congestion Charge and ULEZ guide explains how this works for private hire. Check what's included when we confirm your price.
Airport by airport from WC1 and WC2
Journey times are typical and vary with traffic.
Heathrow
Around 15 to 17 miles west via the A4 and M4, usually 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter by car. The Piccadilly line runs to Heathrow from Holborn, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Russell Square and King's Cross, and the Elizabeth line from Tottenham Court Road. With light luggage that's hard to beat on price. With cases, children or an early flight, a car avoids carrying luggage through stations. See our Heathrow guide.
Gatwick
Around 28 miles south. Thameslink from St Pancras and Farringdon, or the Gatwick Express from Victoria, are the train options. By road, allow plenty of time on weekdays. The route through south London is the most traffic-sensitive of all the airport runs.
London City Airport
Around 8 to 9 miles east through the City and Docklands. On a weekday, the City traffic can make this slower than its distance suggests. See the London City Airport guide.
Stansted
Around 35 to 40 miles north-east via the M11. The Stansted Express goes from Liverpool Street, which is a cross-town trip from most of WC1 and WC2. That's one reason a car is popular from here, especially with luggage.
Luton
Around 32 miles north via the A1 and M1. From WC1, Thameslink from St Pancras to Luton Airport Parkway is close by. From WC2, a car door to door avoids the trip to the station and the shuttle at the other end.
Southend
Around 42 miles east via the A13 and A127. It's the longest run, but some airlines fly from here only. Our Southend Airport guide has the details.
Hotel guests and visitors
If you're staying at a hotel in WC1 or WC2:
- Book the airport car for the time you want to leave the hotel, working backwards from your airline's bag-drop deadline. Our how early to arrive at the airport guide shows how.
- Give the hotel name and its set-down street.
- If you're arriving, book with your flight number. The driver tracks it and adjusts the pickup if the flight is early or late. With meet and greet, the driver meets you in arrivals with a name board.
Which vehicle to book
All of these are available for WC airport transfers:
- Saloon: up to 4 passengers with around 2 large cases.
- Estate: 4 passengers with room for around 4 cases. Usually the right car for a holiday.
- MPV or people carrier: 6 or 7 seats, for families and small groups.
- Minibus: up to 8 passengers with luggage, for groups and university or business parties.
The fleet page has full seat and luggage numbers for each, and the luggage guide helps if you're unsure.
Booking a WC airport transfer
Enter your address in WC1 or WC2 and your airport on the booking page for an estimated fare, priced on the actual route. We confirm the final price when we accept your booking. Airport transfers run 24 hours a day, and you can also message us on WhatsApp. If you're starting in the City instead, see our EC1–EC4 airport transfer guide.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can a minicab pick me up in Covent Garden? A: Yes, but not inside the pedestrianised piazza. Name a nearby street a car can reach, or your hotel's set-down point.
Q: How long is a minicab from Holborn to Heathrow? A: Usually 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter, depending on traffic. Early mornings and weekends are typically quicker.
Q: Is the Piccadilly line or a minicab better from Covent Garden to Heathrow? A: The Piccadilly line is cheaper for one person with light luggage. A minicab is usually better with heavy luggage, children, a group or an early flight.
Q: Which car should I book for six people going to Gatwick from WC1? A: An MPV or people carrier seats six or seven. With a lot of luggage, consider a minibus.
Q: Do you collect from hotels in WC2 at night? A: Yes. Airport transfers run 24 hours a day. Book ahead for very early pickups.