If you live in Greenwich, Blackheath, Charlton or Kidbrooke (SE10, SE3 and SE7), the nearest airport isn't Heathrow or Gatwick. London City is under four miles away, just across the river in the Royal Docks. The next closest by road is Heathrow, but it is also the slowest to reach. This guide compares all six London airports from here, explains how the river crossings shape each journey, and covers the local pickup quirks.
Distance and drive time to each airport
Measured by road from the centre of Greenwich (SE10) with LocationIQ, the routing our booking form uses, in October 2026. Times are for clear roads; peak traffic, roadworks and closures add to them. Blackheath, Charlton and Kidbrooke are within a mile or two of these figures.
| Airport | Road distance | Clear-road time | Usual route |
|---|---|---|---|
| London City | 4 miles | 15 minutes | Under the river by tunnel |
| Heathrow | 24 miles | 1 hour | A2, then across London and out on the A4 and M4 |
| Stansted | 35 miles | 50 minutes | Blackwall Tunnel (A102), A12, M11 |
| Southend | 40 miles | 55 minutes | Dartford Crossing (A282), A13, A127 |
| Gatwick | 42 miles | 55 minutes | A20 to the M25, then the M23 |
| Luton | 54 miles | 1 hour 10 minutes | Blackwall Tunnel, A12, M11, M25, M1 |
Two things stand out. Heathrow is the shortest of the big four by distance but the slowest, because the route has to cross central London. Gatwick is further by road than the map suggests, because the quickest route goes out to the M25 rather than through Lewisham and Croydon. In heavy traffic the direct route through Croydon can be the better choice, which a driver will judge on the day.
The river crossings
Any journey north of the river, to London City, Stansted or Luton, uses a tunnel.
- The Blackwall Tunnel (A102) is the main route. The northbound bore has a 4 metre height limit and a tight bend. Closures caused by vehicles that are too tall are among the most common reasons it stops.
- The Silvertown Tunnel opened alongside it in April 2025. It is the direct link from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks and London City Airport.
- Both tunnels are charged by TfL, with the charge depending on the time of day, the direction and the vehicle. Check TfL's tunnel pages for the current charges, and ask when you book whether your quote includes the crossing.
- The Woolwich Ferry is free but slow and further east. It's rarely the right choice for a flight.
Local pickup tips
- Greenwich town centre is tight, one-way in places and very busy with visitors at weekends. Around the Cutty Sark, the Old Royal Naval College and the market there is almost nowhere to stop. Agree a meeting point on a nearby residential street.
- Blackheath village has limited stopping around the station and the shops, and most of the roads across the heath have none.
- Maze Hill station is on a residential street between Greenwich and Westcombe Park. Give your house number rather than the station.
- Kidbrooke Village is a large development built in phases, with internal roads and several entrances. Give the building and phase name; the postcode alone won't place you.
- Charlton is straightforward, except on match days at The Valley, when roads near the ground close and the A206 slows. Check the fixture list if you're flying on a Saturday.
Prices from your area
Journeys from SE10, SE3 and SE7 to Heathrow and Gatwick are on our fixed price list. See the prices by vehicle and direction on the pages for Greenwich, Blackheath and Charlton. London City, Stansted, Southend and Luton are priced by distance; enter your journey for an estimated fare.
Cruise passengers at Greenwich's Thames moorings often combine a sailing with a flight; our London cruise port transfers guide covers those arrangements. Further east, our guide to Woolwich, Plumstead and Thamesmead covers the Elizabeth line at Abbey Wood.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Which airport is closest to Greenwich? A: London City Airport, about 4 miles away by road through the Silvertown or Blackwall tunnel, or around 15 minutes in clear traffic.
Q: How long does it take to get from Greenwich to Heathrow? A: About an hour in clear traffic for the 24-mile drive, because the route crosses central London. At busy times it can take much longer, so allow plenty of time.
Q: How far is Gatwick from Greenwich? A: About 42 miles by the usual route out to the M25 and down the M23, around 55 minutes with clear roads. The route through Lewisham and Croydon is shorter on the map but often slower.
Q: Are the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels charged? A: Yes. TfL charges for both, and the amount depends on the time of day, the direction and the vehicle. Ask when you book whether your quote includes the crossing.
Q: Where can a driver collect me in Greenwich town centre? A: Not near the Cutty Sark, the market or the Old Royal Naval College, where there is almost nowhere to stop, especially at weekends. Agree a meeting point on a nearby residential street.
Q: How do I give my address in Kidbrooke Village? A: Put the building and the development phase in your booking notes. The development has several entrances off internal roads that the postcode alone won't tell apart.
Q: Is Southend Airport a realistic option from Greenwich? A: Yes. It's about 40 miles via the Dartford Crossing and the A13, around 55 minutes with clear roads, which is about the same as Gatwick.