People in north-east London often book flights from Heathrow or Gatwick by habit, then spend more time getting to the airport than they do in the air. From E5, E8, E9, E10, E11, E17 and N16, two airports are usually far easier to reach: Stansted and London City. This guide explains which airport suits which postcode, what the rail options actually involve, and when a car is the better choice.
If you already know your airport and just want a price, go straight to the area pages for Hackney, Homerton and Hackney Wick, Walthamstow, Leyton or Leytonstone.
The short version, by postcode
| Area | Usually easiest | Good second choice | Hardest | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Walthamstow (E17) | Stansted | London City | Gatwick | | Leyton, Leytonstone (E10, E11) | London City | Stansted | Gatwick | | Hackney, Homerton, Hackney Wick (E8, E9) | London City | Stansted | Gatwick | | Clapton (E5) | Stansted | London City | Gatwick | | Stoke Newington, Dalston (N16, E8) | Stansted | Luton or London City | Gatwick |
"Easiest" means the shortest and most predictable journey, not necessarily the cheapest flight. If the flight you want only goes from Heathrow or Gatwick, the extra cost of getting there is part of the real price of that ticket. It's worth checking before you book.
Why Stansted works so well from here
Stansted is north-east of London, so the M11 starts almost on your doorstep. From E17 or E5, the North Circular or the A10 gets you onto it without crossing central London.
There's also a train option many people miss. The Stansted Express stops at Tottenham Hale, not only at Liverpool Street. Tottenham Hale is two stops from Walthamstow Central on the Victoria line, so from E17 with light luggage, the train can be very convenient. From Hackney or Leyton, reaching Tottenham Hale or Liverpool Street means a change first.
A car makes more sense for an early flight, a family with cases, or a group, where several train tickets add up. Our Stansted guide covers the terminal end.
Why London City works so well from here
London City Airport is in the Royal Docks, a short drive south-east from Leyton, Leytonstone, Hackney Wick and Homerton. Of all the London airports, it's the one where an off-peak car journey from these postcodes is shortest.
By public transport, it's the DLR, usually with a change, after first getting to Stratford. With a suitcase and an early check-in, that's a lot of steps for a short distance. The London City guide has the terminal details. City mostly handles short-haul and business routes, so check your destination is served.
The Tube problem in Hackney
Most of Hackney has no Underground station. Local rail is the Overground, from stations such as Hackney Central, Hackney Downs, Dalston Junction, Dalston Kingsland, Clapton and Stoke Newington. Manor House, on the Piccadilly line, is the nearest Tube for the north of the area. The Piccadilly line does go to Heathrow, but it's a long ride with luggage after first getting to the station.
Walthamstow Central (Victoria line) and Leyton and Leytonstone (Central line) do have the Tube, but neither line goes to an airport. Whichever way you go, the train from north-east London to any airport involves at least one change with your bags.
Heathrow, Luton and Gatwick from north-east London
- Heathrow is a long cross-London run, usually via the North Circular and the M4, or through the centre at quiet times. Allow plenty of time, and check your terminal with which Heathrow terminal do I need.
- Luton is north-west via the North Circular and the M1. It's a reasonable option from N16 and the north of Hackney.
- Gatwick is the hardest from everywhere in this guide, because the route either goes across London or round the M25. If you're flying from Gatwick, allow a generous margin.
Local pickup tips
- Kingsland Road, Mare Street, Hoe Street and Lea Bridge Road have bus lanes and stopping restrictions. Your driver may ask to meet you on a side street.
- Low-traffic neighbourhoods in Hackney and Waltham Forest close many residential streets to through traffic. The driver's route may look indirect, but it's the legal way to reach your door.
- New-build blocks in Hackney Wick, Homerton and Dalston often have several entrances. Give the block name and the entrance.
- The North Circular and the A12 are the main routes out. Both are slow at peak times, so add extra time for a weekday morning flight.
Early flights and groups
Most first-wave departures from Stansted leave before the trains are much use. Book the night before for a pre-dawn pickup. Our early-morning airport guide explains the timing. For five or more people, a people carrier, MPV or minibus usually costs less than two cars. See our 6, 7 or 8 seats guide.
Booking
Enter your address and airport on the booking page for an estimated fare. We confirm the final price when we accept your booking, and we run 24 hours a day.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Which airport is closest to Walthamstow? A: Stansted is the easiest of the large airports from E17, via the North Circular and the M11. London City is also a short drive.
Q: Does the Stansted Express stop near Walthamstow? A: Yes. It stops at Tottenham Hale, two stops from Walthamstow Central on the Victoria line, as well as at Liverpool Street.
Q: Is there a Tube station in Hackney? A: Most of Hackney has no Underground station. Local rail is the Overground, and the nearest Tube for the north of the area is Manor House on the Piccadilly line.
Q: Which airport is closest to Leyton and Leytonstone? A: London City Airport, a short drive south-east in the Royal Docks. Stansted is the best option for a wider choice of flights.
Q: Is it worth flying from Gatwick if I live in Hackney? A: Only if the flight is much better. Gatwick is the hardest London airport to reach from north-east London, so include the extra travel time and cost when comparing.
Q: Why does my driver take an indirect route in Hackney or Walthamstow? A: Low-traffic neighbourhoods close many residential streets to through traffic, so the legal route to your door can differ from a map's first suggestion.