Best Time to Visit

London is graced with a mild climate and, as such, can be visited at any time of the year. However, a few things need to be considered. Most of the royal palaces and residences, like the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, are only open to the public during the summer months. Many of the city's most important festivals, like the British Summer Time Music Festival, also take place during this time. Late June to mid July is also when some of the best sales are on in shops around the capital. Spring is also a good season for a visit, since the weather is generally good and finding accommodation is both easier and cheaper (high season in London means a lot of tourists). And if you're not too bothered about the grey weather, then the low season (January and February) can be a good option too, when there are fewer tourists and prices are lower.

Passport & Visa

Starting from January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers. Initially, this applies to citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others. From April 2, 2025, this requirement will extend to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, including those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The ETA permits short-term visits of up to six months for tourism. Travellers must apply for the ETA online or via a mobile app before their trip. The process involves providing personal details, passport information, and answering a series of questions. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are processed within three working days, but it's advisable to apply well in advance of travel. However, those travellers planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. It's essential to consult the UK Government's official website to understand the specific requirements and to ensure a smooth journey. Please note that the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK; border officials retain the authority to grant or deny admission upon arrival.

• Web:

  www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

London City Airport (LCY)

Located just 9.5 km east of Central London, London City Airport primarily serves short-haul and business flights. The airport is on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which links directly to the Tube network at Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank, with fares following the same zonal system. Bus routes 473 and 474 connect the airport to other East London destinations, and taxis are available from the rank outside the terminal.

• Address:

  London City Airport, Hartmann Road, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7646 0000

• Subway:

  London City Airport DLR Station

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

London Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-largest airport, has two terminals: North and South. The fastest way into central London is the Gatwick Express, a non-stop train to Victoria Station taking around 30 minutes, with departures every 15 minutes. Other options include Thameslink and Southern train services, which stop at several central London stations, as well as coach services to Victoria and other locations. Taxis are available, but they can be quite pricey depending on traffic.

• Web:

  www.gatwickairport.com

• Address:

  Gatwick Airport, West Sussex

• Phone:

  +44 844 892 0322

• Subway:

  London Gatwick Airport Train Station

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

London Heathrow Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports, with five terminals. There are various ways to travel from Heathrow Airport to your destination. The quickest option is the Heathrow Express, a non-stop train to Paddington Station taking around 15–20 minutes, with services every 15 minutes. For a cheaper option, the Piccadilly line of the Tube links the airport to central London in roughly 45–55 minutes. Coaches and taxis are also available, though journey times can vary with traffic.

• Web:

  www.heathrow.com

• Address:

  Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, Middlesex

• Phone:

  +44 844 335 1801

• Subway:

  London Heathrow Airport Train Station

London Luton Airport (LTN)

London Luton Airport is located about 56km north-west of central London, and is a popular base for low-cost airlines. The easiest way into the city is via a shuttle bus to Luton Airport Parkway station (around 10 minutes), where trains run frequently to central London in roughly 25–35 minutes. Alternatively, express coach services such as easyBus, Green Line 757, and Terravision operate to Victoria Coach Station. Taxis are also available, though fares can be significantly higher depending on traffic.

• Web:

  www.london-luton.co.uk

• Address:

  London Luton Airport, Luton, Bedfordshire

• Phone:

  +44 1582 405 100

• Subway:

  Luton Airport Parkway