Written by the Sydenham Mini Cabs team. Last updated .
Sydenham to London City Airport Taxi Transfers
Sydenham to London City Airport taxi transfers usually head north through Catford and Lewisham to the A2, then join the A102 towards the river. There are two crossings. The Blackwall Tunnel comes out near Poplar, and the newer Silvertown Tunnel, opened in April 2025, surfaces by the Royal Docks, very close to the airport.
From the tunnel the car follows Silvertown Way and North Woolwich Road to Hartmann Road, which leads to the terminal forecourt.
The distance is around 9 miles and the typical journey time is 35 to 55 minutes. Both tunnels carry a user charge at most times, so ask us whether that is in your quote. If the tunnels are slow, the Woolwich Ferry or the Rotherhithe Tunnel are fallback options.
London City Airport Pickups with Meet and Greet
London City Airport pickups with meet and greet are simple because the building is so compact. Your driver waits in the arrivals area with a name board, a few steps from the baggage belts.
Give us the flight number and we will follow its progress. Flights here are often on time, but fog on the river can cause delays, and the driver adjusts.
The airport also closes overnight and for part of the weekend, from Saturday lunchtime until Sunday lunchtime. Evening arrivals are therefore bunched before the late curfew. If you land on one of the last flights, a booked car means you are not competing for the few vehicles left on the rank.
LCY Airport Drop-Off and Pickup
The airport has one terminal with a single forecourt. That keeps things easy for departures and arrivals alike.
Taxi to London City Airport Departures
A taxi to London City Airport departures sets you down at the forecourt outside the terminal doors. Security is on the upper floor and is usually quick. Many regulars aim to arrive about 60 to 75 minutes before take off, though you should follow your airline's advice.
Minicab from LCY Arrivals
A minicab from LCY arrivals needs to be booked in advance, because private hire cannot be hailed. Your driver parks in the short stay car park beside the terminal. From landing to sitting in the car often takes under 20 minutes with hand luggage.
Executive Cars to City Airport
Executive cars to City Airport suit clients, directors and anyone who wants a quieter ride. Tell us you want an executive vehicle when you book and we will quote for it.
Business Travel Cabs to LCY
Business travel cabs to LCY can go on account. Companies can open an account with us and be invoiced weekly, which saves staff from collecting receipts after every trip.
Sydenham to London City Airport Cab Phone Number
The Sydenham to London City Airport cab phone number is 020 8778 8888. The office answers 24 hours a day.
For a morning flight, call the evening before. Give us the pickup address, flight time, passenger count and whether you want a standard or executive car.
Airport Minicab Service Sydenham
Our airport minicab service in Sydenham covers every London airport from one office on Sydenham Road. Drivers start their shifts locally, so an early pickup from Lawrie Park, Sydenham Hill or Bell Green is on home ground.
If your flight goes from further out, see our Sydenham to Heathrow Airport taxi page or the minicab from Sydenham to Gatwick Airport page. For flights from Essex we run Sydenham to Stansted Airport transfers.
Why drive when the DLR exists
A fair question. The DLR stops at the terminal door, but from Sydenham you would first take a train to Canada Water or London Bridge, change to the Jubilee line and change again at Canning Town. With a 7am flight and a laptop bag, two changes are two chances to miss a connection. The car is one seat all the way.
LCY Airport Cars from Sydenham
LCY airport cars from Sydenham are mostly booked for one or two people, though we carry groups as well. The route shares its first few miles with our Sydenham to London Bridge Station taxi journeys, and drivers know the Lewisham stretch well.
Staying overnight near the Royal Docks or the ExCeL centre before you fly? Our hotel transfer taxi service can take you there the evening before. Neighbours in SE23 can book through the Honor Oak taxi page.
Vehicle Types
Four vehicle sizes are available for City Airport runs.
Standard Car
A standard car seats up to four and takes two large cases with hand luggage. It covers most LCY journeys.
Estate
The estate has four seats and extra boot space. Handy for exhibition kit, samples or ski bags in winter.
MPV
An MPV seats six or seven. Teams travelling to the same meeting often book a 6 seater taxi so they can talk on the way.
Minibus Hire (8 Seater Taxi)
Minibus hire provides an 8 seater taxi for larger groups. It works well for conference delegates and families flying out together.
Book London City Airport Cabs in Seconds
To book London City Airport cabs, use the form at the top of this page. Enter your SE26 postcode, choose London City Airport as the drop off, set the date and time and view your quote.
Flying out and back on the same day? Many City travellers do. Book both legs together and we will hold a driver for your evening arrival, tracked against the flight.
You can book a return in the same step. Add the inbound flight number so the driver knows when you are due back.
London City Airport Cab FAQs
How long does it take to get from Sydenham to London City Airport?
Typically 35 to 55 minutes. The approach to the river crossings is the main variable. Outside peak hours the trip is often around 35 minutes.
Which tunnel will the driver use?
Either the Blackwall Tunnel or the Silvertown Tunnel. The Silvertown Tunnel comes out closer to the airport, so it is often the first choice. Drivers check both before reaching the A102.
Is there a charge for the tunnels?
Yes. Both the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels have a user charge at most times of day. Ask whether this is included when we quote your fare.
How many terminals does London City Airport have?
One. Departures and arrivals share a single small building, which is why the airport is quick to get through.
Can my company pay on account?
Yes. We offer business accounts with weekly invoicing. Call the office to set one up before your first journey.
How early should I leave Sydenham for a flight from LCY?
For most flights, leaving about two hours before departure gives a comfortable margin. In the morning peak, add another 20 to 30 minutes for the tunnel approach.
Can I hail a minicab outside the terminal?
No. Private hire cars must be booked in advance. Book your return with us before you fly and the driver will be waiting when you land.