The Skyscanner Guide to Visiting London
Big Ben. Buckingham Palace. The London Eye. There’s so much to see and do in London. Here, you can see some of the world’s most iconic attractions in the morning, duck into celebrated a West End show in the afternoon, and dine in trendy enclaves like Soho come the evening. But with so much on offer, where do you start?
Flying to London
Heathrow Airport
Gatwick Airport
Air India
Flights to Heathrow and Gatwick
Virgin Atlantic
Flights to Heathrow
British Airways
Flights to Heathrow
Gulf Air
Flights to Heathrow
Most flights from India to London fly into London Heathrow Airport, although Air India are operating some flights into London Gatwick. Whether you’re flying from New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad or Chennai view the available routes below from airlines including Air India, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Gulf Air.
Visas & travel insurance requirements
There’s no visa on arrival when you land in the UK from India. Before you travel, you must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa issued by the UK Government.
The good news is that you can stay in the UK for up to 180 days once it’s approved. You’ll be covered for multiple trips into the UK for this time or you can stay for the full six months. With a Standard Visitor Visa, you can travel for tourism, visit family and friends and even volunteer with a charity for up to 30 days.
To enter the UK, you’ll need a valid passport (that’s valid for the whole of your stay). You must also show that:
- You’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit.
- You have the funds to support yourself and your family during the trip.
- You can pay for your return or onward journey.
- You won’t live in the UK for extended periods with frequent trips.
A six-month visa costs 10,120IR – simply apply online at the Government website. The earliest you can apply is three months before the date of your trip.
Insider tip:
You don’t need travel insurance to fly to London, but it always makes sense. Good travel insurance will cover you for medical expenses, cancelled flights, loss or theft of valuables and much more. It’s always worth shopping around online for a good deal.
Getting into London from the major airports
When you fly from India to London, you’ll land at either London Heathrow or London Gatwick. Most flights come into Heathrow, unless you’re on one of the new Air India routes into Gatwick.
London Heathrow
YOUR MOST LIKELY ARRIVAL DESTINATION
Step off the plane onto British soil. Wow that feels good. Now you just need to get into London. Don’t panic, you have plenty of travel options waiting for you.
Heathrow Express
Jump on the Heathrow Express at London Heathrow and you’ll get to Paddington Station in just 15 minutes – trains leave every 15 minutes too. Tickets are just 556IR if you book them in advance. The main Heathrow Express station is Heathrow Central – you can walk from Terminal 2 and 3, and you’ll need to jump on a shuttle bus from Terminal 4. Terminal 5 has its own station – the journey is six minutes longer.
Once at Paddington, hop on the tube (Circle & District, Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City, Elizabeth Lines) for travel within central London.
The Tube
The Piccadilly Line runs direct from Heathrow Airport, with stations at Terminals 2/3, 4 and 5. Prices start from around 556IR – you can use your Visitor Oyster Card. Be prepared for a journey of around 45 minutes into central London.
The Tube
The Piccadilly Line runs direct from Heathrow Airport, with stations at Terminals 2/3, 4 and 5. Prices start from around 556IR – you can use your Visitor Oyster Card. Be prepared for a journey of around 45 minutes into central London.
Coaches
With a cost of around 1012IR, coach journeys from Heathrow go direct into Victoria Coach Station. You’ll find coaches outside Terminal 4, 5 and Heathrow Central bus Station – a short walk from Terminals 2 and 3.
Insider tip:
UK airports often restrict Uber access to a dedicated pick up point. It’s usually a walk from the Terminal (not always convenient with luggage). The Uber pickup point at Heathrow is the Heathrow Authorised Vehicle Area (AVA), located on the Northern Perimeter Road (TW6 2RL).
Elizabeth Line
London’s newest rail line, opened to celebrate Queen Elizabeth, runs direct into central London in under 45 minutes. Trains run every half an hour, with tickets costing 1295IR if your journey takes you into Zone 1. It serves Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Taxis
Hail a black cab from outside any of the terminals at Heathrow for an easy journey right to your hotel’s door. Or pre-book a taxi before you land. Just be aware that taxis can be expensive – you could pay between 4554IR and 7084IR. The journey will also take you one hour.
London Gatwick
AIR INDIA ARRIVALS
You’re on UK soil! But Gatwick is much further out than you might expect. You have a few options to get into central London.
Taxis
When you land, head to Gatwick Airport train station at the South Terminal – just a short walk from arrivals. There’s a free shuttle bus from the North Terminal too. Trains include:
- Gatwick Express: Hop on the Gatwick Express for the 34 minute journey to London Victoria station. Trains leave every 30 minutes. Use your Visitor Oyster Card to pay onboard or pre-book in advance.
- Thameslink: Trains run from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria, London Bridge, London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras International. They leave several times an hour.
- You’ll also find regular train services from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria via East Croydon and Clapham Junction.
Insider tip:
Use contactless payment or your Visitor Oyster Card to pay for your tickets on the train. Don’t queue up for the ticket machines with your luggage.
Coach
National Express coaches leave both terminals at Gatwick every hour. Be prepared for a long journey – you’ll be on the coach for between one and a half and two hours into Victoria Coach Station.
Taxi
Taxis from Gatwick take around one hour to whisk you to central London. It’s a convenient choice, but may cost you around 8096IR.
Where to stay: pick from the top spots in London
London is packed full of unique areas and vibrant locations.
Location Covent Garden: A stay on the cobbles
The perfect location for your first stay in London. The cobbles of Covent Garden are centrally located. There are great restaurants dotted everywhere – check out the Ivy. The shopping is fantastic (we love Covent Garden Market) and the pubs are great too. Spend an evening of culture at the Royal Opera House or head to one of the many theatres close by in the West End. Or spend your days simply strolling to local attractions including the National Gallery, Leicester Square, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.
You’re covered for both budget and mid-range hotels in Covent Garden. To push the boat out for a little luxury, there’s the boutique Henrietta Hotel. Nearby you’ll find the Savoy and 5-star Rosewood Hotel.
Location Canary Wharf: Heart of the Docklands
Head to London’s Docklands with a stay in Canary Wharf – perfect for exploring the city’s business district and just a short hop from the likes of Tower Bridge and London Bridge. To stay in Canary Wharf, expect chain hotels that cater to business travellers – think Ibis – as well as higher end options like Hilton.
Location Camden Town: Rock and Roll
One of the most vibrant places to base yourself in London. Camden Town is famous for the sprawling Camden Market, and its independent restaurant, bar and music scene. It’s seriously cool. You can also walk to Regent’s Park and London Zoo. Budget accommodation options are everywhere, whilst a little luxury can be found at Melia White House.
Location Soho: Old school London
The packed streets of Soho bustle with activity day and night. A stay in Soho will drop you right at the heart of London’s West End. Take in a show, stroll to China Town, shop in nearby Covent Garden or catch a flick at Leicester Square. With a seedy past, Soho has cleaned up its image, but you’ll still find classic spots like Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club – it’s been going since 1959. A stay at The Resident Hotel is a good option.
Location Notting Hill: Dreamy and colourful
Just like in the movies! Marvel at the colourful houses, head to Portobello Road Market, check out the art at the Graffik Gallery or simply while away the hours at one of the area’s chic cafes. A stay in Notting Hill will have you feeling like a West London local, and a little away from the main tourist areas.
Rest your head in a boutique hotel like the Portobello Hotel, the Lost Poet or the Princess Hotel.
Location Mayfair: Glitz and glam
Now this is London from the fairytales. Stay in Mayfair for real London glitz and glam. Head to the Royal Academy of Arts or Grosvenor Square. Walk to and around Hyde Park, shop at Bond Street and pick up some art at the Halcyon Gallery. A stay in Mayfair calls for one place – The Ritz. We said it was glitzy!
Location Greenwich: Green and out of town
Head south out of central London and over the river for a relaxed and quiet stay in Greenwich. Ideal for history lovers, you’ll find the Cutty Sark, Maritime Museum and Greenwich Observatory. A trip on the IFS Cloud Cable Car is well worth it, and you’re super close to the O2 arena. You’re also just eight minutes from the Shard by train.
Hotels in Greenwich cover all options from budget to mid-range and luxury. If you’re in Greenwich for a night at the O2, the InterContinental will have you covered.
Location Shoreditch: Cool and trendy
One of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Shoreditch is vibrant and cool. Enjoy a night out at one of the many bars around Hoxton Square. Go underground with a club night at Village Underground or just wander around the streets to check out the colourful street art. Old Spitalfields Market is one not to be missed.
Options to lay your head in Shoreditch include quirky, boutique and party hotels. Shoreditch House covers you for the latter, and we love Hoxton Shoreditch.
Location Knightsbridge: Grand and glamorous
A classy stay awaits in Knightsbridge. There are grand Victorian buildings and leafy garden squares. And of course Harrods. After hours spent shopping, stretch your legs in Hyde Park or spend some time in the Victoria & Albert Museum or the Natural History Museum.
If you’re staying in Knightsbridge, there’s the opportunity to go all out on your hotel. The Berkley Hotel has all the 5-star luxury you’d expect.
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London prices: spending your pounds
London is known for being expensive, but just like any city you can stretch your money if you know where to go, and where not to. You’ll find any hotels, restaurants and bars in places like Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden will charge a premium.
But there are plenty of options even in these central areas where you don’t have to empty out your bank account for a meal. Check out some chain restaurants, or some mid-range hotels if you’re looking to save, and keep aside more of your holiday budget for fun stuff, like West End shows or a bang-up meal. That said: whether you’re visiting London for 48-hours, a week or longer, check out the average costs and budget accordingly:
- Street food snack 800IR
- Cup of coffee 350IR
- Litre of petrol 160IR
- Meal for two in a fancy restaurant 15,500IR
- Night in a hostel 2,760IR
Your visa’s sorted. You’ve planned your journey and booked your hotel. Now, let’s organise your trip. Discover what to do in London in 48-hours, how to get around and the best ways to see London from the sky. And if you’re a big cricket buff, we even have a guide on where the best cricket grounds in the UK are.
Thinking of travelling to London? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
