London is one of the world's most visited cities, with a history stretching back to Roman times. This city has something for everyone from the imposing Houses of Parliament, and the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower to the London Eye observation wheel, which provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex, and the entire city. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, hire a rowing boat on Hyde Park’s famous Serpentine Lake and walk across Tower Bridge. Discover historic Greenwich and wander through Notting Hill or see the bronze lions and Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square. One thing is for sure, London is not short of attractions, museums and interesting neighbourhoods just waiting for you to explore. Are you ready to go? Then search for cheap flights to London on iFly.
The best time for bargains on flights to London from Australia is May. High season is considered to be January, February and December.
London has five major airports. London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton and London Stansted. The main airports Australians fly into is Gatwick and Heathrow.
Gatwick is the UK's second largest airport and is located south of London. It is the most efficient single-runway airport in the world, serving 200 destinations in 90 countries for 35 million customers a year.
Located 32 kilometres to the west of central London, Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with 190,000 passengers arriving and departing every day. The airport is spread across four terminals, each with shops, restaurants, currency exchange facilities, information counters, accommodation desks and left luggage facilities.
The Gatwick Express is the fastest way into central London, taking 30 minutes to London Victoria Station. Trains run every 15 minutes every day from 5am to 12.30am.
Thameslink offers direct train services from Gatwick Airport to Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras International. They leave 4 times each hour. Southern also offers regular train services during the day from Gatwick to London Victoria via East Croydon and Clapham Junction.
National Express runs frequent services between Gatwick and Victoria Coach Station and takes about one hour and 20 minutes, depending on the route. Some services stop at Hooley, Wallington, Mitcham Junction, Mitcham London Road, Streatham, Stockwell and Pimlico. Buses leave approximately every 30 minutes.
The Heathrow Express train is the fastest way to travel into central London. The journey to London Paddington takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Trains to London leave Heathrow Airport from approximately 5am until 11.55pm.
TfL Rail services (formerly Heathrow Connect) run from London Paddington, stopping at Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Hanwell, Southall, Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Central (Terminals 2, 3, and 4).
For Terminal 5, there's a free train transfer service from Heathrow Central. TfL Rail journey time is about 25 minutes from Paddington to Heathrow Central. You can use pay as you go Oyster, contactless, train ticket or zone 6 travelcard for the fare.
Yes, travelling by Tube to and from Heathrow Airport is cheaper, however it takes longer. The Piccadilly line connects Heathrow Airport to central London and the rest of the Tube system. Tube services leave Heathrow every few minutes from approximately 5.10am to 11.45pm Monday to Saturday and 5.50am to 11.30pm on Sundays.
If you are heading to Piccadilly Circus, the travel time is about 50 minutes. There are three Tube stations at Heathrow Airport, serving Terminals 1-3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5.
There are always Taxis queuing for customers at London's airports. Make sure you use a black cab or reputable minicab and never use unauthorised drivers. The official Gatwick taxi concession is Airport Cars Gatwick. All Heathrow Terminals have an approved taxi desk and authorised taxi rank. Ask the driver for an estimate of how much your journey will cost beforehand.
There are a number of Shuttle companies and private transfer options to choose from and costs will vary. If you want piece of mind when you land then give iFly a call on 1800 156 856 when you've booked your flights online to London and we will organise your shuttle or private transfer for you.
Yes, you can now use London's Oyster Cards and contactless payment options to pay for fares on the Gatwick Express, Southern trains and Thameslink trains between London and Gatwick Airport and the Heathrow Express and Tube. However Travelcards are not valid.
You can buy an Oyster card at the concierge outlets in Gatwick North Terminal or Gatwick South Terminal, once you've cleared customs. At Heathrow Airport exit the airport and follow the signs for the Underground where you will be able to purchase the card from a ticket machine.
The best and most affordable way to explore London is with an Oyster card, as it covers all your transport needs.
It’s also simple, easy to use and activated upon entry at a ticket barrier in the stations. All you need to do is tap in on the circular yellow card reader and tap out again when you finish your journey.
If you buy a London Pass® and travel package, your electronic Oyster Card will be pre-loaded with credit to match your London Pass® duration. The Oyster Card will save you the hassle of buying daily tickets and it saves you money with daily credit limits as you won’t be charged after three journeys.
Travel any time of day, any day of the week around Central London and you'll have access to the following London Transport Networks:
Please note: Children under 11 years of age can travel for free on London Transport with an Adult holding a valid Oyster Card. Children between 11 to 15 years with a 1, 2, 3 and 6 day London Pass + Travel package will receive a Paper Travelcard, not an Oyster Card.
Discover London and the UK at your own pace when you hire a car. There is easy pick up and drop off options at the airport or at some destinations in the city. At iFly we have amazing prices and car options for you to choose, so buckle yourself in with iFly and click here to get a car hire quote.
If you have an Australian passport you have up to 3 months stay in London without a visa. For visa requirements please check with the United Kingdom Embassy in Australia.
Make sure you're covered and have organised your Travel Insurance before you go.
