One map, pinned from each airport’s published coordinates.
Category scores
Overall is the published weighted sum. A highlighted score is ahead; a tie stays plain.
Ease of use
25% · Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
LCY8.6+1.6
LGW7.0
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
LCY6.8
LGW7.1+0.3
Food & retail
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
LCY6.4
LGW7.2+0.8
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
LCY9.1+0.5
LGW8.6
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
LCY6.3
LGW6.9+0.6
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
LCY4.5
LGW7.4+2.9
Best for
LCY
City / Canary Wharf business day-trips on BA CityFlyer and European regionalsTravelers who value attached DLR over mega-hub shoppingLight-luggage short-haul within LCY’s steep-approach aircraft limitsPriority Pass or LoungeKey dining credits at Soul & Grain or Juniper until 09:LDN Suite opens
LGW
Fast rail to LondoneasyJet and long-haul leisurePaid lounges in both terminals
Watch out for
LCY
No passenger lounge open yet (Aspire 09:LDN Suite targeted early 2027)≤100 ml liquids still enforced despite CT leave-in-bag scannersSaturday afternoon–Sunday morning noise closure — no scheduled flyingPrivate-car drop-off £8 / first 5 min then £1/min, 10 min max (APCOA)
LGW
No airside walkway between North and SouthGatwick Express gateline at Victoria charges the premium fareSingle runway for routine operations until the Northern Runway works are built
LCY · Docklands’ steep-approach city runway: DLR in the building, a tiny single terminal, CT screening that still enforces 100 ml, and no real lounge until Aspire’s 09:LDN Suite in early 2027 — unbeatable for Canary Wharf/City day trips, brittle when noise curfews or weather bite.
LGW · Britain’s second airport: two terminals with no airside link, excellent rail, and CT security that lets 2-litre liquids stay in the bag. Peak mornings still bite.
