London Private Aviation Airports Guide
Complete ground transfer, FBO facilities, and chauffeur service guide for private jet travel 2026
Complete ground transfer, FBO facilities, and chauffeur service guide for private jet travel 2026
London has more private aviation airports than almost any other European city. Understanding each facility and its ground transportation options helps you choose the best option for your flight, location, and timeline.
This guide covers: Farnborough Airport, London Biggin Hill, London Luton, London Stansted, and London City Airport — the five major private aviation facilities serving London.
| Airport | Distance to Central London | Transfer Time (By Car) | Operating Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Biggin Hill | 15 miles SE | 25-40 min | 06:30-22:00 (Mon-Fri) 09:00-20:00 (Weekends) |
Closest private airport; quick access to City/Canary Wharf |
| London City | 6-7 miles E | 20-30 min | 24/7 | Closest to Central London; commercial/private mix |
| Farnborough | 35-40 miles SW | 60-90 min | 24/7 | Premier private facility; largest aircraft |
| London Luton | 30-35 miles N | 50-75 min | 24/7 | Large aircraft; 24-hour operations |
| London Stansted | 38-42 miles NE | 60-90 min | 24/7 | Longest runway; intercontinental flights |
London Biggin Hill is the second-largest private aviation hub in London and the closest dedicated business aviation airport to central London. Located 15 miles southeast in the London Borough of Bromley, Biggin Hill handles exclusively private and business aviation with zero commercial traffic.
1,806-meter runway operates without payload or range restrictions. Accommodates large cabin and long-range jets including non-stop transatlantic aircraft. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) available since April 2021.
Biggin Hill has two separate FBOs with independent entrances and operations:
Important: When booking a transfer, specify which FBO you're using (Biggin Hill Executive Handling or Jetex London). Your chauffeur will be positioned at the correct terminal entrance.
London City Airport is unique: a commercial airport with dedicated private aviation facilities. All private jet operations are handled exclusively by the London City Airport Private Jet Centre, a purpose-built FBO located on-site with direct runway access. This is the closest major airport to central London.
Effective 6 January 2026: £8 for up to 5 minutes via ANPR cameras. Additional minutes at £1/min (max 10 min total). Blue Badge holders exempt.
Farnborough is widely regarded as the premier private jet airport in the UK. It is dedicated solely to business aviation, ensuring a streamlined, luxurious experience. The airport houses Gulfstream and Dassault service centres, plus pilot training facilities from FlightSafety International.
Farnborough has a single, award-winning FBO owned and operated by the airport. The facility provides comprehensive private aviation services including:
Farnborough is ideal for: international arrivals/departures, large aircraft, luxury experience prioritized over speed, executives requiring premium ground handling, and passengers arriving earlier (longer transfer time acceptable).
London Luton is one of Europe's busiest private jet airports. Located north of London, it offers 24-hour operations, excellent runway capacity, and strong infrastructure. The airport is particularly popular with charter operators and frequent flyers.
Luton has two award-winning private aviation terminals:
Luton is ideal for: 24-hour flight flexibility, charter operations, large groups, passengers comfortable with longer transfer times, and those wanting rail or helicopter alternatives.
Stansted boasts the longest runway of any London-area private jet airport at 3,048 meters, allowing unrestricted operations for the largest private aircraft such as Boeing Business Jets and Airbus corporate jets. Stansted often handles long-haul private jets arriving from the United States and Asia.
Stansted has four FBO options serving private aviation:
Stansted is ideal for: intercontinental arrivals/departures, large cabin aircraft (Global 7500, Gulfstream G650, ACJ), passengers with flexible timelines, and those considering rail or helicopter transfers.
| Your Priority | Best Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Speed to Central London | London City | Only 6-7 miles; 20-30 min to city center. Closest airport option. |
| Private Airport Experience | Biggin Hill or Farnborough | Dedicated private aviation; no commercial traffic. Biggin Hill closer; Farnborough more luxurious. |
| 24-Hour Flexibility | Luton or Stansted | Both operate 24/7 for late arrivals and early departures. Luton is more central. |
| Large Aircraft | Stansted | 3,048m runway handles all jets without restriction. Best for heavy aircraft. |
| Luxury Experience | Farnborough | Premier UK private aviation facility; award-winning FBO; sophisticated amenities. |
| Executive/VIP Access | Biggin Hill or Farnborough | Both offer discreet handling and premium facilities. Private airport environments. |
| Helicopter Alternative | Biggin Hill, Luton, or Farnborough | All offer 6-22 minute helicopter transfers to central London heliports. |
Cost: Fixed price (typically £45-180 depending on airport/destination)
Journey Time: Varies by airport; includes waiting for delays
Luggage: Professional handling; spacious vehicles
Best For: VIP passengers, business travellers, reliability-focused, flight delays
Advantages: Fixed pricing, flight tracking, meet & greet, professional drivers, no surge pricing
Cost: Metered (typically £50-150 depending on airport/destination)
Journey Time: Direct route; no waiting built in
Luggage: Standard handling
Best For: Budget-conscious travellers, simple journeys
Drawbacks: Variable pricing, potential wait times, surge pricing risk
Cost: Minimal (£3-15 depending on airport)
Journey Time: 25-90 minutes depending on airport and connections
Luggage: Limited capacity; navigation challenges
Best For: Solo travellers, light luggage, budget priority
Drawbacks: Stairs, platform gaps, crowded trains, multiple connections
Cost: Premium (typically £400-800)
Journey Time: 6-22 minutes to central London heliport
Luggage: Limited
Best For: Time-critical executives, luxury experience, weather permits
Advantages: Fastest option; avoids road traffic entirely
Unlike commercial air travel, private jet schedules are fluid. Flight times change, delays occur due to operational factors, and passengers board/disembark at FBOs designed for direct ramp access — not airport terminals.
A standard taxi service isn't built for this environment. Pre-booked chauffeur services specifically designed for private aviation offer:
RushXO specializes in executive chauffeur services for private jet passengers at all London airports. Fixed-price transfers, flight tracking, and professional drivers.
Get a Fixed-Price QuoteA: London City Airport is the closest at only 6-7 miles from central London. Transfer time is typically 20-30 minutes by car. It's ideal for passengers heading to Canary Wharf or the City. However, it has limited operating hours (06:30-21:30 Mon-Fri). For absolute closest private-only facility, Biggin Hill is 15 miles with similar transfer times to some central destinations.
A: Farnborough, London Luton, and London Stansted all operate 24 hours, 7 days a week. London City operates 06:30-21:30 (extensions available), and Biggin Hill is 06:30-22:00 Mon-Fri (09:00-20:00 weekends). For overnight flights, choose Luton, Stansted, or Farnborough.
A: Stansted has the longest runway at 3,048 meters, accommodating all business jets without restriction — including Boeing Business Jets and Airbus corporate jets. Farnborough (2,565m) and Luton (2,162m) also handle large aircraft well. London City's 1,508m runway is limited to light/midsize jets.
A: Biggin Hill Executive Handling is operated by the airport itself and focuses on efficiency and standard services. Jetex London (opened January 2023) is a premium facility with exclusive lounges, cigar lounge, and luxury amenities. Both have separate entrances. When booking, specify which FBO you're using so your driver arrives at the correct terminal.
A: When you book a pre-booked chauffeur service like RushXO with flight tracking, your driver monitors your aircraft's real-time position. If your flight is delayed, your pickup time automatically adjusts. You'll never have a driver waiting unnecessarily, and the driver always arrives at the right time — no missed connections due to flight delays.
A: Yes, but with caveats. London City has direct DLR access (13-15 min to Canary Wharf, £3.20). Luton has Thameslink rail (30 min to central London). Stansted has Stansted Express (40-50 min to Liverpool Street). However, public transport is challenging for passengers with luggage, families, or business attire requirements. Private chauffeur service is generally recommended for convenience.
A: For time-critical journeys, yes. Helicopter transfers are 6-22 minutes from any London airport to central London heliports (Battersea, Redhill), compared to 30-90 minutes by car. Cost is typically £400-800. Perfect for executives with time constraints or when traffic is particularly heavy. Weather dependent — may not be available on foggy days.