Closer to London than many of the other south-eastern airports, City Airport is a great way for domestic and international visitors to access the capital – you can be in the thick of the action in 30 minutes. From the airport, simply head west on Hartmann Road, before joining the A1020, A1261 and A1203 to London Bridge. You can also join the A13 which heads west to Whitechapel, or east out to Pitsea.

The centre of London has a congestion charge aimed at lowering traffic during peak times, and you can ask our branch staff about ways to pay it. There are also some toll roads, such as the Dartford Crossing.

London itself is circled by the M25 orbital motorway and is the perfect way to get from one side of the city to the other without negotiating the traffic of central London. You’ll also find numerous spokes coming off it that will allow you to access other points of the south-east. The M20 heads south-east through Maidstone to Dover, and the M23 south to Crawley, where you can join the A23 to Brighton. The M3 will take you south-west to Eastleigh and Southampton, the M4 west to Bristol and the M1 for all points north. It may be 120 miles long, but the M25 is never more than 20 miles from London’s nerve centre.

If in London, watch out bus and cycle lanes, and the numerous one-way systems. When driving in built-up areas the speed limit is 30mph, slowing to 20mph in some residential areas. Single carriage motorways have a limit of 60mph, while on dual carriage motorways it’s 70mph. Seatbelts are compulsory.

Most central London parking is metered, but you’ll also find long and short-stay car parks. Traffic wardens are very common, so it pays to ensure you’re parked legally. 

London is a city of versatility and change. No two visits will ever be the same, as the capital’s restless spirit transforms the place. Centuries of history both popular and royal, art and jewels, the world capital of literature and a food scene that has been transformed over the last 20 years – you’ll find it all within this famous city, once the centre of the world.

The Square Mile

The airport is perfectly situated to offer access to the City of London, and while this is the financial nerve centre of the UK, it’s also home to some of the most interesting parts of London.

Among the hustle and bustle you’ll find forests, parks and city gardens. You can gaze up at the gorgeous interior of St Paul’s Cathedral, stare down through the glass floors of Tower Bridge and explore centuries of British history in the company of Beefeaters at the Tower of London.

Leadenhall Market on Gracechurch Street dates from the 14^th century, but the current interior, including the fantastic roof, is from 1881. It’s a great place to eat, drink and spot the many locations used in TV shows and films, including Harry Potter.

Enjoy the East End

London’s East End is a place of pride and passion, and makes a change from the tourist norm. Take in a matinee at the Brick Lane Music Hall for a uniquely British experience, before wandering down to the market housed in the Old Truman Brewery.

There’s a plethora of curry houses here, but leave room for a visit to the famed Beigel Bake – serving bagels with salt beef or smoked salmon and cream cheese 24 hours a day since 1977.

Take flight at the Docks

With lots of parking at the nearby ExCel International Convention Centre, a visit to the Royal Docks is a must. In the summer months you can experience the urban beach, sample something extreme at London Watersports Centre or stroll along ‘The Line’, a trail of sculpture including work from Damien Hirst and Eduardo Paolozzi.

Finally, take to the skies for a unique view of London. The Emirates Air Line reaches heights of 90m as you cross the Thames in a cable car. It’s a great way to get from the Docks to the green spaces of Greenwich.

This is merely touching the surface of what London and the south-east have to offer, and car hire at London City Airport is your convenient passport to all of it.