Upton to London City Airport

About the Upton to London City transfer

The run from Upton to London City Airport is around 113 miles, typically taking 159 minutes off-peak, door-to-door. Single terminal in the Royal Docks. Meet in Arrivals with a name board; the building is small, so we still track the flight rather than waiting on the forecourt.

Pickup in Upton

For the London City run: Upton sits west of Poole on the A35, with Upton Country Park on the harbour side and Lytchett Minster just beyond. It is further from the A338 than central Poole, so London runs add a few minutes — but you avoid the Twin Sails and Poole Bridge lifts that catch Hamworthy and Turlin Moor. Pickups are a mix of the village around Upton Cross, the housing off Blandford Road South, and the lanes toward Lytchett. The A35 through Upton can queue at the Upton bypass roundabout in the evening peak; for a 5am Heathrow job it is empty. If you are actually in Lytchett Minster or Lytchett Matravers, say so — those are quoted as Upton-plus, not as a Poole quay fare.

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What's in the fare

Meet and greet at London City, an hour after landing, drop-off fees and tolls. Child seats if you asked. The number on this page is the number you pay from Upton — extras only if you add stops or land well outside that hour.

Journey time — when to leave

The Upton → London City run takes 159 minutes in clear traffic. For early-morning departures we add a buffer for the M3/M25 — your confirmation will recommend a pickup time.

Planning your Upton to London City trip

The Upton to London City run is 113 miles and around 159 minutes off-peak. For London airports the M25 is the main variable: Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings and school-holiday start days can add 30-45 minutes. We always recommend a pickup time when you book, factoring in the day of the week and current M25 conditions. Pickup: Upton Cross or the house drive — not the Country Park car park unless you are actually there. Lytchett addresses need a separate pin.

The route

From Upton we take the A31/M27/M3, then the M25 east and the A13 into the Royal Docks. London City is one terminal in Newham — ULEZ applies, the congestion charge usually does not. The last miles through Docklands are the delay, not Cadnam.

Tips for this journey

• London City is the airport in the docks, not a hotel in the City of London. If you want Westminster or Canary Wharf as the drop from Upton instead, say so.
• Pack a phone charger for the long run from Upton — a flat phone at London City drop-off is the most common travel hiccup.
• Booking your Upton → London City return at the same time as your outbound usually saves money and guarantees your return driver knows your address.

Upton to London City FAQs