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LHR vs LGW vs STN — Which London Airport Is Best in 2026?
✈ London Travel Guide • FlyToDash • Updated 2025
London has more airports than almost any city in the world — and that’s great,
until you have to choose between Heathrow (LHR),
Gatwick (LGW), and Stansted (STN).
Each airport serves a very different type of traveler.
Some are better for long-haul international flights, some are cheaper,
and some are designed mainly for budget airlines.
Quick TL;DR
- Best for International Flights: Heathrow (LHR)
- Best Balance of Price & Routes: Gatwick (LGW)
- Best for Ultra-Cheap Flights: Stansted (STN)
1. Heathrow (LHR) — Best for International & Long-Haul
Heathrow is London’s primary international gateway and one of the busiest
airports in the world. If you’re flying long-haul — especially to
Asia, the Middle East, or South Asia — LHR usually has the most options.
- Largest number of international routes
- Home to British Airways’ main hub
- Best for premium cabins and nonstop flights
If you’re flying to Pakistan, India, the Middle East, or Southeast Asia,
Heathrow is usually the best airport to check first.
2. Gatwick (LGW) — Best Balance of Price & Coverage
Gatwick is London’s second-largest airport and often overlooked —
but it can offer excellent value.
Many international and leisure airlines operate here,
often with lower fares than Heathrow.
- Good international coverage
- Often cheaper than Heathrow
- Well connected by train to central London
Gatwick is a strong choice if you want international routes
without Heathrow-level prices.
3. Stansted (STN) — Best for Budget Airlines
Stansted is heavily focused on low-cost carriers like Ryanair
and other budget airlines.
It’s usually the cheapest option for short-haul European travel.
- Lowest fares for Europe
- Ideal for budget travelers
- Further from central London
Which London Airport Is the Cheapest?
- STN — cheapest for short-haul Europe
- LGW — good balance of price & routes
- LHR — best value for long-haul despite higher base fares
Best Airport Based on Your Trip
- Flying to Pakistan or India? → LHR
- Flying to the Middle East? → LHR or LGW
- Flying to Europe on a budget? → STN
- Want cheapest overall option? → Compare all three
How FlyToDash Helps
FlyToDash AI
compares prices across LHR, LGW, and STN at once —
helping London travelers find deals that are often missed when
searching just one airport.
Checking all London airports can save £120–£400 on international flights.
Final Thoughts
- LHR = international powerhouse
- LGW = smart middle ground
- STN = budget champion
There’s no single “best” London airport for everyone —
but using FlyToDash AI
ensures you always book the one that works best for your trip.
Cheap Flights from London
Compare cheap flights from all major London airports —
Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted — using FlyToDash AI.
Popular Long-Haul Routes from London
