London City Airport is exploring plans for a shuttle bus service to connect the airport directly with Custom House station, which would give passengers access to the Elizabeth line. The proposal is part of the airport's transport strategy for 2026-2028 and aims to improve connectivity and resilience.
Current transport links and the proposed shuttle
The airport is currently served by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and local buses, with the vast majority of passengers using public transport. However, the DLR provides only a single-direction connection on the Woolwich branch, meaning any disruption can leave the airport isolated. A six-minute shuttle bus to Custom House would offer Elizabeth line passengers a much easier journey to the airport and connect them to the DLR's Beckton branch.
In December last year, London City Airport published its travel plan for 2026-2028, which includes progressing a business case for the shuttle proposal. A separate transport report published at the same time highlighted the benefits of the scheme, along with the potential for an early-morning shuttle service from a key area near the airport to improve links before the DLR begins operating each day.
Broader benefits and strategic vision
The airport's transport strategy, which runs until 2031, states that market studies would be needed to assess the viability of these projects. A spokesperson for London City Airport said: "London City Airport already benefits from excellent public transport connections, with more than two-thirds of our passengers travelling to and from the airport by public transport."
They added: "Better connectivity between the airport and Custom House has the potential to deliver wider benefits for the Royal Docks, strengthening links to the Elizabeth line, ExCeL London and local businesses. As part of our wider approach to sustainable transport, we continue to explore a range of options to improve connectivity and will work constructively with stakeholders on future opportunities."
Political support and calls for Elizabeth line extension
Thomas Turrell, the London Assembly Member for Bromley and Bexley, supports the shuttle bus as a necessary consolation for the airport not having a stop on the Elizabeth line. He told MyLondon: "City Airport is connected by a single DLR line. So it only takes one thing to happen for the line to be out of use, and then people can't get there."
Turrell added: "Having that extra shuttle bus link would make its public transport connections more resilient. But there isn't a good enough reason why City Airport wasn't added to the Elizabeth line to begin with; the tracks go right past it. It would provide a direct link to Heathrow. There is a lot of appetite between the airports to be properly connected and particularly have better routes to Heathrow."
Response from Transport for London
Transport for London (TfL) said it has not yet had discussions with London City Airport about introducing a shuttle bus service. A TfL spokesperson noted that the 474 bus route already provides a quick connection between Custom House and the airport. The airport continues to explore a range of options to improve connectivity and will work with stakeholders on future opportunities.
