How to Spend a 12-Hour Layover in London

Wondering, Can I visit London during a layover? If you have at least a 6-hour stop, the answer is yes! This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the most of your time in London, England.

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A layover in London can be the perfect opportunity to explore one of the most iconic cities in the world—without needing a long vacation.

Last month we flew Virgin Atlantic JFK to Cape Town, South Africa, and since London is a major Virgin hub, our flight was bound to have a stop there.

With a 12-hour layover, we had the perfect chance to explore the city—and we made the most of it.

If your layover in London is at least 6 hours, you can leave Heathrow, check out some iconic sights, grab a meal, and still make it back in time for your next flight.

Here’s our full itinerary and everything you need to know to plan your own London layover, from entry requirements to transportation and the best way to maximize your time.

Step 1: ETA Entry Requirements (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Starting January 9, 2025, U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK. The process is simple and online, costing about $13 USD per person.

Here’s what you need to know:

Apply at least a week in advance (processing takes ~3 business days, though ours was approved in 20 minutes).
Submit your passport details, scan your face, and pay the fee.
Valid for up to 2 years as long as your passport remains the same.
If you get a new passport, you’ll need to reapply.

Europeans will also need an ETA starting April 2, 2025.

An ETA is not the same as a visa. An ETA lets you visit for up to six months at a time, while a visa is for longer stays and requires a different application process.

Step 2: Luggage Storage at Heathrow

If you’re carrying a lot of baggage, drop it off before heading into the city.

Heathrow is London’s largest airport, with multiple baggage storage locations. Since it has four terminals (2-5), be sure to check where you’re landing and departing to find the most convenient storage option.

For example, we flew with Virgin Atlantic, landed in Terminal 3, and our next flight was also from Terminal 3, so it made sense to use the storage lockers there.

Cost: ~$18 USD per item for 24 hours.
Other Options: Some major train stations in London also have storage lockers with similar pricing.

Make sure to grab your stored bags from arrivals before heading to your next flight in departures. You don’t want to accidentally leave anything behind!

Step 3: Getting from Heathrow to Central London

There are multiple ways to reach central London from Heathrow (LHR), depending on your budget and how quickly you want to get there.

Here’s a breakdown from the most expensive to the cheapest option:

1. Black Cab / Uber (Most Expensive, Price Varies)

Cost: $60-$190 USD+ for a black cab (metered, no fixed price), around $75 USD for an Uber to central London
Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic
Best for: Those who want a direct ride with no transfers and don’t mind paying extra
Things to know: Black cabs are metered, so prices fluctuate based on traffic and distance. You can pay the cab with cash, card or contactless payment. Uber fares also surge during peak hours.

2. Heathrow Express (Fastest Option, Premium Price)

Cost: ~$30 USD for single ride (~$40 USD for a same day return ticket); kids 15 and under ride free with a paying adult. Book online, on the app, or at the station.
Time: 15-20 minutes to Paddington Station
Best for: Travelers who want to get into central London as fast as possible
Things to know:
- Runs from Terminals 2, 3, and 5 (Terminal 4 requires a shuttle)
- Operates every 15 minutes, from 5 AM to midnight
- No need to stop at a kiosk—just tap with Apple Pay or a contactless card like the NYC subway

We took the Heathrow Express, which got us to Paddington Station in under 20 minutes, then transferred to the Tube.

3. Elizabeth Line (Good Balance of Speed & Cost)

Cost: ~$16 USD one way (kids under 11 ride free)
Time: 35 minutes to Paddington, 47 minutes to Liverpool Street, 53 minutes to Canary Wharf (some require transfers)
Best for: Travelers heading to central or east London who want a more affordable train option
Things to know:
- London’s newest train line, running from west to east London
- You can pay using contactless cards (same as the Tube)

4. National Express / Megabus (Cheapest Option with Luggage Space, But Slow)

Cost: ~$10 USD on average if booked in advance
Time: 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic
Best for: Budget travelers who don’t mind a slower ride and have a bit more time on their hands.
Things to know:
- Buses go to Victoria Coach Station
- Stops may vary, so check before booking
- Bus terminals are easy to find at Terminals 2, 3, and 5 (Terminal 4 requires a shuttle)

5. London Underground Tube (Cheapest Public Transport, But Slowest)

Cost: ~$8 USD one way from the airport; fares vary depending on where you go on the Tube.
Time: 50 minutes to over an hour
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a longer journey
Things to know:
- Uses the Piccadilly Line
- Runs from early morning to midnight, with later service on Fridays and Saturdays
- Very crowded during rush hour

Here’s what we did: We paid ~$75 USD for two same day return tickets on the Heathrow Express and ultimately spent ~$10 USD total for the both of us on the Tube going around London for the day.

Fare Capping with Contactless & Oyster Cards

If you’re using an Oyster card or contactless payment, Transport for London (TfL) automatically caps your daily fares.

This means once you reach a set limit, you won’t be charged more, making multiple trips in a day more affordable.

Just tap in and out when using the Tube, buses, or trains.

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Step 4: Exploring London in a Few Hours

Tower of London & Tower Bridge

First stop: The Tower of London. Don’t call it the London Tower like we did—locals apparently won’t know what you mean!

It’s a massive historic fortress right outside the Tower Hill tube station.

If you want to go inside, tickets are ~$30 USD, but there are plenty of informational signs outside if you prefer a DIY history lesson.

Right next to it is Tower Bridge—the one with the blue towers, not to be confused with London Bridge. Great spot for photos!

London Bridge & The Shard

London Bridge itself isn’t much to look at, but while you’re actually crossing the bridge, you get a cool view of Tower Bridge and The Shard, London’s tallest skyscraper.

Lunch: Chicken Tikka Masala at The India

All that walking worked up an appetite, and we were on a mission to find the best chicken tikka masala—which is the national dish of England… For real.

We stopped at The India, a cozy restaurant with great service.

The tikka masala (I ordered the veggie version) was made with coconut milk and almonds, giving it a slightly sweet flavor. Paired with garlic naan, it hit the spot!

Cost: ~$20 USD per meal.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, sitting atop Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the city.

Known for its massive dome and stunning architecture, it’s hard to miss as you explore central London.

Whether you admire it from the outside or explore the stunning interior (around $30 USD per adult and $13 USD per child for a tour, with free entry for daily services), St. Paul’s is a must-visit stop on your layover itinerary.

Coffee Stop: Ozone Coffee

Ozone Coffee is one of the most popular coffee spots in the world and was recently named the most sustainable café in Europe.

Multiple locations make it an easy stop if you need a caffeine fix. I had an oat latte for ~$5 USD.

Big Ben & Westminster

Next, we took the Tube to Westminster. The moment we stepped off, we were greeted by Big Ben, the famous blue and gold clock inside the huge tower.

All within the same vicinity you can also see:

London Eye (giant Ferris wheel)
Westminster Abbey (royal coronation site)
Palace of Westminster (oldest building of the Parliament)
Buckingham Palace (the royal residence, just a short walk through St. James Park)

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Step 5: Heading Back to Heathrow

Make sure to leave enough time to get back to Heathrow, grab your bags, go through security, and reach your gate.

The last time we passed through London Heathrow, the rule was that all liquids had to be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag (no more than 1 liter, about 20cm x 20cm).

But this time, one nice surprise—no clear baggie needed! These policies change often, so be sure to check the latest rules before you travel.

FAQ: London Layovers

Can you leave the airport during a layover in London?
Yes! If your layover is at least 6 hours, you have enough time to leave Heathrow and explore before your next flight. Just make sure to clear immigration and return with plenty of time for security.

Do I need an ETA if I have a layover in London?
If you plan to leave the airport, yes, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) unless you’re from a country that doesn’t require one. If you’re just transiting airside (staying in the airport), you may not need one.

How much does an ETA cost?
An ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years or until your passport expires.

Can I layover in London without a visa?
Yes! If you have an ETA, you do not need a transit visa to enter the UK during your layover.

How long do I need to get through Heathrow immigration?
It depends on the time of day, but expect 30 minutes to an hour. You might get lucky and it only take 10 minutes. However, immigration lines can be long, so factor this into your layover plan.

What’s the best way to get to central London from Heathrow?
The Heathrow Express is the fastest option (15-20 mins to Paddington), but the Elizabeth Line and Tube are more budget-friendly.

Can I store my luggage at Heathrow during my layover?
Yes! Heathrow has luggage storage in every terminal if you don’t want to carry your bags around the city.