Distance

about 3,760 mi

Typical flight time

7 h 45 min – 8 h 45 min

Airports

1 × 5

Time difference

5 h ahead

This page covers the practical side of flying between Detroit and London: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.

Quick answer: Detroit to London is about 3,760 miles (6,050 km) and a typical flight takes 7 h 45 min to 8 h 45 min. London is 5 hours ahead of Detroit. Detroit has 1 airport to compare and London has 5.

Airport pairs to compare

Detroit Metropolitan is a major hub located roughly 20 miles southwest of downtown. London has several airports, and the right one depends on where you are staying and which airline you fly. Heathrow is the largest and handles most long-haul routes.

About the airports

• DTW · Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
  About 20 miles southwest of downtown.
• LHR · Heathrow
  The largest airport, west of the city, with the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express to central London.
• LGW · Gatwick
  South of London, with direct trains to central stations.
• STN · Stansted
  North-east of London, used heavily by low-cost carriers.
• LTN · Luton
  North of London, also used heavily by low-cost carriers.
• LCY · London City
  Close to Canary Wharf and the financial district, with a smaller set of routes.

Airlines with a major base at either end

• At Detroit: Delta Air Lines
• At London: British Airways

Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options on your dates.

When to go and what to expect

Detroit

Late spring to early fall is the most comfortable period. Winters are cold and snowy.

London

Late spring through early autumn brings the mildest weather and the longest days. Winter is darker and wetter but often cheaper, with a price spike around the December holidays.

International trip: you will need a valid passport, and possibly a visa or entry authorization. Our international checklist covers what to check.

How long is Detroit to London?

At about 3,760 miles, Detroit to London is a long-haul trip. Itineraries can be nonstop or can connect, and a connection can add many hours, so compare total travel time as well as price. Check seat, baggage and change rules before you pay.

Time zones and timing

London is 5 hours ahead of Detroit, so you land at a local time 5 hours later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination. Check the arrival date on any overnight itinerary, since it can differ from the departure date. With a gap this large, many travelers plan a lighter first day.

Getting between the airport and town

Detroit: Rental cars and ride-hail are the most common ways to get from the airport to the city.

London: The Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express connect Heathrow with central London. Gatwick, Stansted and Luton have direct train services as well.

Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.

Good to know

• Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
• Winter weather can affect travel between December and March, so build in extra time.
• A valid passport is required. The UK uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation system for many visa-free visitors, so check the official UK government site before you book.
• International travel: check passport, visa and entry rules well before you pay. See our international checklist.
• Entry rules depend on your citizenship and can include a visa or an electronic travel authorization. Check the official guidance for the destination well before you pay.
• Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.

Flying London to Detroit?

This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Detroit or all flights from London.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Detroit from London?

The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 3,760 miles (6,050 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.

How long is a flight from Detroit to London?

A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 7 h 45 min to 8 h 45 min in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.

Which airports can I use?

At Detroit: DTW (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County). At London: LHR (Heathrow), LGW (Gatwick), STN (Stansted), LTN (Luton), LCY (London City). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.

Is there a time difference?

London is 5 hours ahead of Detroit.

When is the best time to fly from Detroit to London?

In Detroit: Late spring to early fall is the most comfortable period. Winters are cold and snowy. In London: Late spring through early autumn brings the mildest weather and the longest days. Winter is darker and wetter but often cheaper, with a price spike around the December holidays. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.

Which airlines should I compare for Detroit to London?

Airlines with a major base at either end include Delta Air Lines and British Airways. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.

Do you show fares on this page?

No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.

What documents do I need?

A valid passport is required. Entry rules depend on your citizenship, so check the official guidance for the destination. See our international checklist.

Route details updated October 18, 2026.

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