Route guide
Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to London: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 5,440 mi
- Typical flight time
- 11 h 15 min – 12 h 15 min
- Airports
- 5 × 5
- Time difference
- 8 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Los Angeles 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: Los Angeles to London is about 5,440 miles (8,750 km) and a typical flight takes 11 h 15 min to 12 h 15 min. London is 8 hours ahead of Los Angeles. Los Angeles has 5 airports to compare and London has 5.
Airport pairs to compare
Los Angeles spreads across a vast basin, so the best airport depends on where you are staying. LAX is the main gateway, but several smaller airports sit within driving distance. 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.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| LAX to LHR | Los Angeles International | Heathrow |
| LAX to LGW | Los Angeles International | Gatwick |
| LAX to STN | Los Angeles International | Stansted |
| LAX to LTN | Los Angeles International | Luton |
| LAX to LCY | Los Angeles International | London City |
| BUR to LHR | Hollywood Burbank | Heathrow |
| BUR to LGW | Hollywood Burbank | Gatwick |
| BUR to STN | Hollywood Burbank | Stansted |
| BUR to LTN | Hollywood Burbank | Luton |
| BUR to LCY | Hollywood Burbank | London City |
| SNA to LHR | John Wayne (Orange County) | Heathrow |
| SNA to LGW | John Wayne (Orange County) | Gatwick |
| SNA to STN | John Wayne (Orange County) | Stansted |
| SNA to LTN | John Wayne (Orange County) | Luton |
| SNA to LCY | John Wayne (Orange County) | London City |
| LGB to LHR | Long Beach | Heathrow |
| LGB to LGW | Long Beach | Gatwick |
| LGB to STN | Long Beach | Stansted |
| LGB to LTN | Long Beach | Luton |
| LGB to LCY | Long Beach | London City |
| ONT to LHR | Ontario International | Heathrow |
| ONT to LGW | Ontario International | Gatwick |
| ONT to STN | Ontario International | Stansted |
| ONT to LTN | Ontario International | Luton |
| ONT to LCY | Ontario International | London City |
About the airports
- LAX · Los Angeles International
The main gateway, on the west side near the coast. - BUR · Hollywood Burbank
A smaller airport that is convenient for Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. - SNA · John Wayne (Orange County)
A good option if you are staying in Orange County. - LGB · Long Beach
A small, easy airport near the southern part of the region. - ONT · Ontario International
An inland airport that suits trips to the eastern suburbs. - 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 Los Angeles: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- 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
Los Angeles
Spring and fall are comfortable. May and June often bring a coastal marine layer of morning cloud, and summer is a busy season.
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 Los Angeles to London?
At about 5,440 miles, Los Angeles 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 8 hours ahead of Los Angeles, so you land at a local time 8 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
Los Angeles: Freeway traffic can turn a short distance into a long trip at rush hour, so allow generous time between the airport and your destination.
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.
- If you are flexible about airports, ask for prices into more than one of them. Fares and schedules can differ noticeably.
- 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 Los Angeles?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Los Angeles or all flights from London.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Los Angeles from London?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 5,440 miles (8,750 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Los Angeles to London?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 11 h 15 min to 12 h 15 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 Los Angeles: LAX (Los Angeles International), BUR (Hollywood Burbank), SNA (John Wayne (Orange County)), LGB (Long Beach), ONT (Ontario International). 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 8 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
When is the best time to fly from Los Angeles to London?
In Los Angeles: Spring and fall are comfortable. May and June often bring a coastal marine layer of morning cloud, and summer is a busy season. 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 Los Angeles to London?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines 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.