Route guide
Cheap Flights from New York to London: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 3,440 mi
- Typical flight time
- 7 h – 8 h
- Airports
- 3 × 5
- Time difference
- 5 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between New York 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.
Airport pairs to compare
New York is served by three major airports across two states, so choosing the right airport is one of the biggest levers on both price and door-to-door time. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| JFK to LHR | John F. Kennedy International | Heathrow |
| JFK to LGW | John F. Kennedy International | Gatwick |
| JFK to STN | John F. Kennedy International | Stansted |
| JFK to LTN | John F. Kennedy International | Luton |
| JFK to LCY | John F. Kennedy International | London City |
| LGA to LHR | LaGuardia | Heathrow |
| LGA to LGW | LaGuardia | Gatwick |
| LGA to STN | LaGuardia | Stansted |
| LGA to LTN | LaGuardia | Luton |
| LGA to LCY | LaGuardia | London City |
| EWR to LHR | Newark Liberty International | Heathrow |
| EWR to LGW | Newark Liberty International | Gatwick |
| EWR to STN | Newark Liberty International | Stansted |
| EWR to LTN | Newark Liberty International | Luton |
| EWR to LCY | Newark Liberty International | London City |
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At New York: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways
- 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
New York
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) bring the mildest weather. December fills up with holiday visitors, and late summer can be hot and humid.
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.
Getting between the airport and town
New York: Subway, commuter rail and buses link all three airports to Manhattan. Taxis and ride-hail are everywhere but depend heavily on traffic.
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
- Winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the usual causes of delays, so leave extra connection time in those seasons.
- 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.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Frequently asked questions
How far is New York from London?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 3,440 miles (5,540 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from New York to London?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 7 h to 8 h 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 New York: JFK (John F. Kennedy International), LGA (LaGuardia), EWR (Newark Liberty 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 5 hours ahead of New York.
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.