London is the most connected aviation hub in the world. When you book flights to London, you will land at one of six international airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), London City (LCY), or Southend (SEN). Heathrow and Gatwick handle the bulk of long-haul traffic from North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Budget carriers dominate Stansted and Luton, connecting London to hundreds of European cities. Depending on your airline and point of origin, your choice of airport will dictate your total travel time and ground transportation costs.
Which airport should you fly into?
Choosing the right airport depends on your budget and where you are staying in the city.
- Heathrow (LHR): 14 miles west of Central London. The UK’s primary hub. Best for long-haul flights and those staying in West London.
- Gatwick (LGW): 28 miles south of Central London. Second largest airport. Good mix of low-cost and full-service carriers.
- London City (LCY): 7 miles east of the City of London. Located in the Docklands. Closest to the center but usually more expensive. Primarily short-haul business routes.
- Stansted (STN): 40 miles northeast of Central London. Main hub for Ryanair. Expect low fares but a longer commute.
- Luton (LTN): 35 miles north of Central London. Major base for easyJet and Wizz Air.
- Southend (SEN): 42 miles east of Central London. Limited flight schedule but very efficient security and boarding.
Best time to book flights to London
Timing your booking is critical for securing the best rates. For international long-haul flights, the sweet spot is typically 5 to 6 months in advance. For domestic or European short-haul flights to London, booking 8 to 12 weeks out yields the lowest prices.
If you are flying from the United States, aim to book at least 160 days before departure. Data shows that mid-week bookings—specifically Tuesdays and Wednesdays—often show lower price points than weekend searches. Avoid booking last-minute (within 21 days of departure), as prices for London routes tend to spike significantly as business travelers fill remaining seats.
Cheapest months to fly to London
To find the cheapest flights to London, avoid the peak summer months of July and August and the December holiday season.
- Cheapest months: January and February. Post-holiday demand drops, and airlines slash prices to fill planes.
- Shoulder season: March to May and September to October. These months offer a balance of manageable weather and lower fares.
- Most expensive: July. Direct flights from the US and Asia can double in price during this window.
Traveling during the "low season" in late winter can save you up to 40% compared to summer peak pricing.
Direct flights vs connecting flights
Direct flights to London are available from almost every major global city. They save time but usually carry a premium price.
Connecting flights are the easiest way to find the cheapest flights to London. If you are flying from the US, stopping in Dublin, Reykjavik, or Lisbon can shave $200-$400 off your ticket. If you are coming from Asia or Australia, hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Singapore offer frequent connections.
When booking a connecting flight, ensure you have at least a 2-hour layover. London airports are strict with security, and if your first leg is delayed, you need a buffer.
Best airlines flying to London
Several major carriers offer consistent service to London across different price points and service levels.
- British Airways: The UK flag carrier with the most slots at Heathrow and Gatwick.
- Virgin Atlantic: A major long-haul competitor focusing on transatlantic routes with high-tier inflight service.
- American Airlines / Delta / United: Provide high-frequency daily service from multiple US hubs.
- Emirates / Qatar Airways: Offer premium connections to London from Asia, Africa, and Australia via the Middle East.
- Ryanair / easyJet: The primary low-cost options for travelers flying within Europe or North Africa.
Getting from the airport to the city center
London has excellent rail links, but costs vary wildly based on speed.
From Heathrow (LHR):
- Elizabeth Line: £12.80. Takes 35–45 mins to Central London. Best balance of speed and cost.
- Heathrow Express: £25.00. Takes 15 mins to Paddington.
- Piccadilly Line (Tube): £5.60. Takes 60 mins. Cheapest but crowded.
- Taxi/Uber: £60–£100. 60–90 mins depending on traffic.
From Gatwick (LGW):
- Gatwick Express: £20.00. 30 mins to Victoria Station.
- Southern/Thameslink Trains: £12.00–£15.00. 35–45 mins.
- National Express Bus: £8.00–£12.00. 90 mins.
From Stansted (STN) / Luton (LTN):
- Stansted Express: £23.00. 50 mins to Liverpool Street.
- Luton Airport Express: £10.00–£20.00. 32 mins to St Pancras.
- National Express Bus: £10.00–£15.00. 60–90 mins.
Flight duration from major cities
Estimated non-stop flight times to London:
- New York (JFK/EWR): 7 hours 15 mins
- Los Angeles (LAX): 10 hours 30 mins
- Toronto (YYZ): 7 hours 30 mins
- Dubai (DXB): 7 hours 45 mins
- Singapore (SIN): 13 hours 45 mins
- Sydney (SYD): 22 hours+ (Requires at least one stop)
- Paris (CDG): 1 hour 15 mins
Tips for finding cheap flights to London
- Use Incognito Mode: Airline sites track your cookies and may increase prices if they see you searching the same route repeatedly. Search in private windows.
- Fly into Gatwick or Stansted: Heathrow is convenient, but the landing fees are higher, which is passed on to your ticket price. Check LGW or STN for lower base fares.
- Book Multi-City Trips: If you are touring Europe, it is often cheaper to fly into London and out of another city like Paris or Dublin rather than booking a round-trip to London.
- Use an AI Booking Tool: Oerno uses real-time data to track price fluctuations, helping you spot the exact moment prices dip for your specific dates.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Shifting your departure by just 24 hours can save you hundreds. Avoid flying on Fridays or Sundays when demand is highest.