Book Flights to London, United Kingdom
London — the United Kingdom's capital and one of the world's great global cities, home to 9 million people across Greater London — is Europe's most visited city and the world's busiest aviation hub by passenger numbers, with London Heathrow (LHR) handling approximately 79 million passengers annually. London's extraordinary density of world-class free museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, V&A), its iconic royal and parliamentary landmarks (Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace), its West End theatre district, and its unparalleled connectivity to every corner of the world make it a perennial top destination for travellers from every continent.
London Heathrow (LHR) is served by British Airways (its primary hub), Virgin Atlantic, Emirates (multiple daily A380), Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air India, American Airlines, Delta, United, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and virtually every major carrier in the world. FareOptic compares all fares to find the cheapest flights to London.
Cheap Flight Deals to London
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
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Why Visit London, United Kingdom?
British Museum, Tower of London, Westminster, Tate Modern, South Bank, Borough Market, Globe Theatre — London is one of the world's truly great cities, with world-class free museums, iconic landmarks, and extraordinary cultural depth.
The British Museum — Two Million Years of Human Civilisation, Free
The World's Most Visited Museum — Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, Egyptian MummiesThe British Museum — founded in 1753 as the world's first public national museum, located in Bloomsbury, London — holds a permanent collection of approximately 8 million works spanning two million years of human history and covering every continent, making it the most encyclopaedic museum collection in the world. The museum's most celebrated objects include the Rosetta Stone (196 BC, deciphered by Champollion in 1822, key to understanding ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics), the Elgin Marbles (5th-century BC Parthenon sculptures, subject of an ongoing restitution dispute with Greece), the Lindisfarne Gospels (715 AD), the Lewis Chessmen (12th-century chess pieces), and extensive Egyptian mummy collections. Admission is free.
The Rosetta Stone
The Rosetta Stone — a granodiorite stele inscribed with a decree issued by King Ptolemy V in 196 BC in three scripts (Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic, Demotic script, and Ancient Greek) — was captured by Napoleon's forces during the Egyptian Campaign (1798–1801) and subsequently surrendered to the British under the Treaty of Alexandria (1801). It was deciphered in 1822 by Jean-François Champollion, who used the Greek text to decode the hieroglyphic system, unlocking the entirety of ancient Egyptian writing. Egypt has repeatedly requested its return; the British Museum has declined. It remains the most-visited object in the museum
Tower of London and Tower Bridge
900 Years of Royal History — The Crown Jewels, Traitors' Gate, and the Victorian BridgeThe Tower of London — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a complex of medieval fortress buildings on the north bank of the Thames, begun by William the Conqueror in 1078, expanded over the following centuries — served successively as royal palace, prison (Anne Boleyn, Thomas More, Guy Fawkes, and the two Princes in the Tower were all held here), mint, observatory, and menagerie, and now houses the British Crown Jewels (the most visited attraction in the tower): the Imperial State Crown (2,868 diamonds, the Black Prince's Ruby, and the Cullinan II diamond), the Sovereign's Orb, and the Sceptre with the Cross (holding the Cullinan I — the world's largest clear-cut diamond at 530.2 carats). Tower Bridge (1894) — the Victorian Gothic bascule bridge adjacent to the Tower — opens approximately 800 times per year for tall ships.
The Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels — a collection of 140 ceremonial objects used in the coronation of British monarchs, housed in the Jewel House within the Tower of London — are the most elaborate and valuable collection of royal regalia in the world. The collection was destroyed in 1649 by order of the Parliament that executed Charles I (melted down for coin and sold); the current collection was assembled for the coronation of Charles II in 1661. The Koh-i-Noor diamond (105.6 carats, originally from India), now set in the late Queen Mother's crown, is the subject of restitution claims from India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan
Westminster — Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace
The Seat of British Democracy and Royal Power — London's Iconic Political and Royal QuarterWestminster is the political and ceremonial heart of the United Kingdom: the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament, with the Elizabeth Tower housing Big Ben) sits on the north bank of the Thames; Westminster Abbey — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Gothic church founded 960 AD and the site of every English and British coronation since 1066 — is 200 metres west; Buckingham Palace (the London residence of the Sovereign, with Changing of the Guard at 11am on selected days) is 600 metres northwest. The Houses of Parliament (rebuilt 1840–1870 after the 1834 fire, by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin) is the world's most recognisable democratic legislative building; free tours are available to UK residents; international visitors can book paid tours.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey — a Royal Peculiar (directly under the jurisdiction of the Crown, not the Church of England) — has been the site of every coronation since William the Conqueror (1066) and is the burial place of 17 monarchs including Edward the Confessor, Henry III, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Henry V, and George II. Poets' Corner (south transept) contains memorials and tombs to Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Rudyard Kipling, Alfred Lord Tennyson, and William Shakespeare (monument only). Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking are buried in the nave
Tate Modern and London's World-Class Art Scene
The World's Most Visited Modern Art Museum — Bankside Power Station on the ThamesTate Modern — housed in the converted Bankside Power Station (Giles Gilbert Scott, 1947) on the South Bank of the Thames, opened in 2000 — is the world's most visited modern art museum, attracting approximately 6 million visitors annually. The permanent collection (free admission) spans Picasso (Weeping Woman), Matisse, Dalí, Rothko (the Seagram Murals Room, a dedicated permanent installation), Warhol, Bourgeois (Maman spider sculpture), and Hirst, arranged thematically rather than chronologically. The Turbine Hall — the former power station's central turbine space, 35 metres high and 155 metres long — hosts free annual Hyundai commissions by major contemporary artists. Views from the Switch House extension across the Millennium Bridge to St Paul's Cathedral are among London's finest urban panoramas.
The Millennium Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral
The Millennium Bridge — a steel suspension footbridge across the Thames connecting Tate Modern on the South Bank to St Paul's Cathedral on the north bank, opened in June 2000 — was immediately closed after two days due to unexpected lateral oscillation caused by pedestrian footsteps synchronising with the bridge's natural frequency; it reopened after modifications in 2002. St Paul's Cathedral (Christopher Wren, 1675–1710) — built after the Great Fire of London (1666) destroyed the previous medieval cathedral — is one of the world's largest Anglican cathedrals and London's most important baroque building; the Whispering Gallery dome (259 steps up) allows whispered conversations across a 34-metre diameter
The South Bank and Borough Market
London's Cultural Mile — Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern, Southwark Cathedral, and Food MarketThe South Bank — a 2-km stretch of the Thames's south bank between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge — is London's most concentrated cultural corridor: the Royal Festival Hall (1951, classical music), the National Theatre (1976, Brutalist architecture), the BFI Southbank (film institute), the Hayward Gallery (contemporary art), the Globe Theatre (a modern reconstruction of Shakespeare's 1599 theatre), and Tate Modern are all within walking distance of each other. Borough Market — 250 metres from the Globe, London's oldest (operating since at least 1014 AD) and most celebrated food market, running Thursday–Saturday — is the finest food market in the UK: vendors selling cheese, charcuterie, bread, seafood, produce, and international street food from around the world.
Shakespeare's Globe
Shakespeare's Globe — a modern reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre (built 1599, where Shakespeare premiered Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth before it burned down in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII), located approximately 230 metres from the original site on Bankside — was built by American actor and director Sam Wanamaker after 30 years of effort; Wanamaker died 4 years before the theatre opened in 1997. The Globe uses Elizabethan staging conventions (thrust stage, natural light, standing 'groundling' audience for £5 per performance), period costumes, and acoustic performance without amplification. The nearby Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (indoor, candlelit) stages winter performances
How to Find Cheap Flights to London
Book at Least 8–10 Weeks Ahead for Transatlantic Fares to London
The London Heathrow (LHR) to New York (JFK) route is the world's most valuable aviation corridor, with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, United, and American Airlines all competing intensely. The best fares (economy from $400–500 round trip) appear 8–12 weeks ahead. Very last-minute fares spike sharply. If you're flexible, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically 10–15% cheaper than weekend flights on transatlantic routes.
Gatwick and Stansted Offer Cheaper Fares Than Heathrow for Budget Airlines
London has six airports: Heathrow (LHR, 24 km west), Gatwick (LGW, 45 km south), Stansted (STN, 55 km northeast), Luton (LTN, 50 km north), London City (LCY, 10 km east), and Southend (SEN). Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Norwegian, Jet2, and TUI fly primarily from Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton at substantially lower fares. Factor in the transfer time: Stansted is 55 minutes from Liverpool Street by Stansted Express; Gatwick is 30 minutes from Victoria by Gatwick Express; Luton requires a bus to the station before a 30–45 min train.
Emirates via Dubai — Often the Best Business Class Value to London
Emirates' Dubai hub routes to London Heathrow often offer competitive business class fares, particularly from Asia, Australia, South Asia, and East Africa (where Emirates' network is unmatched). Economy fares via Dubai are also frequently cheaper than direct options from Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Emirates' A380 service to London is among the most frequent double-decker widebody services in the world, offering reliable schedules and award-winning in-flight entertainment.
Use the Oyster Card for All London Transport — Do Not Buy Single Tickets
The Transport for London (TfL) Oyster card (or contactless bank card/phone) is the most cost-effective way to travel in London: the daily cap (approximately £8.10 inside Zone 1–2) means you never overpay regardless of how many journeys you make. Buying single tickets at the gate is significantly more expensive (a Zone 1 single is £2.80 vs Oyster price of £1.75). The Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) — opened 2022, connecting Heathrow to central London in 40 minutes — is the fastest and most comfortable airport connection.
Airlines Flying to London (LHR)
British Airways & Virgin Atlantic
UK's Flagship Carriers — Heathrow Hub Connecting the WorldBritish Airways — the UK's flag carrier, headquartered at London Heathrow and a oneworld alliance member — operates the world's largest transatlantic schedule from London Heathrow (LHR), with nonstop flights to New York (JFK, EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD), Boston (BOS), Dallas (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), Seattle (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), and many more US cities, as well as connections to Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Virgin Atlantic — founded by Richard Branson in 1984, the UK's second long-haul carrier — competes directly with BA on the lucrative London Heathrow to New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) routes, often offering competitive premium economy pricing.
Key Routes
New York JFK, Los Angeles LAX, Miami MIA, Chicago ORD, Boston BOS, Dallas DFW — all nonstop from LHR
Emirates & Singapore Airlines
World's Best Long-Haul Carriers — Dubai and Singapore as Global Onward HubsEmirates — Dubai-based, the world's largest long-haul airline by passenger-kilometres, operates its flagship A380 and Boeing 777 services from Dubai (DXB) to London Heathrow (LHR), one of the busiest routes in the world and one of the most competed. Emirates' Dubai hub provides seamless connections from London to South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Africa, and Australia. Singapore Airlines — consistently ranked among the world's best airlines — operates Singapore (SIN) to London Heathrow, a 13-hour flight that is one of the longest and most premium in aviation history, connecting London to Southeast Asia and beyond via Changi.
Key Routes
Dubai DXB via Emirates (multiple daily A380 and 777 service); Singapore SIN via Singapore Airlines (nonstop)
Cathay Pacific & Air India
Asia's Premier Carriers — Hong Kong and India Gateways to LondonCathay Pacific — Hong Kong's flag carrier, headquartered at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), a oneworld alliance member — serves London Heathrow from Hong Kong, providing the primary connection for London–Hong Kong and onward access to mainland China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Air India — India's national carrier — serves London Heathrow from both Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), the two largest Indian aviation markets, reflecting the UK's large Indian diaspora (approximately 1.5 million British Indians) and the strong business and tourism ties between the two countries.
Key Routes
Hong Kong HKG via Cathay Pacific; Delhi DEL and Mumbai BOM via Air India
Things to Do in and around London, UK
Important Information Before You Fly to London
Currency
British Pounds Sterling (£) — credit cards accepted universally
Language
English (official)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) in winter; BST (UTC+1) in summer
Country Code
+44 (United Kingdom)
Airport Code
LHR — London Heathrow (24 km from central London)
US Entry
No visa required; ETA required from Jan (£10, valid 2 years)
Power Plugs
Type G — 230V / 50Hz (UK 3-pin; US devices need adapter + converter)
Emergency Number
999 (UK) or 112 (EU standard — police, fire, ambulance)
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to London
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to London, United Kingdom
Which London airport should I fly into?
London has six airports. For most international flights: London Heathrow (LHR) is the largest and best-connected (Elizabeth Line to Paddington in 40 min, £13); London Gatwick (LGW) is the second-largest (Gatwick Express to Victoria in 30 min, £22); London Stansted (STN) is the budget airline hub (Stansted Express to Liverpool Street in 47 min, £19.50). For Europe and city centre access, London City (LCY) has the fastest city connection (15 min to Bank on the DLR). Heathrow is the default for long-haul; Gatwick/Stansted for European budget carriers.
Do I need a visa to visit the UK from the USA?
US citizens do not need a visa to visit the UK for tourism or business for stays up to 6 months. From January, the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system requires non-visa visitors (including US citizens) to obtain an ETA before travel — a simple online application costing £10, valid for 2 years or until passport expiry. Apply at least 3 days before travel. UK currency is Pounds Sterling (£); 1 USD ≈ £0.79. Emergency number: 999 (UK) or 112 (EU standard, also works in UK).
How far is London from its major airports?
Heathrow (LHR): 24 km west — Elizabeth Line 40 min (£13), Heathrow Express 15 min (£37), taxi 45–75 min (£55–85 depending on traffic). Gatwick (LGW): 45 km south — Gatwick Express 30 min (£22), taxi 60–90 min (£80–100). Stansted (STN): 55 km northeast — Stansted Express 47 min (£19.50), taxi 60–90 min (£80–100). All journey times are to central London (Paddington, Victoria, Liverpool Street respectively).
What is the best time to visit London?
May–June and September–October are the best months: mild temperatures (17–22°C), longer daylight, smaller crowds than July–August. July–August is peak season — warm (22–28°C on best days) but very crowded and expensive. December–February is cold (5–10°C) but the Christmas markets, festive lights on Oxford Street, and New Year's Eve fireworks on the Thames are major draws. June is particularly good — the longest days (sunset past 9pm), Wimbledon (late June–early July), and Trooping the Colour.
Is London expensive for tourists?
London is one of Europe's more expensive cities but has abundant free world-class attractions: the British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and most major galleries are all free. Budget accommodation (hostels from £30/night, budget hotels from £80) keeps costs manageable. A pint of beer is £6–8; a restaurant meal £15–25 per person. The Oyster card transport system has daily caps keeping transport costs predictable.
What is London famous for?
London is famous as one of the world's great historic capitals — the British Museum, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral — as well as for its contemporary cultural life: West End theatre, Tate Modern, the South Bank arts complex, and a restaurant scene as diverse as anywhere in the world. London's music heritage (the Beatles, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse all have major connections), football (Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Brentford), and fashion industry make it a global cultural capital.
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