New York (JFK) to London (LHR) is about 3,440 miles and typically takes 7 h 15 min by air. It is an international route, so check passport and entry rules. Airlines with hubs at both ends are the likeliest to offer nonstops; otherwise expect a connection. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
JFK to LHR at a glance
| Route | New York (JFK) to London (LHR) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 3,440 miles / 5,540 km |
| Typical flight time | 7 h 15 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 5 hours ahead |
| Route type | International |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and British Airways |
About the New York to London route
New York to London is an international trip of about 3,440 miles, so planning begins with paperwork as much as with the ticket. Your passport, any entry authorization for the United Kingdom and your connection plan matter as much as the fare.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 7 h 15 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 7 h to 7 h 45 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 3,440 miles (5,540 km), not a published schedule.
London is 5 hours ahead of New York on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, JFK to LHR is longer than about 84% of them.
For comparison, New York to Paris (JFK to CDG) is about 3,620 miles, so London is a bit closer away from JFK.
The airports
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK sits in southeast Queens and is the New York area's biggest door to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Full JFK guide.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport and the home hub of British Airways, with an enormous network of transatlantic flights. Full LHR guide.
Nearby alternatives: around New York, LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty (EWR). Price all of them before you commit, especially if you have flexible dates.
Airlines on this route
No single carrier we cover has hubs at both JFK and LHR. American Airlines (at JFK), Delta Air Lines (at JFK), JetBlue Airways (at JFK), and British Airways (at LHR) each operate a large network at one end, so many itineraries on this route connect rather than fly nonstop.
Nonstop availability on any route can shift from one season to the next, so treat this as a guide to who is likely to serve the market, not a timetable.
Common connection points
A one-stop trip would most naturally connect through a hub such as American Airlines via Philadelphia (PHL), which adds about 190 miles (5% beyond the direct distance). Choose the connection with the best weather odds for your travel month and leave a comfortable layover; our layover guide explains how much time is realistic.
Best time to fly
For this trip, keep in mind that at LHR, summer and the Christmas holiday are expensive; late autumn and early spring are often cheaper. At JFK, summer and the weeks around Thanksgiving and Christmas bring the heaviest crowds; winter nor'easters are the main disruption risk.
Ground transport
Getting to and from JFK
The AirTrain links the terminals to the subway and the Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica and Howard Beach; allow extra time for road traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway.
Getting to and from LHR
The Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express and Underground all reach central London in 15 to 50 minutes.
Booking tips
Check passport validity and entry rules for the United Kingdom before you book, and make sure the name on your ticket matches your passport exactly. Our international checklist lists what to confirm.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from New York to London?
A typical JFK to LHR flight takes about 7 h 15 min, with a likely range of 7 h to 7 h 45 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is London from New York by air?
The great-circle distance between JFK and LHR is about 3,440 miles (5,540 km).
Which airlines fly from New York to London?
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and British Airways have a major presence at JFK or LHR, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between New York and London?
London is 5 hours ahead of New York on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Do I need a passport to fly from New York to London?
Yes, international flights require a valid passport, and the United Kingdom may have additional entry or visa rules. Check the official government site before booking.
When is the best time to book JFK to LHR?
Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving New York (JFK)
- Austin to New YorkAUS to JFK
- Cancun to New YorkCUN to JFK
- Delhi to New YorkDEL to JFK
- Fort Lauderdale to New YorkFLL to JFK
- Mumbai to New YorkBOM to JFK
- New York to AtlantaJFK to ATL
More flights involving London (LHR)
- Atlanta to LondonATL to LHR
- Boston to LondonBOS to LHR
- Chicago to LondonORD to LHR
- London to SeattleLHR to SEA
- Los Angeles to LondonLAX to LHR
- Newark to LondonEWR to LHR
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.