New York to London Distance
Flight Distance
~3,450 miles (5,550 km) straight-line distance between JFK and London Heathrow.
Nonstop Flight Time
~7 hours New York to London (eastbound), ~8 hours London to New York (westbound).
Time Zone Difference
London is typically 5 hours ahead of New York, since both observe daylight saving in the same general period.
Nonstop Airlines
British Airways, American Airlines, Delta, United and Virgin Atlantic all fly this route nonstop multiple times daily.
How to Calculate the Distance Between New York and London
3,450 miles is the straight-line distance between the two main airports. If you're flying from a different NYC-area airport or a different UK airport, the exact figure will vary slightly. Check any specific pair in seconds:
Type New York, Newark, or JFK in the "From" field.
Type London, Heathrow, or Gatwick in the "To" field.
See the exact great-circle distance, flight time estimate, and route map.
Eastbound vs Westbound Flight Times
Flight time on this route depends on direction, because of the jet stream circling west to east over the North Atlantic:
New York to London (Eastbound)
- ~7 hours flight time
- Jet stream tailwind shortens the journey
- Most flights depart in the evening, arriving next morning
London to New York (Westbound)
- ~8 hours flight time
- Headwinds add roughly an hour compared to eastbound
- Most flights depart mid-morning to early afternoon
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is London from New York?
London is approximately 3,450 miles (5,550 km) from New York as the crow flies, measured between JFK Airport and London Heathrow. Actual flown routes are slightly longer due to North Atlantic Track routing.
How long is the flight from New York to London?
Nonstop flights take about 7 hours from New York to London, and around 8 hours on the return leg, since westbound flights fly against the jet stream.
Is there a direct flight from New York to London?
Yes. British Airways, American Airlines, Delta, United and Virgin Atlantic all operate multiple nonstop flights daily between New York and London, making it the world's busiest long-haul route.
What is the time difference between New York and London?
London is typically 5 hours ahead of New York. Because both the UK and US observe daylight saving time in similar periods, this 5-hour gap stays fairly consistent year-round, aside from a brief 1-week shift each spring/autumn.
Can you drive from New York to London?
No. New York and London are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, so there is no road or rail route between them. Air travel is the only practical way to make this journey.
Planning Your New York to London Trip
Flight Planning
Compare eastbound and westbound flight times when booking, since the return leg typically runs an hour longer.
Jet Lag Preparation
With a 5-hour time difference, most travellers adjust within a day or two, especially flying eastbound overnight.
Scheduling Calls
Use the 5-hour gap to plan calls — late morning New York time lines up with mid-afternoon in London.
Shipping & Freight
Businesses use this distance figure to estimate air-freight timelines between the US East Coast and the UK.
Other Popular International Distances
Travelling within the UK too? Check our UK distance calculator for routes between British cities.