Flying from London to Bangkok
London to Bangkok is one of the most well-travelled long-haul routes out of the UK, covering roughly 9,500 kilometres between Heathrow (LHR) and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). On a direct service, you're looking at around 11 hours 25 minutes in the air — manageable enough for an overnight flight if you choose wisely. Most departures leave Heathrow in the evening and land in Bangkok the following morning local time, which is a sensible way to hit the ground running after the 7-hour time difference. Don Mueang Airport (DMK), Bangkok's secondary airport, also handles some budget and connecting traffic, so it's worth double-checking which airport your itinerary uses before you book a hotel near the wrong end of the city.
Flights from London to Bangkok operate year-round with strong frequency, reflecting consistent demand from tourists, business travellers, and the large Thai diaspora community in the UK. The route has been served for decades, and competition among carriers — particularly since the growth of Gulf hub airlines — has kept prices relatively competitive for a journey of this distance. Whether you want a flat bed in business class or the cheapest economy seat you can find, there are genuine options on this corridor.
Airlines on This Route
Several full-service carriers operate flights from London to Bangkok, giving you a reasonable choice of product and price point. Thai Airways flies direct from Heathrow and uses Terminal 3, with good onboard service and a longstanding presence on the route. British Airways also operates a non-stop service from Heathrow Terminal 5, with departure and arrival schedules that work well for both leisure and business travellers. EVA Air offers direct service as well, generally well-regarded for cabin comfort and reliability.
If you're open to one stop, the Gulf carriers open up significantly more flexibility. Emirates routes through Dubai, Qatar Airways through Doha, and Etihad Airways through Abu Dhabi — all with multiple daily departures from Heathrow and competitive fares. Cathay Pacific connects via Hong Kong and is worth considering if you don't mind a slightly longer total journey for the sake of a quality stopover. Swiss International Air Lines and Air Canada also appear on this route with connections. For budget-conscious travellers, AirAsia X operates connecting itineraries that can come in significantly cheaper than full-service alternatives, though layover times can be long.
Flight Prices: London to Bangkok
Economy fares on London to Bangkok flights can start as low as £237–£303 one-way on connecting services during quiet periods, while round-trip economy tickets typically range from around £480 to £730 depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Direct flights with full-service airlines generally sit higher — expect to pay £550–£900 return for a decent economy seat on Thai Airways or British Airways outside of peak periods. Business class on this route starts around £2,000 return and can climb considerably from there, though upgrade deals and points redemptions make it more accessible than the rack rate suggests.
To find cheap flights to Bangkok from London, the most reliable strategy is booking 6–10 weeks in advance for travel during the shoulder or low season. Last-minute deals are rare on a route this popular. Setting fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner and being flexible by even two or three days on either end of your trip can save you £100 or more. Flying mid-week rather than Friday or Sunday also tends to bring fares down.
Best Time to Book London to Bangkok Flights
Bangkok flight deals from London are most accessible during Thailand's rainy season, running from May through October. Fares drop noticeably in June and July as demand softens despite decent weather for much of that period — Bangkok can be perfectly enjoyable even during the wet season if you're not planning to island-hop. October and November are particularly interesting windows: October sees some of the lowest fares of the year, and by November the rains have largely cleared, meaning you can combine a cheaper ticket with good conditions on the ground.
Peak pricing kicks in from December through February, coinciding with Thailand's cool dry season — the most comfortable weather and, consequently, the busiest and most expensive time to visit. The Songkran festival period in mid-April also drives prices up sharply. If your dates are flexible, targeting travel in May, June, September, or October will consistently yield the best value on this route.
Bangkok Airport Guide
Most international flights from London arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), located about 30 kilometres east of central Bangkok. The airport is large and well-organised, with a single main terminal building. The Airport Rail Link is the smartest way into the city — it takes around 30 minutes to Phaya Thai station in central Bangkok and costs approximately 45–50 Thai Baht (roughly £1). Taxis are widely available from the official metered rank on the arrivals level and cost around 200–350 Baht to most central areas, plus a 50 Baht expressway surcharge. Budget 45–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Avoid touts inside the terminal offering fixed-price rides — stick to the official metered queue.
FAQ — London to Bangkok Flights
How long is the flight from London to Bangkok?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi take approximately 11 hours 25 minutes. Connecting flights via Dubai, Doha, or Hong Kong extend the total journey to anywhere between 14 and 18 hours 30 minutes depending on the layover duration.
What is the cheapest time to fly from London to Bangkok?
The cheapest months for London to Bangkok flights are typically May, June, September, and October. October in particular often sees some of the lowest fares of the year, coinciding with the tail end of the rainy season before high-season demand picks up.
Which airlines fly from London to Bangkok?
Airlines flying from London to Bangkok include Thai Airways, British Airways, and EVA Air on direct routes, and Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Swiss International Air Lines, Air Canada, and AirAsia X on connecting services.
How much do London to Bangkok flights cost?
Economy return fares typically range from around £480 to £730, with one-way tickets starting from approximately £237 on connecting budget services. Direct economy returns on full-service carriers usually fall between £550 and £900. Business class return fares generally start around £2,000 and rise significantly in peak season.