Flying from London to New York
The London to New York route is one of the busiest transatlantic corridors in the world, and for good reason — it connects two cities that never really stop doing business with each other. The journey covers roughly 3,450 miles (5,550 km) depending on the routing, and non-stop flights from London to New York clock in at around 8 hours westbound. The return leg is typically faster at 6.5 to 7 hours, thanks to the jet stream pushing you home. London's main hub for this route is Heathrow (LHR), but Gatwick (LGW) also sees transatlantic departures, so always check which airport your flight departs from before booking.
New York is served by three airports — JFK, Newark (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA) — though LaGuardia handles no international long-haul arrivals. Most flights from London to New York land at JFK or Newark, and the choice between them matters more than people realise. JFK is closer to Manhattan in theory, but Newark can actually be quicker to reach depending on traffic and where in the city you're staying. This is the kind of detail that makes a real difference when you land jet-lagged with luggage.
Airlines on This Route
You have solid options when it comes to carriers on London to New York flights. British Airways dominates out of Heathrow, operating multiple daily departures to both JFK and Newark from Terminal 5. Virgin Atlantic flies daily to JFK from Heathrow Terminal 3 and is a consistently strong choice for service and value in premium economy. United Airlines and American Airlines both operate the route as full-service carriers, with United serving Newark (their hub) and American flying into JFK. Delta rounds out the legacy carriers with JFK service.
For budget-conscious travellers, Norse Atlantic Airways has become a genuine option worth checking. They operate lower-cost transatlantic flights from Gatwick to JFK and Newark, with fares that can undercut the legacy carriers significantly if you book ahead and travel light. Finnair and Iberia also appear on this route, though typically via connections through Helsinki and Madrid respectively — worth considering if their hubs align with your onward travel. For most people flying direct, British Airways, Virgin, and United are the workhorses of this route.
Flight Prices: London to New York
Cheap flights to New York from London do exist, but you need to know where to look and when to move. Economy fares on this route start from around £187 return at the low end, though realistically you're looking at £300–£500 return for a decent seat with a reputable carrier on off-peak dates. One-way fares from London to New York can be found from $220–$347 with budget and mid-tier carriers. Norse Atlantic and occasional sales from British Airways or Virgin Atlantic are your best bets for London to New York flight deals. Premium economy is typically £800–£1,400 return, while business class starts around £2,000 and climbs quickly depending on the airline and dates.
Book at least 6–10 weeks out for economy to get a fair price. Last-minute deals on transatlantic routes are rare — this isn't a short-hop domestic route where seats go cheap at the eleventh hour. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to track price trends, and set alerts rather than refreshing manually. Being flexible by even two or three days on your departure can save £100 or more.
Best Time to Book London to New York Flights
January and February are consistently the cheapest months to fly from London to New York. Post-Christmas demand drops sharply, and airlines lower fares to fill seats. March through early May is also reasonable before the summer surge kicks in. June through August is peak season — fares rise noticeably, availability tightens, and you'll want to book 10–12 weeks ahead minimum. September sees a brief shoulder period with decent pricing after the summer crowd clears, before Thanksgiving and Christmas drive prices up again from late November through December. If flexibility is your friend, January to March 2026 is showing some of the most competitive pricing seen on this route in recent years.
New York Airport Guide
Most London to New York flights arrive at JFK International Airport, located in Queens, about 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan. The AirTrain connects JFK to the subway (A train or Jamaica Station/LIRR), and the full journey into Manhattan costs around $10–$15 total — slow at 60–75 minutes, but reliable. A yellow taxi from JFK to Manhattan runs on a flat rate of $70 plus tolls and tip, so expect to pay $85–$95 all in. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are comparable but pick up from a dedicated lot. If you're arriving at Newark (EWR), the NJ Transit train connects to Penn Station for around $17, taking 30–40 minutes — often faster and less stressful than the JFK options depending on where in Manhattan you're headed.
FAQ — London to New York Flights
How long is the flight from London to New York?
Non-stop flights from London to New York take approximately 8 hours westbound. The return journey from New York to London is typically 6.5 to 7 hours due to favourable jet stream winds heading east.
What is the cheapest time to fly from London to New York?
January and February are reliably the cheapest months for London to New York flights. Early spring (March–April) also offers competitive fares before summer demand pushes prices up. Avoid school holidays and peak summer if cost is your priority.
Which airlines fly from London to New York?
Direct flights from London to New York are operated by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and Norse Atlantic Airways. Finnair and Iberia also serve the route with connecting itineraries via their respective hubs.
How much do London to New York flights cost?
Economy fares start from around £187 return on sale, with typical prices ranging from £300–£500 return on full-service airlines. One-way fares can be found from approximately $220 with budget carriers like Norse Atlantic. Business class starts from around £2,000 return.